1
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Xu H, Song Y. Analyzing the Functional Roles and Immunological Features of Chemokines in COAD. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5410. [PMID: 38791448 PMCID: PMC11121388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105410] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are key proteins that regulate cell migration and immune responses and are essential for modulating the tumor microenvironment. Despite their close association with colon cancer, the expression patterns, prognosis, immunity, and specific roles of chemokines in colon cancer are still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the mutational features, differential expression, and immunological characteristics of chemokines in colon cancer (COAD) by analyzing the Tumor Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We clarified the biological functions of these chemokines using Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. By univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses, we developed chemokine-based prognostic risk models. In addition, using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variant Analysis (GSVA), we analyzed the differences in immune responses and signaling pathways among different risk groups. The results showed that the mutation rate of chemokines was low in COAD, but 25 chemokines were significantly differentially expressed. These chemokines function in several immune-related biological processes and play key roles in signaling pathways including cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, NF-kappa B, and IL-17. Prognostic risk models based on CCL22, CXCL1, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL11 performed well. GSEA and GSVA analyses showed significant differences in immune responses and signaling pathways across risk groups. In conclusion, this study reveals the potential molecular mechanisms of chemokines in COAD and proposes a new prognostic risk model based on these insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houxi Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China;
| | - Yihua Song
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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2
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Yuan Y, Wu D, Hou Y, Zhang Y, Tan C, Nie X, Zhao Z, Hou J. Wnt signaling: Modulating tumor-associated macrophages and related immunotherapeutic insights. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116154. [PMID: 38513742 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways are highly conserved cascades that mediate multiple biological processes through canonical or noncanonical pathways, from embryonic development to tissue maintenance, but they also contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous cancers. Recent studies have revealed that Wnt signaling pathways critically control the interplay between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and potentially impact the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the evidence that Wnt signaling pathways boost the maturation and infiltration of macrophages for immune surveillance in the steady state but also polarize TAMs toward immunosuppressive M2-like phenotypes for immune escape in the TME. Both cancer cells and TAMs utilize Wnt signaling to transmit signals, and this interaction is crucial for the carcinogenesis and progression of common solid cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, hepatocellular, breast, thyroid, prostate, kidney, and lung cancers; osteosarcoma; and glioma. Specifically, compared with those in solid cancers, Wnt signaling pathways play a distinct role in the pathogenesis of leukemia. Efforts to develop Wnt-based drugs for cancer treatment are still ongoing, and some indeed enhance the anticancer immune response. We believe that the combination of Wnt signaling-based therapy with conventional or immune therapies is a promising therapeutic approach and can facilitate personalized treatment for most cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Dapeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yifan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Cong Tan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaobo Nie
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Zhenhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Junqing Hou
- Kaifeng 155 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group Co. Ltd., Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
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3
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Strachowska M, Robaszkiewicz A. Characteristics of anticancer activity of CBP/p300 inhibitors - Features of their classes, intracellular targets and future perspectives of their application in cancer treatment. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 257:108636. [PMID: 38521246 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108636] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Due to the contribution of highly homologous acetyltransferases CBP and p300 to transcription elevation of oncogenes and other cancer promoting factors, these enzymes emerge as possible epigenetic targets of anticancer therapy. Extensive efforts in search for small molecule inhibitors led to development of compounds targeting histone acetyltransferase catalytic domain or chromatin-interacting bromodomain of CBP/p300, as well as dual BET and CBP/p300 inhibitors. The promising anticancer efficacy in in vitro and mice models led CCS1477 and NEO2734 to clinical trials. However, none of the described inhibitors is perfectly specific to CBP/p300 since they share similarity of a key functional domains with other enzymes, which are critically associated with cancer progression and their antagonists demonstrate remarkable clinical efficacy in cancer therapy. Therefore, we revise the possible and clinically relevant off-targets of CBP/p300 inhibitors that can be blocked simultaneously with CBP/p300 thereby improving the anticancer potential of CBP/p300 inhibitors and pharmacokinetic predicting data such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Strachowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biophysics, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; University of Lodz, Bio-Med-Chem Doctoral School of the University of Lodz and Lodz Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Banacha 12 /16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Robaszkiewicz
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biophysics, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Institute of Fundamental and Basic Research, 600 5(th) Street South, Saint Petersburg FL33701, United States of America.
