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Chen X, Wu Y, Jia S, Zhao M. Fibroblast: A Novel Target for Autoimmune and Inflammatory Skin Diseases Therapeutics. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2024:10.1007/s12016-024-08997-1. [PMID: 38940997 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-024-08997-1] [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] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are crucial components of the skin structure. They were traditionally believed to maintain the skin's structure by producing extracellular matrix and other elements. Recent research illuminated that fibroblasts can respond to external stimuli and exhibit diverse functions, such as the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, adipogenesis, and antigen presentation, exhibiting remarkable heterogeneity and plasticity. This revelation positions fibroblasts as active contributors to the pathogenesis of skin diseases, challenging the traditional perspective that views fibroblasts solely as structural entities. Based on their diverse functions, fibroblasts can be categorized into six subtypes: pro-inflammatory fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, adipogenic fibroblasts, angiogenic fibroblasts, mesenchymal fibroblasts, and antigen-presenting fibroblasts. Cytokines, metabolism, and epigenetics regulate functional abnormalities in fibroblasts. The dynamic changes fibroblasts exhibit in different diseases and disease states warrant a comprehensive discussion. We focus on dermal fibroblasts' aberrant manifestations and pivotal roles in inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases, including psoriasis, vitiligo, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and atopic dermatitis, and propose targeting aberrantly activated fibroblasts as a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yutong Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Sujie Jia
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China.
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, 210042, China.
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Immune-Mediated Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, China.
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Santi MD, Zhang M, Asam K, Yu G, Dong PM, Sheehan DH, Aouizerat BE, Thomas CM, Viet CT, Ye Y. Perineural Invasion Is Associated With Function-evoked Pain and Altered Extracellular Matrix in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104615. [PMID: 38936749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is painful, and perineural invasion (PNI) has been associated with the worst pain. Pain due to HNSCC is diverse and may vary based on clinicopathological factors. This study aims to characterize different pain patterns linked with PNI, its influence on daily functioning, and gain insights into molecular changes and pathways associated with PNI-related pain in HNSCC patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study across 3 medical centers (n = 114), assessing pain phenotypes and their impact on daily functioning using 2 self-reported pain questionnaires, given to patients prior to their cancer surgery. Furthermore, we conducted RNA-seq analysis utilizing the The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset of HNSCC tumor from patients (n = 192) to identify genes relevant to both PNI and pain. Upon adjusting for demographic and clinicopathological variables using linear regression models, we found that PNI independently predicted function-evoked pain according to the University of Calfornia San Francisco Oral Cancer Pain Questionnaire, as well as the worst pain intensity reported in the Brief Pain Inventory. Distinct pain patterns were observed to be associated with daily activities in varying manners. Our molecular analyses revealed significant disruptions in pathways associated with the extracellular matrix structure and organization. The top differentially expressed genes linked to the extracellular matrix are implicated in cancer development, pain, and neurodegenerative diseases. Our data underscore the importance of properly categorizing pain phenotypes in future studies aiming to uncover mechanistic underpinnings of pain. Additionally, we have compiled a list of genes of interest that could serve as targets for both cancer and cancer pain management. PERSPECTIVE: PNI independently predicts function-evoked pain. Different pain phenotypes affect daily activities differently. We identified a list of candidate genes involved in the extracellular matrix structure and function that can be targeted for both cancer and cancer pain control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D Santi
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York; Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Pain Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Morgan Zhang
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York; Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Pain Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Kesava Asam
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Gary Yu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Phuong M Dong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California
| | - Delaney H Sheehan
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Bradley E Aouizerat
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Carissa M Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Chi T Viet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, California
| | - Yi Ye
- Translational Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York; Department of Molecular Pathobiology, Pain Research Center, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York.
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Rhodes JD, Goldenring JR, Lee SH. Regulation of metaplasia and dysplasia in the stomach by the stromal microenvironment. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1322-1330. [PMID: 38825636 PMCID: PMC11263556 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01240-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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on the microenvironment associated with gastric carcinogenesis has focused on cancers of the stomach and often underestimates premalignant stages such as metaplasia and dysplasia. Since epithelial interactions with T cells, macrophages, and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are indispensable for the formation of precancerous lesions in the stomach, understanding the cellular interactions that promote gastric precancer warrants further investigation. Although various types of immune cells have been shown to play important roles in gastric carcinogenesis, it remains unclear how stromal cells such as fibroblasts influence epithelial transformation in the stomach, especially during precancerous stages. Fibroblasts exist as distinct populations across tissues and perform different functions depending on the expression patterns of cell surface markers and secreted factors. In this review, we provide an overview of known microenvironmental components in the stroma with an emphasis on fibroblast subpopulations and their roles during carcinogenesis in tissues including breast, pancreas, and stomach. Additionally, we offer insights into potential targets of tumor-promoting fibroblasts and identify open areas of research related to fibroblast plasticity and the modulation of gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared D Rhodes
- Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - James R Goldenring
- Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Nashville VA Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Su-Hyung Lee
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Qin Q, Yu R, Eriksson JE, Tsai HI, Zhu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma therapy: Challenges and opportunities. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216859. [PMID: 38615928 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216859] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid organ malignancy with a high mortality rate. Statistics indicate that its incidence has been increasing as well as the associated deaths. Most patients with PDAC show poor response to therapies making the clinical management of this cancer difficult. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the development of resistance to therapy in PDAC cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most prevalent stromal cells in the TME, promote a desmoplastic response, produce extracellular matrix proteins and cytokines, and directly influence the biological behavior of cancer cells. These multifaceted effects make it difficult to eradicate tumor cells from the body. As a result, CAF-targeting synergistic therapeutic strategies have gained increasing attention in recent years. However, due to the substantial heterogeneity in CAF origin, definition, and function, as well as high plasticity, majority of the available CAF-targeting therapeutic approaches are not effective, and in some cases, they exacerbate disease progression. This review primarily elucidates on the effect of CAFs on therapeutic efficiency of various treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Strategies for CAF targeting therapies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Qin
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - John E Eriksson
- Cell Biology, Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, FI-20520 Finland
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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Xu S, Jiemy WF, Brouwer E, Burgess JK, Heeringa P, van der Geest KSM, Alba-Rovira R, Corbera-Bellalta M, Boots AH, Cid MC, Sandovici M. Current evidence on the role of fibroblasts in large-vessel vasculitides: From pathogenesis to therapeutics. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103574. [PMID: 38782083 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103574] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Large-vessel vasculitides (LVV) comprise a group of chronic inflammatory diseases of the aorta and its major branches. The most common forms of LVV are giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Both GCA and TAK are characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the vessel wall accompanied by a maladaptive immune and vascular response that promotes vascular damage and remodeling. The inflammatory process in LVV starts in the adventitia where fibroblasts constitute the dominant cell population. Fibroblasts are traditionally recognized for synthesizing and renewing the extracellular matrix thereby being major players in maintenance of normal tissue architecture and in tissue repair. More recently, fibroblasts have emerged as a highly plastic cell population exerting various functions, including the regulation of local immune processes and organization of immune cells at the site of inflammation through production of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors as well as cell-cell interaction. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge on fibroblasts in LVV. Furthermore, we identify key questions that need to be addressed to fully understand the role of fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Xu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - William F Jiemy
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Roser Alba-Rovira
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Corbera-Bellalta
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annemieke H Boots
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Maria C Cid
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sandovici
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands.
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Liu Y, Han X, Han Y, Bi J, Wu Y, Xiang D, Zhang Y, Bi W, Xu M, Li J. Integrated transcriptomic analysis systematically reveals the heterogeneity and molecular characterization of cancer-associated fibroblasts in osteosarcoma. Gene 2024; 907:148286. [PMID: 38367852 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148286] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OS), with a peak incidence during the adolescent growth spurt, is correlated with poor prognosis for its high malignancy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly complicated, with frequent interactions between tumor and stromal cells. The cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the TME have been considered to actively involve in the progression, metastasis, and drug resistance of OS. This study aimed to characterize cellular heterogeneity and molecular characterization in CAFs subtypes and explore the potential targeting therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis of OS patients. METHODS The single-cell atlas of human OS tumor lesions were constructed from the GEO database. Then significant marker genes and potential biological functions for each CAFs subtype were identified and explored using the Seurat R package. Next, by performing the survival analyses and constructing the risk scores for CAFs subtypes, we aimed to identify and characterize the prognostic values of specific marker genes and different CAFs subtypes. Furthermore, we explored the therapeutic targets and innovative drugs targeting different CAFs subtypes based on the GDSC database. Finally, prognoses related CAFs subtypes were further validated through immunohistochemistry (IHC) on clinical OS specimens. RESULTS Overall, nine main cell clusters and five subtypes of CAFs were identified. The differentially expressed marker genes for each CAFs clusters were then identified. Moreover, through Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, we defined the CAFs_2 (upregulated CXCL14 and C3), which was closely related to leukocyte migration and chemotaxis, as inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs). Likewise, we defined the CAFs_4 (upregulated CD74, HLA-DRA and HLA-DRB1), which was closely related to antigen process and presentation, as antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that CAFs_2 and CAFs_4 were correlated with poor clinical prognosis of OS patients. Meanwhile, therapeutic drugs targeting CAFs_2 and CAFs_4, such as 17-AAG/Docetaxel/Bleomycin and PHA-793887/NG-25/KIN001-102, were also explored, respectively. Finally, IHC assay confirmed the abundant CAFs_2 and CAFs_4 subtypes infiltration in the OS microenvironment compared with adjacent tissues. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the diversity, complexity, and heterogeneity of CAFs in OS, and complemented the single-cell atlas in OS TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China; Chinese PLA Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Xinli Han
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300074, China
| | - Yuchen Han
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jingyou Bi
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yanan Wu
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Dongquan Xiang
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yinglong Zhang
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Wenzhi Bi
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300074, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Jianxiong Li
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China.
