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Jin K, Lan H, Han Y, Qian J. Exosomes in cancer diagnosis based on the Latest Evidence: Where are We? Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 142:113133. [PMID: 39278058 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from various cellular sources and have emerged as favorable biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. These vesicles contain a variety of molecular components, including nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which can provide valuable information for cancer detection, classification, and monitoring. However, the clinical application of exosomes faces significant challenges, primarily related to the standardization and scalability of their use. In order to overcome these challenges, sophisticated methods such as liquid biopsy and imaging are being combined to augment the diagnostic capabilities of exosomes. Additionally, a deeper understanding of the interaction between exosomes and immune system components within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential. This review discusses the biogenesis and composition of exosomes, addresses the current challenges in their clinical translation, and highlights recent technological advancements and integrative approaches that support the role of exosomes in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China.
| | - Huanrong Lan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310002, China; Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
| | - Yuejun Han
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Jun Qian
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Xinchang People's Hospital, Affiliated Xinchang Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xinchang, Zhejiang 312500, China.
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Xia B, Qiu L, Yue J, Si J, Zhang H. The metabolic crosstalk of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor cells: Recent advances and future perspectives. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189190. [PMID: 39341468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells grow in a microenvironment with a lack of nutrients and oxygen. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as one major component of tumor microenvironment have strong ability to survive under stressful conditions through metabolic remodelling. Furthermore, CAFs are educated by tumor cells and help them adapt to the hostile microenvironment through their metabolic communication. By inducing catabolism, CAFs release nutrients into the microenvironment which are taken up by tumor cells to satisfy their metabolic requirements. Furthermore, CAFs can recycle toxic metabolic wastes produced by cancer cells into energetic substances, allowing cancer cells to undergo biosynthesis. Their metabolic crosstalk also enhances CAFs' pro-tumor phenotype and reshape the microenvironment facilitating tumor cells' metastasis and immune escape. In this review, we have analyzed the effect and mechanisms of metabolic crosstalk between tumor cells and CAFs. We also analyzed the future perspectives in this area from the points of CAFs heterogeneity, spatial metabonomics and patient-derived tumor organoids (PDOs). These information may deepen the knowledge of tumor metabolism regulated by CAFs and provide novel insights into the development of metabolism-based anti-cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Xia
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Liqing Qiu
- Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, 310002, China
| | - Jing Yue
- Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, 310002, China
| | - Jingxing Si
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Hongfang Zhang
- Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, 310002, China.
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Li L, Cao R, Chen K, Qu C, Qian K, Lin J, Li R, Lai C, Wang X, Han Z, Xu Z, Zhou L, Song S, Zhu W, Cheng Z. Development of an FAP-Targeted PET Probe Based on a Novel Quinolinium Molecular Scaffold. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:1309-1317. [PMID: 38954733 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has recently gained significant attention as a promising tumor biomarker for both diagnosis and therapeutic applications. A series of radiopharmaceuticals based on fibroblast activation protein inhibitors (FAPIs) have been developed and translated into the clinic. Though some of them such as radiolabeled FAPI-04 probes have achieved favorable in vivo imaging performance, further improvement is still highly desired for obtaining radiopharmaceuticals with a high theranostics potential. In this study, we innovatively designed an FAPI ligand SMIC-3002 by changing the core quinoline motif of FAPI-04 to the quinolinium scaffold. The engineered molecule was further radiolabeled with 68Ga to generate a positron emission tomography (PET) probe, [68Ga]Ga-SMIC-3002, which was then evaluated in vitro and in vivo. [68Ga]Ga-SMIC-3002 demonstrated high in vitro stability, nanomolar affinity for FAP (8 nM for protein, 23 nM for U87MG cells), and specific uptake in FAP-expressing tumors, with a tumor/muscle ratio of 19.1 and a tumor uptake of 1.48 ± 0.03 ID/g% at 0.5 h in U87MG tumor-bearing mice. In summary, the quinolinium scaffold can be successfully used for the development of the FAP-targeted tracer. [68Ga]Ga-SMIC-3002 not only shows high potential for clinical translation but also offers insights into designing a new generation of FAPI tracers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rui Cao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200235, China
| | - Kaixin Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunrong Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kun Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jia Lin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 201203, China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Renda Li
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110167, China
| | - Chaoquan Lai
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110167, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zijian Han
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhijian Xu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Liping Zhou
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shaoli Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Weiliang Zhu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhen Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Molecular Imaging Center, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai 264117, Shandong, China
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Lin Z, Li G, Jiang K, Li Z, Liu T. Cancer therapy resistance mediated by cancer-associated fibroblast-derived extracellular vesicles: biological mechanisms to clinical significance and implications. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:191. [PMID: 39244548 PMCID: PMC11380334 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a diverse stromal cell population within the tumour microenvironment, where they play fundamental roles in cancer progression and patient prognosis. Multiple lines of evidence have identified that CAFs are critically involved in shaping the structure and function of the tumour microenvironment with numerous functions in regulating tumour behaviours, such as metastasis, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CAFs can interact extensively with cancer cells by producing extracellular vesicles (EVs), multiple secreted factors, and metabolites. Notably, CAF-derived EVs have been identified as critical mediators of cancer therapy resistance, and constitute novel therapy targets and biomarkers in cancer management. This review aimed to summarize the biological roles and detailed molecular mechanisms of CAF-derived EVs in mediating cancer resistance to chemotherapy, targeted therapy agents, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of CAF-derived EVs as novel targets and clinical biomarkers in cancer clinical management, thereby providing a novel therapeutic strategy for enhancing cancer therapy efficacy and improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjun Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China.
