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Ye QW, Liu YJ, Li JQ, Han M, Bian ZR, Chen TY, Li JP, Liu SL, Zou X. GJA4 expressed on cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-A 'promoter' of the mesenchymal phenotype. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102009. [PMID: 38833783 PMCID: PMC11190749 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102009] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Connexin is a transmembrane protein involved in gap junctions (GJs) formation. Our previous study found that connexin 37 (Cx37), encoded by gap junction protein alpha 4 (GJA4), expressed on fibroblasts acts as a promoter of CRC and is closely related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor immune microenvironment. However, to date, the mechanism concerning the malignancy of GJA4 in tumor stroma has not been studied. METHODS Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to validate the expression and localization of GJA4. Using single-cell analysis, enrichment analysis, spatial transcriptomics, immunofluorescence staining (IF), Sirius red staining, wound healing and transwell assays, western blotting (WB), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay and in vivo experiments, we investigated the possible mechanisms of GJA4 in promoting CRC. RESULTS We discovered that in CRC, GJA4 on fibroblasts is involved in promoting fibroblast activation and promoting EMT through a fibroblast-dependent pathway. Furthermore, GJA4 may act synergistically with M2 macrophages to limit T cell infiltration by stimulating the formation of an immune-excluded desmoplasic barrier. Finally, we found a significantly correlation between GJA4 and pathological staging (P < 0.0001) or D2 dimer (R = 0.03, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION We have identified GJA4 expressed on fibroblasts is actually a promoter of the tumor mesenchymal phenotype. Our findings suggest that the interaction between GJA4+ fibroblasts and M2 macrophages may be an effective target for enhancing tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Wen Ye
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jia-Qi Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Mei Han
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ze-Ren Bian
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Tian-Yuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jie-Pin Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shen-Lin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Xi Zou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Zhou Z, Wang J, Wang J, Yang S, Wang R, Zhang G, Li Z, Shi R, Wang Z, Lu Q. Deciphering the tumor immune microenvironment from a multidimensional omics perspective: insight into next-generation CAR-T cell immunotherapy and beyond. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:131. [PMID: 38918817 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02047-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) consists of intra-tumor immunological components and plays a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and response to therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell immunotherapy has revolutionized the cancer treatment paradigm. Although CAR-T cell immunotherapy has emerged as a successful treatment for hematologic malignancies, it remains a conundrum for solid tumors. The heterogeneity of TIME is responsible for poor outcomes in CAR-T cell immunotherapy against solid tumors. The advancement of highly sophisticated technology enhances our exploration in TIME from a multi-omics perspective. In the era of machine learning, multi-omics studies could reveal the characteristics of TIME and its immune resistance mechanism. Therefore, the clinical efficacy of CAR-T cell immunotherapy in solid tumors could be further improved with strategies that target unfavorable conditions in TIME. Herein, this review seeks to investigate the factors influencing TIME formation and propose strategies for improving the effectiveness of CAR-T cell immunotherapy through a multi-omics perspective, with the ultimate goal of developing personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaokai Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Nephrology, Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, PekingBeijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ruizhi Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Zhengrui Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Run Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Qiong Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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Feng HR, Shen XN, Zhu XM, Zhong WT, Zhu DX, Zhao J, Chen YJ, Shen F, Liu K, Liang L. Unveiling major histocompatibility complex-mediated pan-cancer immune features by integrated single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217062. [PMID: 38878852 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer therapy, yet persistent challenges such as low response rate and significant heterogeneity necessitate attention. The pivotal role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in ICI efficacy, its intricate impacts and potentials as a prognostic marker, warrants comprehensive exploration. This study integrates single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), bulk RNA-seq, and spatial transcriptomic analyses to unveil pan-cancer immune characteristics governed by the MHC transcriptional feature (MHC.sig). Developed through scRNA-seq analysis of 663,760 cells across diverse cohorts and validated in 30 solid cancer types, the MHC.sig demonstrates a robust correlation between immune-related genes and infiltrating immune cells, highlighting its potential as a universal pan-cancer marker for anti-tumor immunity. Screening the MHC.sig for therapeutic targets using CRISPR data identifies potential genes for immune therapy synergy and validates its predictive efficacy for ICIs responsiveness across diverse datasets and cancer types. Finally, analysis of cellular communication patterns reveals interactions between C1QC+macrophages and malignant cells, providing insights into potential therapeutic agents and their sensitivity characteristics. This comprehensive analysis positions the MHC.sig as a promising marker for predicting immune therapy outcomes and guiding combinatorial therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ran Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Nan Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200082, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Tao Zhong