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4
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Wu H, Jiang N, Li J, Jin Q, Jin J, Guo J, Wei X, Wang X, Yao L, Meng D, Zhi X. Tumor cell SPTBN1 inhibits M2 polarization of macrophages by suppressing CXCL1 expression. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:97-111. [PMID: 37921259 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31146] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and the M2-type TAMs can promote tumor growth, invasion and angiogenesis, and suppress antitumor immune responses. It has been reported that spectrin beta, non-erythrocytic 1 (SPTBN1) may inhibit the infiltration of macrophages in Sptbn1+/- mouse liver, but whether tumor SPTBN1 affects TAMs polarization remains unclear. This study investigated the effect and mechanism of tumor cell SPTBN1 on polarization and migration of TAMs in hepatoma and breast cancer. By analyzing tumor immune databases, we found a negative correlation between SPTBN1 and abundance of macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment. By reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR assays and cell migration assays, the migration and M2 polarization of macrophages were enhanced by the culture medium from hepatocellular carcinoma cell line PLC/PRF/5, SNU449, and breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 with SPTBN1 suppression, which could be reversed by CXCL1 neutralizing antibody MAB275. Meanwhile, the ability of migration and colony formation of PLC/PRF/5, SNU449, and MDA-MB-231 cells were promoted when coculture with M2 macrophages. We also found that SPTBN1 regulated CXCL1 through p65 by cytoplasmic-nuclear protein isolation experiments and ChIP-qPCR. Our data suggest that tumor cell SPTBN1 inhibits migration and M2-type polarization of TAMs by reducing the expression and secretion of CXCL1 via inhibiting p65 nuclear localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Wu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Quanshan Jin
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayu Jin
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieyu Guo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangxiang Wei
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangqing Yao
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Meng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuling Zhi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Yue M, Chen MM, Zhang B, Wang Y, Li P, Zhao Y. The functional roles of chemokines and chemokine receptors in colorectal cancer progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116040. [PMID: 38113624 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116040] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. A number of factors, including the tumor microenvironment, chemokines, the inflammatory response, have an impact on the development of colorectal cancer. A critical component of the tumor microenvironment is chemokines. Various cell subsets are attracted to the tumor microenvironment through interactions with chemokine receptors. These cells have varying effects on the development of the tumor and the effectiveness of treatment. Additionally, chemokines can participate in inflammatory processes and have effects that are either pro- or anti-tumor. Chemokines can be exploited as targets for medication resistance and treatment in colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss the expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors, and their relationship with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. At the same time, we also collect and discuss the significance of chemokines and chemokine receptors in colorectal cancer progression, and their potential as molecular targets for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Yue
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Meng-Meng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Immune Cells of Qingdao, Qingdao 266021, China; Qingdao Restore Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, Shandong 266111, PR China
| | - Bingqiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Immune Cells of Qingdao, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province affiliated to Qingdao University, Shandong Province, China.
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6
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Kong J, Xu S, Zhang P, Zhao Y. CXCL1 promotes immune escape in colorectal cancer by autophagy-mediated MHC-I degradation. Hum Immunol 2023; 84:110716. [PMID: 37802708 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy is now seen as a potential remedy for colorectal cancer (CRC). Chemokines play a crucial role in tumors, including CRC, which contains CXCL1. We attempted to study how CXCL1 impacts immune escape in CRC. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis was used to examine CXCL1 level in CRC. qRT-PCR was used to assess CXCL1 and MHC-I (HLA-A, B, C) levels. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to measure cell viability. Cytotoxicity assay kit was utilized to assay CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity against CRC. Flow cytometry tested proliferation and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells. Chemotaxis assay evaluated chemotaxis of CD8+ T cells towards CRC. Immunofluorescence examined expression of autophagy marker LC3 and localization of NBR1/MHC-I. Western blot analysis measured protein levels of chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, autophagy-related proteins LC3-I and LC3-II, and MHC-I (HLA-A, B, C). RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR presented that CXCL1 was upregulated in CRC. Cell experiments demonstrated that CXCL1 overexpression promoted immune escape in CRC. Rescue experiments revealed that the autophagy inducer Rapa could attenuate the inhibitory effect of CXCL1 low expression on immune escape in CRC. Further studies showed that CXCL1 promoted immune escape in CRC by autophagy-mediated MHC-I degradation. CONCLUSION CXCL1 promoted immune escape in CRC by autophagy-mediated MHC-I degradation, suggesting that CXCL1 may be a possible immunotherapeutic target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiao Kong
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang City, China
| | - Song Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang City, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang City, China.
