1
|
Mills M, Emori C, Kumar P, Boucher Z, George J, Bolcun-Filas E. Single-cell and bulk transcriptional profiling of mouse ovaries reveals novel genes and pathways associated with DNA damage response in oocytes. Dev Biol 2024; 517:55-72. [PMID: 39306223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Immature oocytes enclosed in primordial follicles stored in female ovaries are under constant threat of DNA damage induced by endogenous and exogenous factors. Checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) is a key mediator of the DNA damage response (DDR) in all cells. Genetic studies have shown that CHEK2 and its downstream targets, p53, and TAp63, regulate primordial follicle elimination in response to DNA damage. However, the mechanism leading to their demise is still poorly characterized. Single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing were used to determine the DDR in wild-type and Chek2-deficient ovaries. A low but oocyte-lethal dose of ionizing radiation induces ovarian DDR that is solely dependent on CHEK2. DNA damage activates multiple response pathways related to apoptosis, p53, interferon signaling, inflammation, cell adhesion, and intercellular communication. These pathways are differentially employed by different ovarian cell types, with oocytes disproportionately affected by radiation. Novel genes and pathways are induced by radiation specifically in oocytes, shedding light on their sensitivity to DNA damage, and implicating a coordinated response between oocytes and pregranulosa cells within the follicle. These findings provide a foundation for future studies on the specific mechanisms regulating oocyte survival in the context of aging, therapeutic and environmental genotoxic exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Mills
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA; The Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469, USA
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
| | - Parveen Kumar
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06110, USA
| | - Zachary Boucher
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA
| | - Joshy George
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, 06110, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Berzaghi R, Gundersen K, Dille Pedersen B, Utne A, Yang N, Hellevik T, Martinez-Zubiaurre I. Immunological signatures from irradiated cancer-associated fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1433237. [PMID: 39308864 PMCID: PMC11412886 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1433237] [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: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundant and influential elements of the tumor microenvironment (TME), giving support to tumor development in multiple ways. Among other mechanisms, CAFs are important regulators of immunological processes occurring in tumors. However, CAF-mediated tumor immunomodulation in the context of radiotherapy remains poorly understood. In this study, we explore effects of radiation on CAF-derived immunoregulatory signals to the TME. Methods Primary CAF cultures were established from freshly collected human NSCLC lung tumors. CAFs were exposed to single-high or fractionated radiation regimens (1x18Gy or 3x6Gy), and the expression of different immunoregulatory cell-associated and secreted signaling molecules was analyzed 48h and 6 days after initiation of treatment. Analyses included quantitative measurements of released damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), interferon (IFN) type I responses, expression of immune regulatory receptors, and secretion of soluble cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. CAFs are able to survive ablative radiation regimens, however they enter into a stage of premature cell senescence. Results Our data show that CAFs avoid apoptosis and do not contribute by release of DAMPs or IFN-I secretion to radiation-mediated tumor immunoregulation. Furthermore, the secretion of relevant immunoregulatory cytokines and growth factors including TGF-β, IL-6, IL-10, TNFα, IL-1β, VEGF, CXCL12, and CXCL10 remain comparable between non-irradiated and radiation-induced senescent CAFs. Importantly, radiation exposure modifies the cell surface expression of some key immunoregulatory receptors, including upregulation of CD73 and CD276. Discussion Our data suggest that CAFs do not participate in the release of danger signals or IFN-I secretion following radiotherapy. The immune phenotype of CAFs and radiation-induced senescent CAFs is similar, however, the observed elevation of some cell surface immunological receptors on irradiated CAFs could contribute to the establishment of an enhanced immunosuppressive TME after radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Berzaghi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kristian Gundersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Brede Dille Pedersen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Amalie Utne
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nannan Yang
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Turid Hellevik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Inigo Martinez-Zubiaurre
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dai S, Liu Y, Liu Z, Li R, Luo F, Li Y, Dai L, Peng X. Cancer-associated fibroblasts mediate resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in cancer. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107304. [PMID: 39002870 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107304] [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: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Over the last decade, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies have transformed the treatment landscape for patients with advanced solid tumors. Despite these advances, resistance to anti-EGFR therapies is still a significant clinical challenge. While cell-autonomous mechanisms of resistance are well-documented, they do not fully elucidate the complexity of drug resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), key mediators within the tumor microenvironment (TME), have emerged as pivotal players in cancer progression and chemoresistance. Recent evidence implicates CAFs in resistance to anti-EGFR therapies, suggesting they may undermine treatment efficacy. This review synthesizes current data, highlighting the critical role of CAFs in resistance pathogenesis and summarizing recent therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs. We underscore the challenges and advocate for the exploration of CAFs as a potential dual-targeted approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yingtong Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zheran Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, China
