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Parihar K, Ko SHB, Bradley RP, Taylor P, Ramakrishnan N, Baumgart T, Guo W, Weaver VM, Janmey PA, Radhakrishnan R. Asymmetric crowders and membrane morphology at the nexus of intracellular trafficking and oncology. MECHANOBIOLOGY IN MEDICINE 2024; 2:100071. [PMID: 38899029 PMCID: PMC11185830 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbm.2024.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
A definitive understanding of the interplay between protein binding/migration and membrane curvature evolution is emerging but needs further study. The mechanisms defining such phenomena are critical to intracellular transport and trafficking of proteins. Among trafficking modalities, exosomes have drawn attention in cancer research as these nano-sized naturally occurring vehicles are implicated in intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment, suppressing anti-tumor immunity and preparing the metastatic niche for progression. A significant question in the field is how the release and composition of tumor exosomes are regulated. In this perspective article, we explore how physical factors such as geometry and tissue mechanics regulate cell cortical tension to influence exosome production by co-opting the biophysics as well as the signaling dynamics of intracellular trafficking pathways and how these exosomes contribute to the suppression of anti-tumor immunity and promote metastasis. We describe a multiscale modeling approach whose impact goes beyond the fundamental investigation of specific cellular processes toward actual clinical translation. Exosomal mechanisms are critical to developing and approving liquid biopsy technologies, poised to transform future non-invasive, longitudinal profiling of evolving tumors and resistance to cancer therapies to bring us one step closer to the promise of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitiz Parihar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Seung-Hyun B. Ko
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryan P. Bradley
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Phillip Taylor
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - N. Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tobias Baumgart
- Department of Chemistry, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Valerie M. Weaver
- Department of Surgery, Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul A. Janmey
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Physiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ravi Radhakrishnan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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2
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Ntwasa M. Targeting Hdm2 and Hdm4 in Anticancer Drug Discovery: Implications for Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy. Cells 2024; 13:1124. [PMID: 38994976 PMCID: PMC11240505 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131124] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hdm2 and Hdm4 are structural homologs that regulate the tumor suppressor protein, p53. Since some tumors express wild-type p53, Hdm2 and Hdm4 are plausible targets for anticancer drugs, especially in tumors that express wild-type p53. Hdm4 can enhance and antagonize the activity of Tp53, thereby playing a critical role in the regulation of p53's activity and stability. Moreover, Hdm2 and Hdm4 are overexpressed in many cancers, some expressing wild-type Tp53. Due to experimental evidence suggesting that the activation of wild-type Tp53 can augment the antitumor activity by some checkpoint inhibitors, drugs targeting Hdm2 and Hdm4 may be strong candidates for combining with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. However, other evidence suggests that the overexpression of Hdm2 and Hdm4 may indicate poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. These findings require careful examination and scrutiny. In this article, a comprehensive analysis of the Hdm2/Hdm4 partnership will be conducted. Furthermore, this article will address the current progress of drug development regarding molecules that target the Hdm2/Hdm4/Tp53 partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monde Ntwasa
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Cnr Pioneer Road and Christiaan de Wet Road, Florida, Johannesburg 1710, South Africa
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3
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Eain HS, Kawai H, Nakayama M, Oo MW, Ohara T, Fukuhara Y, Takabatake K, Shan Q, Soe Y, Ono K, Nakano K, Mizukawa N, Iida S, Nagatsuka H. Double-faced CX3CL1 enhances lymphangiogenesis-dependent metastasis in an aggressive subclone of oral squamous cell carcinoma. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e174618. [PMID: 38775151 PMCID: PMC11141908 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.174618] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Because cancer cells have a genetically unstable nature, they give rise to genetically different variant subclones inside a single tumor. Understanding cancer heterogeneity and subclone characteristics is crucial for developing more efficacious therapies. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by high heterogeneity and plasticity. On the other hand, CX3C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is a double-faced chemokine with anti- and pro-tumor functions. Our study reported that CX3CL1 functioned differently in tumors with different cancer phenotypes, both in vivo and in vitro. Mouse OSCC 1 (MOC1) and MOC2 cells responded similarly to CX3CL1 in vitro. However, in vivo, CX3CL1 increased keratinization in indolent MOC1 cancer, while CX3CL1 promoted cervical lymphatic metastasis in aggressive MOC2 cancer. These outcomes were due to double-faced CX3CL1 effects on different immune microenvironments indolent and aggressive cancer created. Furthermore, we established that CX3CL1 promoted cancer metastasis via the lymphatic pathway by stimulating lymphangiogenesis and transendothelial migration of lymph-circulating tumor cells. CX3CL1 enrichment in lymphatic metastasis tissues was observed in aggressive murine and human cell lines. OSCC patient samples with CX3CL1 enrichment exhibited a strong correlation with lower overall survival rates and higher recurrence and distant metastasis rates. In conclusion, CX3CL1 is a pivotal factor that stimulates the metastasis of aggressive cancer subclones within the heterogeneous tumors to metastasize, and our study demonstrates the prognostic value of CX3CL1 enrichment in long-term monitoring in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Htoo Shwe Eain
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, and
| | | | - Masaaki Nakayama
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - May Wathone Oo
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine
- Office of Innovative Medicine, Organization for Research Strategy and Development, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Yamin Soe
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine
| | - Kisho Ono
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | | | | | - Seiji Iida
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery, and
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4
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Sanchis-Pascual D, Del Olmo-García MI, Prado-Wohlwend S, Zac-Romero C, Segura Huerta Á, Hernández-Gil J, Martí-Bonmatí L, Merino-Torres JF. CXCR4: From Signaling to Clinical Applications in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1799. [PMID: 38791878 PMCID: PMC11120359 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101799] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
There are several well-described molecular mechanisms that influence cell growth and are related to the development of cancer. Chemokines constitute a fundamental element that is not only involved in local growth but also affects angiogenesis, tumor spread, and metastatic disease. Among them, the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and its specific receptor the chemokine C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXCR4) have been widely studied. The overexpression in cell membranes of CXCR4 has been shown to be associated with the development of different kinds of histological malignancies, such as adenocarcinomas, epidermoid carcinomas, mesenchymal tumors, or neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). The molecular synapsis between CXCL12 and CXCR4 leads to the interaction of G proteins and the activation of different intracellular signaling pathways in both gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) and bronchopulmonary (BP) NENs, conferring greater capacity for locoregional aggressiveness, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the appearance of metastases. Therefore, it has been hypothesized as to how to design tools that target this receptor. The aim of this review is to focus on current knowledge of the relationship between CXCR4 and NENs, with a special emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sanchis-Pascual
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.I.D.O.-G.); (J.F.M.-T.)
| | - María Isabel Del Olmo-García
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.I.D.O.-G.); (J.F.M.-T.)
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Stefan Prado-Wohlwend
- Nuclear Medicine Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Carlos Zac-Romero
- Patholoy Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ángel Segura Huerta
- Medical Oncology Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Javier Hernández-Gil
- Instituto de Tecnología Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Luis Martí-Bonmatí
- Medical Imaging Department, Biomedical Imaging Research Group, Health Research Institute, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Juan Francisco Merino-Torres
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, University and Politecnic Hospital La Fe (Valencia), 46026 Valencia, Spain; (M.I.D.O.-G.); (J.F.M.-T.)
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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5
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Yu KX, Yuan WJ, Wang HZ, Li YX. Extracellular matrix stiffness and tumor-associated macrophage polarization: new fields affecting immune exclusion. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:115. [PMID: 38693304 PMCID: PMC11063025 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03675-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
In the malignant progression of tumors, there is deposition and cross-linking of collagen, as well as an increase in hyaluronic acid content, which can lead to an increase in extracellular matrix stiffness. Recent research evidence have shown that the extracellular matrix plays an important role in angiogenesis, cell proliferation, migration, immunosuppression, apoptosis, metabolism, and resistance to chemotherapeutic by the alterations toward both secretion and degradation. The clinical importance of tumor-associated macrophage is increasingly recognized, and macrophage polarization plays a central role in a series of tumor immune processes through internal signal cascade, thus regulating tumor progression. Immunotherapy has gradually become a reliable potential treatment strategy for conventional chemotherapy resistance and advanced cancer patients, but the presence of immune exclusion has become a major obstacle to treatment effectiveness, and the reasons for their resistance to these approaches remain uncertain. Currently, there is a lack of exact mechanism on the regulation of extracellular matrix stiffness and tumor-associated macrophage polarization on immune exclusion. An in-depth understanding of the relationship between extracellular matrix stiffness, tumor-associated macrophage polarization, and immune exclusion will help reveal new therapeutic targets and guide the development of clinical treatment methods for advanced cancer patients. This review summarized the different pathways and potential molecular mechanisms of extracellular matrix stiffness and tumor-associated macrophage polarization involved in immune exclusion and provided available strategies to address immune exclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Xun Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Wei-Jie Yuan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui-Zhen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
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6
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Jiang S, Li W, Song M, Liang J, Liu G, Du Q, Wang L, Meng H, Tang L, Yang Y, Zhang B. CXCL1-CXCR2 axis mediates inflammatory response after sciatic nerve injury by regulating macrophage infiltration. Mol Immunol 2024; 169:50-65. [PMID: 38493581 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.03.006] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Macrophages play a crucial role in the inflammatory response following sciatic nerve injury. Studies have demonstrated that C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL) 1 recruit macrophages by binding to C-X-C chemokine receptor (CXCR) 2 and participates in the inflammatory response of various diseases. Based on these findings, we aimed to explore the role of the CXCL1-CXCR2 axis in the repair process after peripheral nerve injury. Initially, we simulated sciatic nerve injury and observed an increased expression of CXCL1 and CXCR2 in the nerves of the injury group. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that the heightened CXCL1 expression occurs in Schwann cells and is secreted, while the elevated CXCR2 is expressed by recruited macrophages. In addition, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the binding of CXCL1 to CXCR2 can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and promote the production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in macrophages. However, after mice were subjected to sciatic nerve injury, the number of macrophages and the expression of inflammatory factors in the sciatic nerve were reduced following treatment with the CXCR2 inhibitor SB225002. Simultaneously, we evaluated the sciatic nerve function index, the expression of p75 neurotrophic factor receptor (p75NTR), and myelin proteins, and all of these results were improved with the use of SB225002. Thus, our results suggest that after sciatic nerve injury, the CXCL1-CXCR2 axis mediates the inflammatory response by promoting the recruitment and activation of macrophages, which is detrimental to the repair of the injured nerves. In contrast, treatment with SB225002 promotes the repair of injured sciatic nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suli Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Meiying Song
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jie Liang
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guixian Liu
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qiaochu Du
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Luoyang Wang
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haining Meng
- School of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Tang
- Department of Special Medicine, School of Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
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7
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Huang CG, Liu Q, Zheng ST, Liu T, Tan YY, Peng TY, Chen J, Lu XM. Chemokines and Their Receptors: Predictors of Therapeutic Potential in Tumor Microenvironment on Esophageal Cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:1562-1570. [PMID: 38580886 PMCID: PMC11098888 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08392-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is an aggressive solid tumor. The 5-year survival rate for patients with ESCA is estimated to be less than 20%, mainly due to tumor invasion and metastasis. Therefore, it is urgent to improve early diagnostic tools and effective treatments for ESCA patients. Tumor microenvironment (TME) enhances the ability of tumor cells to proliferate, migrate, and escape from the immune system, thus promoting the occurrence and development of tumor. TME contains chemokines. Chemokines consist of four major families, which are mainly composed of CC and CXC families. The main purpose of this review is to understand the CC and CXC chemokines and their receptors in ESCA, to improve the understanding of tumorigenesis of ESCA and determine new biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of ESCA. We reviewed the literature on CC and CXC chemokines and their receptors in ESCA identified by PubMed database. This article introduces the general structures and functions of CC, CXC chemokines and their receptors in TME, as well as their roles in the progress of ESCA. Chemokines are involved in the development of ESCA, such as cancer cell invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and radioresistance, and are key determinants of disease progression, which have a great impact on patient prognosis and treatment response. In addition, a full understanding of their mechanism of action is essential to further verify that these chemokines and their receptors may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets of ESCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Gai Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
- Precision Pathology Diagnosis for Serious Diseases Key Laboratory of Luzhou, Luzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shu-Tao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi-Yi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tian-Yuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China.