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang City, China.
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7
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Wang M, Deng C, Yang C, Yan M, Lu H, Zhang Y, Liu H, Tong Z, Ma J, Wang J, Zhang Y, Wang J, Xuan Y, Cheng H, Zhao K, Zhang J, Chai C, Li M, Yu Z. Unraveling temporal and spatial biomarkers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer: insights into the crucial role of immunosuppressive cells. J Transl Med 2023; 21:794. [PMID: 37940972 PMCID: PMC10633927 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04600-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence and progression of tumors can be established through a complex interplay among tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasive factors and immune cells. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved transcriptomics (ST) to evaluate the pseudotime trajectory and spatial interactive relationship between EMT-invasive malignant tumors and immune cells in primary colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues at different stages (stage I/II and stage III with tumor deposit). Our research characterized the spatiotemporal relationship among different invasive tumor programs by constructing pseudotime endpoint-EMT-invasion tumor programs (EMTPs) located at the edge of ST, utilizing evolution trajectory analysis integrated with EMT-invasion genes. Strikingly, the invasive and expansive process of tumors undergoes remarkable spatial reprogramming of regulatory and immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), regulatory T cells (Treg), and exhausted T cells (Tex). These EMTP-adjacent cell are linked to EMT-related invasion genes, especially the C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) and CXCL8 genes that are important for CRC prognosis. Interestingly, the EMTPs in stage I mainly produce an inflammatory margin invasive niche, while the EMTPs in stage III tissues likely produce a hypoxic pre-invasive niche. Our data demonstrate the crucial role of regulatory and immunosuppressive cells in tumor formation and progression of CRC. This study provides a framework to delineate the spatiotemporal invasive niche in CRC samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhong Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Chunyu Deng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Mingze Yan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Haibo Lu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Honghao Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080, China
| | - Zhekuan Tong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiaao Ma
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiaming Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yuhong Xuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Haiyue Cheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Cuicui Chai
- Digestive Disease Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Mingzhe Li
- Digestive Disease Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Zhiwei Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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Hou P, Fang J, Liu Z, Shi Y, Agostini M, Bernassola F, Bove P, Candi E, Rovella V, Sica G, Sun Q, Wang Y, Scimeca M, Federici M, Mauriello A, Melino G. Macrophage polarization and metabolism in atherosclerosis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:691. [PMID: 37863894 PMCID: PMC10589261 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06206-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits in the inner walls of vessels. These plaques restrict blood flow and lead to complications such as heart attack or stroke. The development of atherosclerosis is influenced by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Atherosclerotic plaques in stable form are characterized by slow growth, which leads to luminal stenosis, with low embolic potential or in unstable form, which contributes to high risk for thrombotic and embolic complications with rapid clinical onset. In this complex scenario of atherosclerosis, macrophages participate in the whole process, including the initiation, growth and eventually rupture and wound healing stages of artery plaque formation. Macrophages in plaques exhibit high heterogeneity and plasticity, which affect the evolving plaque microenvironment, e.g., leading to excessive lipid accumulation, cytokine hyperactivation, hypoxia, apoptosis and necroptosis. The metabolic and functional transitions of plaque macrophages in response to plaque microenvironmental factors not only influence ongoing and imminent inflammatory responses within the lesions but also directly dictate atherosclerotic progression or regression. In this review, we discuss the origin of macrophages within plaques, their phenotypic diversity, metabolic shifts, and fate and the roles they play in the dynamic progression of atherosclerosis. It also describes how macrophages interact with other plaque cells, particularly T cells. Ultimately, targeting pathways involved in macrophage polarization may lead to innovative and promising approaches for precision medicine. Further insights into the landscape and biological features of macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques may offer valuable information for optimizing future clinical treatment for atherosclerosis by targeting macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Hou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Liu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Bove
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sica
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Manuel Scimeca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Federici
- Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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9