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510030, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Xiang Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200336, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, 361015, People's Republic of China; Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, 361015, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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Li JP, Liu YJ, Li Y, Yin Y, Ye QW, Lu ZH, Dong YW, Zhou JY, Zou X, Chen YG. Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of LMOD1 expression summarizes two modes of cell communication in colorectal cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:549. [PMID: 38849852 PMCID: PMC11161970 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05369-3] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication (CC) influences tumor development by mediating intercellular junctions between cells. However, the role and underlying mechanisms of CC in malignant transformation remain unknown. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of CC molecular expression during malignant transformation. It was found that although both tight junctions (TJs) and gap junctions (GJs) were involved in maintaining the tumor microenvironment (TME), they exhibited opposite characteristics. Mechanistically, for epithelial cells (parenchymal component), the expression of TJ molecules consistently decreased during normal-cancer transformation and is a potential oncogenic factor. For fibroblasts (mesenchymal component), the expression of GJs consistently increased during normal-cancer transformation and is a potential oncogenic factor. In addition, the molecular profiles of TJs and GJs were used to stratify colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, where subtypes characterized by high GJ levels and low TJ levels exhibited enhanced mesenchymal signals. Importantly, we propose that leiomodin 1 (LMOD1) is biphasic, with features of both TJs and GJs. LMOD1 not only promotes the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) but also inhibits the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program in cancer cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the molecular heterogeneity of CC and provide new insights into further understanding of TME heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Pin Li
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Yin
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian-Wen Ye
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lu
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Wei Dong
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Yong Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Zou
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Chinese & Western Medicine and Oncology Clinical Research, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yu-Gen Chen
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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Qin S, Xie B, Wang Q, Yang R, Sun J, Hu C, Liu S, Tao Y, Xiao D. New insights into immune cells in cancer immunotherapy: from epigenetic modification, metabolic modulation to cell communication. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e551. [PMID: 38783893 PMCID: PMC11112485 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and more effective ways of attacking cancer are being sought. Cancer immunotherapy is a new and effective therapeutic method after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Cancer immunotherapy aims to kill tumor cells by stimulating or rebuilding the body's immune system, with specific efficiency and high safety. However, only few tumor patients respond to immunotherapy and due to the complex and variable characters of cancer immune escape, the behavior and regulatory mechanisms of immune cells need to be deeply explored from more dimensions. Epigenetic modifications, metabolic modulation, and cell-to-cell communication are key factors in immune cell adaptation and response to the complex tumor microenvironment. They collectively determine the state and function of immune cells through modulating gene expression, changing in energy and nutrient demands. In addition, immune cells engage in complex communication networks with other immune components, which are mediated by exosomes, cytokines, and chemokines, and are pivotal in shaping the tumor progression and therapeutic response. Understanding the interactions and combined effects of such multidimensions mechanisms in immune cell modulation is important for revealing the mechanisms of immunotherapy failure and developing new therapeutic targets and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Qin
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Qingyi Wang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jingyue Sun
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chaotao Hu
