A reciprocal feedback between colon cancer cells and Schwann cells promotes the proliferation and metastasis of colon cancer

Impact of sleep deprivation on colon cancer: Unraveling the KynA-P4HA2-HIF-1α axis in tumor lipid metabolism and metastasis

OBJECTIVE

There is growing evidence that sleep deprivation promotes cancer progression. In addition, colon cancer patients often experience sleep deprivation due to factors such as cancer pain and side effects of treatment. The occurrence of liver metastases is an important factor in the mortality of colon cancer patients. However, the relationship between sleep deprivation and liver metastases from colon cancer has not been elucidated.

METHODS

A sleep deprivation liver metastasis model was constructed to evaluate the effect of sleep deprivation on liver metastasis of colon cancer. Subsequently, mice feces were collected for untargeted metabolomics to screen and identify the key mediator, Kynurenic acid (KynA). Furthermore, HILPDA was screened by transcriptomics, and its potential mechanism was explored through ChIP, co-IP, ubiquitination experiments, phenotyping experiments, etc. RESULTS: Sleep deprivation promotes liver metastases in colon cancer. Functionally, sleep deprivation aggravates lipid accumulation and decreases the production of the microbiota metabolite KynA. In contrast, KynA inhibited colon cancer progression in vitro. In vivo, KynA supplementation reversed the promoting effects of sleep deprivation on liver metastases from colon cancer. Mechanistically, KynA downregulates the expression of P4HA2 to promote the ubiquitination and degradation of HIF-1α, which leads to a decrease in the transcription of HILPDA, and ultimately leads to an increase in lipolysis of colon cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal that sleep deprivation impairs intracellular lipolysis by KynA, leading to lipid droplets accumulation in colon cancer cells. This process ultimately promotes colon cancer liver metastasis. This suggests a promising strategy for colon cancer treatment.

Neuro-Mesenchymal Interaction Mediated by a β2-Adrenergic Nerve Growth Factor Feedforward Loop Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression

SIGNIFICANCE

Our work demonstrates that the bidirectional interplay between sympathetic nerves and NGF-expressing CAFs drives colorectal tumorigenesis. This study also offers novel mechanistic insights into catecholamine action in colorectal cancer. Inhibiting the neuro-mesenchymal interaction by TRK blockade could be a potential strategy for treating colorectal cancer.

Unraveling the peripheral nervous System's role in tumor: A Double-edged Sword

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, comprising various cells like neurons and glial cells, such as schwann and satellite cells. The PNS is increasingly recognized for its bidirectional interactions with tumors, exhibiting both pro- and anti-tumor effects. Our review delves into the complex mechanisms underlying these interactions, highlighting recent findings that challenge the conventional understanding of PNS's role in tumorigenesis. We emphasize the contradictory results in the literature and propose novel perspectives on how these discrepancies can be resolved. By focusing on the PNS's influence on tumor initiation, progression, and microenvironment remodeling, we provide a comprehensive analysis that goes beyond the structural description of the PNS. Our review suggests that a deeper comprehension of the PNS-tumor crosstalk is pivotal for developing targeted anticancer strategies. We conclude by emphasizing the need for future research to unravel the intricate dynamics of the PNS in cancer, which may lead to innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches.

Crosstalk Between the Nervous System and Colorectal Cancer

The nervous system is the dominant regulatory system in the human body. The traditional theory is that tumors lack innervation. However, an increasing number of studies have shown complex bidirectional interactions between tumors and the nervous system. Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer. With the rise of tumor neuroscience, the role of nervous system imbalances in the occurrence and development of CRC has attracted increasing amounts of attention. However, there are still many gaps in the research on the interactions and mechanisms involved in the nervous system in CRC. This article systematically reviews emerging research on the bidirectional relationships between the nervous system and CRC, focusing on the following areas: (1) Effects of the nervous system on colon cancer. (2) Effects of CRC on the nervous system. (3) Treatment of CRC associated with the nervous system.