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Zhang X, Zhu R, Yu D, Wang J, Yan Y, Xu K. Single-cell RNA sequencing to explore cancer-associated fibroblasts heterogeneity: "Single" vision for "heterogeneous" environment. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13592. [PMID: 38158643 PMCID: PMC11056715 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous stromal cell, are one of the most important components of the tumour microenvironment. Previous studies have consolidated it as a promising target against cancer. However, variable therapeutic efficacy-both protumor and antitumor effects have been observed not least owing to the strong heterogeneity of CAFs. Over the past 10 years, advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies had a dramatic effect on biomedical research, enabling the analysis of single cell transcriptomes with unprecedented resolution and throughput. Specifically, scRNA-seq facilitates our understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of diverse CAF subtypes. In this review, we discuss the up-to-date knowledge about CAF heterogeneity with a focus on scRNA-seq perspective to investigate the emerging strategies for integrating multimodal single-cell platforms. Furthermore, we summarized the clinical application of scRNA-seq on CAF research. We believe that the comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of CAFs form different visions will generate innovative solutions to cancer therapy and achieve clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjian Zhang
- The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Surgical OncologyWenzhou Central HospitalWenzhouZhejiangChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ruiqiu Zhu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative MedicinePutuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Die Yu
- Interventional Cancer Institute of Chinese Integrative MedicinePutuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Juan Wang
- School of MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yuxiang Yan
- The Dingli Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Surgical OncologyWenzhou Central HospitalWenzhouZhejiangChina
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Ke Xu
- Institute of Translational MedicineShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Organoid Research CenterShanghai UniversityShanghaiChina
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai UniversityWenzhouChina
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Mai Z, Lin Y, Lin P, Zhao X, Cui L. Modulating extracellular matrix stiffness: a strategic approach to boost cancer immunotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:307. [PMID: 38693104 PMCID: PMC11063215 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06697-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and the tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in cancer progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review comprehensively discusses the key factors regulating ECM remodeling, including the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the accumulation and crosslinking of ECM proteins. Furthermore, it provides a detailed exploration of how ECM stiffness influences the behaviors of both tumor and immune cells. Significantly, the impact of ECM stiffness on the response to various immunotherapy strategies, such as immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, and therapeutic cancer vaccines, is thoroughly examined. The review also addresses the challenges in translating research findings into clinical practice, highlighting the need for more precise biomaterials that accurately mimic the ECM and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The insights offered aim to guide future research, with the potential to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhao Mai
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunfan Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Pei Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Cui
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
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Amorós-Pérez B, Rivas-Pardo B, Gómez del Moral M, Subiza JL, Martínez-Naves E. State of the Art in CAR-T Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors: Is There a Sweeter Future? Cells 2024; 13:725. [PMID: 38727261 PMCID: PMC11083689 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090725] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has proven to be a powerful treatment for hematological malignancies. The situation is very different in the case of solid tumors, for which no CAR-T-based therapy has yet been approved. There are many factors contributing to the absence of response in solid tumors to CAR-T cells, such as the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), T cell exhaustion, or the lack of suitable antigen targets, which should have a stable and specific expression on tumor cells. Strategies being developed to improve CAR-T-based therapy for solid tumors include the use of new-generation CARs such as TRUCKs or bi-specific CARs, the combination of CAR therapy with chemo- or radiotherapy, the use of checkpoint inhibitors, and the use of oncolytic viruses. Furthermore, despite the scarcity of targets, a growing number of phase I/II clinical trials are exploring new solid-tumor-associated antigens. Most of these antigens are of a protein nature; however, there is a clear potential in identifying carbohydrate-type antigens associated with tumors, or carbohydrate and proteoglycan antigens that emerge because of aberrant glycosylations occurring in the context of tumor transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Amorós-Pérez
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ORL, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (B.A.-P.); (B.R.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
- Inmunotek S.L., 28805 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Benigno Rivas-Pardo
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ORL, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (B.A.-P.); (B.R.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Gómez del Moral
- Department of Cellular Biology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Eduardo Martínez-Naves
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ORL, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (B.A.-P.); (B.R.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
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Li M, Deng Z, Xie C, Chen J, Yuan Z, Rahhal O, Tang Z. Fibroblast activating protein promotes the proliferation, migration, and activation of fibroblasts in oral submucous fibrosis. Oral Dis 2024; 30:1252-1263. [PMID: 37357365 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14602] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fibroblast activating protein (FAP) is associated with various organ fibrosis. However, the expression and molecular function of FAP in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS The high-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the presence of alkaloids in areca nut extract (ANE). Real-time qPCR, Western blot, and Immunohistochemistry assay were used to analyze the expression of FAP mRNA or protein in OSF and normal oral tissue. A chi-squared test analyzed the relationship between FAP protein expression and clinicopathological data of OSF patients. CCK-8, Wound-healing, and Transwell migration assay were employed to assess the effect of the proliferation and migration ability of hOMF cells with FAP overexpression or knockdown. The expression level of a-SMA, FSP1, and P13K-Akt signaling pathways-related protein in hOMF cells transfected with FAP overexpression or knockdown plasmid was verified by western blot assay. RESULTS The four specific areca alkaloids (Arecoline, Guvacine, Arecaidine, and Guvacoline) were successfully detected in the ANE. The viability of hOMF cells was significantly improved in the 50 μg/mL ANE group and was inhibited in the 5 and 50 mg/mL ANE groups. The expression of FAP was upregulated in OSF tissues, and hOMF cells treated with 50 μg/mL ANE and was related to pathology grade, clinical stage, and history of chewing betel nut. Additionally, FAP may promote the proliferation, migration, and activation of hOMF cells through the P13K-Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS This study found that ANE had a bidirectional effect on the viability of hOMF cells, and the FAP gene was a potential therapeutic target in OSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiyuan Deng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Changqin Xie
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Omar Rahhal
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangui Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Dou T, Li J, Zhang Y, Pei W, Zhang B, Wang B, Wang Y, Jia H. The cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is an important marker for predicting therapeutic efficacy in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1368687. [PMID: 38487526 PMCID: PMC10937353 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1368687] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, the incidence rate of breast cancer ranks first among new-onset malignant tumors in women. The tumor microenvironment is a hot topic in tumor research. There are abundant cells in the tumor microenvironment that play a protumor or antitumor role in breast cancer. During the treatment of breast cancer, different cells have different influences on the therapeutic response. And after treatment, the cellular composition in the tumor microenvironment will change too. In this review, we summarize the interactions between different cell compositions (such as immune cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and adipocytes) in the tumor microenvironment and the treatment mechanism of breast cancer. We believe that detecting the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment is able to predict the therapeutic efficacy of treatments for breast cancer and benefit to combination administration of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyao Dou
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yaochen Zhang
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wanru Pei
- Department of First Clinical Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Binyue Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hongyan Jia
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology (Shanxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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12
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Ganguly A, Mukherjee S, Chatterjee K, Spada S. Factors affecting heterogeneity in breast cancer microenvironment: A narrative mini review. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 385:211-226. [PMID: 38663960 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) heterogeneity is a key trait of BC tumors with crucial implications on tumorigenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic modalities. It is influenced by tumor intrinsic features and by the tumor microenvironment (TME) composition of different intra-tumoral regions, which in turn affect cancer progression within patients. In this mini review, we will highlight the mechanisms that generate cancer heterogeneity in BC and how they affect the responses to cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, India
| | - Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | | | - Sheila Spada
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Meng F, Yin Z, Lu F, Wang W, Zhang H. Disruption of LPA-LPAR1 pathway results in lung tumor growth inhibition by downregulating B7-H3 expression in fibroblasts. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:316-326. [PMID: 38124403 PMCID: PMC10834189 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15193] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) belong to a class of bioactive lysophospholipids with multiple functions including immunomodulatory roles in tumor microenvironment (TME). LPA exerts its biological effects via its receptors that are highly expressed in fibroblasts among other cell types. As cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the TME, it is important to understand LPA signaling and regulation of receptors in fibroblasts or CAFs and associated regulatory roles on immunomodulation-related molecules. METHODS Cluster analysis, immunoblotting, real-time quantitative-PCR, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system, immunohistochemical staining, coculture model, and in vivo xenograft model were used to investigate the effects of LPA-LPAR1 on B7-H3 in tumor promotion of CAFs. RESULTS In this study, we found that LPAR1 and CD276 (B7-H3) were generally highly expressed in fibroblasts with good expression correlation. LPA induced B7-H3 up-expression through LPAR1, and stimulated fibroblasts proliferation that could be inhibited by silencing LPAR1 or B7-H3 as well as small molecule LPAR1 antagonist (Ki16425). Using engineered fibroblasts and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines, subsequent investigations demonstrated that CAFs promoted the proliferation of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo, and such effect could be inhibited by knocking out LPAR1 or B7-H3. CONCLUSION The present study provided new insights for roles of LPA in CAFs, which could lead to the development of innovative therapies targeting CAFs in the TME. It is also reasonable to postulate a combinatory approach to treat malignant fibrous tumors (such as NSCLC) with LPAR1 antagonists and B7-H3 targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyi Meng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiyue Yin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Feifei Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weipeng Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hongjian Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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14