- Regenerative Medicine, Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of OncologyInstitute of Medical SciencesNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha, Hunan, China. UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of CarcinogenesisCancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South universityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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Liu C, Xie J, Lin B, Tian W, Wu Y, Xin S, Hong L, Li X, Liu L, Jin Y, Tang H, Deng X, Zou Y, Zheng S, Fang W, Cheng J, Dai X, Bao X, Zhao P. Pan-Cancer Single-Cell and Spatial-Resolved Profiling Reveals the Immunosuppressive Role of APOE+ Macrophages in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401061. [PMID: 38569519 PMCID: PMC11186051 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of macrophages influences the response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. However, few studies explore the impact of APOE+ macrophages on ICI therapy using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and machine learning methods. The scRNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq data are Integrated to construct an M.Sig model for predicting ICI response based on the distinct molecular signatures of macrophage and machine learning algorithms. Comprehensive single-cell analysis as well as in vivo and in vitro experiments are applied to explore the potential mechanisms of the APOE+ macrophage in affecting ICI response. The M.Sig model shows clear advantages in predicting the efficacy and prognosis of ICI therapy in pan-cancer patients. The proportion of APOE+ macrophages is higher in ICI non-responders of triple-negative breast cancer compared with responders, and the interaction and longer distance between APOE+ macrophages and CD8+ exhausted T (Tex) cells affecting ICI response is confirmed by multiplex immunohistochemistry. In a 4T1 tumor-bearing mice model, the APOE inhibitor combined with ICI treatment shows the best efficacy. The M.Sig model using real-world immunotherapy data accurately predicts the ICI response of pan-cancer, which may be associated with the interaction between APOE+ macrophages and CD8+ Tex cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Jindong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Bo Lin
- College of Computer Science and TechnologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310053China
- Innovation Centre for InformationBinjiang Institute of Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | - Weihong Tian
- Changzhou Third People's HospitalChangzhou Medical CenterNanjing Medical UniversityChangzhou213000China
| | - Yifan Wu
- School of softwareZhejiang UniversityNingbo315100China
| | - Shan Xin
- Department of GeneticsYale School of medicineNew HavenCT06510USA
| | - Libing Hong
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Xin Li
- Department Chronic Inflammation and CancerGerman Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)69120HeidelbergGermany
| | - Lulu Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Yuzhi Jin
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Xinpei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Yutian Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaGuangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Shaoquan Zheng
- Breast Disease CenterThe First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510060China
| | - Weijia Fang
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Jinlin Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesNational Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesNational Medical Center for Infectious DiseasesCollaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Xiaomeng Dai
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Xuanwen Bao
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310003China
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Li X, Meng X, Fan H, Wang Y, Jia Y, Jiao J, Ma X. α5-nAChR/ADAM10 signaling mediates nicotine-related cutaneous melanoma progression via STAT3 activation. Arch Dermatol Res 2024; 316:269. [PMID: 38795191 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03110-0] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is the skin malignancy with the highest mortality rate, and its morbidity rate is on the rise worldwide. Smoking is an independent marker of poor prognosis in melanoma. The α5-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α5-nAChR), one of the receptors for nicotine, is involved in the proliferation, migration and invasion of SKCM cells. Nicotine has been reported to promote the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10), which is the key gene involved in melanoma progression. Here, we explored the link between α5-nAChR and ADAM10 in nicotine-associated cutaneous melanoma. α5-nAChR expression was correlated with ADAM10 expression and lower survival in SKCM. α5-nAChR mediated nicotine-induced ADAM10 expression via STAT3. The α5-nAChR/ADAM10 signaling axis was involved in the stemness and migration of SKCM cells. Furthermore, α5-nAChR expression was associated with ADAM10 expression, EMT marker expression and stemness marker expression in nicotine-related mice homograft tissues. These results suggest the role of the α5-nAChR/ADAM10 signaling pathway in nicotine-induced melanoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Street, Jinan, 250013, China
| | - Xianguang Meng
- Department of Dermatology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Street, Jinan, 250013, China
| | - Huiping Fan
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Jia
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Street, Jinan, 250013, China
| | - Jing Jiao
- Department of Dermatology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Street, Jinan, 250013, China.
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Street, Jinan, 250013, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, 105 Jiefang Street, Jinan, 250013, China.