Nervous system in colorectal cancer

A malignant tumor is a complex systemic disease involving the nervous system, which regulates nerve signals. Cancer neuroscience is a field that explores the interactions between tumors and the nervous system. The gastrointestinal tract is a typical peripheral organ with abundant neuroregulation and is regulated by the peripheral, enteric, and central nervous systems (PNS, ENS, and CNS, respectively). The physiological functions of the gastrointestinal tract are maintained via complex neuromodulation. Neuroregulatory imbalance is the primary cause of gastrointestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In CRC, there is a direct interaction between the nervous system and tumor cells. Moreover, this tumor-nerve interaction can indirectly regulate the tumor microenvironment, including the microbiota, immunity, and metabolism. In addition to the lower nerve centers, the stress response, emotion, and cognition represented by the higher nerve centers also participate in the occurrence and progression of CRC. Herein, we review some basic knowledge regarding cancer neuroscience and elucidate the mechanism underlying tumor-nerve interactions in CRC.

The Emerging Role of Schwann Cells in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Its Potential Clinical Application

As the primary glial cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Schwann cells (SCs) have been proven to influence the behavior of cancer cells profoundly and are involved in cancer progression through extensive interactions with cancer cells and other stromal cells. Indeed, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a critical factor that can significantly limit the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches. The TME promotes tumor progression in part by reshaping an immunosuppressive state. The immunosuppressive TME is the result of the crosstalk between the tumor cells and the different immune cell subsets, including macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), lymphocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), etc. They are closely related to the anti-tumor immune status and the clinical prognosis of cancer patients. Increasing research demonstrates that SCs influence these immune cells and reshape the formation of the immunosuppressive TME via the secretion of various cytokines, chemokines, and other effector molecules, eventually facilitating immune evasion and tumor progression. In this review, we summarize the SC reprogramming in TME, the emerging role of SCs in tumor immune microenvironment, and the underlying mechanisms involved. We also discuss the possible therapeutic strategies to selectively target SCs, providing insights and perspectives for future research and clinical studies involving SC-targeted treatment.

Schwann cells and enteric glial cells: Emerging stars in colorectal cancer

Cancer neuroscience, a promising field dedicated to exploring interactions between cancer and the nervous system, has attracted growing attention. The gastrointestinal tracts exhibit extensive innervation, notably characterized by intrinsic innervation. The gut harbors a substantial population of glial cells, including Schwann cells wrapping axons of neurons in the peripheral nervous system and enteric glial cells intricately associated with intrinsic innervation. Glial cells play a crucial role in maintaining the physiological functions of the intestine, encompassing nutrient absorption, barrier integrity, and immune modulation. Nevertheless, it has only been in recent times that the significance of glial cells within colorectal cancer (CRC) has begun to receive considerable attention. Emerging data suggests that glial cells in the gut contribute to the progression and metastasis of CRC, by interacting with cancer cells, influencing inflammation, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. Here, we summarize the significant roles of glial cells in the development and progression of CRC and discuss the latest technologies that can be integrated into this field for in-depth exploration, as well as potential specific targeted strategies for future exploration to benefit patients.

Spectral CT in the evaluation of perineural invasion status in rectal cancer

PURPOSE

To investigate whether preoperative spectral CT quantitative parameters can assess perineural invasion (PNI) status in rectal cancer.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients diagnosed with rectal cancer who underwent preoperative spectral CT were retrospectively enrolled and divided into positive and negative PNI groups according to histopathologic results. The CT attenuation value (HU) of virtual monochromatic images (40-70 keV), spectral curve slope (K(HU)), effective atomic number (Zeff), and iodine concentration (IC) from spectral CT were compared between these two groups using t test or rank sum test. A nomogram was established by incorporating the independent predictors to assess the overall diagnostic efficacy. The area under the ROC curves (AUCs) were compared using the DeLong test.