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Abudukelimu S, de Miranda NFCC, Hawinkels LJAC. Fibroblasts in Orchestrating Colorectal Tumorigenesis and Progression. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:821-826. [PMID: 38307492 PMCID: PMC10966773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an abundant component of the tumor microenvironment and have been shown to possess critical functions in tumor progression. Although their roles predominantly have been described as tumor-promoting, more recent findings have identified subsets of CAFs with tumor-restraining functions. Accumulating evidence underscores large heterogeneity in fibroblast subsets in which distinct subsets differentially impact the initiation, progression, and metastasis of colorectal cancer. In this review, we summarize and discuss the evolving role of CAFs in colorectal cancer, highlighting the ongoing controversies regarding their distinct origins and multifaceted functions. In addition, we explore how CAFs can confer resistance to current therapies and the challenges of developing effective CAF-directed therapies. Taken together, we believe that, in this rapidly evolving field, it is crucial first to understand CAF dynamics comprehensively, and to bridge existing knowledge gaps regarding CAF heterogeneity and plasticity before further exploring the clinical targeting of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subinuer Abudukelimu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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15
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Tian G, Zhang J, Bao Y, Li Q, Hou J. A prognostic model based on Scissor + cancer associated fibroblasts identified from bulk and single cell RNA sequencing data in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Signal 2024; 114:110984. [PMID: 38029947 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110984] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most lethal diseases in the world, which often recur after multimodality treatment approaches, leading to a poor prognosis. Fibroblasts, a heterogeneous component of the tumor microenvironment, can modulate numerous aspects of tumor biology and have been increasingly acknowledged in dictating the clinical outcome of patients with HNSCC. However, the subpopulation of fibroblasts that are related to the prognosis of HNSCC has not yet been fully explored. To do so, we combined a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset and bulk RNA-sequencing dataset with clinical information, identifying the fibroblast population that are related to poor prognosis of HNSCC. We found these specific population of fibroblasts are less differentiated. In addition, to identify the prognostic signatures of HNSCC, bioinformatics analysis included least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses and univariate cox and were performed. We selected 12 prognosis-related genes for constructing a risk model using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The AUC values and calibration plots of this model indicated good prognostic prediction efficacy. This model also was validated in two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. In conclusion, we constructed an optimal model that was derived from single cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq to predict the survival probability of HNSCC patients. Among this model, AKR1C3 higher expression in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of HNSCC has been confirmed by preliminary experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Tian
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqiang Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Bao
- Department of Medical Oncology; Institute of Precision Medicine; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Qiuli Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Jinsong Hou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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16
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Fang Y, Xiao X, Wang J, Dasari S, Pepin D, Nephew KP, Zamarin D, Mitra AK. Cancer associated fibroblasts serve as an ovarian cancer stem cell niche through noncanonical Wnt5a signaling. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:7. [PMID: 38191909 PMCID: PMC10774407 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00495-5] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Frequent relapse and chemoresistance cause poor outcome in ovarian cancer (OC) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are important contributors. While most studies focus exclusively on CSCs, the role of the microenvironment in providing optimal conditions to maintain their tumor-initiating potential remains poorly understood. Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major constituent of the OC tumor microenvironment and we show that CAFs and CSCs are enriched following chemotherapy in patient tumors. CAFs significantly increase OC cell resistance to carboplatin. Using heterotypic CAF-OC cocultures and in vivo limiting dilution assay, we confirm that the CAFs act by enriching the CSC population. CAFs increase the symmetric division of CSCs as well as the dedifferentiation of bulk OC cells into CSCs. The effect of CAFs is limited to OC cells in their immediate neighborhood, which can be prevented by inhibiting Wnt. Analysis of single cell RNA-seq data from OC patients reveal Wnt5a as the highest expressed Wnt in CAFs and that certain subpopulations of CAFs express higher levels of Wnt5a. Our findings demonstrate that Wnt5a from CAFs activate a noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway involving the ROR2/PKC/CREB1 axis in the neighboring CSCs. While canonical Wnt signaling is found to be predominant in interactions between cancer cells in patients, non-canonical Wnt pathway is activated by the CAF-OC crosstalk. Treatment with a Wnt5a inhibitor sensitizes tumors to carboplatin in vivo. Together, our results demonstrate a novel mechanism of CSC maintenance by signals from the microenvironmental CAFs, which can be targeted to treat OC chemoresistance and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Fang
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Xue Xiao
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ji Wang
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Subramanyam Dasari
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - David Pepin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital; Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dmitriy Zamarin
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anirban K Mitra
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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17
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Zheng J, Hao H. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts in targeted therapies and drug resistance in breast cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1333839. [PMID: 38273859 PMCID: PMC10810416 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1333839] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a substantial role in the tumor microenvironment, exhibiting a strong association with the advancement of various types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. CAFs represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell population in breast cancer. Through diverse mechanisms, including the release of cytokines and exosomes, CAFs contribute to the progression of breast cancer by influencing tumor energy metabolism, promoting angiogenesis, impairing immune cell function, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. Moreover, CAFs considerably impact the response to treatment in breast cancer. Consequently, the development of interventions targeting CAFs has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in the management of breast cancer. This article provides an analysis of the role of CAFs in breast cancer, specifically in relation to diagnosis, treatment, drug resistance, and prognosis. The paper succinctly outlines the diverse mechanisms through which CAFs contribute to the malignant behavior of breast cancer cells, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the potential of CAFs as valuable tools for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, treatment resistance, and prognosis assessment in breast cancer, thereby offering novel approaches for targeted therapy and overcoming treatment resistance in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Hao
- Department of Pathology, Yangpu Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Gu Y, Chen Q, Yin H, Zeng M, Gao S, Wang X. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in neoadjuvant setting for solid cancers. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104226. [PMID: 38056580 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches for cancer have become increasingly diverse in recent times. A comprehensive understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) holds great potential for enhancing the precision of tumor therapies. Neoadjuvant therapy offers the possibility of alleviating patient symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Additionally, it may facilitate the reduction of inoperable tumors and prevent potential preoperative micrometastases. Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a prominent role as they generate various elements that contribute to tumor progression. Particularly, extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by CAFs prevents immune cell infiltration into the TME, hampers drug penetration, and diminishes therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, this review provides a summary of the heterogeneity and interactions of CAFs within the TME, with a specific focus on the influence of neoadjuvant therapy on the microenvironment, particularly CAFs. Finally, we propose several potential and promising therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs, which may efficiently eliminate CAFs to decrease stroma density and impair their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Gu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiangda Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hanlin Yin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mengsu Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai, 200032, China.
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19
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Borzone FR, Giorello MB, Sanmartin MC, Yannarelli G, Martinez LM, Chasseing NA. Mesenchymal stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts as a therapeutic strategy for breast cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:238-256. [PMID: 35485850 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death among women. Recent evidence suggests that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have an essential role in cancer progression, invasion and therapy resistance. Therefore, they are considered as highly promising future therapeutic targets against breast cancer. The intrinsic tumour tropism and immunomodulatory capacities of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells are of special relevance for developing mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-based anti-tumour therapies that suppress primary tumour growth and metastasis. In addition, the utilization of therapies that target the stromal components of the tumour microenvironment in combination with standard drugs is an innovative tool that could improve patients' response to therapies and their survival. In this review, we discuss the currently available information regarding the possible use of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells-derived anti-tumour therapies, as well as the utilization of therapies that target CAFs in breast cancer microenvironment. Finally, these data can serve as a guide map for future research in this field, ultimately aiding the effective transition of these results into the clinic. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Cancer Microenvironment and Pharmacological Interventions. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.2/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Raúl Borzone
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Giorello
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Cecilia Sanmartin
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Yannarelli
- Laboratorio de Regulación Génica y Células Madre, Instituto de Medicina Traslacional, Trasplante y Bioingeniería (IMeTTyB), Universidad Favaloro-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Marcelo Martinez
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Norma Alejandra Chasseing
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Gehris J, Ervin C, Hawkins C, Womack S, Churillo AM, Doyle J, Sinusas AJ, Spinale FG. Fibroblast activation protein: Pivoting cancer/chemotherapeutic insight towards heart failure. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115914. [PMID: 37956895 PMCID: PMC10824141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115914] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
An important mechanism for cancer progression is degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) which is accompanied by the emergence and proliferation of an activated fibroblast, termed the cancer associated fibroblast (CAF). More specifically, an enzyme pathway identified to be amplified with local cancer progression and proliferation of the CAF, is fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The development and progression of heart failure (HF) irrespective of the etiology is associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and changes in ECM structure and function. As with cancer, HF progression is associated with a change in LV myocardial fibroblast growth and function, and expresses a protein signature not dissimilar to the CAF. The overall goal of this review is to put forward the postulate that scientific discoveries regarding FAP in cancer as well as the development of specific chemotherapeutics could be pivoted to target the emergence of FAP in the activated fibroblast subtype and thus hold translationally relevant diagnostic and therapeutic targets in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gehris
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlie Ervin
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Charlotte Hawkins
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sydney Womack
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Amelia M Churillo
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Jonathan Doyle
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Albert J Sinusas
- Yale University Cardiovascular Imaging Center, New Haven CT, United States
| | - Francis G Spinale
- Cell Biology and Anatomy and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, United States.