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8
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Liu H, Sima X, Xiao B, Gulizeba H, Zhao S, Zhou T, Huang Y. Integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data reveals a myeloid cell-related regulon predicting neoadjuvant immunotherapy response across cancers. J Transl Med 2024; 22:486. [PMID: 38773508 PMCID: PMC11110189 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05123-9] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has brought about a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer. However, the majority of patients exhibit resistance or become refractory to immunotherapy, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. METHODS Sing-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‑seq) datasets derived from 1 pretreatment and 1 posttreatment achieving pathological complete response (pCR) patient with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy were collected, and pySCENIC was used to find the gene regulatory network (GRN) between cell types and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response. A regulon predicting ICI response was identified and validated using large‑scale pan-cancer data, including a colorectal cancer scRNA‑seq dataset, a breast cancer scRNA‑seq dataset, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer cohort, and 5 ICI transcriptomic cohorts. Symphony reference mapping was performed to construct the myeloid cell map. RESULTS Thirteen major cluster cell types were identified by comparing pretreatment and posttreatment patients, and the fraction of myeloid cells was higher in the posttreatment group (19.0% vs. 11.8%). A PPARG regulon (containing 23 target genes) was associated with ICI response, and its function was validated by a colorectal cancer scRNA‑seq dataset, a breast cancer scRNA‑seq dataset, TCGA pan-cancer cohort, and 5 ICI transcriptomic cohorts. Additionally, a myeloid cell map was developed, and cluster I, II, and III myeloid cells with high expression of PPARG were identified. Moreover, we constructed a website called PPARG ( https://pparg.online/PPARG/ or http://43.134.20.130:3838/PPARG/ ), which provides a powerful discovery tool and resource value for researchers. CONCLUSIONS The PPARG regulon is a predictor of ICI response. The myeloid cell map enables the identification of PPARG subclusters in public scRNA-seq datasets and provides a powerful discovery tool and resource value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxian Sima
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Bijing Xiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Haimiti Gulizeba
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Shen Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, P. R. China.
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9
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Feng JL, Liang B, Zheng WJ, Xu L, Zhou QY, Chen J. Integrative analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing unveils a machine learning-based pan-cancer major histocompatibility complex-related signature for predicting immunotherapy efficacy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:121. [PMID: 38714579 PMCID: PMC11076435 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03714-5] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) could serve as a potential biomarker for tumor immunotherapy, however, it is not yet known whether MHC could distinguish potential beneficiaries. Single-cell RNA sequencing datasets derived from patients with immunotherapy were collected to elucidate the association between MHC and immunotherapy response. A novel MHCsig was developed and validated using large-scale pan-cancer data, including The Cancer Genome Atlas and immunotherapy cohorts. The therapeutic value of MHCsig was further explored using 17 CRISPR/Cas9 datasets. MHC-related genes were associated with drug resistance and MHCsig was significantly and positively associated with immunotherapy response and total mutational burden. Remarkably, MHCsig significantly enriched 6% top-ranked genes, which were potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, we generated Hub-MHCsig, which was associated with survival and disease-special survival of pan-cancer, especially low-grade glioma. This result was also confirmed in cell lines and in our own clinical cohort. Later low-grade glioma-related Hub-MHCsig was established and the regulatory network was constructed. We provided conclusive clinical evidence regarding the association between MHCsig and immunotherapy response. We developed MHCsig, which could effectively predict the benefits of immunotherapy for multiple tumors. Further exploration of MHCsig revealed some potential therapeutic targets and regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Lin Feng
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of Nephrology, The Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease of Chongqing, Chongqing Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urology Diseases, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Jie Zheng
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Xu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin-Yi Zhou
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Loh JJ, Ma S. Hallmarks of cancer stemness. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:617-639. [PMID: 38701757 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.004] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stemness is recognized as a key component of tumor development. Previously coined "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) and believed to be a rare population with rigid hierarchical organization, there is good evidence to suggest that these cells exhibit a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic CSC-niche interplay. This revelation underscores the need to reevaluate the hallmarks of cancer stemness. Herein, we summarize the techniques used to identify and characterize the state of these cells and discuss their defining and emerging hallmarks, along with their enabling and associated features. We also highlight potential future directions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Translational and Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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11