RESULTS

The preoperative spectral CT parameters (40-70 keV attenuation, K(HU), Zeff, and IC) were significantly higher in the PNI-positive group compared to the PNI-negative group (all p < 0.05). The highest predictive efficiency of PNI was observed at 40 keV attenuation, with an area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.847, 81.8%, 72.5%, and 75.8%, respectively. Binary logistic regression demonstrated that the clinical feature (cN stage) and 40 keV attenuation were independent predictors of PNI status. The nomogram incorporating these two predictors (cN stage and 40 keV attenuation) exhibited the best evaluation efficacy, with an AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 0.885, 86.4%, 77.5%, and 80.6%.

CONCLUSION

Spectral CT quantitative parameters proved valuable in the preoperative assessment of PNI status in rectal cancer patients. The combination of spectral CT parameters and clinical features could further enhance the diagnostic efficiency.

Research trends on cancer neuroscience: a bibliometric and visualized analysis

Background

Recently, cancer neuroscience has become the focus for scientists. Interactions between the nervous system and cancer (both systemic and local) can regulate tumorigenesis, progression, treatment resistance, compromise of anti-cancer immunity, and provocation of tumor-promoting inflammation. We assessed the related research on cancer neuroscience through bibliometric analysis and explored the research status and hotspots from 2020 to 2024.

Methods

Publications on cancer neuroscience retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica were used to analyze and visualize the result.

Results

A total of 744 publications were retrieved, with an upward trend in the overall number of articles published over the last 5 years. As it has the highest number of publications (n = 242) and citations (average 13.63 citations per article), the United States holds an absolute voice in the field of cancer neuroscience. The most productive organizations and journals were Shanghai Jiaotong University (n = 24) and Cancers (n = 45), respectively. Monje M (H-index = 53), Hondermarck H (H-index = 42), and Amit M (H-index = 39) were the three researchers who have contributed most to the field. From a global perspective, research hotspots in cancer neuroscience comprise nerve/neuron-tumor cell interactions, crosstalk between the nervous system and other components of the tumor microenvironment (such as immune cells), as well as the impact of tumors and tumor therapies on nervous system function.

Conclusion

The United States and European countries are dominating the field of cancer neuroscience, while developing countries such as China are growing rapidly but with limited impact. The next focal point in this field is likely to be neurotrophic factors. Cancer neuroscience is still in its infancy, which means that many of the interactions and mechanisms between the nervous system and cancer are not yet fully understood. Further investigation is necessary to probe the interactions of the nervous system with cancer cell subpopulations and other components of the tumor microenvironment.

Advancements in 3D In Vitro Models for Colorectal Cancer

The process of drug discovery and pre-clinical testing is currently inefficient, expensive, and time-consuming. Most importantly, the success rate is unsatisfactory, as only a small percentage of tested drugs are made available to oncological patients. This is largely due to the lack of reliable models that accurately predict drug efficacy and safety. Even animal models often fail to replicate human-specific pathologies and human body's complexity. These factors, along with ethical concerns regarding animal use, urge the development of suitable human-relevant, translational in vitro models.

Nerve growth factor promote VCAM-1-dependent monocyte adhesion and M2 polarization in osteosarcoma microenvironment: Implications for larotrectinib therapy

Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent form of primary malignant bone tumor, primarily affecting children and adolescents. The nerve growth factors (NGF) referred to as neurotrophins have been associated with cancer-induced bone pain; however, the role of NGF in osteosarcoma has yet to be elucidated. In osteosarcoma samples from the Genomic Data Commons data portal, we detected higher levels of NGF and M2 macrophage markers, but not M1 macrophage markers. In cellular experiments, NGF-stimulated osteosarcoma conditional medium was shown to facilitate macrophage polarization from the M0 to the M2 phenotype. NGF also enhanced VCAM-1-dependent monocyte adhesion within the osteosarcoma microenvironment by down-regulating miR-513c-5p levels through the FAK and c-Src cascades. In in vivo xenograft models, the overexpression of NGF was shown to enhance tumor growth, while the oral administration of the TrK inhibitor larotrectinib markedly antagonized NGF-promoted M2 macrophage expression and tumor progression. These results suggest that larotrectinib could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent aimed at mitigating NGF-mediated osteosarcoma progression.