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Zhou C, Gao Y, Ding P, Wu T, Ji G. The role of CXCL family members in different diseases. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:212. [PMID: 37393391 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are a large family mediating a lot of biological behaviors including chemotaxis, tumor growth, angiogenesis and so on. As one member of this family, CXC subfamily possesses the same ability. CXC chemokines can recruit and migrate different categories of immune cells, regulate tumor's pathological behaviors like proliferation, invasion and metastasis, activate angiogenesis, etc. Due to these characteristics, CXCL subfamily is extensively and closely associated with tumors and inflammatory diseases. As studies are becoming more and more intensive, CXCLs' concrete roles are better described, and CXCLs' therapeutic applications including biomarkers and targets are also deeply explained. In this review, the role of CXCL family members in various diseases is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjia Zhou
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Peilun Ding
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Lucarini V, Nardozi D, Angiolini V, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Carrano R, Besharat ZM, Bei R, Masuelli L. Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Role of miRNAs as Biomarkers of Tumor Invasion. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1761. [PMID: 37371856 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061761] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the most frequent neoplasm, responsible for half of all cancer-related deaths. Metastasis is the leading cause of death from GI cancer; thus, studying the processes that regulate cancer cell migration is of paramount importance for the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms adopted by cancer cells to promote cell migration and the subsequent metastasis formation by highlighting the key role that tumor microenvironment components play in deregulating cellular pathways involved in these processes. We, therefore, provide an overview of the role of different microRNAs in promoting tumor metastasis and their role as potential biomarkers for the prognosis, monitoring, and diagnosis of GI cancer patients. Finally, we relate the possible use of nutraceuticals as a new strategy for targeting numerous microRNAs and different pathways involved in GI tumor invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Lucarini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Angiolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Carrano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Zein Mersini Besharat
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Masuelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Smirnov A, Melino G, Candi E. Gene expression in organoids: an expanding horizon. Biol Direct 2023; 18:11. [PMID: 36964575 PMCID: PMC10038780 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00360-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent development of human three-dimensional organoid cultures has opened new doors and opportunities ranging from modelling human development in vitro to personalised cancer therapies. These new in vitro systems are opening new horizons to the classic understanding of human development and disease. However, the complexity and heterogeneity of these models requires cutting-edge techniques to capture and trace global changes in gene expression to enable identification of key players and uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. Rapid development of sequencing approaches made possible global transcriptome analyses and epigenetic profiling. Despite challenges in organoid culture and handling, these techniques are now being adapted to embrace organoids derived from a wide range of human tissues. Here, we review current state-of-the-art multi-omics technologies, such as single-cell transcriptomics and chromatin accessibility assays, employed to study organoids as a model for development and a platform for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Smirnov
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Torvergata Oncoscience Research, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00166, Rome, Italy.
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Li Z, Huang N, Zhang W, Li L. Biological function of C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 1 gene (CXCL1) in ovarian malignant tumors. Hum Exp Toxicol 2023; 42:9603271231203392. [PMID: 37787042 DOI: 10.1177/09603271231203392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the function of the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) gene in ovarian cancer cells and to investigate the relationship between CXCL1 gene mRNA expression and ovarian tumor clinical pathology. METHODS Using bioinformatics methods to identify common differentially expressed genes associated with ovarian cancer in the GEO database. Growth curves of A2780 cells with or without CXCL1 expression were plotted by MTT assay. Cell cycles were measured by flow cytometry. Cell colony formation was enumerated in Transwell chambers. Migration and invasion in vitro were investigated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), wound healing and Transwell, respectively. The relationship between CXCL1 gene mRNA expression and ovarian tumor clinical pathology was analyzed. RESULTS CXCL1 was found to be one of the co-upregulated differentially expressed genes in the GEO database. The migration of A2780 cells expressing CXCL1 was significantly higher than that of A2780 cells without CXCL1 expression. CXCL1 mRNA expression in ovarian malignancy was significantly higher than those in benign lesions and the normal control (p < .01). In advanced ovarian cancer (Stages III-IV), CXCL1 mRNA expression was also significantly higher than that in patients with early-stage ovarian cancer (Stages I-II) (p = .005). Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed no correlation between CXCL1 mRNA expression and ovarian cancer prognosis. A Cox proportional hazard model also showed that CXCL1 expression was not an independent prognostic factor for ovarian cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS CXCL1 gene could promotes ovarian cancer A2780 cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and contributed theoretical knowledge for the target selection in molecular targeted therapy. CXCL1 mRNA over-expression may be correlated with the occurrence and development of ovarian malignancy. Level of plasma CXCL1 might serve as a biomarker for prognosis in ovarian carcinoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, P.R. China
| | - Ning Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, P.R. China
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