| | - Tang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139# Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410011, China.
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Ren H, Wang M, Ma X, An L, Guo Y, Ma H. METTL3 in cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived exosomes promotes the proliferation and metastasis and suppresses ferroptosis in colorectal cancer by eliciting ACSL3 m6A modification. Biol Direct 2024; 19:68. [PMID: 39160584 PMCID: PMC11331890 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-024-00511-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been reported that can affect cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, ferroptosis, and immune escape. METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenine (m6A) modification is involved in the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Herein, we investigated whether METTL3-dependent m6A in CAFs-derived exosomes (exo) affected CRC progression. METHODS qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses detected levels of mRNAs and proteins. Cell proliferation and metastasis were evaluated using MTT, colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays, respectively. Cell ferroptosis was assessed by detecting cell viability and the levels of Fe+, reactive oxygen species, and glutathione after erastin treatment. Exosomes were isolated from CAFs by ultracentrifugation. The m6A modification profile was determined by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay and the interaction between METTL3 and ACSL3 (acyl-CoA synthetase 3) was verified using dual-luciferase reporter assay. Animal models were established for in vivo analysis. RESULTS CAFs promoted CRC cell proliferation and metastasis, and suppressed cell ferroptosis. METTL3 was enriched in CAFs and was packaged into exosomes. The m6A modification and METTL3 expression were increased in CRC samples. Knockdown of METTL3 in CAFs-exo suppressed CRC cell proliferation and metastasis, and induced cell ferroptosis. Mechanistically, METTL3 induced ACSL3 m6A modification and stabilized its expression. The anticancer effects mediated by METTL3-silenced CAFs-exo could be rescued by ACSL3 overexpression. Moreover, in vivo assay also showed that CAFs-exo with decreased METTL3 could hinder CRC growth and metastasis in mice models. CONCLUSION CAFs promoted the proliferation and metastasis, and restrained the ferroptosis in CRC by exosomal METTL3-elicited ACSL3 m6A modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Ren
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 57, Siwu Road, Xi'an City, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Mincong Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 57, Siwu Road, Xi'an City, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Xiulong Ma
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 57, Siwu Road, Xi'an City, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Lei An
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 57, Siwu Road, Xi'an City, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Yuyan Guo
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 57, Siwu Road, Xi'an City, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Hongbing Ma
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 57, Siwu Road, Xi'an City, Shaanxi, 710004, China.