Crosstalk between the nervous system and tumor microenvironment: Functional aspects and potential therapeutic strategies

Recent advancements in understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) have highlighted the critical role of the nervous system in cancer progression. This review comprehensively examines how the nervous system influences various aspects of tumorigenesis, including growth, motility, immune response, angiogenesis, and the behavior of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We delineate the neurodevelopmental mechanisms associated with cancer, such as the secretion of neurotrophins and exosomes by cancer cells. Furthermore, we explore the emerging therapeutic strategy of targeting nerves associated with tumors. Evidence supporting this approach includes studies demonstrating direct tumor growth inhibition, enhanced efficacy of immunotherapy when combined with nervous system-modulating drugs, and the suppression of tumor blood vessel formation through nerve targeting. Finally, we discuss the current challenges in this field and emphasize the need for further exploration within cancer neuroscience.

Nerve-tumor crosstalk in tumor microenvironment: From tumor initiation and progression to clinical implications

The autonomic nerve system (ANS) innervates organs and tissues throughout the body and maintains functional balance among various systems. Further investigations have shown that excessive activation of ANS not only causes disruption of homeostasis, but also may promote tumor formation. In addition, the dynamic interaction between nerve and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment also regulate tumor progression. On the one hand, nerves are passively invaded by tumor cells, that is, perineural invasion (PNI). On the other hand, compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues are subject to more abundant innervation, and nerves can influence tumor progression through regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance. A large number of studies have shown that nerve-tumor crosstalk, including PNI and innervation, is closely related to the prognosis of patients, and contributes to the formation of cancer pain, which significantly deteriorates the quality of life for patients. These findings suggest that nerve-tumor crosstalk represents a potential target for anti-tumor therapies and the management of cancer pain in the future. In this review, we systematically describe the mechanism by which nerve-tumor crosstalk regulates tumorigenesis and progression.

Promotion of perineural invasion of cholangiocarcinoma by Schwann cells via nerve growth factor

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a highly lethal tumor of the hepatobiliary system originating from bile duct epithelium, can be divided into the intrahepatic, hilar, and extrahepatic types. Due to its insidious onset and atypical early clinical symptoms, the overall prognosis is poor. One of the important factors contributing to the poor prognosis of CCA is the occurrence of perineural invasion (PNI), but the specific mechanisms regarding how it contributes to the occurrence of PNI are still unclear. The main purpose of this study is to explore the molecular mechanism leading to the occurrence of PNI and provide new ideas for clinical treatment.

Methods

CCA cell lines and Schwann cells (SCs) were stimulated to observe the changes in cell behavior. SCs cocultured with tumor supernatant and SCs cultured in normal medium were subjected to transcriptome sequencing to screen the significantly upregulated genes. Following this, the two types of tumor cells were cultured with SC supernatant, and the changes in behavior of the tumor cells were observed. Nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficiency disease (NOD-SCID) mice were injected with cell suspension supplemented with nerve growth factor (NGF) via the sciatic nerve. Four weeks later, the mice were euthanized and the tumor sections were removed and stained.

Results

Nerve invasion by tumor cells was common in CCA tissues. SCs were observed in tumor tissues, and the number of SCs in tumor tissues and the degree of PNI were much higher than were those in normal tissues or tissues without PNI. The overall survival time was shorter in patients with CCA with PNI than in patients without PNI. SCs were enriched in CCA tissues, indicating the presence of PNI and associated with poor prognosis in CCA patients. CCA was found to promote NGF secretion from SCs in vitro. After the addition of exogenous NGF in CCA cell culture medium, the proliferation activity and migration ability of CCA cells were significantly increased, suggesting that SCs can promote the proliferation and migration of CCA through the secretion of NGF. NGF, in turn, was observed to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in CCA through tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA), thus promoting its progression. Tumor growth in mice shows that NGF can promote PNI in CCA.