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Telonis AG, Rodriguez DA, Spanheimer PM, Figueroa ME, Goel N. Genetic Ancestry-specific Molecular and Survival Differences in Admixed Patients With Breast Cancer. Ann Surg 2024; 279:866-873. [PMID: 38073557 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000006135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to determine whether incremental changes in genetic ancestry percentages influence molecular and clinical outcome characteristics of breast cancer in an admixed population. BACKGROUND Patients with breast cancer are predominantly characterized as "Black" or "White" based on self-identified race/ethnicity or arbitrary genetic ancestry cutoffs. This limits scientific discovery in populations that are admixed or of mixed race/ethnicity as they cannot be classified based on historical race/ethnicity boxes or genetic ancestry cutoffs. METHODS We used The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort and focused on genetically admixed patients that had less than 90% European, African, Asian, or Native American ancestry. RESULTS Genetically admixed patients with breast cancer exhibited improved 10-year overall survival relative to those with >90% European ancestry. Within the luminal A subtype, patients with lower African ancestry had longer 10-year overall survival compared to those with higher African ancestry. The correlation of genetic ancestry with gene expression and DNA methylation in the admixed cohort revealed novel ancestry-specific intrinsic PAM50 subtype patterns. In luminal A tumors, genetic ancestry was correlated with both the expression and methylation of signaling genes, while in basal-like tumors, genetic ancestry was correlated with stemness genes. In addition, we took a machine-learning approach to estimate genetic ancestry from gene expression or DNA methylation and were able to accurately calculate ancestry values from a reduced set of 10 genes or 50 methylation sites that were specific for each molecular subtype. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that incremental changes in genetic ancestry percentages result in ancestry-specific molecular differences even between well-established PAM50 subtypes which may influence disparities in breast cancer survival outcomes. Accounting for incremental changes in ancestry will be important in future research, prognostication, and risk stratification, particularly in ancestrally diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristeidis G Telonis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Daniel A Rodriguez
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Philip M Spanheimer
- Department of Surgery and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Maria E Figueroa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Neha Goel
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA
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12
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Huang P, Zhang X, Prabhu JS, Pandey V. Therapeutic vulnerabilities in triple negative breast cancer: Stem-like traits explored within molecular classification. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116584. [PMID: 38613998 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116584] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancer (BC). Despite advances in the clinical management of TNBC, recurrence-related mortality remains a challenge. The stem-like phenotype of TNBC plays a significant role in the persistence of minimal disease residue after therapy. Individuals exhibiting stem-like characteristics are particularly prone to inducing malignant relapse accompanied by strong resistance. Therefore, stem-like traits have been broadly proposed as therapeutic vulnerabilities to treat TNBC and reduce recurrence. However, heterogeneity within TNBC often generally restricts the stability of the therapeutic efficacy. To understand the heterogeneity and manage TNBC more precisely, multiple TNBC subtyping categories have been reported, providing the basis for profile-according therapeutic regimens. To provide more insight into targeting stem-like traits to ablate TNBC and reduce recurrence in the context of heterogeneity, this paper reviewed the molecular subtyping of TNBC, identified the consensus subtypes with distinct stem-like phenotypes, characterized the stemness hierarchy of TNBC, outlined the biological models for stem-like TNBC subtypes, summarized the therapeutic vulnerabilities in stem-like traits of the subtypes, and proposed potential therapeutic regimens targeting stem-like characteristics to improve TNBC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jyothi S Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, India
| | - Vijay Pandey
- Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China; Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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13
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Dong Y, Chen Z, Yang F, Wei J, Huang J, Long X. Prediction of immunotherapy responsiveness in melanoma through single-cell sequencing-based characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment. Transl Oncol 2024; 43:101910. [PMID: 38417293 PMCID: PMC10907870 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101910] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICB) therapy have emerged as effective treatments for melanomas. However, the response of melanoma patients to ICB has been highly heterogenous. Here, by analyzing integrated scRNA-seq datasets from melanoma patients, we revealed significant differences in the TiME composition between ICB-resistant and responsive tissues, with resistant or responsive tissues characterized by an abundance of myeloid cells and CD8+ T cells or CD4+ T cell predominance, respectively. Among CD4+ T cells, CD4+ CXCL13+ Tfh-like cells were associated with an immunosuppressive phenotype linked to immune escape-related genes and negative regulation of T cell activation. We also develop an immunotherapy response prediction model based on the composition of the immune compartment. Our predictive model was validated using CIBERSORTx on bulk RNA-seq datasets from melanoma patients pre- and post-ICB treatment and showed a better performance than other existing models. Our study presents an effective immunotherapy response prediction model with potential for further translation, as well as underscores the critical role of the TiME in influencing the response of melanomas to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Dong