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21
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Meng J, Bao W, Liu M, Ma Z, Tian Z. MOFs-Based Nanoagents Enable Sequential Damage to Cancer-Associated Fibroblast and Tumor Cells for Phototriggered Tumor Microenvironment Regulation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304491. [PMID: 37653587 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
A composite nanoagent capable of phototriggered tumor microenvironment (TME) regulation is developed based on copper (II) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with encapsulation of blebbistatin (Bb) and surface modification of fibroblast activation protein-αtargeted peptide (Tp). Tp enables active targeting of the nanoagents to cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) while near-infrared light triggers Cu2+ -to-Cu+ photoreduction in MOFs, which brings about the collapse of MOFs and the release of Bb and Cu+ . Bb mediates photogeneration of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and therefore inhibits extracellular matrix production by inducing CAF apoptosis, which facilitates the penetration of nanoagent to deep tumor tissue. The dual-channel generation of •OH based on Bb and the Cu+ species, via distinct mechanisms, synergistically reinforces oxidative stress in TME capable of inducing immunogenic cell death, which activates the antitumor immune response and therefore reverses the immunosuppressive TME. The synergistic antitumor phototherapy efficacy of such a type of nanoagent based on the abovementioned TME remodeling is unequivocally verified in a cell-derived tumor xenograft model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Meng
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Weier Bao
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Ming Liu
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhecheng Ma
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Tian
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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22
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Kashyap D, Bhattacharya S, Irinike S, Khare S, Das A, Singh G, Bal A. Cancer associated fibroblasts modulate the cytotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer: An in vitro study. Breast Dis 2024; 43:25-36. [PMID: 38517765 DOI: 10.3233/bd-230011] [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] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour microenvironment (TME) contributes to resistance to anti-cancer drugs through multiple mechanisms including secretion of pro-survival factors by cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In this study, we determined the chemotherapy resistance producing potential of CAFs in molecular subtypes of breast cancer. METHODS The CAFs were isolated from fresh lumpectomy/mastectomy specimens of different molecular subtypes of breast cancer. The CAFs were cultured and secretome was collected from each breast cancer subtype. Breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, SK-BR3, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468 were treated with different doses of tamoxifen, trastuzumab, cisplatin, and doxorubicin alone respectively and in combination with secretome of CAFs from respective subtypes. MTT assay was done to check cell death after drug treatment. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis of CAF secretome was also done. RESULTS MTT assay showed that anti-cancer drugs alone had growth inhibitory effect on the cancer cells however, presence of CAF secretome reduced the anti-cancer effect of the drugs. Resistant to drugs in the presence of secretome, was determined by increased cell viability i.e., MCF-7, 51.02% to 63.02%; SK-BR-3, 34.22% to 44.88%; MDA-MB-231, 52.59% to 78.63%; and MDA-MB-468, 48.92% to 55.08%. LCMS analysis of the secretome showed the differential abundance of CAFs secreted proteins across breast cancer subtypes. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of breast cancer cell lines with anti-cancer drugs in combination with secretome isolated from molecular subtype specific CAFs, reduced the cytotoxic effect of the drugs. In addition, LCMS data also highlighted different composition of secreted proteins from different breast cancer associated fibroblasts. Thus, TME has heterogenous population of CAFs across the breast cancer subtypes and in vitro experiments highlight their contribution to chemotherapy resistance which needs further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharambir Kashyap
- Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shalmoli Bhattacharya
- Department of Biophysics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, India
| | - Santosh Irinike
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, India
| | - Siddhant Khare
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashim Das
- Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, India
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amanjit Bal
- Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Sector-12, Chandigarh, India
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Batra H, Ding Q, Pandurengan R, Ibarguen H, Rabassedas NB, Sahin A, Wistuba I, Parra ER, Raso MG. Exploration of cancer associated fibroblasts phenotypes in the tumor microenvironment of classical and pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1281650. [PMID: 38192631 PMCID: PMC10772146 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1281650] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
As the second most common subtype of breast carcinoma, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) microenvironment features have not been thoroughly explored. ILC has different histological subtypes and elucidating differences in their microenvironments could lead to a comprehensive development of cancer therapies. We designed a custom-made cancer associated fibroblast (CAFs) panel and used multiplex immunofluorescence to identify the differences in tumor microenvironment between Classic ILC and Pleomorphic ILC. Materials and methods Multiplex immunofluorescence were performed on formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues using Opal-7 color kit. The antibodies used for phenotyping CAFs were Pan CK (AE1/AE3), CD45, A-SMA, FAP, S100, Thy-1 with optimized dilutions. The images were acquired and analyzed using Vectra 3.0 imaging system and InForm software respectively. Results We studied 19 different CAFs colocalized phenotypes in the tumor, stroma and overall tissue compartments between classic and pleomorphic ILC. Total A-SMA+, A-SMA+FAP+S100+ and A-SMA+S100+ CAFs demonstrated higher densities in classic ILC cases while FAP+S100+ and S-100+ CAFs were increased in the pleomorphic subtype samples. Conclusion Our study explores multiple CAFs phenotypes between classical and pleomorphic ILC. We showed that CAFs subset differ between Classic ILC and Pleomorphic ILC. A-SMA CAFs are more prevalent in the TME of classic ILCs whereas Pleomorphic ILCs are dominated by CAFs without A-SMA expression. This also iterates the importance of exploring this particular type of breast carcinoma in more detail, paving the way for meaningful translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Batra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qingqing Ding
- Department of Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Renganayaki Pandurengan
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Heladio Ibarguen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Neus Bota Rabassedas
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Aysegul Sahin
- Department of Pathology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ignacio Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Edwin Roger Parra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria Gabriela Raso
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Chai K, Wang C, Zhou J, Mu W, Gao M, Fan Z, Lv G. Quenching thirst with poison? Paradoxical effect of anticancer drugs. Pharmacol Res 2023; 198:106987. [PMID: 37949332 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer drugs have been developed with expectations to provide long-term or at least short-term survival benefits for patients with cancer. Unfortunately, drug therapy tends to provoke malignant biological and clinical behaviours of cancer cells relating not only to the evolution of resistance to specific drugs but also to the enhancement of their proliferation and metastasis abilities. Thus, drug therapy is suspected to impair long-term survival in treated patients under certain circumstances. The paradoxical therapeutic effects could be described as 'quenching thirst with poison', where temporary relief is sought regardless of the consequences. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which tumours react on drug-induced stress to maintain viability is crucial to develop rational targeting approaches which may optimize survival in patients with cancer. In this review, we describe the paradoxical adverse effects of anticancer drugs, in particular how cancer cells complete resistance evolution, enhance proliferation, escape from immune surveillance and metastasize efficiently when encountered with drug therapy. We also describe an integrative therapeutic framework that may diminish such paradoxical effects, consisting of four main strategies: (1) targeting endogenous stress response pathways, (2) targeting new identities of cancer cells, (3) adaptive therapy- exploiting subclonal competition of cancer cells, and (4) targeting tumour microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Chai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chuanlei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianpeng Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wentao Mu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Menghan Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhongqi Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Guoyue Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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Wu X, Lu W, Zhang W, Zhang D, Mei H, Zhang M, Cui Y, Zhuo Z. Integrated analysis of single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq unravels the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts in TNBC. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:12674-12697. [PMID: 37963845 PMCID: PMC10683606 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205205] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the main focuses and key difficulties because of its heterogeneity, and the source of this heterogeneity is unclear. METHODS Single-cell RNA (scRNA) and transcriptomics data of TNBC and normal breast samples were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and TCGA-BRCA database. These cells were clustered using the t-SNE and UMAP method, and the marker genes for each cluster were found. We annotated the clusters using the published literature, CellMarker database and "SingleR" R package. RESULTS A total of 1535 cells and 21785 genes from 6 TNBC patients and 2068 cells and 15868 genes from 3 normal breast tissues were used for downstream analyses. The scRNA data were divided into 14 clusters labeled into 8 cell types, including epithelial cells, immunocytes, CAFs/fibroblasts and etc. In the TNBC samples, CAFs were divided into three clusters and labelled as prCAFs, myCAFs and emCAFs, and the marker genes were DCN, FAP and RGS5, respectively. The prCAF subgroup is functionally characterized by promoting proliferation and multi drug resistance; myCAF subgroup is involved in constituting the extracellular matrix and collagen production, matrix composition and collagen production, and the emCAF functionally characterized by energy metabolism. CONCLUSIONS TNBC has inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity, and CAF is one of the sources of this heterogeneity. CD74, SASH3, CD2, TAGAP and CCR7 served as significant marker genes with prognostic and therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenping Lu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixuan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongni Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Heting Mei
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengfan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjia Cui
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhili Zhuo
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, People's Republic of China
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26
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Li Y, Chen W, Kang Y, Zhen X, Zhou Z, Liu C, Chen S, Huang X, Liu HJ, Koo S, Kong N, Ji X, Xie T, Tao W. Nanosensitizer-mediated augmentation of sonodynamic therapy efficacy and antitumor immunity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6973. [PMID: 37914681 PMCID: PMC10620173 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42509-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The dense stroma of desmoplastic tumor limits nanotherapeutic penetration and hampers the antitumor immune response. Here, we report a denaturation-and-penetration strategy and the use of tin monosulfide nanoparticles (SnSNPs) as nano-sonosensitizers that can overcome the stromal barrier for the management of desmoplastic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). SnSNPs possess a narrow bandgap (1.18 eV), allowing for efficient electron (e-)-hole (h+) pair separation to generate reactive oxygen species under US activation. More importantly, SnSNPs display mild photothermal properties that can in situ denature tumor collagen and facilitate deep penetration into the tumor mass upon near-infrared irradiation. This approach significantly enhances sonodynamic therapy (SDT) by SnSNPs and boosts antitumor immunity. In mouse models of malignant TNBC and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the combination of robust SDT and enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration achieves remarkable anti-tumor efficacy. This study presents an innovative approach to enhance SDT and antitumor immunity using the denaturation-and-penetration strategy, offering a potential combined sono-immunotherapy approach for the cancer nanomedicine field.
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Grants
- This work was supported by US METAvivor Early Career Investigator Award (No. 2018A020560, W.T.), Harvard/Brigham Health & Technology Innovation Fund (No. 2023A004452; W.T.), Department Basic Scientist Grant (No. 2420 BPA075, W.T.), Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation Breakthrough Innovator Award (No. 113548, W.T.), Nanotechnology Foundation (No. 2022A002721, W.T.), Farokhzad Family Distinguished Chair Foundation (No. 018129, W.T.). W.T. also acknowledges the support from American Heart Association (AHA) Transformational Project Award (No. 23TPA1072337), AHA Collaborative Sciences Award (No. 2018A004190), AHA’s Second Century Early Faculty Independence Award (No. 23SCEFIA1151841), American Lung Association (ALA) Cancer Discovery Award (No. LCD1034625), ALA Courtney Cox Cole Lung Cancer Research Award (No. 2022A017206), Novo Nordisk Validation Award (No. 2023A009607), and the Khoury Innovation Award (No. 2020A003219).