Conclusions

In CCA, tumor cells can promote the secretion of NGF by SCs, which promotes the progression of CCA and PNI by binding to its high-affinity receptor TrkA, leading to poor prognosis.

Targeting nerve growth factor-mediated osteosarcoma metastasis: mechanistic insights and therapeutic opportunities using larotrectinib

Osteosarcoma (OS) therapy presents numerous challenges, due largely to a low survival rate following metastasis onset. Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been implicated in the metastasis and progression of various cancers; however, the mechanism by which NGF promotes metastasis in osteosarcoma has yet to be elucidated. This study investigated the influence of NGF on the migration and metastasis of osteosarcoma patients (88 cases) as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, based on RNA-sequencing and gene expression data from a public database (TARGET-OS). In osteosarcoma patients, the expression of NGF was significantly higher than that of other growth factors. This observation was confirmed in bone tissue arrays from 91 osteosarcoma patients, in which the expression levels of NGF and matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2) protein were significantly higher than in normal bone, and strongly correlated with tumor stage. In summary, NGF is positively correlated with MMP-2 in human osteosarcoma tissue and NGF promotes osteosarcoma cell metastasis by upregulating MMP-2 expression. In cellular experiments using human osteosarcoma cells (143B and MG63), NGF upregulated MMP-2 expression and promoted wound healing, cell migration, and cell invasion. Pre-treatment with MEK and ERK inhibitors or siRNA attenuated the effects of NGF on cell migration and invasion. Stimulation with NGF was shown to promote phosphorylation along the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and decrease the expression of microRNA-92a-1-5p (miR-92a-1-5p). In in vivo experiments involving an orthotopic mouse model, the overexpression of NGF enhanced the effects of NGF on lung metastasis. Note that larotrectinib (a tropomyosin kinase receptor) strongly inhibited the effect of NGF on lung metastasis. In conclusion, it appears that NGF promotes MMP-2-dependent cell migration by inhibiting the effects of miR-92a-1-5p via the MEK/ERK signaling cascade. Larotrectinib emerged as a potential drug for the treatment of NGF-mediated metastasis in osteosarcoma.

Role of Exosomes in Cancer and Aptamer-Modified Exosomes as a Promising Platform for Cancer Targeted Therapy

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.

Function and mechanism of exosomes derived from different cells as communication mediators in colorectal cancer metastasis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with metastasis being the primary determinant of poor prognosis in patients. Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC metastasis is currently a prominent and challenging area of research. Exosomes, as crucial intercellular communication mediators, facilitate the transfer of metabolic and genetic information from cells of origin to recipient cells. Their roles in mediating information exchange between CRC cells and immune cells, fibroblasts, and other cell types are pivotal in reshaping the tumor microenvironment, regulating key biological processes such as invasion, migration, and formation of pre-metastatic niche. This article comprehensively examines the communication function and mechanism of exosomes derived from different cells in cancer metastasis, while also presenting an outlook on current research advancements and future application prospects. The aim is to offer a distinctive perspective that contributes to accurate diagnosis and rational treatment strategies for CRC.