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Shaikh S, Dhar H, Moorthy M, Bhat V, Basu S, Banerjee D, Mishra DK, Datta S, Mukherjee G. The spatial distribution of intermediate fibroblasts and myeloid-derived cells dictate lymph node metastasis dynamics in oral cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:759. [PMID: 39138492 PMCID: PMC11323585 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05511-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral cancer poses a significant health challenge due to limited treatment protocols and therapeutic targets. We aimed to investigate the invasive margins of gingivo-buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (GB-OSCC) tumors in terms of the localization of genes and cell types within the margins at various distances that could lead to nodal metastasis. METHODS We collected tumor tissues from 23 resected GB-OSCC samples for gene expression profiling using digital spatial transcriptomics. We monitored differential gene expression at varying distances between the tumor and its microenvironvent (TME), and performed a deconvulation study and immunohistochemistry to identify the cells and genes regulating the TME. RESULTS We found that the tumor-stromal interface (a distance up to 200 µm between tumor and immune cells) is the most active region for disease progression in GB-OSCC. The most differentially expressed apex genes, such as FN1 and COL5A1, were located at the stromal ends of the margins, and together with enrichment of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and an immune-suppressed microenvironment, were associated with lymph node metastasis. Intermediate fibroblasts, myocytes, and neutrophils were enriched at the tumor ends, while cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were enriched at the stromal ends. The intermediate fibroblasts transformed into CAFs and relocated to the adjacent stromal ends where they participated in FN1-mediated ECM modulation. CONCLUSION We have generated a functional organization of the tumor-stromal interface in GB-OSCC and identified spatially located genes that contribute to nodal metastasis and disease progression. Our dataset might now be mined to discover suitable molecular targets in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soni Shaikh
- Tata Medical Center, 14 MAR (E-W), New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, WB, 700160, India
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Kolkata, WB, India
| | - Harsh Dhar
- Medica Superspecialty Hospital, 127, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Nitai Nagar, Mukundapur, Kolkata, WB, 700099, India
| | - Manju Moorthy
- theraCUES Innovations Pvt Ltd., Bangalore, Karnataka, 560092, India
| | | | - Sangramjit Basu
- Tata Translational Cancer Research Centre (TTCRC), 14 MAR (E-W), New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, WB, 700160, India
| | - Devmalya Banerjee
- Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, 120, 1, Andul Rd, Shibpur, Howrah, WB, 711103, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Mishra
- Tata Medical Center, 14 MAR (E-W), New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, WB, 700160, India
| | - Sourav Datta
- Medica Superspecialty Hospital, 127, Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, Nitai Nagar, Mukundapur, Kolkata, WB, 700099, India.
| | - Geetashree Mukherjee
- Tata Medical Center, 14 MAR (E-W), New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, WB, 700160, India.
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Fan Y, Yu Y. Cancer-associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal METTL3 promotes the proliferation, invasion, stemness and glutaminolysis in non-small cell lung cancer cells by eliciting SLC7A5 m6A modification. Hum Cell 2024; 37:1120-1131. [PMID: 38625505 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01056-z] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can promote the crosstalk between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment by exosomes. METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenine (m6A) modification has been proved to promote the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we focused on the impacts of CAFs-derived exosomes and METTL3-mediated m6A modification on NSCLC progression. Functional analyses were conducted using Cell Counting Kit-8, EdU, colony formation, sphere formation and transwell assays, respectively. Glutamine metabolism was evaluated by detecting glutamate consumption, and the production of intercellular glutamate and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG). qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses were utilized to measure the levels of genes and proteins. Exosomes were isolated by kits. The methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay detected the m6A modification profile of Amino acid transporter LAT1 (SLC7A5) mRNA. The NSCLC mouse model was established to conduct in vivo experiments. We found that CAFs promoted the proliferation, invasion, stemness and glutaminolysis in NSCLC cells. METTL3 was enriched in CAFs and was packaged into exosomes. After knockdown of METTL3 in CAF exosomes, it was found the oncogenic effects of CAFs on NSCLC cells were suppressed. CAFs elevated m6A levels in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, exosomal METTL3-induced m6A modification in SLC7A5 mRNA and stabilized its expression in NSCLC cells. Moreover, SLC7A5 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effects of exosomal METTL3-decreased CAFs on NSCLC cells. In addition, METTL3 inhibition in CAF exosomes impeded NSCLC growth in vivo. In all, CAFs-derived exosomal METTL3 promoted the proliferation, invasion, stemness and glutaminolysis in NSCLC cells by inducing SLC7A5 m6A modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafeng Fan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, No. 3, Zhigongxin Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030000, China
| | - Yanling Yu
- Biotherapy department, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China.