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8
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Nie F, Zhang J, Tian H, Zhao J, Gong P, Wang H, Wang S, Yang P, Yang C. The role of CXCL2-mediated crosstalk between tumor cells and macrophages in Fusobacterium nucleatum-promoted oral squamous cell carcinoma progression. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:277. [PMID: 38637499 PMCID: PMC11026399 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06640-7] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Dysbiosis of the oral microbiota is related to chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis. Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), a significant component of the oral microbiota, can perturb the immune system and form an inflammatory microenvironment for promoting the occurrence and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we investigated the impacts of Fn on OSCC cells and the crosstalk between OSCC cells and macrophages. 16 s rDNA sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization verified that Fn was notably enriched in clinical OSCC tissues compared to paracancerous tissues. The conditioned medium co-culture model validated that Fn and macrophages exhibited tumor-promoting properties by facilitating OSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Besides, Fn and OSCC cells can recruit macrophages and facilitate their M2 polarization. This crosstalk between OSCC cells and macrophages was further enhanced by Fn, thereby amplifying this positive feedback loop between them. The production of CXCL2 in response to Fn stimulation was a significant mediator. Suppression of CXCL2 in OSCC cells weakened Fn's promoting effects on OSCC cell proliferation, migration, macrophage recruitment, and M2 polarization. Conversely, knocking down CXCL2 in macrophages reversed the Fn-induced feedback effect of macrophages on the highly invasive phenotype of OSCC cells. Mechanistically, Fn activated the NF-κB pathway in both OSCC cells and macrophages, leading to the upregulation of CXCL2 expression. In addition, the SCC7 subcutaneous tumor-bearing model in C3H mice also substantiated Fn's ability to enhance tumor progression by facilitating cell proliferation, activating NF-κB signaling, up-regulating CXCL2 expression, and inducing M2 macrophage infiltration. However, these effects were reversed by the CXCL2-CXCR2 inhibitor SB225002. In summary, this study suggests that Fn contributes to OSCC progression by promoting tumor cell proliferation, macrophage recruitment, and M2 polarization. Simultaneously, the enhanced CXCL2-mediated crosstalk between OSCC cells and macrophages plays a vital role in the pro-cancer effect of Fn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujiao Nie
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haoyang Tian
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Pizhang Gong
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huiru Wang
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Suli Wang
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Pishan Yang
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Chengzhe Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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9
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Rojas-Quintero J, Díaz MP, Palmar J, Galan-Freyle NJ, Morillo V, Escalona D, González-Torres HJ, Torres W, Navarro-Quiroz E, Rivera-Porras D, Bermúdez V. Car T Cells in Solid Tumors: Overcoming Obstacles. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4170. [PMID: 38673757 PMCID: PMC11050550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084170] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T cell) therapy has emerged as a prominent adoptive cell therapy and a therapeutic approach of great interest in the fight against cancer. This approach has shown notorious efficacy in refractory hematological neoplasm, which has bolstered its exploration in the field of solid cancers. However, successfully managing solid tumors presents considerable intrinsic challenges, which include the necessity of guiding the modified cells toward the tumoral region, assuring their penetration and survival in adverse microenvironments, and addressing the complexity of identifying the specific antigens for each type of cancer. This review focuses on outlining the challenges faced by CAR T cell therapy when used in the treatment of solid tumors, as well as presenting optimizations and emergent approaches directed at improving its efficacy in this particular context. From precise localization to the modulation of the tumoral microenvironment and the adaptation of antigen recognition strategies, diverse pathways will be examined to overcome the current limitations and buttress the therapeutic potential of CAR T cells in the fight against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn Rojas-Quintero
- Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - María P. Díaz
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | - Jim Palmar
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | - Nataly J. Galan-Freyle
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (N.J.G.-F.); (E.N.-Q.)
| | - Valery Morillo
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | - Daniel Escalona
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | | | - Wheeler Torres
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrino—Metabólicas, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo 4001, Venezuela (J.P.); (V.M.); (D.E.); (W.T.)
| | - Elkin Navarro-Quiroz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (N.J.G.-F.); (E.N.-Q.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Básicas y Biomédicas, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Diego Rivera-Porras
- Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Cúcuta 540001, Colombia;
| | - Valmore Bermúdez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia; (N.J.G.-F.); (E.N.-Q.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia;
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10
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Rivas-Fuentes S, Santos-Mendoza T, Salgado-Aguayo A. A putative role for lactate in the crosstalk between chemokines and glycolysis in solid cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2261-2263. [PMID: 38617531 PMCID: PMC11008258 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.91108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are very important for carcinogenesis and the development of a malignant phenotype. Lactate is a small molecule produced during glycolysis; recently it has emerged as an immunomodulator that could impact tumor cell behavior. In this paper we explore the interplay between chemokines, glycolysis, and lactate in cancer progression, and propose the existence of a pro-tumoral lactate-chemokine-glycolysis loop driven by high glucose levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Rivas-Fuentes
- Laboratory of Transcriptomics and Molecular Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Teresa Santos-Mendoza
- Laboratory of Transcriptomics and Molecular Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Salgado-Aguayo
- Laboratory of Research on Rheumatic Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Mexico City, Mexico
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11
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Chang CY, Chang SC, Wei YF, Tseng YT, Chou CH, Chen YY, Chen CY, Ye YL. Exploring the evolution of T cell function and diversity across different stages of non-small cell lung cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:1243-1257. [PMID: 38590421 PMCID: PMC10998748 DOI: 10.62347/aryh6451] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a key role in detecting and fighting cancerous tumors. T cells are a crucial component in both natural and therapeutic cancer immunoediting responses, but it is unclear if they are the primary agents of these processes. In this study, patients with lung lesions detected by CT scan were selected, and their peripheral blood samples were analyzed for T cell population and serum cytokines/chemokines. T cell subtypes (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD27, CD28, CD45, CD45RA, CD57, CCR7, and PD1) and serum cytokines/chemokines (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, TGF-β, TNFα, CXCL1, CXCL9, and CXCL12) were measured by flow cytometry and analysis before surgical resection or other cancer treatments. The frequency of T cell subpopulations in patients with lung cancer (n = 111) corresponded to those seen in patients with T cell exhaustion. As lung cancer progressed, the proportion of effector memory T cells decreased, while the proportion of naive T cells, PD-1, CD57+, CD28+CD27+, CD45RA+, and CD3+CD4+CCR7 increased. Circulating CD8+PD1+ T cells were positively correlated with intra-tumoral PD-L1 expression. Concurrently, serum levels of IL-2, TGF-β, and CXCL9 decreased, while IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and CXCL12 increased during the progression of lung cancer. In conclusion, T cell dysfunction is associated with cancer progression, particularly in advanced-stage lung cancer, and cancer immunoediting will provide early-stage cancer detection and further therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yu Chang
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial HospitalNew Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and ManagementNew Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Chang
- Division of Chest Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University HospitalYilan City, Yilan County, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Wei
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou UniversityKaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou UniversityKaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Tseng
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchDouliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hong Chou
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchDouliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Yin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchDouliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yu Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin BranchDouliu City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan UniversityTaipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Ye
- Department of Biotechnology, National Formosa UniversityHuwei City, Yunlin County, Taiwan
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12
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Zhong S, Borlak J. Sex differences in the tumor promoting effects of tobacco smoke in a cRaf transgenic lung cancer disease model. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:957-983. [PMID: 38245882 PMCID: PMC10861769 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03671-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Tobacco smoke (TS) is the leading cause for lung cancer (LC), and female smokers are at a greater risk for LC. Yet, the underlying causes are unknown. We performed whole genome scans in TS exposed wild type and histologically characterized tumor lesions of cRaf transgenic mice. We constructed miRNA-gene and transcription factor-miRNA/gene regulatory networks and determined sex-specific gene regulations by evaluating hormone receptor activities. We validated the findings from TS exposed cRaf mice in a large cohort of smoking and never-smoking LC patients. When compared to males, TS prompted a sevenfold increase in tumor multiplicity in cRaf females. Genome-wide scans of tumor lesions identified 161 and 53 genes and miRNAs, which code for EGFR/MAPK signaling, cell proliferation, oncomirs and oncogenes, and 50% of DEGs code for immune response and tumor evasion. Outstandingly, in transgenic males, TS elicited upregulation of 20 tumor suppressors, some of which are the targets of the androgen and estrogen receptor. Conversely, in females, 18 tumor suppressors were downregulated, and five were specifically repressed by the estrogen receptor. We found TS to perturb the circadian clock in a sex-specific manner and identified a female-specific regulatory loop that consisted of the estrogen receptor, miR-22-3p and circadian genes to support LC growth. Finally, we confirmed sex-dependent tumor promoting effects of TS in a large cohort of LC patients. Our study highlights the sex-dependent genomic responses to TS and the interplay of circadian clock genes and hormone receptors in the regulation of oncogenes and oncomirs in LC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Zhong
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jürgen Borlak
- Centre for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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13