| | - Ruidan Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xingchen Peng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sentek H, Braun A, Budeus B, Klein D. Non-small cell lung cancer cells and concomitant cancer therapy induce a resistance-promoting phenotype of tumor-associated mesenchymal stem cells. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1406268. [PMID: 39011489 PMCID: PMC11246879 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1406268] [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: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The tumor microenvironment gained attraction over the last decades as stromal cells significantly impact on tumor development, progression and metastasis, and immune evasion as well as on cancer therapy resistance. We previously reported that lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were mobilized and activated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression and could even mediate radiation resistance in co-cultured NSCLC cells. Methods We investigated how MSCs were affected by NSCLC cells in combination with cancer (radiation) therapy in indirect co-cultures using tumor-conditioned medium and Transwells or direct three-dimensional NSCLC-MSC spheroid co-cultures in order to unravel the resistance-mediating action of tumor-associated MSCs. Results Although no obvious phenotypic and functional alterations in MSCs following NSCLC co-culture could be observed, MSC senescence was induced following co-applied radiotherapy (RT). Global gene expression profiling, in combination with gene set enrichment analysis upon treatment, was used to confirm the senescent phenotype of irradiated MSC and to reveal relevant senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors that could meditate NSCLC RT resistance. We identified senescent tumor-associated MSC-derived serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) E1/PAI1 as potential SASP factor mediating NSCLC progression and RT resistance. Discussion Specified intra-tumor-stroma interactions and cell type-specific pro-tumorigenic functions could not only improve lung cancer classification but could even be used for a more precise profiling of individual patients, finally paving an additional way for the discovery of potential drug targets for NSCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Diana Klein
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pennel K, Dutton L, Melissourgou-Syka L, Roxburgh C, Birch J, Edwards J. Novel radiation and targeted therapy combinations for improving rectal cancer outcomes. Expert Rev Mol Med 2024; 26:e14. [PMID: 38623751 PMCID: PMC11140547 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2024.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used as standard treatment for rectal cancer. However, response rates are variable and survival outcomes remain poor, highlighting the need to develop new therapeutic strategies. Research is focused on identifying novel methods for sensitising rectal tumours to RT to enhance responses and improve patient outcomes. This can be achieved through harnessing tumour promoting effects of radiation or preventing development of radio-resistance in cancer cells. Many of the approaches being investigated involve targeting the recently published new dimensions of cancer hallmarks. This review article will discuss key radiation and targeted therapy combination strategies being investigated in the rectal cancer setting, with a focus on exploitation of mechanisms which target the hallmarks of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Pennel
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Louise Dutton
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Lydia Melissourgou-Syka
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, G611BD, UK
| | - Campbell Roxburgh
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Academic Unit of Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G4 0SF, UK
| | - Joanna Birch
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Joanne Edwards
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mills M, Emori C, Kumar P, Boucher Z, George J, Bolcun-Filas E. Single-cell and bulk transcriptional profiling of mouse ovaries reveals novel genes and pathways associated with DNA damage response in oocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.02.578648. [PMID: 38352597 PMCID: PMC10862846 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.02.578648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Immature oocytes enclosed in primordial follicles stored in female ovaries are under constant threat of DNA damage induced by endogenous and exogenous factors. Checkpoint kinase 2 (CHEK2) is a key mediator of the DNA damage response in all cells. Genetic studies have shown that CHEK2 and its downstream targets, p53 and TAp63, regulate primordial follicle elimination in response to DNA damage, however the mechanism leading to their demise is still poorly characterized. Single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing were used to determine the DNA damage response in wildtype and Chek2-deficient ovaries. A low but oocyte-lethal dose of ionizing radiation induces a DNA damage response in ovarian cells that is solely dependent on CHEK2. DNA damage activates multiple ovarian response pathways related to apoptosis, p53, interferon signaling, inflammation, cell adhesion, and intercellular communication. These pathways are differentially employed by different ovarian cell types, with oocytes disproportionately affected by radiation. Novel genes and pathways are induced by radiation specifically in oocytes, shedding light on their sensitivity to DNA damage, and implicating a coordinated response between oocytes and pre-granulosa cells within the follicle. These findings provide a foundation for future studies on the specific mechanisms regulating oocyte survival in the context of aging, as well as therapeutic and environmental genotoxic exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Mills