Hawthorn Proanthocyanidin Extract Inhibits Colorectal Carcinoma Metastasis by Targeting the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Process and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is a major global health concern, with cancer metastasis being the main cause of patient mortality, and current CRC treatments are challenged by drug resistance. Although natural compounds, especially in foods like hawthorn proanthocyanidin extract (HPOE), have good anticancer activity, their effects on CRC metastasis remain unknown. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the impact and potential mechanisms of HPOE on the movement and infiltration of cells in the HCT116 CRC cells. Firstly, scratch-healing experiments confirmed the anti-migratory and anti-invasive capabilities of HPOE. Then, network pharmacology identified 16 possible targets, including MMP-9. Subsequently, RT-qPCR and Western blotting experiments confirmed that HPOE downregulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related factors (N-cadherin and MMP-9) and inhibited Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. Finally, these results were experimentally validated using the Wnt pathway activator Licl and inhibitor XAV939. It was confirmed that HPOE had a certain inhibitory effect on the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway caused by the activator Licl and could enhance the inhibitory effect of the inhibitor XAV939. Our findings provide a basis for developing functional foods or dietary supplements, especially positioning HPOE as a functional food raw material for adjuvant treatment of CRC, given its ability to inhibit metastasis through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Schwann cells in pancreatic cancer: Unraveling their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis and neural interactions

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), characterized by heightened neural density, presents a challenging prognosis primarily due to perineural invasion. Recognized for their crucial roles in neural support and myelination, Schwann cells (SCs) significantly influence the process of tumorigenesis. This review succinctly outlines the interplay between PDAC and neural systems, positioning SCs as a nexus in the tumor-neural interface. Subsequently, it delves into the cellular origin and influencers of SCs within the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, emphasizing their multifaceted roles in tumor initiation, progression, and modulation of the neural and immune microenvironment. The discussion encompasses potential therapeutic interventions targeting SCs. Lastly, the review underscores pressing issues, advocating for sustained exploration into the diverse contributions of SCs within the intricate landscape of PDAC, with the aim of enhancing our understanding of their involvement in this complex malignancy.

Cancer-derived exosomes as novel biomarkers in metastatic gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) is the most prevalent and highly metastatic malignant tumor and has a significant impact on mortality rates. Nevertheless, the swift advancement of contemporary technology has not seamlessly aligned with the evolution of detection methodologies, resulting in a deficit of innovative and efficient clinical assays for GIC. Given that exosomes are preferentially released by a myriad of cellular entities, predominantly originating from neoplastic cells, this confers exosomes with a composition enriched in cancer-specific constituents. Furthermore, exosomes exhibit ubiquitous presence across diverse biological fluids, endowing them with the inherent advantages of non-invasiveness, real-time monitoring, and tumor specificity. The unparalleled advantages inherent in exosomes render them as an ideal liquid biopsy biomarker for early diagnosis, prognosticating the potential development of GIC metastasis.In this review, we summarized the latest research progress and possible potential targets on cancer-derived exosomes (CDEs) in GIC with an emphasis on the mechanisms of exosome promoting cancer metastasis, highlighting the potential roles of CDEs as the biomarker and treatment in metastatic GIC.

Hypoxia preconditioning of adipose stem cell-derived exosomes loaded in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) promote type H angiogenesis and osteoporotic fracture repair

The challenges posed by delayed atrophic healing and nonunion stand as formidable obstacles in osteoporotic fracture treatment. The processes of type H angiogenesis and osteogenesis emerge as pivotal mechanisms during bone regeneration. Notably, the preconditioning of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) exosomes under hypoxic conditions has garnered attention for its potential to augment the secretion and functionality of these exosomes. In the present investigation, we embarked upon a comprehensive elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of hypo-ADSC-Exos within the milieu of osteoporotic bone regeneration. Our findings revealed that hypo-ADSC-Exos harboured a preeminent miRNA, namely, miR-21-5p, which emerged as the principal orchestrator of angiogenic effects. Through in vitro experiments, we demonstrated the capacity of hypo-ADSC-Exos to stimulate the proliferation, migration, and angiogenic potential of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via the mediation of miR-21-5p. The inhibition of miR-21-5p effectively attenuated the proangiogenic effects mediated by hypo-ADSC-Exos. Mechanistically, our investigation revealed that exosomal miR-21-5p emanating from hypo-ADSCs exerts its regulatory influence by targeting sprouly1 (SPRY1) within HUVECs, thereby facilitating the activation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Notably, knockdown of SPRY1 in HUVECs was found to potentiate PI3K/AKT activation and, concomitantly, HUVEC proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The culminating stage of our study involved a compelling in vivo demonstration wherein GelMA loaded with hypo-ADSC-Exos was validated to substantially enhance local type H angiogenesis and concomitant bone regeneration. This enhancement was unequivocally attributed to the exosomal modulation of SPRY1. In summary, our investigation offers a pioneering perspective on the potential utility of hypo-ADSC-Exos as readily available for osteoporotic fracture treatment.