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Reyes ME, Pulgar V, Vivallo C, Ili CG, Mora-Lagos B, Brebi P. Epigenetic modulation of cytokine expression in gastric cancer: influence on angiogenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1347530. [PMID: 38455038 PMCID: PMC10917931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1347530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are proteins that act in the immune response and inflammation and have been associated with the development of some types of cancer, such as gastric cancer (GC). GC is a malignant neoplasm that ranks fifth in incidence and third in cancer-related mortality worldwide, making it a major public health issue. Recent studies have focused on the role these cytokines may play in GC associated with angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance, which are key factors that can affect carcinogenesis and tumor progression, quality, and patient survival. These inflammatory mediators can be regulated by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone protein modification, and non-coding RNA, which results in the silencing or overexpression of key genes in GC, presenting different targets of action, either direct or mediated by modifications in key genes of cytokine-related signaling pathways. This review seeks insight into the relationship between cytokine-associated epigenetic regulation and its potential effects on the different stages of development and chemoresistance in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Elena Reyes
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Victoria Pulgar
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Center for Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Carolina Vivallo
- Departamento de Anatomía Patológica, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Carmen Gloria Ili
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Center for Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Bárbara Mora-Lagos
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Priscilla Brebi
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy. Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Center for Excellence in Translational Medicine-Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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14
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Panja S, Truica MI, Yu CY, Saggurthi V, Craige MW, Whitehead K, Tuiche MV, Al-Saadi A, Vyas R, Ganesan S, Gohel S, Coffman F, Parrott JS, Quan S, Jha S, Kim I, Schaeffer E, Kothari V, Abdulkadir SA, Mitrofanova A. Mechanism-centric regulatory network identifies NME2 and MYC programs as markers of Enzalutamide resistance in CRPC. Nat Commun 2024; 15:352. [PMID: 38191557 PMCID: PMC10774320 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44686-5] [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: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneous response to Enzalutamide, a second-generation androgen receptor signaling inhibitor, is a central problem in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) management. Genome-wide systems investigation of mechanisms that govern Enzalutamide resistance promise to elucidate markers of heterogeneous treatment response and salvage therapies for CRPC patients. Focusing on the de novo role of MYC as a marker of Enzalutamide resistance, here we reconstruct a CRPC-specific mechanism-centric regulatory network, connecting molecular pathways with their upstream transcriptional regulatory programs. Mining this network with signatures of Enzalutamide response identifies NME2 as an upstream regulatory partner of MYC in CRPC and demonstrates that NME2-MYC increased activities can predict patients at risk of resistance to Enzalutamide, independent of co-variates. Furthermore, our experimental investigations demonstrate that targeting MYC and its partner NME2 is beneficial in Enzalutamide-resistant conditions and could provide an effective strategy for patients at risk of Enzalutamide resistance and/or for patients who failed Enzalutamide treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Panja
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
| | - Mihai Ioan Truica
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Christina Y Yu
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
| | - Vamshi Saggurthi
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
| | - Michael W Craige
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
| | - Katie Whitehead
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
| | - Mayra V Tuiche
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, NJ, 07039, USA
| | - Aymen Al-Saadi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rutgers School of Engineering, New Brunswick, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Riddhi Vyas
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
| | - Shridar Ganesan
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Suril Gohel
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
| | - Frederick Coffman
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
| | - James S Parrott
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA
| | - Songhua Quan
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Shantenu Jha
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rutgers School of Engineering, New Brunswick, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Isaac Kim
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Department of Urology, Yale School of Medicine, New Heaven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Edward Schaeffer
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Vishal Kothari
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Sarki A Abdulkadir
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Antonina Mitrofanova
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, 07107, USA.
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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15
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Meng X, Ma F, Yu D. The diverse effects of cisplatin on tumor microenvironment: Insights and challenges for the delivery of cisplatin by nanoparticles. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 240:117362. [PMID: 37827371 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Cisplatin is a well-known platinum-based chemotherapy medication that is widely utilized for some malignancies. Despite the direct cytotoxic consequences of cisplatin on tumor cells, studies in the recent decade have revealed that cisplatin can also affect different cells and their secretions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cisplatin has complex impacts on the TME, which may contribute to its anti-tumor activity or drug resistance mechanisms. These regulatory effects of cisplatin play a paramount function in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. This paper aims to review the diverse impacts of cisplatin and nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin on cancer cells and also non-cancerous cells in TME. The impacts of cisplatin on immune cells, tumor stroma, cancer cells, and also hypoxia will be discussed in the current review. Furthermore, we emphasize the challenges and prospects of using cisplatin in combination with other adjuvants and therapeutic modalities that target TME. We also discuss the potential synergistic effects of cisplatin with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other agents with anticancer potentials such as polyphenols and photosensitizers. Furthermore, the potential of nanoparticles for targeting TME and better delivery of cisplatin into tumors will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Meng
- Zhuji Sixth People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji, Zhejiang, 311801, China
| | - Fengyun Ma
- Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Zhuji, Zhejiang, 311800, China.
| | - Dingli Yu
- Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhuji Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Zhuji, Zhejiang, 311800, China
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16
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Chan TYH, Wong JSY, Kiang KMY, Sun CWY, Leung GKK. The duality of CXCR3 in glioblastoma: unveiling autocrine and paracrine mechanisms for novel therapeutic approaches. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:835. [PMID: 38104126 PMCID: PMC10725418 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06354-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain tumor associated with limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. CXCR3, a chemokine receptor, serves dual autocrine-paracrine functions in cancer. Despite gaps in our understanding of the functional role of the CXCR3 receptor in GBM, it has been shown to hold promise as a therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM. Existing clinical therapeutics and vaccines targeting CXCR3 ligand expression associated with the CXCR3 axes have also shown anti-tumorigenic effects in GBM. This review summarizes existing evidence on the oncogenic function of CXCR3 and its ligands CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, in GBM, and examines the controversies concerning the immunomodulatory functions of the CXCR3 receptor, including immune T cell recruitment, polarization, and positioning. The mechanisms underlying monotherpies and combination therapies targeting the CXCR3 pathways are discussed. A better understanding of the CXCR3 axes may lead to the development of strategies for overcoming the limitations of existing immunotherapies for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Yui Hei Chan
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jenny Sum Yee Wong
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karrie Mei-Yee Kiang
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cherry Won Yuet Sun
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
| | - Gilberto Ka-Kit Leung
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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17
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Jarrett AM, Song PN, Reeves K, Lima EABF, Larimer B, Yankeelov TE, Sorace AG. Investigating tumor-host response dynamics in preclinical immunotherapy experiments using a stepwise mathematical modeling strategy. Math Biosci 2023; 366:109106. [PMID: 37931781 PMCID: PMC10841996 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2023.109106] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies such as checkpoint blockade to PD1 and CTLA4 can have varied effects on individual tumors. To quantify the successes and failures of these therapeutics, we developed a stepwise mathematical modeling strategy and applied it to mouse models of colorectal and breast cancer that displayed a range of therapeutic responses. Using longitudinal tumor volume data, an exponential growth model was utilized to designate response groups for each tumor type. The exponential growth model was then extended to describe the dynamics of the quality of vasculature in the tumors via [18F] fluoromisonidazole (FMISO)-positron emission tomography (PET) data estimating tumor hypoxia over time. By calibrating the mathematical system to the PET data, several biological drivers of the observed deterioration of the vasculature were quantified. The mathematical model was then further expanded to explicitly include both the immune response and drug dosing, so that model simulations are able to systematically investigate biological hypotheses about immunotherapy failure and to generate experimentally testable predictions of immune response. The modeling results suggest elevated immune response fractions (> 30 %) in tumors unresponsive to immunotherapy is due to a functional immune response that wanes over time. This experimental-mathematical approach provides a means to evaluate dynamics of the system that could not have been explored using the data alone, including tumor aggressiveness, immune exhaustion, and immune cell functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Jarrett
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Livestrong Cancer Institutes, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
| | - Patrick N Song
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA
| | - Kirsten Reeves
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA; Graduate Biomedical Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA
| | - Ernesto A B F Lima
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Livestrong Cancer Institutes, The University of Texas at Austin, USA
| | - Benjamin Larimer
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA
| | - Thomas E Yankeelov
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Livestrong Cancer Institutes, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Departments of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Diagnostic Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Oncology, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
| | - Anna G Sorace
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama USA.