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82122076, N.K.)
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81730108 and 81973635, T.X.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Yong Kang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zhuoming Zhou
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chuang Liu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Shuying Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xiangang Huang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hai-Jun Liu
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ji
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Element Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, 311121, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Zarodniuk M, Steele A, Lu X, Li J, Datta M. CNS tumor stroma transcriptomics identify perivascular fibroblasts as predictors of immunotherapy resistance in glioblastoma patients. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:35. [PMID: 37884531 PMCID: PMC10603041 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00381-w] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) is a hallmark of solid tumors; however, it remains poorly understood which cellular and molecular components contribute to the formation of ECM stroma in central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Here, we undertake a pan-CNS analysis of retrospective gene expression datasets to characterize inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity of ECM remodeling signatures in both adult and pediatric CNS disease. We find that CNS lesions - glioblastoma in particular - can be divided into two ECM-based subtypes (ECMhi and ECMlo) that are influenced by the presence of perivascular stromal cells resembling cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Ligand-receptor network analysis predicts that perivascular fibroblasts activate signaling pathways responsible for recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages and promotion of cancer stemness. Our analysis reveals that perivascular fibroblasts are correlated with unfavorable response to immune checkpoint blockade in glioblastoma and poor patient survival across a subset of CNS tumors. We provide insights into new stroma-driven mechanisms underlying immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance in CNS tumors like glioblastoma, and discuss how targeting these perivascular fibroblasts may prove an effective approach to improving treatment response and patient survival in a variety of CNS tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Zarodniuk
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Alexander Steele
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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Rossetti M, Stanca S, Del Frate R, Bartoli F, Marciano A, Esposito E, Fantoni A, Erba AP, Lippolis PV, Faviana P. Tumor Progression from a Fibroblast Activation Protein Perspective: Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Scenarios for Colorectal Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3199. [PMID: 37892020 PMCID: PMC10606275 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203199] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2020, the Global Cancer Observatory estimated the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) at around 10.7% coupled with a mortality rate of 9.5%. The explanation for these values lies in the tumor microenvironment consisting of the extracellular matrix and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) offers a promising target for cancer therapy since its functions contribute to tumor progression. Immunohistochemistry examination of FAP, fibronectin ED-B, and CXCR4 in primary tumors and their respective synchronous and/or metachronous metastases along with semiquantitative analysis have been carried out on histological samples of 50 patients diagnosed with metastatic CRC. The intensity of FAP, articulated by both "Intensity %" and "Intensity score", is lower in the first metastasis compared to the primary tumor with a statistically significant correlation. No significant correlations have been observed regarding fibronectin ED-B and CXCR4. Tumors that produce FAP have an ambivalent relationship with this protein. At first, they exploit FAP, but later they reduce its expressiveness. Although our study has not directly included FAP-Inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT, the considerable expression of FAP reveals its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool worthy of further investigation. This dynamic relationship between cancer and FAP has substantial diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Rossetti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.R.); (S.S.); (R.D.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Stefano Stanca
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.R.); (S.S.); (R.D.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Rossella Del Frate
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.R.); (S.S.); (R.D.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Francesco Bartoli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (A.M.); (E.E.)
| | - Andrea Marciano
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (A.M.); (E.E.)
| | - Enrica Esposito
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (F.B.); (A.M.); (E.E.)
| | - Alessandra Fantoni
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.R.); (S.S.); (R.D.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Anna Paola Erba
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan Bicocca and Nuclear Medicine Unit ASST Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII Bergamo, 24127 Bergamo, Italy;
| | | | - Pinuccia Faviana
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (M.R.); (S.S.); (R.D.F.); (A.F.)
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29
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Zhang H, Yue X, Chen Z, Liu C, Wu W, Zhang N, Liu Z, Yang L, Jiang Q, Cheng Q, Luo P, Liu G. Define cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment: new opportunities in cancer immunotherapy and advances in clinical trials. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:159. [PMID: 37784082 PMCID: PMC10544417 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01860-5] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite centuries since the discovery and study of cancer, cancer is still a lethal and intractable health issue worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained much attention as a pivotal component of the tumor microenvironment. The versatility and sophisticated mechanisms of CAFs in facilitating cancer progression have been elucidated extensively, including promoting cancer angiogenesis and metastasis, inducing drug resistance, reshaping the extracellular matrix, and developing an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Owing to their robust tumor-promoting function, CAFs are considered a promising target for oncotherapy. However, CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells. Some subpopulations exert an inhibitory role in tumor growth, which implies that CAF-targeting approaches must be more precise and individualized. This review comprehensively summarize the origin, phenotypical, and functional heterogeneity of CAFs. More importantly, we underscore advances in strategies and clinical trials to target CAF in various cancers, and we also summarize progressions of CAF in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghai Yue
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Central Hospital of Zhuzhou, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guodong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Song X, Lan Y, Zheng X, Zhu Q, Liao X, Liu K, Zhang W, Peng Q, Zhu Y, Zhao L, Chen X, Shu Y, Yang K, Hu J. Targeting drug-tolerant cells: A promising strategy for overcoming acquired drug resistance in cancer cells. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e342. [PMID: 37638338 PMCID: PMC10449058 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains the greatest challenge in improving outcomes for cancer patients who receive chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Surmounting evidence suggests that a subpopulation of cancer cells could escape intense selective drug treatment by entering a drug-tolerant state without genetic variations. These drug-tolerant cells (DTCs) are characterized with a slow proliferation rate and a reversible phenotype. They reside in the tumor region and may serve as a reservoir for resistant phenotypes. The survival of DTCs is regulated by epigenetic modifications, transcriptional regulation, mRNA translation remodeling, metabolic changes, antiapoptosis, interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and activation of signaling pathways. Thus, targeting the regulators of DTCs opens a new avenue for the treatment of therapy-resistant tumors. In this review, we first provide an overview of common characteristics of DTCs and the regulating networks in DTCs development. We also discuss the potential therapeutic opportunities to target DTCs. Last, we discuss the current challenges and prospects of the DTC-targeting approach to overcome acquired drug resistance. Reviewing the latest developments in DTC research could be essential in discovering of methods to eliminate DTCs, which may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing drug resistance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohai Song
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Lan
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiuli Zheng
- Department of RadiologyHuaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC) and Critical Care MedicinePrecision Medicine Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease‐Related Molecular Network, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qianyu Zhu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xuliang Liao
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Weihan Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - QiangBo Peng
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yunfeng Zhu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Linyong Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jiankun Hu
- Department of General SurgeryGastric Cancer CenterLaboratory of Gastric CancerState Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Zhao Z, Li T, Sun L, Yuan Y, Zhu Y. Potential mechanisms of cancer-associated fibroblasts in therapeutic resistance. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115425. [PMID: 37660643 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite continuous improvements in research and new cancer therapeutics, the goal of eradicating cancer remains elusive because of drug resistance. For a long time, drug resistance research has been focused on tumor cells themselves; however, recent studies have found that the tumor microenvironment also plays an important role in inducing drug resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a main component of the tumor microenvironment. They cross-talk with cancer cells to support their survival in the presence of anticancer drugs. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of CAFs in tumor drug resistance. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying the cross-talk between CAFs and cancer cells and insight into the importance of CAFs in drug resistance can guide the development of new anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, China
| | - Tianming Li
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, China
| | - Liping Sun
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yanmei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, China.
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Knipper K, Lyu SI, Quaas A, Bruns CJ, Schmidt T. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Heterogeneity and Its Influence on the Extracellular Matrix and the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13482. [PMID: 37686288 PMCID: PMC10487587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment comprises multiple cell types, like cancer cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. In recent years, there have been massive research efforts focusing not only on cancer cells, but also on other cell types of the tumor microenvironment, thereby aiming to expand and determine novel treatment options. Fibroblasts represent a heterogenous cell family consisting of numerous subtypes, which can alter immune cell fractions, facilitate or inhibit tumor growth, build pre-metastatic niches, or stabilize vessels. These effects can be achieved through cell-cell interactions, which form the extracellular matrix, or via the secretion of cytokines or chemokines. The pro- or antitumorigenic fibroblast phenotypes show variability not only among different cancer entities, but also among intraindividual sites, including primary tumors or metastatic lesions. Commonly prescribed for arterial hypertension, the inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system have recently been described as having an inhibitory effect on fibroblasts. This inhibition leads to modified immune cell fractions and increased tissue stiffness, thereby contributing to overcoming therapy resistance and ultimately inhibiting tumor growth. However, it is important to note that the inhibition of fibroblasts can also have the opposite effect, potentially resulting in increased tumor growth. We aim to summarize the latest state of research regarding fibroblast heterogeneity and its intricate impact on the tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix. Specifically, we focus on highlighting recent advancements in the comprehension of intraindividual heterogeneity and therapy options within this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Knipper
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Su Ir Lyu
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.I.L.); (A.Q.)
| | - Christiane J. Bruns
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (K.K.); (C.J.B.)