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Parveen Kumar
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Zachary Boucher
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Joshy George
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Riviere-Cazaux C, Carlstrom LP, Neth BJ, Olson IE, Rajani K, Rahman M, Ikram S, Mansour MA, Mukherjee B, Warrington AE, Short SC, von Zglinicki T, Brown DA, Burma S, Tchkonia T, Schafer MJ, Baker DJ, Kizilbash SH, Kirkland JL, Burns TC. An untapped window of opportunity for glioma: targeting therapy-induced senescence prior to recurrence. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:126. [PMID: 38030881 PMCID: PMC10687268 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00476-8] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade gliomas are primary brain tumors that are incredibly refractory long-term to surgery and chemoradiation, with no proven durable salvage therapies for patients that have failed conventional treatments. Post-treatment, the latent glioma and its microenvironment are characterized by a senescent-like state of mitotic arrest and a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) induced by prior chemoradiation. Although senescence was once thought to be irreversible, recent evidence has demonstrated that cells may escape this state and re-enter the cell cycle, contributing to tumor recurrence. Moreover, senescent tumor cells could spur the growth of their non-senescent counterparts, thereby accelerating recurrence. In this review, we highlight emerging evidence supporting the use of senolytic agents to ablate latent, senescent-like cells that could contribute to tumor recurrence. We also discuss how senescent cell clearance can decrease the SASP within the tumor microenvironment thereby reducing tumor aggressiveness at recurrence. Finally, senolytics could improve the long-term sequelae of prior therapy on cognition and bone marrow function. We critically review the senolytic drugs currently under preclinical and clinical investigation and the potential challenges that may be associated with deploying senolytics against latent glioma. In conclusion, senescence in glioma and the microenvironment are critical and potential targets for delaying or preventing tumor recurrence and improving patient functional outcomes through senotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ian E Olson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Masum Rahman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Samar Ikram
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Bipasha Mukherjee
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Arthur E Warrington
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Susan C Short
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James's, St. James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Thomas von Zglinicki
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Desmond A Brown
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sandeep Burma
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Tamar Tchkonia
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Marissa J Schafer
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Darren J Baker
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - James L Kirkland
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Terry C Burns
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Arechaga-Ocampo E. Epigenetics as a determinant of radiation response in cancer. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 383:145-190. [PMID: 38359968 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.008] [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: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment. Treatment is based on depositing focal radiation to the tumor to inhibit cell growth, proliferation and metastasis, and to promote the death of cancer cells. In addition, radiation also affects non-tumor cells in the tumor microenvironmental (TME). Radiation resistance of the tumor cells is the most common cause of treatment failure, allowing survival of cancer cell and subsequent tumor growing. Molecular radioresistance comprises genetic and epigenetic characteristics inherent in cancer cells, or characteristics acquired after exposure to radiation. Furthermore, cancer stem cells (CSCs) and non-tumor cells into the TME as stromal and immune cells have a role in promoting and maintaining radioresistant tumor phenotypes. Different regulatory molecules and pathways distinctive of radiation resistance include DNA repair, survival signaling and cell death pathways. Epigenetic mechanisms are one of the most relevant events that occur after radiotherapy to regulate the expression and function of key genes and proteins in the differential radiation-response. This article reviews recent data on the main molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways related to the biological response to radiotherapy in cancer; highlighting the epigenetic control exerted by DNA methylation, histone marks, chromatin remodeling and m6A RNA methylation on gene expression and activation of signaling pathways related to radiation therapy response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Arechaga-Ocampo
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Unidad Cuajimalpa, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|