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18
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Wu L, Gao Y, Xie S, Ye W, Uemura Y, Zhang R, Yu Y, Li J, Chen M, Wu Q, Cui P, Liu H, Mu S, Li Y, Wang L, Liu C, Li J, Zhang L, Jiao S, Zhang G, Liu T. The level of macrophage migration inhibitory factor is negatively correlated with the efficacy of PD-1 blockade immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2023; 37:101775. [PMID: 37678132 PMCID: PMC10492201 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101775] [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: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to screen biomarkers to predict the efficacy of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blockade immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). METHODS In the first stage of the study, the baseline concentrations of 40 tumor-related chemokines in the serum samples of 50 patients were measured to screen for possible biomarkers. We investigated whether the baseline concentration of the selected chemokine was related to the therapeutic outcomes and tumor microenvironment states of patients treated with the therapy. In the second stage, the reliability of the selected biomarkers was retested in 34 patients. RESULTS The baseline concentration of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was negatively correlated with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with the therapy. In addition, a low baseline expression level of MIF is related to a better tumor microenvironment for the treatment of ESCC. A secondary finding was that effective treatment decreased the serum concentration of MIF. CONCLUSION Baseline MIF levels were negatively correlated with neoadjuvant therapy efficacy. Thus, MIF may serve as a predictive biomarker for this therapy. The accuracy of the prediction could be improved if the serum concentration of MIF is measured again after the patient received several weeks of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Wu
- Laboratory of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; Institute of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Gao
- Department of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shengzhi Xie
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wan Ye
- Institute of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yasushi Uemura
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan
| | - Rong Zhang
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan
| | - Yanju Yu
- Institute of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinfeng Li
- Institute of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Man Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hebei Yanda Lu Daopei Hospital, Lang Fang, China
| | - Qiyan Wu
- Laboratory of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pengfei Cui
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Shuai Mu
- Department of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yilan Li
- Institute of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lingxiong Wang
- Laboratory of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxi Liu
- Laboratory of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Institute of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Zhang
- Laboratory of Oncology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shunchang Jiao
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Tianyi Liu
- Institute of Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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19
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Lambrechts Y, Garg AD, Floris G, Punie K, Neven P, Nevelsteen I, Govaerts J, Richard F, Laenen A, Desmedt C, Wildiers H, Hatse S. Circulating biomarkers at diagnosis correlate with distant metastases of early luminal-like breast cancer. Genes Immun 2023; 24:270-279. [PMID: 37759086 PMCID: PMC10575765 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-023-00220-z] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for new and better biomarker modalities to estimate the risk of recurrence within the luminal-like breast cancer (BC) population. Molecular diagnostic tests used in the clinic lack accuracy in identifying patients with early luminal BC who are likely to develop metastases. This study provides proof of concept that various liquid biopsy read-outs could serve as valuable candidates to build a multi-modal biomarker model distinguishing, already at diagnosis, between early metastasizing and non-metastasizing patients. All these blood biomarkers (chemokines, microRNAs, leukemia inhibitory factor, osteopontin, and serum-induced functional myeloid signaling responses) can be measured in baseline plasma/serum samples and could be added to the existing prognostic factors to improve risk stratification and more patient-tailored treatment in early luminal BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentl Lambrechts
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LEO), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abhishek D Garg
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Floris
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Translational Research, Department of Imaging and Radiology, KU Leuven - Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kevin Punie
- Department of General Medical Oncology and Multidisciplinary Breast Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Neven
- Department of General Medical Oncology and Multidisciplinary Breast Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ines Nevelsteen
- Department of General Medical Oncology and Multidisciplinary Breast Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jannes Govaerts
- Laboratory of Cell Stress & Immunity (CSI), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - François Richard
- Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research (LTBCR), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annouschka Laenen
- Leuven Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Desmedt
- Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research (LTBCR), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hans Wildiers
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LEO), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of General Medical Oncology and Multidisciplinary Breast Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Hatse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LEO), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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20
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Fernandez-Avila L, Castro-Amaya AM, Molina-Pineda A, Hernández-Gutiérrez R, Jave-Suarez LF, Aguilar-Lemarroy A. The Value of CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 as Potential Prognosis Markers in Cervical Cancer: Evidence of E6/E7 from HPV16 and 18 in Chemokines Regulation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2655. [PMID: 37893029 PMCID: PMC10604789 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is a serious global health issue, and it is well-known that HPV infection is the main etiological factor that triggers carcinogenesis. In cancer, chemokine ligands and receptors are involved in tumor cell growth, metastasis, leukocyte infiltration, and angiogenesis; however, information on the role played by E6/E7 of HPV16/18 in the modulation of chemokines is very limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether chemokines are differentially expressed in CC-derived cell lines; if E6/E7 oncoproteins from HPV16 and 18 are capable of mediating chemokine expression, what is the expression profile of chemokines in tissues derived from CC and what is their impact on the overall survival of patients with this pathology? For this purpose, RNA sequencing and real-time PCR were performed on SiHa, HeLa, and C33A tumorigenic cell lines, on the non-tumorigenic HaCaT cells, and the E6/E7 HPV-transduced HaCaT cell models. Furthermore, chemokine expression and survival analysis were executed on 304 CC and 22 normal tissue samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repository. The results demonstrate that CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 are regulated by E6/E7 of HPV16 and 18, are overexpressed in CC biopsies, and that their higher expression is related to a worse prognostic survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Fernandez-Avila
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico;
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico;
| | - Aribert Maryosly Castro-Amaya
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico;
| | - Andrea Molina-Pineda
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Guadalajara 44270, Jalisco, Mexico; (A.M.-P.); (R.H.-G.)
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, CONAHCYT, Mexico City 03940, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Hernández-Gutiérrez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, A.C., Guadalajara 44270, Jalisco, Mexico; (A.M.-P.); (R.H.-G.)
| | - Luis Felipe Jave-Suarez
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico;
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico;
| | - Adriana Aguilar-Lemarroy
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico;
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico;
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21
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Li J, Ramzan F, Zhong G. Investigating novel biomarkers in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma: in silico analysis and clinical specimens validation via RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4376-4400. [PMID: 37818076 PMCID: PMC10560950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence and mortality rate of Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) pose significant health concerns. CC and CXC chemokines have been linked to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Recognizing the growing significance of CC and CXC chemokines' diagnostic and prognostic significance in diverse cancer types, our objective was to comprehensively analyze the diagnostic and prognostic values of hub genes from the CC and CXC chemokines in UCEC, utilizing both in silico and clinical samples and cell lines-based approaches. In silico analyses include STRING, Cytoscape, Cytohubba, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets analysis via the UALCAN, GEPIA, OncoDB, and MuTarget, SurvivalGenie, MEXPRESS, cBioPoratal, TIMER, ENCORI, and DrugBank. Meanwhile, clinical samples and cell lines based analyses include Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), targeted bisulfite sequencing (bisulfite-seq) analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Through present study, we identified CCL25 (CC motif chemokine ligand 25), CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10), CXCL12 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12), and CXCL16 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 16) as crucial hub genes among the CC and CXC chemokines. Analyzing the expression data from TCGA, we observed a significant up-regulation of CCL25, CXCL10, and CXCL16 in UCEC samples compared to controls. In contrast, we noted a significant down-regulation of CXCL12 expression in UCEC samples. On clinical UCEC samples and cell lines analysis, the significant higher expression of CCL25, CXCL10, and CXCL16 and significant lower expression of CXCL12 were also denoted in UCEC samples than the controls via RT-qPCR and IHC analyses. Moreover, in silico analysis also confirmed the abnormal promoter methylation levels of the hub genes in TCGA UCEC samples, which was later validated by the clinical samples using targeted based bisulfite-seq analysis. In addition, various additional aspects of the CCL25, CXCL10, CXCL12, and CXCL16 have also been uncovered in UCEC during the present study. Our findings offer novel insights that contribute to the clinical utility of CCL25, CXCL10, CXCL12, and CXCL16 chemokines as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in UCEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Health Management Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikou 570311, Hainan, China
| | - Faiqah Ramzan
- Gomal Center of Bio-Chemistry and Biotechnology (GCBB), Gomal UniversityDera Ismail Khan 29050, Pakistan
| | - Guiping Zhong
- Health Management Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical UniversityHaikou 570311, Hainan, China
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22
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Duan H, Wang L, Huangfu M, Li H. The impact of microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids on macrophage activities in disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic potentials. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115276. [PMID: 37542852 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived from the fermentation of carbohydrates by gut microbiota play a crucial role in regulating host physiology. Among them, acetate, propionate, and butyrate are key players in various biological processes. Recent research has revealed their significant functions in immune and inflammatory responses. For instance, butyrate reduces the development of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) generating cells while promoting the development of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Propionate inhibits the initiation of a Th2 immune response by dendritic cells (DCs). Notably, SCFAs have an inhibitory impact on the polarization of M2 macrophages, emphasizing their immunomodulatory properties and potential for therapeutics. In animal models of asthma, both butyrate and propionate suppress the M2 polarization pathway, thus reducing allergic airway inflammation. Moreover, dysbiosis of gut microbiota leading to altered SCFA production has been implicated in prostate cancer progression. SCFAs trigger autophagy in cancer cells and promote M2 polarization in macrophages, accelerating tumor advancement. Manipulating microbiota- producing SCFAs holds promise for cancer treatment. Additionally, SCFAs enhance the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) by blocking histone deacetylase, resulting in increased production of antibacterial effectors and improved macrophage-mediated elimination of microorganisms. This highlights the antimicrobial potential of SCFAs and their role in host defense mechanisms. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the latest research on the functional aspects and underlying mechanisms of SCFAs in relation to macrophage activities in a wide range of diseases, including infectious diseases and cancers. By elucidating the intricate interplay between SCFAs and macrophage functions, this review aims to contribute to the understanding of their therapeutic potential and pave the way for future interventions targeting SCFAs in disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Duan
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - LiJuan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China.