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Dorst D, Smeets EMM, Klein C, Frielink C, Geijs D, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Cheung PFY, Stommel MWJ, Gotthardt M, Siveke JT, Aarntzen EHJG, van Lith SAM. Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Murine Models for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4319-4330. [PMID: 37485886 PMCID: PMC10410663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00453] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have a dismal 5 year survival of 9%. One important limiting factor for treatment efficacy is the dense tumor-supporting stroma. The cancer-associated fibroblasts in this stroma deposit excessive amounts of extracellular matrix components and anti-inflammatory mediators, which hampers the efficacy of chemo- and immunotherapies. Systemic depletion of all activated fibroblasts is, however, not feasible nor desirable and therefore a local approach should be pursued. Here, we provide a proof-of-principle of using fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted photodynamic therapy (tPDT) to treat PDAC. FAP-targeting antibody 28H1 and irrelevant control antibody DP47GS were conjugated to the photosensitizer IRDye700DX (700DX) and the chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. In vitro binding and cytotoxicity were evaluated using the fibroblast cell-line NIH-3T3 stably transfected with FAP. Biodistribution of 111In-labeled antibody-700DX constructs was determined in mice carrying syngeneic tumors of the murine PDAC cell line PDAC299, and in a genetically engineered PDAC mouse model (CKP). Then, tPDT was performed by exposing the subcutaneous or the spontaneous PDAC tumors to 690 nm light. Induction of apoptosis after treatment was assessed using automated analyses of immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3. 28H1-700DX effectively bound to 3T3-FAP cells and induced cytotoxicity upon exposure to 690 nm light, whereas no binding or cytotoxic effects were observed for DP47GS-700DX. Although both 28H1-700DX and DP47GS-700DX accumulated in subcutaneous PDAC299 tumors, autoradiography demonstrated that only 28H1-700DX reached the tumor core. On the contrary, control antibody DP47GS-700DX was only present at the tumor rim. In CKP mice, both antibodies accumulated in the tumor, but tumor-to-blood ratios of 28H1-700DX were higher than that of the control. Notably, in vivo FAP-tPDT caused upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 staining in both subcutaneous and in spontaneous tumors. In conclusion, we have shown that tPDT is a feasible approach for local depletion of FAP-expressing stromal cells in murine models for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne
N. Dorst
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther M. M. Smeets
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development, Innovation
Center Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Cathelijne Frielink
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Geijs
- Department
of Pathology, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Phyllis F. Y. Cheung
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martijn W. J. Stommel
- Department
of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Gotthardt
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Bridge
Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Center,
University Hospital Essen, University of
Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division
of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer
Research Center, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erik H. J. G. Aarntzen
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne A. M. van Lith
- Department
of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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34
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Masud MA, Kim JY, Kim E. Modeling the effect of acquired resistance on cancer therapy outcomes. Comput Biol Med 2023; 162:107035. [PMID: 37276754 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107035] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive therapy (AT) is an evolution-based treatment strategy that exploits cell-cell competition. Acquired resistance can change the competitive nature of cancer cells in a tumor, impacting AT outcomes. We aimed to determine if adaptive therapy can still be effective with cell's acquiring resistance. We developed an agent-based model for spatial tumor growth considering three different types of acquired resistance: random genetic mutations during cell division, drug-induced reversible (plastic) phenotypic changes, and drug-induced irreversible phenotypic changes. These three resistance mechanisms lead to different spatial distributions of resistant cells. To quantify the spatial distribution, we propose an extension of Ripley's K-function, Sampled Ripley's K-function (SRKF), which calculates the non-randomness of the resistance distribution over the tumor domain. Our model predicts that the emergent spatial distribution of resistance can determine the time to progression under both adaptive and continuous therapy (CT). Notably, a high rate of random genetic mutations leads to quicker progression under AT than CT due to the emergence of many small clumps of resistant cells. Drug-induced phenotypic changes accelerate tumor progression irrespective of the treatment strategy. Low-rate switching to a sensitive state reduces the benefits of AT compared to CT. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that drug-induced resistance necessitates aggressive treatment under CT, regardless of the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts. However, there is an optimal dose that can most effectively delay tumor relapse under AT by suppressing resistance. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that diverse resistance mechanisms can shape the distribution of resistance and thus determine the efficacy of adaptive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Masud
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Young Kim
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea.
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35
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Shahvali S, Rahiman N, Jaafari MR, Arabi L. Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP): advances in CAR-T cell, antibody, and vaccine in cancer immunotherapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2041-2056. [PMID: 36840906 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a serine protease with dual enzymatic activities overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in several tumor types, while its expression in healthy adult tissues is scarce. FAP overexpression on CAFs is associated with poor prognosis and plays an important role in tumor development, progression, and invasion. Therefore, FAP is considered a robust therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Here, we try to review and highlight the recent advances in immunotherapies for FAP targeting including the anti-FAP antibodies and immunoconjugates, FAP chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell, and various FAP vaccines in a preclinical and clinical setting. Subsequently, a discussion on the challenges and prospects associated with the development and translation of effective and safe therapies for targeting and depletion of FAP is provided. We proposed that new CAR-T cell engineering strategies and nanotechnology-based systems as well as advanced functional biomaterials can be used to improve the efficiency and safety of CAR-T cells and vaccines against FAP for more personalized immunotherapy. This review emphasizes the immune targeting of FAP as an emerging stromal candidate and one of the crucial elements in immunotherapy and shows the potential for improvement of current cancer therapy. A summary of different immunotherapy approaches to target fibroblast activation protein (FAP) for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Shahvali
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Niloufar Rahiman
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Arabi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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36
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Razi S, Haghparast A, Chodari Khameneh S, Ebrahimi Sadrabadi A, Aziziyan F, Bakhtiyari M, Nabi-Afjadi M, Tarhriz V, Jalili A, Zalpoor H. The role of tumor microenvironment on cancer stem cell fate in solid tumors. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:143. [PMID: 37328876 PMCID: PMC10273768 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01129-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, the role of cancer stem cells in initiating tumors, metastasis, invasion, and resistance to therapies has been recognized as a potential target for tumor therapy. Understanding the mechanisms by which CSCs contribute to cancer progression can help to provide novel therapeutic approaches against solid tumors. In this line, the effects of mechanical forces on CSCs such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cellular plasticity, etc., the metabolism pathways of CSCs, players of the tumor microenvironment, and their influence on the regulating of CSCs can lead to cancer progression. This review focused on some of these mechanisms of CSCs, paving the way for a better understanding of their regulatory mechanisms and developing platforms for targeted therapies. While progress has been made in research, more studies will be required in the future to explore more aspects of how CSCs contribute to cancer progression. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Razi
- Vira Pioneers of Modern Science (VIPOMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Amin Ebrahimi Sadrabadi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACER, Tehran, Iran
- Cytotech and Bioinformatics Research Group, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 5163639888, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Arsalan Jalili
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACER, Tehran, Iran.
- Parvaz Research Ideas Supporter Institute, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Kalaei Z, Manafi-Farid R, Rashidi B, Kiani FK, Zarei A, Fathi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The Prognostic and therapeutic value and clinical implications of fibroblast activation protein-α as a novel biomarker in colorectal cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:139. [PMID: 37316886 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01151-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of contributing factors leading to the development of Colorectal Cancer (CRC), as the third fatal malignancy, is crucial. Today, the tumor microenvironment has been shown to play a key role in CRC progression. Fibroblast-Activation Protein-α (FAP) is a type II transmembrane cell surface proteinase expressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts in tumor stroma. As an enzyme, FAP has di- and endoprolylpeptidase, endoprotease, and gelatinase/collagenase activities in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME). According to recent reports, FAP overexpression in CRC contributes to adverse clinical outcomes such as increased lymph node metastasis, tumor recurrence, and angiogenesis, as well as decreased overall survival. In this review, studies about the expression level of FAP and its associations with CRC patients' prognosis are reviewed. High expression levels of FAP and its association with clinicopathological factors have made as a potential target. In many studies, FAP has been evaluated as a therapeutic target and diagnostic factor into which the current review tries to provide a comprehensive insight. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kalaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Manafi-Farid
- Research Center for Nuclear Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bentolhoda Rashidi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fariba Karoon Kiani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asieh Zarei
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Fathi
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Crane JN, Graham DS, Mona CE, Nelson SD, Samiei A, Dawson DW, Dry SM, Masri MG, Crompton JG, Benz MR, Czernin J, Eilber FC, Graeber TG, Calais J, Federman NC. Fibroblast Activation Protein Expression in Sarcomas. Sarcoma 2023; 2023:2480493. [PMID: 37333052 PMCID: PMC10275689 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2480493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is highly expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts in multiple epithelial cancers. The aim of this study was to characterize FAP expression in sarcomas to explore its potential utility as a diagnostic and therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker in sarcomas. Methods Available tissue samples from patients with bone or soft tissue tumors were identified at the University of California, Los Angeles. FAP expression was evaluated via immunohistochemistry (IHC) in tumor samples (n = 63), adjacent normal tissues (n = 30), and positive controls (n = 2) using semiquantitative systems for intensity (0 = negative; 1 = weak; 2 = moderate; and 3 = strong) and density (none, <25%, 25-75%; >75%) in stromal and tumor/nonstromal cells and using a qualitative overall score (not detected, low, medium, and high). Additionally, RNA sequencing data in publicly available databases were utilized to compare FAP expression in samples (n = 10,626) from various cancer types and evaluate the association between FAP expression and overall survival (OS) in sarcoma (n = 168). Results The majority of tumor samples had FAP IHC intensity scores ≥2 and density scores ≥25% for stromal cells (77.7%) and tumor cells (50.7%). All desmoid fibromatosis, myxofibrosarcoma, solitary fibrous tumor, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma samples had medium or high FAP overall scores. Sarcomas were among cancer types with the highest mean FAP expression by RNA sequencing. There was no significant difference in OS in patients with sarcoma with low versus high FAP expression. Conclusion The majority of the sarcoma samples showed FAP expression by both stromal and tumor/nonstromal cells. Further investigation of FAP as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target in sarcomas is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn N. Crane
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 1000 Welch Rd, Suite 300, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Danielle S. Graham