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Peng Z, Fang C, Tong Z, Rao Q, Ren Z, Hu K. Crosstalk Between Cancer-associated Fibroblasts and Myeloid Cells Shapes the Heterogeneous Microenvironment of Gastric Cancer. Curr Genomics 2024; 25:390-411. [PMID: 39323622 PMCID: PMC11420565 DOI: 10.2174/0113892029300608240531111743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Targeted therapies have improved the clinical outcomes of most patients with cancer. However, the heterogeneity of gastric cancer remains a major hurdle for precision treatment. Further investigations into tumor microenvironment heterogeneity are required to resolve these problems. Methods In this study, bioinformatic analyses, including metabolism analysis, pathway enrichment, differentiation trajectory inference, regulatory network construction, and survival analysis, were applied to gain a comprehensive understanding of tumor microenvironment biology within gastric cancer using single-cell RNA-seq and public datasets and experiments were carried out to confirm the conclusions of these analyses. Results We profiled heterogeneous single-cell atlases and identified eight cell populations with differential expression patterns. We identified two cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) subtypes, with particular emphasis on the role of inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) in EMT and lipid metabolic crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment. Notably, we detected two differentiation states of iCAFs that existed in different tissues with discrepant expression of genes involved in immuno-inflammation or ECM remodeling. Moreover, investigation of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells has revealed the functional diversity of myeloid cell lineages in gastric cancer. Of which a proliferative cell lineage named C1QC+MKI67+TAMs was recognized with high immunosuppressive capacities, suggesting it has immune suppression and cell proliferation functions in the tumor niche. Finally, we explored regulatory networks based on ligand-receptor pairs and found crucial pro-tumor crosstalk between CAFs and myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Conclusion These findings provide insights for future cancer treatments and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Peng
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Can Fang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Zhiwei Tong
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Qiufan Rao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Zihao Ren
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Kongwang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
- Department of General Surgery, Fuyang Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, Anhui 236000, China
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Wu Y, Cao Y, Chen L, Lai X, Zhang S, Wang S. Role of Exosomes in Cancer and Aptamer-Modified Exosomes as a Promising Platform for Cancer Targeted Therapy. Biol Proced Online 2024; 26:15. [PMID: 38802766 PMCID: PMC11129508 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-024-00245-2] [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: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are increasingly recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication in cancer biology. Exosomes can be derived from cancer cells as well as cellular components in tumor microenvironment. After secretion, the exosomes carrying a wide range of bioactive cargos can be ingested by local or distant recipient cells. The released cargos act through a variety of mechanisms to elicit multiple biological effects and impact most if not all hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, owing to their excellent biocompatibility and capability of being easily engineered or modified, exosomes are currently exploited as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge of roles of exosomes in risk and etiology, initiation and progression of cancer, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms. The aptamer-modified exosome as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy is then briefly introduced. We also discuss the future directions for emerging roles of exosome in tumor biology and perspective of aptamer-modified exosomes in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Lai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shenghang Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Shuiliang Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
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Shimizu A, Sawada K, Kobayashi M, Oi Y, Oride T, Kinose Y, Kodama M, Hashimoto K, Kimura T. Patient-Derived Exosomes as siRNA Carriers in Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1482. [PMID: 38672564 PMCID: PMC11048711 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081482] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference is a powerful gene-silencing tool with potential clinical applications. However, its therapeutic use is challenging because suitable carriers are unavailable. Exosomes are stable small endogenous vesicles that can transport functional molecules to target cells, making them ideal small interfering RNA (siRNA) carriers. Herein, we elucidated the therapeutic potential of patient-derived exosomes as an siRNA carrier for ovarian cancer (OC) treatment. The exosomes were extracted from the culture medium of primary fibroblasts collected from the omentum of patients with OC during surgery. MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) was selected for gene silencing, c-Met siRNAs were synthesized and loaded into the exosomes (Met-siExosomes) via electroporation, and the treatment effect of the Met-siExosomes was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The Met-siExosomes downregulated the c-Met protein levels and inhibited OC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In xenograft experiments using SKOV3-13 and ES-2 cells, Met-siExosomes were selectively extracted from peritoneally disseminated tumors. Intraperitoneal treatment suppressed the c-Met downstream targets in cancer cells and prolonged mouse survival. The synthesized siRNAs were successfully and selectively delivered via the exosomes to intraperitoneally disseminated tumors. As patients with OC routinely undergo omentectomy and abundant fibroblasts can be easily collected from the omentum, patient-derived exosomes may represent a promising therapeutic siRNA carrier to treat OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasa Shimizu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (A.S.); (M.K.); (Y.O.); (T.O.); (Y.K.); (M.K.); (K.H.); (T.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kenjiro Sawada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (A.S.); (M.K.); (Y.O.); (T.O.); (Y.K.); (M.K.); (K.H.); (T.K.)
| | - Masaki Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (A.S.); (M.K.); (Y.O.); (T.O.); (Y.K.); (M.K.); (K.H.); (T.K.)