| | - Mingmei Huangfu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Hanyang Li
- Department of Endocrinology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
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23
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Lambrechts Y, Hatse S, Richard F, Boeckx B, Floris G, Desmedt C, Smeets A, Neven P, Lambrechts D, Wildiers H. Differences in the Tumor Molecular and Microenvironmental Landscape between Early (Non-Metastatic) and De Novo Metastatic Primary Luminal Breast Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4341. [PMID: 37686617 PMCID: PMC10486668 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174341] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The molecular mechanisms underlying the de novo metastasis of luminal breast cancer (dnMBC) remain largely unknown. Materials and Methods: Newly diagnosed dnMBC patients (grade 2/3, ER+, PR+/-, HER2-), with available core needle biopsy (CNB), collected from the primary tumor, were selected from our clinical-pathological database. Tumors from dnMBC patients were 1:1 pairwise matched (n = 32) to tumors from newly diagnosed patients who had no distant metastases at baseline (eBC group). RNA was extracted from 5 × 10 µm sections of FFPE CNBs. RNA sequencing was performed using the Illumina platform. Differentially expressed genes (DEG)s were assessed using EdgeR; deconvolution was performed using CIBERSORTx to assess immune cell fractions. A paired Wilcoxon test was used to compare dnMBC and eBC groups and corrected for the false discovery rate. Results: Many regulatory DEGs were significantly downregulated in dnMBC compared to eBC. Also, immune-related and hypoxia-related signatures were significantly upregulated. Paired Wilcoxon analysis showed that the CCL17 and neutrophils fraction were significantly upregulated, whereas the memory B-cell fraction was significantly downregulated in the dnMBC group. Conclusions: Primary luminal tumors of dnMBC patients display significant transcriptomic and immunological differences compared to comparable tumors from eBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentl Lambrechts
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LEO), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Hatse
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LEO), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - François Richard
- Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research (LTBCR), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Boeckx
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe Floris
- Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Translational Research, Department of Imaging and Radiology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Desmedt
- Laboratory for Translational Breast Cancer Research (LTBCR), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ann Smeets
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Multidisciplinary Breast Center, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Neven
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Multidisciplinary Breast Center, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hans Wildiers
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology (LEO), Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Multidisciplinary Breast Center, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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24
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Szymanowska A, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Lopez-Berestein G, Amero P. Non-Coding RNAs: Foes or Friends for Targeting Tumor Microenvironment. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:52. [PMID: 37736898 PMCID: PMC10514839 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of molecules critical for cell development and growth regulation. They are key regulators of important cellular pathways in the tumor microenvironment. To analyze ncRNAs in the tumor microenvironment, the use of RNA sequencing technology has revolutionized the field. The advancement of this technique has broadened our understanding of the molecular biology of cancer, presenting abundant possibilities for the exploration of novel biomarkers for cancer treatment. In this review, we will summarize recent achievements in understanding the complex role of ncRNA in the tumor microenvironment, we will report the latest studies on the tumor microenvironment using RNA sequencing, and we will discuss the potential use of ncRNAs as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szymanowska
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (A.S.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (A.S.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (A.S.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (A.S.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
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25
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Attiq A, Afzal S. Trinity of inflammation, innate immune cells and cross-talk of signalling pathways in tumour microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1255727. [PMID: 37680708 PMCID: PMC10482416 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1255727] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Unresolved inflammation is a pathological consequence of persistent inflammatory stimulus and perturbation in regulatory mechanisms. It increases the risk of tumour development and orchestrates all stages of tumorigenesis in selected organs. In certain cancers, inflammatory processes create the appropriate conditions for neoplastic transformation. While in other types, oncogenic changes pave the way for an inflammatory microenvironment that leads to tumour development. Of interest, hallmarks of tumour-promoting and cancer-associated inflammation are striking similar, sharing a complex network of stromal (fibroblasts and vascular cells) and inflammatory immune cells that collectively form the tumour microenvironment (TME). The cross-talks of signalling pathways initially developed to support homeostasis, change their role, and promote atypical proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and subversion of adaptive immunity in TME. These transcriptional and regulatory pathways invariably contribute to cancer-promoting inflammation in chronic inflammatory disorders and foster "smouldering" inflammation in the microenvironment of various tumour types. Besides identifying common target sites of numerous cancer types, signalling programs and their cross-talks governing immune cells' plasticity and functional diversity can be used to develop new fate-mapping and lineage-tracing mechanisms. Here, we review the vital molecular mechanisms and pathways that establish the connection between inflammation and tumour development, progression, and metastasis. We also discussed the cross-talks between signalling pathways and devised strategies focusing on these interaction mechanisms to harness synthetic lethal drug combinations for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Attiq
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Sheryar Afzal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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26
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Nafe R, Hattingen E. The Spectrum of Molecular Pathways in Gliomas-An Up-to-Date Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2281. [PMID: 37626776 PMCID: PMC10452344 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last 20 years, molecular alterations have gained increasing significance in the diagnosis and biological assessment of tumors. Gliomas represent the largest group of tumors of the central nervous system, and the main aim of this review is to present the current knowledge on molecular pathways and their alterations in gliomas. A wide range of new insights has been gained, including evidence for the involvement of the WNT pathway or the hippo pathway in the pathobiology of gliomas, indicating a broad involvement of different pathways formerly not considered to play a central role in gliomas. Even new aspects of angiogenic, apoptotic, and metabolic pathways are presented, as well as the rapidly growing field of epigenetic processes, including non-coding RNAs. The two major conclusions drawn from the present review are the distinct interconnectivity of the whole spectrum of molecular pathways and the prominent role of non-coding RNAs, especially circular RNAs, in the regulation of specific targets. All these new insights are discussed, even considering the topic of the resistance to therapy of gliomas, along with aspects that are still incompletely understood, like the role of hydroxymethylation, or even ferroptosis, in the pathobiology of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhold Nafe
- Department of Neuroradiology, Clinics of Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Schleusenweg 2-16, D-60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
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27
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Xiang C, Zhang M, Shang Z, Chen S, Zhao J, Ding B, Jiang D, Zhu Q, Teng H, Zhu L, Shao J, Zhao R, Ye M, Yu Y, Han Y. Single-cell profiling reveals the trajectory of FOLR2-expressing tumor-associated macrophages to regulatory T cells in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:493. [PMID: 37532692 PMCID: PMC10397223 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06021-6] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
An immunosuppressive microenvironment enriched with regulatory CD4+ T lymphocytes (Tregs) facilitates the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). This study aims to investigate the cellular mechanism underlying the formation of the immunosuppressive microenvironment in LUAD. LUAD samples (n = 12) and normal lung samples (n = 3) were obtained from patients with different pathological stages of LUAD. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to classify cellular components and analyze the transcriptomes, including transcription factors/targets and chemokine ligands/receptors, followed by bioinformatics study such as pseudotime analysis. Myeloid cells and T cells were the most abundant cell types in tumors and normal lung tissues, while tumor-associated macrophage-folate receptor 2 (TAM-FOLR2) and CD4+ nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3) exhibited sharp increases in invasive adenocarcinoma (IA). The enrichment of TAM-FOLR2 in IA might result from alveolar resident macrophage-resistin (ARM-RETN) transformation and recruitment of dendritic cells (DCs) and other TAMs, as evidenced by temporal trajectories and differential expression profiles of chemokine ligands/receptors versus those in the early stages of tumors. High expression of CCL17/19/22 was observed in IA as well as in DCs, along with the strong interaction of TAM-FOLR2 with DCs. The results of pseudotime analysis suggested that CD4+NR4A3 might potentially convert to CD4+FOXP3, further supported by the high expression of NR4A3 target genes in CD4+FOXP3 cells. This study provides a single-cell transcriptome atlas from preinvasive to invasive LUAD and reveals a potential ARM-RETN/TAM-FOLR2/DCs/CD4+NR4A3/CD4+FOXP3 trajectory in shaping the immune suppressive microenvironment along the pathogenesis of LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Novogene Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Zhanxian Shang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shengnan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jikai Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Bowen Ding
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Dong Jiang
- Novogene Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Haohua Teng
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jinchen Shao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ruiying Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Min Ye
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Novogene Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100015, China.
| | - Yuchen Han
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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28
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González Díaz EC, Tai M, Monette CEF, Wu JY, Yang F. Spatially patterned 3D model mimics key features of cancer metastasis to bone. Biomaterials 2023; 299:122163. [PMID: 37236137 PMCID: PMC10621670 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Bone is the most common target of metastasis in breast cancer and prostate cancer, leading to significant mortality due to lack of effective treatments. The discovery of novel therapies has been hampered by a lack of physiologically relevant in vitro models that can mimic key clinical features of bone metastases. To fill this critical gap, here we report spatially patterned, tissue engineered 3D models of breast cancer and prostate cancer bone metastasis which mimic bone-specific invasion, cancer aggressiveness, cancer-induced dysregulation of bone remodeling, and in vivo drug response. We demonstrate the potential of integrating such 3D models with single-cell RNA sequencing to identify key signaling drivers of cancer metastasis to bone. Together, these results validate that spatially patterned 3D bone metastasis models mimic key clinical features of bone metastasis and can serve as a novel research tool to elucidate bone metastasis biology and expedite drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva C González Díaz
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Michelle Tai
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Callan E F Monette
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Joy Y Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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29
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Shen CK, Huang BR, Charoensaensuk V, Yang LY, Tsai CF, Liu YS, Lu DY, Yeh WL, Lin C. Bradykinin B1 Receptor Affects Tumor-Associated Macrophage Activity and Glioblastoma Progression. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1533. [PMID: 37627528 PMCID: PMC10451655 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bradykinin is a small active peptide and is considered an inflammatory mediator in several pathological conditions. Bradykinin exerts its effects by coupling to its receptors, including bradykinin B1 (B1R) and bradykinin B2. B1R has been implicated in the development of various cancers. Our previous study reported that B1R promoted glioblastoma (GBM) development by supporting the migration and invasion of GBM cells. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of B1R on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and GBM progression remain unknown. Accordingly, to explore the regulatory effects of B1R overexpression (OE) in GBM on tumor-associated immune cells and tumor progression, we constructed a B1R wild-type plasmid and developed a B1R OE model. The results reveal that B1R OE in GBM promoted the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1-cell adhesion molecules-in GBM. Moreover, B1R OE enhanced GBM cell migration ability and monocyte attachment. B1R also regulated the production of the protumorigenic cytokines and chemokines IL-6, IL-8, CXCL11, and CCL5 in GBM, which contributed to tumor progression. We additionally noted that B1R OE in GBM increased the expression of CD68 in TAMs. Furthermore, B1R OE reduced the level of reactive oxygen species in GBM cells by upregulating heme oxygenase-1, an endogenous antioxidant protein, thereby protecting GBM cells from oxidative stress. Notably, B1R OE upregulated the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 in both GBM cells and macrophages, thus providing resistance against T-cell response. B1R OE in GBM also promoted tumor growth and reduced survival rates in an intracranial xenograft mouse model. These results indicate that B1R expression in GBM promotes TAM activity and modulates GBM progression. Therefore, B1R could be an effective target for therapeutic methods in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Kai Shen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
| | - Bor-Ren Huang
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung 427213, Taiwan
| | - Vichuda Charoensaensuk
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan (D.-Y.L.)
| | - Liang-Yo Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Fang Tsai
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan (D.-Y.L.)
| | - Dah-Yuu Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan (D.-Y.L.)