Perineural invasion in colorectal cancer: mechanisms of action and clinical relevance

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the significance of the nervous system in the tumor microenvironment has gained increasing attention. The bidirectional communication between nerves and cancer cells plays a critical role in tumor initiation and progression. Perineural invasion (PNI) occurs when tumor cells invade the nerve sheath and/or encircle more than 33% of the nerve circumference. PNI is a common feature in various malignancies and is associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, cancer-related pain, and unfavorable clinical outcomes. The colon and rectum are highly innervated organs, and accumulating studies support PNI as a histopathologic feature of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, it is essential to investigate the role of nerves in CRC and comprehend the mechanisms of PNI to impede tumor progression and improve patient survival.

CONCLUSION

This review elucidates the clinical significance of PNI, summarizes the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, introduces various experimental models suitable for studying PNI, and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting this phenomenon. By delving into the intricate interactions between nerves and tumor cells, we hope this review can provide valuable insights for the future development of CRC treatments.

Nerve Growth Factor and the Role of Inflammation in Tumor Development

Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a dual role both in inflammatory states and cancer, acting both as a pro-inflammatory and oncogenic factor and as an anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediator in a context-dependent way based on the signaling networks and its interaction with diverse cellular components within the microenvironment. This report aims to provide a summary and subsequent review of the literature on the role of NGF in regulating the inflammatory microenvironment and tumor cell growth, survival, and death. The role of NGF in inflammation and tumorigenesis as a component of the inflammatory system, its interaction with the various components of the respective microenvironments, its ability to cause epigenetic changes, and its role in the treatment of cancer have been highlighted in this paper.

Targeting lipid metabolism in cancer metastasis

This review delves into the most recent research on the metabolic adaptability of cancer cells and examines how their metabolic functions can impact their progression into metastatic forms. We emphasize the growing significance of lipid metabolism and dietary lipids within the tumor microenvironment, underscoring their influence on tumor progression. Additionally, we present an outline of the interplay between metabolic processes and the epigenome of cancer cells, underscoring the importance regarding the metastatic process. Lastly, we examine the potential of targeting metabolism as a therapeutic approach in combating cancer progression, shedding light on innovative drugs/targets currently undergoing preclinical evaluation.

Mini-Review: Enteric glia of the tumor microenvironment: An affair of corruption

The tumor microenvironment corresponds to a complex mixture of bioactive products released by local and recruited cells whose normal functions have been "corrupted" by cues originating from the tumor, mostly to favor cancer growth, dissemination and resistance to therapies. While the immune and the mesenchymal cellular components of the tumor microenvironment in colon cancer have been under intense scrutiny over the last two decades, the influence of the resident neural cells of the gut on colon carcinogenesis has only very recently begun to draw attention. The vast majority of the resident neural cells of the gastrointestinal tract belong to the enteric nervous system and correspond to enteric neurons and enteric glial cells, both of which have been understudied in the context of colon cancer development and progression. In this review, we especially discuss available evidence on enteric glia impact on colon carcinogenesis. To highlight "corrupted" functioning in enteric glial cells of the tumor microenvironment and its repercussion on tumorigenesis, we first review the main regulatory effects of enteric glial cells on the intestinal epithelium in homeostatic conditions and we next present current knowledge on enteric glia influence on colon tumorigenesis. We particularly examine how enteric glial cell heterogeneity and plasticity require further appreciation to better understand the distinct regulatory interactions enteric glial cell subtypes engage with the various cell types of the tumor, and to identify novel biological targets to block enteric glia pro-carcinogenic signaling.