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christine E. Mona
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Scott D. Nelson
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alireza Samiei
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David W. Dawson
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sarah M. Dry
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marwan G. Masri
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph G. Crompton
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthias R. Benz
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Johannes Czernin
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fritz C. Eilber
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Surgery, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas G. Graeber
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeremie Calais
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Noah C. Federman
- University of California Los Angeles, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Pediatrics, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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39
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Piper M, Kluger H, Ruppin E, Hu-Lieskovan S. Immune Resistance Mechanisms and the Road to Personalized Immunotherapy. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e390290. [PMID: 37459578 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_390290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
What does the future of cancer immunotherapy look like and how do we get there? Find out where we've been and where we're headed in A Report on Resistance: The Road to personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles Piper
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | - Eytan Ruppin
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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40
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Smeets EMM, Dorst DN, Franssen GM, van Essen MS, Frielink C, Stommel MWJ, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Cheung PF, Siveke JT, Wilson I, Mascioni A, Aarntzen EHJG, van Lith SAM. Fibroblast Activation Protein-Targeting Minibody-IRDye700DX for Ablation of the Cancer-Associated Fibroblast with Photodynamic Therapy. Cells 2023; 12:1420. [PMID: 37408254 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), expressed on cancer-associated fibroblasts, is a target for diagnosis and therapy in multiple tumour types. Strategies to systemically deplete FAP-expressing cells show efficacy; however, these induce toxicities, as FAP-expressing cells are found in normal tissues. FAP-targeted photodynamic therapy offers a solution, as it acts only locally and upon activation. Here, a FAP-binding minibody was conjugated to the chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and the photosensitizer IRDye700DX (DTPA-700DX-MB). DTPA-700DX-MB showed efficient binding to FAP-overexpressing 3T3 murine fibroblasts (3T3-FAP) and induced the protein's dose-dependent cytotoxicity upon light exposure. Biodistribution of DTPA-700DX-MB in mice carrying either subcutaneous or orthotopic tumours of murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (PDAC299) showed maximal tumour uptake of 111In-labelled DTPA-700DX-MB at 24 h post injection. Co-injection with an excess DTPA-700DX-MB reduced uptake, and autoradiography correlated with FAP expression in the stromal tumour region. Finally, in vivo therapeutic efficacy was determined in two simultaneous subcutaneous PDAC299 tumours; only one was treated with 690 nm light. Upregulation of an apoptosis marker was only observed in the treated tumours. In conclusion, DTPA-700DX-MB binds to FAP-expressing cells and targets PDAC299 tumours in mice with good signal-to-background ratios. Furthermore, the induced apoptosis indicates the feasibility of targeted depletion of FAP-expressing cells with photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther M M Smeets
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne N Dorst
- Department of Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerben M Franssen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Merijn S van Essen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Cathelijne Frielink
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn W J Stommel
- Department of Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research Centre, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Phyllis F Cheung
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research Centre, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumour Therapy, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumour Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen) and German Cancer Research Centre, DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Erik H J G Aarntzen
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne A M van Lith
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Das S, Valton J, Duchateau P, Poirot L. Stromal depletion by TALEN-edited universal hypoimmunogenic FAP-CAR T cells enables infiltration and anti-tumor cytotoxicity of tumor antigen-targeted CAR-T immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1172681. [PMID: 37251405 PMCID: PMC10213512 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy based on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T-cells has proven to be lifesaving for many cancer patients. However, its therapeutic efficacy has so far been restricted to only a few malignancies, with solid tumors proving to be especially recalcitrant to efficient therapy. Poor intra-tumor infiltration by T cells and T cell dysfunction due to a desmoplastic, immunosuppressive microenvironment are key barriers for CAR T-cell success against solid tumors. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are critical components of the tumor stroma, evolving specifically within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in response to tumor cell cues. The CAF secretome is a significant contributor to the extracellular matrix and a plethora of cytokines and growth factors that induce immune suppression. Together they form a physical and chemical barrier which induces a T cell-excluding 'cold' TME. CAF depletion in stroma rich solid tumors can thus provide an opportunity to convert immune evasive tumors susceptible to tumor-antigen CAR T-cell cytotoxicity. Using our TALEN-based gene editing platform we engineered non-alloreactive, immune evasive CAR T-cells (termed UCAR T-cells) targeting the unique CAF marker Fibroblast Activation Protein, alpha (FAP). In an orthotopic mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) composed of patient derived-CAFs and tumor cells, we demonstrate the efficacy of our engineered FAP UCAR T-cells in CAF depletion, reduction of desmoplasia and successful tumor infiltration. Furthermore, while previously resistant, pre-treatment with FAP UCAR T-cells now sensitized these tumors to Mesothelin (Meso) UCAR T-cell infiltration and anti-tumor cytotoxicity. Combination therapy of FAP UCAR, Meso UCAR T cells and the checkpoint inhibitor anti-PD-1 significantly reduced tumor burden and prolonged mice survival. Our study thus proposes a novel treatment paradigm for successful CAR T-cell immunotherapy against stroma-rich solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Das
- Cellectis Inc, New York, NY, United States
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42
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Zhao Z, Li T, Yuan Y, Zhu Y. What is new in cancer-associated fibroblast biomarkers? Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:96. [PMID: 37143134 PMCID: PMC10158035 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01125-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is one of the important drivers of tumor development. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the tumor stroma and actively participate in tumor development, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and other biological behaviors. CAFs are a highly heterogeneous group of cells, a reflection of the diversity of their origin, biomarkers, and functions. The diversity of CAF origin determines the complexity of CAF biomarkers, and CAF subpopulations expressing different biomarkers may play contrasting roles in tumor progression. In this review, we provide an overview of these emerging CAF biomarkers and the biological functions that they suggest, which may give a better understanding of the relationship between CAFs and tumor cells and be of great significance for breakthroughs in precision targeted therapy for tumors. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University), No. 44 of Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, 110042, China
| | - Tianming Li
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University), No. 44 of Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, 110042, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 of Nanjing Road, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, China.
| | - Yanmei Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University), No. 44 of Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, 110042, China.
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43
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Goenka A, Khan F, Verma B, Sinha P, Dmello CC, Jogalekar MP, Gangadaran P, Ahn B. Tumor microenvironment signaling and therapeutics in cancer progression. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:525-561. [PMID: 37005490 PMCID: PMC10174093 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor development and metastasis are facilitated by the complex interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, which comprises stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, among other factors. Stromal cells can adopt new phenotypes to promote tumor cell invasion. A deep understanding of the signaling pathways involved in cell-to-cell and cell-to-ECM interactions is needed to design effective intervention strategies that might interrupt these interactions. In this review, we describe the tumor microenvironment (TME) components and associated therapeutics. We discuss the clinical advances in the prevalent and newly discovered signaling pathways in the TME, the immune checkpoints and immunosuppressive chemokines, and currently used inhibitors targeting these pathways. These include both intrinsic and non-autonomous tumor cell signaling pathways in the TME: protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, Notch, and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) signaling, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress response, lactate signaling, Metabolic reprogramming, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and Siglec signaling pathways. We also discuss the recent advances in Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1), Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Associated Protein 4 (CTLA4), T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3) and Lymphocyte Activating Gene 3 (LAG3) immune checkpoint inhibitors along with the C-C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4)- C-C class chemokines 22 (CCL22)/ and 17 (CCL17), C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2)- chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5)- chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) chemokine signaling axis in the TME. In addition, this review provides a holistic understanding of the TME as we discuss the three-dimensional and microfluidic models of the TME, which are believed to recapitulate the original characteristics of the patient tumor and hence may be used as a platform to study new mechanisms and screen for various anti-cancer therapies. We further discuss the systemic influences of gut microbiota in TME reprogramming and treatment response. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the diverse and most critical signaling pathways in the TME, highlighting the associated newest and critical preclinical and clinical studies along with their underlying biology. We highlight the importance of the most recent technologies of microfluidics and lab-on-chip models for TME research and also present an overview of extrinsic factors, such as the inhabitant human microbiome, which have the potential to modulate TME biology and drug responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshika Goenka
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of NeurologyThe Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer CenterNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, 60611ILUSA
| | - Fatima Khan
- Department of Neurological SurgeryFeinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicago, 60611ILUSA
| | - Bhupender Verma
- Department of OphthalmologySchepens Eye Research InstituteMassachusetts Eye and Ear InfirmaryHarvard Medical SchoolBoston, 02114MAUSA
| | - Priyanka Sinha
- Department of NeurologyMassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative DiseaseMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestown, 02129MAUSA
| | - Crismita C. Dmello
- Department of Neurological SurgeryFeinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicago, 60611ILUSA
| | - Manasi P. Jogalekar
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California San FranciscoSan Francisco, 94143CAUSA
| | - Prakash Gangadaran
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future TalentsDepartment of Biomedical Science, School of MedicineKyungpook National UniversityDaegu, 41944South Korea
- Department of Nuclear MedicineSchool of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University HospitalDaegu, 41944South Korea
| | - Byeong‐Cheol Ahn
- BK21 FOUR KNU Convergence Educational Program of Biomedical Sciences for Creative Future TalentsDepartment of Biomedical Science, School of MedicineKyungpook National UniversityDaegu, 41944South Korea
- Department of Nuclear MedicineSchool of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University HospitalDaegu, 41944South Korea