- Department of Photonics and Communication Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lan Yeh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chingju Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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Kaffashi K, Dréau D, Nesmelova IV. Heterodimers Are an Integral Component of Chemokine Signaling Repertoire. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11639. [PMID: 37511398 PMCID: PMC10380872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411639] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are a family of signaling proteins that play a crucial role in cell-cell communication, cell migration, and cell trafficking, particularly leukocytes, under both normal and pathological conditions. The oligomerization state of chemokines influences their biological activity. The heterooligomerization occurs when multiple chemokines spatially and temporally co-localize, and it can significantly affect cellular responses. Recently, obligate heterodimers have emerged as tools to investigate the activities and molecular mechanisms of chemokine heterodimers, providing valuable insights into their functional roles. This review focuses on the latest progress in understanding the roles of chemokine heterodimers and their contribution to the functioning of the chemokine network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kaffashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- Department of Physics and Optical Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Didier Dréau
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Irina V Nesmelova
- Department of Physics and Optical Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- School of Data Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
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31
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Yang Y, Li J, Lei W, Wang H, Ni Y, Liu Y, Yan H, Tian Y, Wang Z, Yang Z, Yang S, Yang Y, Wang Q. CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 Axis in Cancer: from Mechanisms to Clinical Applications. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3341-3359. [PMID: 37497001 PMCID: PMC10367567 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.82317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-step disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and/or epigenetic changes, and is the biggest challenge around the world. Cytokines, including chemokines, exhibit expression changes and disorders in all human cancers. These cytokine abnormalities can disrupt homeostasis and immune function, and make outstanding contributions to various stages of cancer development such as invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Chemokines are a superfamily of small molecule chemoattractive cytokines that mediate a variety of cellular functions. Importantly, the interactions of chemokine members CXCL12 and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 have a broad impact on tumor cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment, and thus participate in the onset and development of many cancers including leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and multiple myeloma. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the latest research progress and future challenges regarding the role of CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 signaling axis in cancer, and highlights the potential of CXCL12-CXCR4/CXCR7 as a biomarker or therapeutic target for cancer, providing essential strategies for the development of novel targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiayan Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wangrui Lei
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yunfeng Ni
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Airforce Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanqing Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huanle Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yifan Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Central Theater Command General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Airforce Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shulin Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenmu Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Shenmu, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education. Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
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Alaouna M, Penny C, Hull R, Molefi T, Chauke-Malinga N, Khanyile R, Makgoka M, Bida M, Dlamini Z. Overcoming the Challenges of Phytochemicals in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapy: The Path Forward. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2350. [PMID: 37375975 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptor expression. TNBC is thought to be produced by Wnt, Notch, TGF-beta, and VEGF pathway activation, which leads to cell invasion and metastasis. To address this, the use of phytochemicals as a therapeutic option for TNBC has been researched. Plants contain natural compounds known as phytochemicals. Curcumin, resveratrol, and EGCG are phytochemicals that have been found to inhibit the pathways that cause TNBC, but their limited bioavailability and lack of clinical evidence for their use as single therapies pose challenges to the use of these phytochemical therapies. More research is required to better understand the role of phytochemicals in TNBC therapy, or to advance the development of more effective delivery mechanisms for these phytochemicals to the site where they are required. This review will discuss the promise shown by phytochemicals as a treatment option for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Alaouna
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Clement Penny
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Rodney Hull
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Thulo Molefi
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Nkhensani Chauke-Malinga
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Richard Khanyile
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Malose Makgoka
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Meshack Bida
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Zodwa Dlamini
- SAMRC Precision Oncology Research Unit (PORU), DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Precision Oncology and Cancer Prevention (POCP), Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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Adinew GM, Messeha S, Taka E, Mochona B, Redda KK, Soliman KFA. Thymoquinone Inhibition of Chemokines in TNF-α-Induced Inflammatory and Metastatic Effects in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9878. [PMID: 37373025 PMCID: PMC10298461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129878] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of identifiable molecular targets or biomarkers hinders the development of treatment options in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, natural products offer a promising alternative by targeting inflammatory chemokines in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Chemokines are crucial in promoting breast cancer growth and metastasis and correlate to the altered inflammatory process. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antimetastatic effects of the natural product thymoquinone (TQ) on TNF-α-stimulated TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) to study the cytotoxic, antiproliferative, anticolony, antimigratory, and antichemokine effects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions, and Western blots were used in sequence to validate the microarray results further. Four downregulated inflammatory cytokines were identified, CCL2 and CCL20 in MDA-MB-468 cells and CCL3 and CCL4 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, when TNF-α-stimulated MDA-MB-231 cells were compared with MDA-MB-468 cells, the two cells were sensitive to TQ's antichemokine and antimetastatic effect in preventing cell migration. It was concluded from this investigation that genetically different cell lines may respond to TQ differently, as TQ targets CCL3 and CCL4 in MDA-MB-231 cells and CCL2 and CCL20 in MDA-MB-468 cells. Therefore, the results indicate that TQ may be recommended as a component of the therapeutic strategy for TNBC treatment. These outcomes stem from the compound's capacity to suppress the chemokine. Even though these findings support the usage of TQ as part of a therapy strategy for TNBC associated with the identified chemokine dysregulations, additional in vivo studies are needed to confirm these in vitro results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getinet M. Adinew
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA; (G.M.A.); (S.M.); (E.T.); (K.K.R.)
| | - Samia Messeha
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA; (G.M.A.); (S.M.); (E.T.); (K.K.R.)
| | - Equar Taka
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA; (G.M.A.); (S.M.); (E.T.); (K.K.R.)
| | - Bereket Mochona
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA;
| | - Kinfe K. Redda
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA; (G.M.A.); (S.M.); (E.T.); (K.K.R.)
| | - Karam F. A. Soliman
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA; (G.M.A.); (S.M.); (E.T.); (K.K.R.)
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34
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Eivary SHA, Kheder RK, Najmaldin SK, Kheradmand N, Esmaeili SA, Hajavi J. Implications of IL-21 in solid tumor therapy. Med Oncol 2023; 40:191. [PMID: 37249661 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02051-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer, the most deadly disease, is known as a recent dilemma worldwide. Presently different treatments are used for curing cancers, especially solid cancers. Because of the immune-enhancing functions of cytokine, IL-21 as a cytokine may have new possibilities to manipulate the immune system in disease conditions, as it stimulates NK and CTL functions and drives IgG antibody production. Indeed, IL-21 has been revealed to elicit antitumor-immune responses in several tumor models. Combining IL-21 with other agents, which target tumor cells, immune-regulatory circuits, or other immune-enhancing molecules enhances this activity. The exciting breakthrough in the results obtained in pre-clinical situations has led to the early outset of present developing clinical trials in cancer patients. In the paper, we have reviewed the function of IL-21 in solid tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hossein Abtahi Eivary
- Department of Medical Sciences of Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Para-Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Ramiar Kamal Kheder
- Medical Laboratory Science Department, College of Science, University of Raparin, Rania, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Soran K Najmaldin
- Department of Medical Analysis, Faculty of Applied Science, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Nahid Kheradmand
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Jafar Hajavi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, Iran.
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Sohrab SS, Raj R, Nagar A, Hawthorne S, Paiva-Santos AC, Kamal MA, El-Daly MM, Azhar EI, Sharma A. Chronic Inflammation's Transformation to Cancer: A Nanotherapeutic Paradigm. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28114413. [PMID: 37298889 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28114413] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The body's normal immune response against any invading pathogen that causes infection in the body results in inflammation. The sudden transformation in inflammation leads to the rise of inflammatory diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disorders, and colorectal cancer (different types of cancer develop at the site of chronic infection and inflammation). Inflammation results in two ways: short-term inflammation i.e., non-specific, involves the action of various immune cells; the other results in long-term reactions lasting for months or years. It is specific and causes angiogenesis, fibrosis, tissue destruction, and cancer progression at the site of inflammation. Cancer progression relies on the interaction between the host microenvironment and tumor cells along with the inflammatory responses, fibroblast, and vascular cells. The two pathways that have been identified connecting inflammation and cancer are the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Both have their own specific role in linking inflammation to cancer, involving various transcription factors such as Nuclear factor kappa B, Activator of transcription, Single transducer, and Hypoxia-inducible factor, which in turn regulates the inflammatory responses via Soluble mediators cytokines (such as Interleukin-6, Hematopoietin-1/Erythropoietin, and tumor necrosis factor), chemokines (such as Cyclooxygenase-2, C-X-C Motif chemokines ligand-8, and IL-8), inflammatory cells, cellular components (such as suppressor cells derived from myeloid, tumor-associated macrophage, and acidophils), and promotes tumorigenesis. The treatment of these chronic inflammatory diseases is challenging and needs early detection and diagnosis. Nanotechnology is a booming field nowadays for its rapid action and easy penetration inside the infected destined cells. Nanoparticles are widely classified into different categories based on their different factors and properties such as size, shape, cytotoxicity, and others. Nanoparticles emerged as excellent with highly progressive medical inventions to cure diseases such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and others. Nanoparticles have shown higher binding capacity with the biomolecules in inflammation reduction and lowers the oxidative stress inside tissue/cells. In this review, we have overall discussed inflammatory pathways that link inflammation to cancer, major inflammatory diseases, and the potent action of nanoparticles in chronic inflammation-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Sartaj Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riya Raj
- Department of Biochemistry, Bangalore University, Banglore 560056, India
| | - Amka Nagar
- Department of Life Science, School of Basic Science and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India
| | - Susan Hawthorne
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Enzymoics Inc., Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
- Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Mai M El-Daly
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 0RE, UK
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36
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Zhang XW, Wu YS, Xu TM, Cui MH. CAR-T Cells in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer: A Promising Cell Therapy. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030465. [PMID: 36979400 PMCID: PMC10046142 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is among the most common gynecologic malignancies with a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage (stage III or IV), with 5-year survival rates ranging from 25% to 47% worldwide. Surgical resection and first-line chemotherapy are the main treatment modalities for OC. However, patients usually relapse within a few years of initial treatment due to resistance to chemotherapy. Cell-based therapies, particularly adoptive T-cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, represent an alternative immunotherapy approach with great potential for hematologic malignancies. However, the use of CAR-T-cell therapy for the treatment of OC is still associated with several difficulties. In this review, we comprehensively discuss recent innovations in CAR-T-cell engineering to improve clinical efficacy, as well as strategies to overcome the limitations of CAR-T-cell therapy in OC.
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Savelyeva AV, Medvedev KE. Seminoma subtypes differ in the organization and functional state of the immune microenvironment. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:110. [PMID: 36875959 PMCID: PMC9981831 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03530-1] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Seminoma is the most common type of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) among 15-44 years old men. Seminoma treatments include orchiectomy, platinum-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These radical treatment methods cause up to 40 severe adverse long-term side effects including secondary cancers. Immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors, which showed its efficiency for many types of cancer, can be important alternative to the platinum-based therapy for seminoma patients. However, five independent clinical trials evaluating the efficiency of immune checkpoint inhibitors for TGCTs treatment were shut down at the phase II due to lacking clinical efficacy and detailed mechanisms of this phenomena are yet to be discovered. Recently we identified two distinct seminoma subtypes based on transcriptomic data and here we focused on the analysis of seminoma microenvironment and its subtype-specific characteristics. Our analysis revealed that less differentiated subtype 1 of seminoma has immune microenvironment with significantly lower immune score and larger fraction of neutrophils. Both are features of the immune microenvironment at an early developmental stage. On the contrary, subtype 2 seminoma is characterized by the higher immune score and overexpression of 21 genes related to senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Seminoma single cell transcriptomic data showed that 9 out of 21 genes are predominantly expressed in immune cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that senescence of immune microenvironment can be one of the reasons for seminoma immunotherapy failure. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03530-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Savelyeva
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Kirill E. Medvedev
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
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Goodin DA, Frieboes HB. Evaluation of innate and adaptive immune system interactions in the tumor microenvironment via a 3D continuum model. J Theor Biol 2023; 559:111383. [PMID: 36539112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111383] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are known to affect tumor growth, vascularization, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Marked interest in system-scale analysis of immune species interactions within the TME has encouraged progress in modeling tumor-immune interactions in silico. Due to the computational cost of simulating these intricate interactions, models have typically been constrained to representing a limited number of immune species. To expand the capability for system-scale analysis, this study develops a three-dimensional continuum mixture model of tumor-immune interactions to simulate multiple immune species in the TME. Building upon a recent distributed computing implementation that enables efficient solution of such mixture models, major immune species including monocytes, macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), cytotoxic, helper, regulatory T-cells, and effector and regulatory B-cells and their interactions are represented in this novel implementation. Immune species extravasate from blood vasculature, undergo chemotaxis toward regions of high chemokine concentration, and influence the TME in proportion to locally defined levels of stimulation. The immune species contribute to the production of angiogenic and tumor growth factors, promotion of myofibroblast deposition of ECM, upregulation of angiogenesis, and elimination of living and dead tumor species. The results show that this modeling approach offers the capability for quantitative insight into the modulation of tumor growth by diverse immune-tumor interactions and immune-driven TME effects. In particular, MDSC-mediated effects on tumor-associated immune species' activation levels, volume fraction, and influence on the TME are explored. Longer term, linking of the model parameters to particular patient tumor information could simulate cancer-specific immune responses and move toward a more comprehensive evaluation of immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan A Goodin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, KY, USA; James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, USA.