| | - Yukako Oi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (A.S.); (M.K.); (Y.O.); (T.O.); (Y.K.); (M.K.); (K.H.); (T.K.)
| | - Tadashi Oride
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (A.S.); (M.K.); (Y.O.); (T.O.); (Y.K.); (M.K.); (K.H.); (T.K.)
| | - Yasuto Kinose
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (A.S.); (M.K.); (Y.O.); (T.O.); (Y.K.); (M.K.); (K.H.); (T.K.)
| | - Michiko Kodama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (A.S.); (M.K.); (Y.O.); (T.O.); (Y.K.); (M.K.); (K.H.); (T.K.)
| | - Kae Hashimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (A.S.); (M.K.); (Y.O.); (T.O.); (Y.K.); (M.K.); (K.H.); (T.K.)
| | - Tadashi Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (A.S.); (M.K.); (Y.O.); (T.O.); (Y.K.); (M.K.); (K.H.); (T.K.)
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11
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Ruan Q, Ding D, Diao L, Feng J, Yin G, Jiang Y, Wang Q, Han P, Jiang J, Zhang J. Synthesis and Preclinical Evaluation of Novel 99mTc-Labeled FAPI-46 Derivatives with Significant Tumor Uptake and Improved Tumor-to-Nontarget Ratios. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3190-3202. [PMID: 38320123 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP), which is expressed on the cell membranes of fibroblasts in most solid tumors, has become an important target for tumor diagnosis and treatment. However, previously reported 99mTc-labeled FAPI-04 complexes have high blood uptake, limiting their use in the clinic. In this work, six 99mTc-labeled FAPI-46 derivatives with different linkers (different amino acids, peptides, or polyethylene glycol) were prepared and evaluated. They had good in vitro stability, hydrophilicity, and good specificity for FAP. The biodistribution and MicroSPECT images revealed that they all had high specific tumor uptake for FAP, and their blood uptake was significantly decreased. Among them, [99mTc]Tc-6-1 exhibited the highest target-to-nontarget ratios (tumor/blood: 6.06 ± 1.19; tumor/muscle: 10.26 ± 0.44) and good tumor uptake (16.15 ± 0.83%ID/g), which also had significantly high affinity for FAP, good in vivo stability, and safety. Therefore, [99mTc]Tc-6-1 holds great potential as a promising molecular tracer for FAP tumor imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of the Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Beam Technology of the Ministry of Education, College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Dajie Ding
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of the Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Lina Diao
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of the Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Junhong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of the Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Guangxing Yin
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of the Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Yuhao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of the Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Qianna Wang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of the Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Peiwen Han
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of the Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Jianyong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Beam Technology of the Ministry of Education, College of Nuclear Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Junbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of the Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
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12
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Zhang J. Special Issue: "Molecular Imaging in Oncology: Radiopharmaceuticals for PET and SPECT 2022". Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 17:49. [PMID: 38256883 PMCID: PMC10818332 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging is partly defined as in vivo imaging of biological or biochemical processes using various markers [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmaceuticals of Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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13
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Mitchell MI, Loudig O. Communicator Extraordinaire: Extracellular Vesicles in the Tumor Microenvironment Are Essential Local and Long-Distance Mediators of Cancer Metastasis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2534. [PMID: 37760975 PMCID: PMC10526527 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092534] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human tumors are increasingly being described as a complex "ecosystem", that includes many different cell types, secreted growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM) components, and microvessels, that altogether create the tumor microenvironment (TME). Within the TME, epithelial cancer cells control the function of surrounding stromal cells and the non-cellular ECM components in an intricate orchestra of signaling networks specifically designed for cancer cells to exploit surrounding cells for their own benefit. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) released into the tumor microenvironment are essential mediators in the reprogramming of surrounding stromal cells, which include cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and tumor endothelial cells (TECs), which are responsible for the promotion of neo-angiogenesis, immune cell evasion, and invasion which are essential for cancer progression. Perhaps most importantly, tumor-derived EVs play critical roles in the metastatic dissemination of tumor cells through their two-fold role in initiating cancer cell invasion and the establishment of the pre-metastatic niche, both of which are vital for tumor cell migration, homing, and colonization at secondary tumor sites. This review discusses extracellular vesicle trafficking within the tumor microenvironment and pre-metastatic niche formation, focusing on the complex role that EVs play in orchestrating cancer-to-stromal cell communication in order to promote the metastatic dissemination of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Loudig
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
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