Perineural invasion: A potential driver of cancer-induced pain

Perineural invasion (PNI) is the process through which tumors invade and interact with nerves. The dynamic changes in the nerves caused by PNI may induce disturbing symptoms. PNI-related cancer pain in neuro-rich tumors has attracted much attention because the occurrence of tumor-induced pain is closely related to the invasion of nerves in the tumor microenvironment. PNI-related pain might indicate the occurrence of PNI, guide the improvement of treatment strategies, and predict the unresectability of tumors and the necessity of palliative care. Although many studies have investigated PNI, its relationship with tumor-induced pain and its common mechanisms have not been summarized thoroughly. Therefore, in this review, we evaluated the relationship between PNI and cancer-associated pain. We showed that PNI is a major cause of cancer-related pain and that this pain can predict the occurrence of PNI. We also elucidated the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PNI-induced pain. Finally, we analyzed the possible targets for alleviating PNI-related pain or combined antitumor and pain management. Our findings might provide new perspectives for improving the treatment of patients with malignant tumors.

Emerging role of exosome-shuttled noncoding RNAs in gastrointestinal cancers: From intercellular crosstalk to clinical utility

Gastrointestinal cancer remains a significant global health burden. The pursuit of advancing the comprehension of tumorigenesis, along with the identification of reliable biomarkers and the development of precise therapeutic strategies, represents imperative objectives in this field. Exosomes, small membranous vesicles released by most cells, commonly carry functional biomolecules, including noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which are specifically sorted and encapsulated by exosomes. Exosome-mediated communication involves the release of exosomes from tumor or stromal cells and the uptake by nearby or remote recipient cells. The bioactive cargoes contained within these exosomes exert profound effects on the recipient cells, resulting in significant modifications in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and distinct alterations in gastrointestinal tumor behaviors. Due to the feasibility of isolating exosomes from various bodily fluids, exosomal ncRNAs have shown great potential as liquid biopsy-based indicators for different gastrointestinal cancers, using blood, ascites, saliva, or bile samples. Moreover, exosomes are increasingly recognized as natural delivery vehicles for ncRNA-based therapeutic interventions. In this review, we elucidate the processes of ncRNA-enriched exosome biogenesis and uptake, examine the regulatory and functional roles of exosomal ncRNA-mediated intercellular crosstalk in gastrointestinal TME and tumor behaviors, and explore their potential clinical utility in diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics.

Identification of novel and potent dual-targeting HDAC1/SPOP inhibitors using structure-based virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulation and evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity

Cancer is one of the important factors threatening human health. Hence, it is essential to create novel potent drugs to treat it. Due to the strong correlation among histone deacetylase1 (HDAC1), speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) and cancers, dual inhibition of HDAC1 and SPOP may be a promising strategy for cancer treatment. In this study, we successfully identified four potential dual-targeting HDAC1/SPOP candidate compounds with structure-based virtual screening. In vitro inhibition experiments confirmed that the four compounds had dual inhibitory effects on HDAC1 and SPOP. Among them, compound HS-2 had a stronger inhibitory effect on HDAC1 and SPOP than the positive controls. Further molecular dynamics simulations indicated that HS-2 could stably bind to HDAC1 and SPOP. In addition, MTT assay indicated that HS-2 inhibited the growth of tumor cells in the micromolar range. In vivo evaluation showed that HS-2 could obviously inhibit the growth of tumor in nude mice without obvious toxicity. These findings suggest that HS-2 is a novel and potent dual-targeting HDAC1/SPOP inhibitor for cancer treatment.