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39
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How Biology Guides the Combination of Locoregional Interventional Therapies and Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Cytokines and Their Roles. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041324. [PMID: 36831664 PMCID: PMC9954096 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are diagnosed at the intermediate or advanced stage and are no longer eligible for curative treatment, the overall survival rate of HCC remains unsatisfactory. Locoregional interventional therapies (LITs), and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based immunotherapy, focus on treating HCC, but the efficacy of their individual application is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to discuss the biological roles of cytokines and their therapeutic potential in the combination therapy of LITs and ICI-based immunotherapy. The two common techniques of LITs are ablative and transarterial therapies. Whether LITs are complete or incomplete can largely affect the antitumor immune response and tumor progression. Cytokines that induce both local and systemic responses to LITs, including interferons, interleukins, chemokines, TNF-α, TGF-β, VEGF, and HGF, and their roles are discussed in detail. In addition, specific cytokines that can be used as therapeutic targets to reduce immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are introduced. Overall, incomplete LITs in a tumor, combined with specific cytokines, are thought to be effective at improving the therapeutic efficacy and reducing treatment-induced irAEs, and represent a new hope for managing unresectable HCC.
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Liao Y, Wang J, Zou J, Liu Y, Liu Z, Huang Z. Multi-omics analysis reveals genomic, clinical and immunological features of SARS-CoV-2 virus target genes in pan-cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112704. [PMID: 36875081 PMCID: PMC9982007 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, also known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has raised great threats to humans. The connection between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and cancer is currently unclear. In this study, we thus evaluated the multi-omics data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database utilizing genomic and transcriptomic techniques to fully identify the SARS-CoV-2 target genes (STGs) in tumor samples from 33 types of cancers. The expression of STGs was substantially linked with the immune infiltration and may be used to predict survival in cancer patients. STGs were also substantially associated with immunological infiltration, immune cells, and associated immune pathways. At the molecular level, the genomic changes of STGs were frequently related with carcinogenesis and patient survival. In addition, pathway analysis revealed that STGs were involved in the control of signaling pathways associated with cancer. The prognostic features and nomogram of clinical factors of STGs in cancers have been developed. Lastly, by mining the cancer drug sensitivity genomics database, a list of potential STG-targeting medicines was compiled. Collectively, this work demonstrated comprehensively the genomic alterations and clinical characteristics of STGs, which may offer new clues to explore the mechanisms on a molecular level between SARS-CoV-2 virus and cancers as well as provide new clinical guidance for cancer patients who are threatened by the COVID-19 epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liao
- Key Laboratory of Computer-Aided Drug Design of Dongguan City, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- Center of Scientific Research, Department of Cardiology, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiami Zou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Computer-Aided Drug Design of Dongguan City, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Zhiping Liu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zunnan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Computer-Aided Drug Design of Dongguan City, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data Mining and Precision Drug Design of Guangdong Medical University, Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs of Guangdong Province, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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Flores-Torres S, Jiang T, Kort-Mascort J, Yang Y, Peza-Chavez O, Pal S, Mainolfi A, Pardo LA, Ferri L, Bertos N, Sangwan V, Kinsella JM. Constructing 3D In Vitro Models of Heterocellular Solid Tumors and Stromal Tissues Using Extrusion-Based Bioprinting. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:542-561. [PMID: 36598339 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Malignant tumor tissues exhibit inter- and intratumoral heterogeneities, aberrant development, dynamic stromal composition, diverse tissue phenotypes, and cell populations growing within localized mechanical stresses in hypoxic conditions. Experimental tumor models employing engineered systems that isolate and study these complex variables using in vitro techniques are under development as complementary methods to preclinical in vivo models. Here, advances in extrusion bioprinting as an enabling technology to recreate the three-dimensional tumor milieu and its complex heterogeneous characteristics are reviewed. Extrusion bioprinting allows for the deposition of multiple materials, or selected cell types and concentrations, into models based upon physiological features of the tumor. This affords the creation of complex samples with representative extracellular or stromal compositions that replicate the biology of patient tissue. Biomaterial engineering of printable materials that replicate specific features of the tumor microenvironment offer experimental reproducibility, throughput, and physiological relevance compared to animal models. In this review, we describe the potential of extrusion-based bioprinting to recreate the tumor microenvironment within in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Intelligent Machinery and Instrument, College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology Changsha, Hunan 410073, China
| | | | - Yun Yang
- Department of Intelligent Machinery and Instrument, College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology Changsha, Hunan 410073, China
| | - Omar Peza-Chavez
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Sanjima Pal
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Alisia Mainolfi
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Lucas Antonio Pardo
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Ferri
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2M1, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bertos
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Veena Sangwan
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Joseph M Kinsella
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0G4, Canada
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Matherne MG, Phillips ES, Embrey SJ, Burke CM, Machado HL. Emerging functions of C/EBPβ in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1111522. [PMID: 36761942 PMCID: PMC9905667 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast tumorigenesis relies on complex interactions between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment, orchestrated by tightly regulated transcriptional networks. C/EBPβ is a key transcription factor that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of multiple cell types and modulates a variety of biological processes such as tissue homeostasis and the immune response. In addition, C/EBPβ has well-established roles in mammary gland development, is overexpressed in breast cancer, and has tumor-promoting functions. In this review, we discuss context-specific roles of C/EBPβ during breast tumorigenesis, isoform-specific gene regulation, and regulation of the tumor immune response. We present challenges in C/EBPβ biology and discuss the importance of C/EBPβ isoform-specific gene regulation in devising new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan G. Matherne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Emily S. Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Samuel J. Embrey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Caitlin M. Burke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Heather L. Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States,Tulane Cancer Center, Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, LA, United States,*Correspondence: Heather L. Machado,
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Zhou S, Yang K, Chen S, Lian G, Huang Y, Yao H, Zhao Y, Huang K, Yin D, Lin H, Li Y. CCL3 secreted by hepatocytes promotes the metastasis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma by VIRMA-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m 6A) modification. J Transl Med 2023; 21:43. [PMID: 36691046 PMCID: PMC9869516 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03897-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a malignant disease characterized by onset occult, rapid progression, high relapse rate, and high mortality. However, data on how the tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates ICC metastasis at the transcriptomic level remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms and interactions between hepatocytes and ICC cells. METHODS We analyzed the interplay between ICC and liver microenvironment through cytokine antibody array analysis. Then we investigated the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification and the downstream target in vitro, in vivo experiments, and in clinical specimens. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that cytokine CCL3, which is secreted by hepatocytes, promotes tumor metastasis by regulating m6A modification via vir-like m6A methyltransferase associated (VIRMA) in ICC cells. Moreover, immunohistochemical analyses showed that VIRMA correlated with poor outcomes in ICC patients. Finally, we confirmed both in vitro and in vivo that CCL3 could activate VIRMA and its critical downstream target SIRT1, which fuels tumor metastasis in ICC. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results enhanced our understanding of the interaction between hepatocytes and ICC cells, and revealed the molecular mechanism of the CCL3/VIRMA/SIRT1 pathway via m6A-mediated regulation in ICC metastasis. These studies highlight potential targets for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shurui Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Kege Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Shaojie Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Guoda Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yuzhou Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Hanming Yao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Kaihong Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Dong Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Haoming Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Yaqing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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Antonello P, Pizzagalli DU, Foglierini M, Melgrati S, Radice E, Thelen S, Thelen M. ACKR3 promotes CXCL12/CXCR4-mediated cell-to-cell-induced lymphoma migration through LTB4 production. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1067885. [PMID: 36713377 PMCID: PMC9878562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1067885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotaxis is an essential physiological process, often harnessed by tumors for metastasis. CXCR4, its ligand CXCL12 and the atypical receptor ACKR3 are overexpressed in many human cancers. Interfering with this axis by ACKR3 deletion impairs lymphoma cell migration towards CXCL12. Here, we propose a model of how ACKR3 controls the migration of the diffused large B-cell lymphoma VAL cells in vitro and in vivo in response to CXCL12. VAL cells expressing full-length ACKR3, but not a truncated version missing the C-terminus, can support the migration of VAL cells lacking ACKR3 (VAL-ko) when allowed to migrate together. This migration of VAL-ko cells is pertussis toxin-sensitive suggesting the involvement of a Gi-protein coupled receptor. RNAseq analysis indicate the expression of chemotaxis-mediating LTB4 receptors in VAL cells. We found that LTB4 acts synergistically with CXCL12 in stimulating the migration of VAL cells. Pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of BLT1R markedly reduces chemotaxis towards CXCL12 suggesting that LTB4 enhances in a contact-independent manner the migration of lymphoma cells. The results unveil a novel mechanism of cell-to-cell-induced migration of lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Antonello
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Diego U. Pizzagalli
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Università della Svizzera italiana, Euler Institute, Lugano-Viganello, Switzerland
| | - Mathilde Foglierini
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Serena Melgrati
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Graduate School of Cellular and Molecular Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Egle Radice
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Thelen
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Thelen
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Martins-Lima C, Chianese U, Benedetti R, Altucci L, Jerónimo C, Correia MP. Tumor microenvironment and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in bladder cancer: Cytokines in the game? Front Mol Biosci 2023; 9:1070383. [PMID: 36699696 PMCID: PMC9868260 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1070383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BlCa) is a highly immunogenic cancer. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the standard treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients and, recently, second-line immunotherapies have arisen to treat metastatic BlCa patients. Understanding the interactions between tumor cells, immune cells and soluble factors in bladder tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial. Cytokines and chemokines released in the TME have a dual role, since they can exhibit both a pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory potential, driving infiltration and inflammation, and also promoting evasion of immune system and pro-tumoral effects. In BlCa disease, 70-80% are non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, while 20-30% are muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) at the time of diagnosis. However, during the follow up, about half of treated NMIBC patients recur once or more, with 5-25% progressing to muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which represents a significant concern to the clinic. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one biological process associated with tumor progression. Specific cytokines present in bladder TME have been related with signaling pathways activation and EMT-related molecules regulation. In this review, we summarized the immune landscape in BlCa TME, along with the most relevant cytokines and their putative role in driving EMT processes, tumor progression, invasion, migration and metastasis formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Martins-Lima