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Liu Y, Sun Y, Wang P, Li S, Dong Y, Zhou M, Shi B, Jiang H, Sun R, Li Z. FAP-targeted CAR-T suppresses MDSCs recruitment to improve the antitumor efficacy of claudin18.2-targeted CAR-T against pancreatic cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:255. [PMID: 37046312 PMCID: PMC10091631 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04080-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) antigen is frequently expressed in malignant tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T cells demonstrated some therapeutic efficacy in PDAC patients, further improvement is needed. One of the major obstacles might be the abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a vital characteristic of CAFs provides a potential way to overcome this obstacle. In this study, we explored the combined antitumor activity of FAP-targeted and CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T cells against PDAC. METHODS Novel FAP-targeted CAR-T cells were developed. Sequential treatment of FAP-targeted and CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T cells as well as the corresponding mechanism were explored in immunocompetent mouse models of PDAC. RESULTS The results indicated that the priorly FAP-targeted CAR-T cells infusion could significantly eliminate CAFs and enhance the anti-PDAC efficacy of subsequently CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T cells in vivo. Interestingly, we observed that FAP-targeted CAR-T cells could suppress the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and promote the survival of CD8+ T cells and CAR-T cells in tumor tissue. CONCLUSION In summary, our finding demonstrated that FAP-targeted CAR-T cells could increase the antitumor activities of sequential CAR-T therapy via remodeling TME, at least partially through inhibiting MDSCs recruitment. Sequential infusion of FAP-targeted and CLDN18.2-targeted CAR-T cells might be a feasible approach to enhance the clinical outcome of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln2200 XieTu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yansha Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln2200 XieTu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng Wang
- CARsgen Therapeutics, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Songling Li
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-Med X Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yiwei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln2200 XieTu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln2200 XieTu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bizhi Shi
- CARsgen Therapeutics, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln2200 XieTu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
- CARsgen Therapeutics, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ruixin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln2200 XieTu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zonghai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln2200 XieTu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- CARsgen Therapeutics, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Ren SN, Zhang ZY, Guo RJ, Wang DR, Chen FF, Chen XB, Fang XD. Application of nanotechnology in reversing therapeutic resistance and controlling metastasis of colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:1911-1941. [PMID: 37155531 PMCID: PMC10122790 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i13.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common digestive malignancy across the world. Its first-line treatments applied in the routine clinical setting include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, resistance to therapy has been identified as the major clinical challenge that fails the treatment method, leading to recurrence and distant metastasis. An increasing number of studies have been attempting to explore the underlying mechanisms of the resistance of CRC cells to different therapies, which can be summarized into two aspects: (1) The intrinsic characters and adapted alterations of CRC cells before and during treatment that regulate the drug metabolism, drug transport, drug target, and the activation of signaling pathways; and (2) the suppressive features of the tumor microenvironment (TME). To combat the issue of therapeutic resistance, effective strategies are warranted with a focus on the restoration of CRC cells’ sensitivity to specific treatments as well as reprogramming impressive TME into stimulatory conditions. To date, nanotechnology seems promising with scope for improvement of drug mobility, treatment efficacy, and reduction of systemic toxicity. The instinctive advantages offered by nanomaterials enable the diversity of loading cargoes to increase drug concentration and targeting specificity, as well as offer a platform for trying the combination of different treatments to eventually prevent tumor recurrence, metastasis, and reversion of therapy resistance. The present review intends to summarize the known mechanisms of CRC resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, as well as the process of metastasis. We have also emphasized the recent application of nanomaterials in combating therapeutic resistance and preventing metastasis either by combining with other treatment approaches or alone. In summary, nanomedicine is an emerging technology with potential for CRC treatment; hence, efforts should be devoted to targeting cancer cells for the restoration of therapeutic sensitivity as well as reprogramming the TME. It is believed that the combined strategy will be beneficial to achieve synergistic outcomes contributing to control and management of CRC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Nan Ren
- Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhan-Yi Zhang
- Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Rui-Jie Guo
- Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Da-Ren Wang
- Bethune Third Clinical Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Fang-Fang Chen
- Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue-Bo Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xue-Dong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin Province, China
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46
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Wieder R. Fibroblasts as Turned Agents in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072014. [PMID: 37046676 PMCID: PMC10093070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated epithelial cells reside in the homeostatic microenvironment of the native organ stroma. The stroma supports their normal function, their G0 differentiated state, and their expansion/contraction through the various stages of the life cycle and physiologic functions of the host. When malignant transformation begins, the microenvironment tries to suppress and eliminate the transformed cells, while cancer cells, in turn, try to resist these suppressive efforts. The tumor microenvironment encompasses a large variety of cell types recruited by the tumor to perform different functions, among which fibroblasts are the most abundant. The dynamics of the mutual relationship change as the sides undertake an epic battle for control of the other. In the process, the cancer “wounds” the microenvironment through a variety of mechanisms and attracts distant mesenchymal stem cells to change their function from one attempting to suppress the cancer, to one that supports its growth, survival, and metastasis. Analogous reciprocal interactions occur as well between disseminated cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment, where the microenvironment attempts to eliminate cancer cells or suppress their proliferation. However, the altered microenvironmental cells acquire novel characteristics that support malignant progression. Investigations have attempted to use these traits as targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Zhang N, Pan F, Pan L, Diao W, Su F, Huang R, Yang B, Li Y, Qi Z, Zhang W, Wu X. Synthesis, radiolabeling, and evaluation of a (4-quinolinoyl)glycyl-2-cyanopyrrolidine analogue for fibroblast activation protein (FAP) PET imaging. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1167329. [PMID: 37057133 PMCID: PMC10086185 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1167329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is regarded as a promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors as it was overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts. FAP inhibitors bearing a quinoline scaffold have been proven to show high affinity against FAP in vitro and in vivo, and the scaffold has been radio-labeled for the imaging and treatment of FAP-positive tumors. However, currently available FAP imaging agents both contain chelator groups to enable radio-metal labeling, making those tracers more hydrophilic and not suitable for the imaging of lesions in the brain. Herein, we report the synthesis, radio-labeling, and evaluation of a 18F-labeled quinoline analogue ([18F]3) as a potential FAP-targeted PET tracer, which holds the potential to be blood–brain barrier-permeable. [18F]3 was obtained by one-step radio-synthesis via a copper-mediated SNAR reaction from a corresponding boronic ester precursor. [18F]3 showed moderate lipophilicity with a log D7.4 value of 1.11. In cell experiments, [18F]3 showed selective accumulation in A549-FAP and U87 cell lines and can be effectively blocked by the pre-treatment of a cold reference standard. Biodistribution studies indicated that [18F]3 was mainly excreted by hepatic clearance and urinary excretion, and it may be due to its moderate lipophilicity. In vivo PET imaging studies indicated [18F]3 showed selective accumulation in FAP-positive tumors, and specific binding was confirmed by blocking studies. However, low brain uptake was observed in biodistribution and PET imaging studies. Although our preliminary data indicated that [18F]3 holds the potential to be developed as a blood–brain barrier penetrable FAP-targeted PET tracer, its low brain uptake limits its application in the detection of brain lesions. Herein, we report the synthesis and evaluation of [18F]3 as a novel small-molecule FAPI-targeted PET tracer, and our results suggest further structural optimizations would be needed to develop a BBB-permeable PET tracer with this scaffold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Psychiatry, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Pan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lili Pan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Diao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Feijing Su
- Core Facilities of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Seventh People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yunchun Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhongzhi Qi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongzhi Qi, ; Wenjie Zhang,
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongzhi Qi, ; Wenjie Zhang,
| | - Xiaoai Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory of Clinical Nuclear Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Zheng F, Luo Y, Liu Y, Gao Y, Chen W, Wei K. Nano-baicalein facilitates chemotherapy in breast cancer by targeting tumor microenvironment. Int J Pharm 2023; 635:122778. [PMID: 36842519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122778] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts constitute a significant component in the tumor microenvironment, playing a pivotal role in tumor proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis. Consequently, therapy combining chemotherapeutic agents with tumor microenvironment (TME) modulators appears to be a promising avenue for cancer treatment. In this paper, a tumor microenvironment-based mPEG-PLGA nanoparticle loaded with baicalein (PMs-Ba) was constructed for the purpose of improving the tumor microenvironment in cases of triple-negative breast cancer. The results demonstrate that, on the one hand, PMs-Ba was able to inhibit the transforming growth factor β(TGF-β) signaling pathway to avoid the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), thereby influencing the interstitial microenvironment of the tumor. On the other hand, the agent led to an increase in the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells, activating the tumor immune microenvironment. Meanwhile, in the murine breast cancer model, an intravenous injection of PMs-Ba combined with doxorubicin nanoparticles (PMs-ADM) significantly improved the antitumor effectiveness. These results suggest that baicalein encapsulated in nanoparticles may be a promising strategy for modulating the TME and for adjuvant chemotherapy, signifying a potential TME-remodeling nanoformulation that could enhance the antitumor efficacy of nanotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Yujia Luo
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Yuanqi Liu
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Wenyu Chen
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Kun Wei
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
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49
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Tavana H, Luker GD. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: challenges and opportunities. Oncotarget 2023; 14:211-214. [PMID: 36944189 PMCID: PMC10030151 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Tavana
- Correspondence to:Hossein Tavana, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA email
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50
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Hang Y, Liu Y, Teng Z, Cao X, Zhu H. Mesoporous nanodrug delivery system: a powerful tool for a new paradigm of remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:101. [PMID: 36945005 PMCID: PMC10029196 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01841-2] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in tumor progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. Remodeling the TME has recently been deemed an attractive tumor therapeutic strategy. Due to its complexity and heterogeneity, remodeling the TME still faces great challenges. With the great advantage of drug loading ability, tumor accumulation, multifactor controllability, and persistent guest molecule release ability, mesoporous nanodrug delivery systems (MNDDSs) have been widely used as effective antitumor drug delivery tools as well as remolding TME. This review summarizes the components and characteristics of the TME, as well as the crosstalk between the TME and cancer cells and focuses on the important role of drug delivery strategies based on MNDDSs in targeted remodeling TME metabolic and synergistic anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhui Hang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- Laboratory of Medical Imaging, The First People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, 212001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaogang Teng
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiongfeng Cao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, People's Republic of China.
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