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal,Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Chianese
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Benedetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy,BIOGEM, Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Institute, Avellino, Italy,IEOS, Institute of Endocrinology and Oncology, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Jerónimo
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology at School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal,*Correspondence: Carmen Jerónimo, , ; Margareta P. Correia,
| | - Margareta P. Correia
- Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) and Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC) Raquel Seruca, Porto, Portugal,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology at School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal,*Correspondence: Carmen Jerónimo, , ; Margareta P. Correia,
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Jung HY, Lee DK, Lee M, Choi SH, Park JD, Ko ES, Lee J, Park KS, Jung HY. ELK3-CXCL16 axis determines natural killer cell cytotoxicity via the chemotactic activity of CXCL16 in triple negative breast cancer. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2190671. [PMID: 36950218 PMCID: PMC10026901 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2190671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most challenging subtype of breast cancer because of its aggressive behavior and the limited therapeutic strategies available. In the last decade, immunotherapy has become a promising treatment to prolong survival in advanced solid cancers including TNBC. However, the efficacy of immunotherapy in solid cancers remains limited because solid tumors contain few tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Here, we show that targeting an ETS transcription factor ELK3 (ELK3) recruits immune cells including natural killer (NK) cells into tumors via the chemotactic activity of chemokine. ELK3 depletion increases CXCL16 expression level and promotes NK cell cytotoxicity through CXCL16-mediated NK cell recruitment in TNBC. In silico analysis showed that ELK3 is negatively correlated with CXCL16 expression in breast cancer patient samples. Low expression of ELK3 and high expression of CXCL16 were associated with a better prognosis. Low expression of ELK3 and high expression of CXCL16 were associated with increased expression of NK cell-related genes. Our findings demonstrate that the ELK3-CXCL16 axis modulates NK cell recruitment to increase NK cell cytotoxicity, suggesting that targeting the ELK3 gene could be an adjuvant strategy for increasing the efficacy of immunotherapy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Yun Jung
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Hae-Yun Jung Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Keum Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Minwook Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hee Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Dong Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Su Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongwon Lee
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Soon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- CONTACT Kyung-Soon Park
| | - Hae-Yun Jung
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic ok Korea
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TREM2 as an independent predictor of poor prognosis promotes the migration via the PI3K/AKT axis in prostate cancer. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:779-798. [PMID: 36915769 PMCID: PMC10006782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is one of the most common cancers, with high morbidity and mortality. Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is upregulated in various malignancies, however its effect on PRAD remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of TREM2 in PRAD. METHODS PRAD samples were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Oncomine, and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) to analyze the differences in TREM2 expression between normal and tumor tissues. The influence of TREM2 on the clinicopathological characteristics and its prognostic value were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier curve, Cox regression analysis, ROC (receiver operating characteristic) plot, and nomogram. Gene Ontology (GO), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) were conducted to screen biological functions and pathways. The relationship between TREM2 and tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics was explored. The TREM2 expression in PRAD specimens and cell lines was assessed by immunohistochemistry staining and western blot. TREM2-specific siRNAs were used to evaluate the effects of TREM2 on cell function. RESULTS TREM2 was upregulated and positively associated with poor clinicopathologic characteristics. Overexpression of TREM2 is an independent biomarker for the prognosis of PFI (progression-free interval). Moreover, TREM2 expression was positively correlated with various TME characteristics. Knockdown of TREM2 inhibited the migration of PRAD cell lines via the PI3K/AKT axis. CONCLUSION High TREM2 expression may represent a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and serve as a potential target gene for PRAD therapy.
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Daei Sorkhabi A, Mohamed Khosroshahi L, Sarkesh A, Mardi A, Aghebati-Maleki A, Aghebati-Maleki L, Baradaran B. The current landscape of CAR T-cell therapy for solid tumors: Mechanisms, research progress, challenges, and counterstrategies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1113882. [PMID: 37020537 PMCID: PMC10067596 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1113882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful outcomes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in treating hematologic cancers have increased the previously unprecedented excitement to use this innovative approach in treating various forms of human cancers. Although researchers have put a lot of work into maximizing the effectiveness of these cells in the context of solid tumors, few studies have discussed challenges and potential strategies to overcome them. Restricted trafficking and infiltration into the tumor site, hypoxic and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), antigen escape and heterogeneity, CAR T-cell exhaustion, and severe life-threatening toxicities are a few of the major obstacles facing CAR T-cells. CAR designs will need to go beyond the traditional architectures in order to get over these limitations and broaden their applicability to a larger range of malignancies. To enhance the safety, effectiveness, and applicability of this treatment modality, researchers are addressing the present challenges with a wide variety of engineering strategies as well as integrating several therapeutic tactics. In this study, we reviewed the antigens that CAR T-cells have been clinically trained to recognize, as well as counterstrategies to overcome the limitations of CAR T-cell therapy, such as recent advances in CAR T-cell engineering and the use of several therapies in combination to optimize their clinical efficacy in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Daei Sorkhabi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Aila Sarkesh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Mardi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Aghebati-Maleki
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- *Correspondence: Leili Aghebati-Maleki, ; Behzad Baradaran,
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- *Correspondence: Leili Aghebati-Maleki, ; Behzad Baradaran,
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Sjöholm T, Korenyushkin A, Gammelgård G, Sarén T, Lövgren T, Loskog A, Essand M, Kullberg J, Enblad G, Ahlström H. Whole body FDG PET/MR for progression free and overall survival prediction in patients with relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphomas undergoing CAR T-cell therapy. Cancer Imaging 2022; 22:76. [PMID: 36575477 PMCID: PMC9793670 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-022-00513-y] [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: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To find semi-quantitative and quantitative Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance (PET/MR) imaging metrics of both tumor and non-malignant lymphoid tissue (bone marrow and spleen) for Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) prediction in patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) undergoing Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. METHODS A single-center prospective study of 16 r/r LBCL patients undergoing CD19-targeted CAR T-cell therapy. Whole body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/MR imaging pre-therapy and 3 weeks post-therapy were followed by manual segmentation of tumors and lymphoid tissues. Semi-quantitative and quantitative metrics were extracted, and the metric-wise rate of change (Δ) between post-therapy and pre-therapy calculated. Tumor metrics included maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmean), Metabolic Tumor Volume (MTV), Tumor Lesion Glycolysis (TLG), structural volume (V), total structural tumor burden (Vtotal) and mean Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADCmean). For lymphoid tissues, metrics extracted were SUVmean, mean Fat Fraction (FFmean) and ADCmean for bone marrow, and SUVmean, V and ADCmean for spleen. Univariate Cox regression analysis tested the relationship between extracted metrics and PFS and OS. Survival curves were produced using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared using the log-rank test, with the median used for dichotomization. Uncorrected p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Correction for multiple comparisons was performed, with a False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS Pre-therapy (p < 0.05, FDR < 0.05) and Δ (p < 0.05, FDR > 0.05) total tumor burden structural and metabolic metrics were associated with PFS and/or OS. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, a longer PFS was reached for patients with pre-therapy MTV ≤ 39.5 ml, ΔMTV≤1.35 and ΔTLG≤1.35. ΔSUVmax was associated with PFS (p < 0.05, FDR > 0.05), while ΔADCmean was associated with both PFS and OS (p < 0.05, FDR > 0.05). ΔADCmean > 0.92 gave longer PFS and OS in the Kaplan-Meier analysis. Pre-therapy bone marrow SUVmean was associated with PFS (p < 0.05, FDR < 0.05) and OS (p < 0.05, FDR > 0.05). For bone marrow FDG uptake, patient stratification was possible pre-therapy (SUVmean ≤ 1.8). CONCLUSIONS MTV, tumor ADCmean and FDG uptake in bone marrow unaffected by tumor infiltration are possible PET/MR parameters for prediction of PFS and OS in r/r LBCL treated with CAR T-cells. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT 2016-004043-36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Sjöholm
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Gustav Gammelgård
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tina Sarén
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tanja Lövgren
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Angelica Loskog
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Essand
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joel Kullberg
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden ,grid.511796.dAntaros Medical AB, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Enblad
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Håkan Ahlström
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden ,grid.511796.dAntaros Medical AB, Mölndal, Sweden
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Ephraim R, Feehan J, Fraser S, Nurgali K, Apostolopoulos V. Cancer Immunotherapy: The Checkpoint between Chronic Colitis and Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246131. [PMID: 36551617 PMCID: PMC9776998 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246131] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of diseases that cause intestinal inflammation and lesions because of an abnormal immune response to host gut microflora. Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics are often used to reduce non-specific inflammation and relapse rates; however, such treatments are ineffective over time. Patients with chronic colitis are more susceptible to developing colorectal cancer, especially those with a longer duration of colitis. There is often a limit in using chemotherapy due to side effects, leading to reduced efficacy, leaving an urgent need to improve treatments and identify new therapeutic targets. Cancer immunotherapy has made significant advances in recent years and is mainly categorized as cancer vaccines, adoptive cellular immunotherapy, or immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Checkpoint markers are expressed on cancer cells to evade the immune system, and as a result checkpoint inhibitors have transformed cancer treatment in the last 5-10 years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have produced long-lasting clinical responses in both single and combination therapies. Winnie mice are a viable model of spontaneous chronic colitis with immune responses like human IBD. Determining the expression levels of checkpoint markers in tissues from these mice will provide insights into disease initiation, progression, and cancer. Such information will lead to identification of novel checkpoint markers and the development of treatments with or without immune checkpoint inhibitors or vaccines to slow or stop disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Ephraim
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Jack Feehan
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia
- Correspondence:
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