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhizhuo Chen
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaxin Wei
- Department of Emergency Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuzuo Huang
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Xiao Long
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
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14
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Wu Q, Gu Z, Shang B, Wan D, Zhang Q, Zhang X, Xie P, Cheng S, Zhang W, Zhang K. Circulating tumor cell clustering modulates RNA splicing and polyadenylation to facilitate metastasis. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216757. [PMID: 38417668 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters exhibit significantly higher metastatic potential compared to single CTCs. However, the underlying mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear, and the role of posttranscriptional RNA regulation in CTC clusters has not been explored. Here, we conducted a comparative analysis of alternative splicing (AS) and alternative polyadenylation (APA) profiles between single CTCs and CTC clusters. We identified 994 and 836 AS events in single CTCs and CTC clusters, respectively, with ∼20% of AS events showing differential regulation between the two cell types. A key event in this differential splicing was observed in SRSF6, which disrupted AS profiles and contributed to the increased malignancy of CTC clusters. Regarding APA, we found a global lengthening of 3' UTRs in CTC clusters compared to single CTCs. This alteration was primarily governed by 14 core APA factors, particularly PPP1CA. The modified APA profiles facilitated the cell cycle progression of CTC clusters and indicated their reduced susceptibility to oxidative stress. Further investigation revealed that the proportion of H2AFY mRNA with long 3' UTR instead of short 3' UTR was higher in CTC clusters than single CTCs. The AU-rich elements (AREs) within the long 3' UTR of H2AFY mRNA enhance mRNA stability and translation activity, resulting in promoting cell proliferation and invasion, which potentially facilitate the establishment and rapid formation of metastatic tumors mediated by CTC clusters. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms driving CTC cluster metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanyou Wu
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhaoru Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Bingqing Shang
- Department of Urology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Duo Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Peipei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shujun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Kaitai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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15
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Zhu Q, Zhu X, Zhang L. ER membrane complex (EMC): Structure, functions, and roles in diseases. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23539. [PMID: 38498340 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302266r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the largest membrane system in eukaryotic cells and is the primary site for the biosynthesis of lipids and carbohydrates, as well as for the folding, assembly, modification, and transport of secreted and integrated membrane proteins. The ER membrane complex (EMC) on the ER membrane is an ER multiprotein complex that affects the quality control of membrane proteins, which is abundant and widely preserved. Its disruption has been found to affect a wide range of processes, including protein and lipid synthesis, organelle communication, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and viral maturation, and may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. Therefore, EMC has attracted the attention of many scholars and become a hot field. In this paper, we summarized the main contributions of the research of EMC in the past nearly 15 years, and reviewed the structure and function of EMC as well as its related diseases. We hope this review will promote further progress of research on EMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianjun Zhu
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- The Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Tibetan Medicine Research, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai, China
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16
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Qian ZY, Pan YQ, Li XX, Chen YX, Wu HX, Liu ZX, Kosar M, Bartek J, Wang ZX, Xu RH. Modulator of TMB-associated immune infiltration (MOTIF) predicts immunotherapy response and guides combination therapy. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:803-822. [PMID: 38320897 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Patients with high tumor mutational burden (TMB) levels do not consistently respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), possibly because a high TMB level does not necessarily result in adequate infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Using bulk ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) data from 9311 tumor samples across 30 cancer types, we developed a novel tool called the modulator of TMB-associated immune infiltration (MOTIF), which comprises genes that can determine the extent of CD8+ T cell infiltration prompted by a certain TMB level. We confirmed that MOTIF can accurately reflect the integrity and defects of the cancer-immunity cycle. By analyzing 84 human single-cell RNA-seq datasets from 32 types of solid tumors, we revealed that MOTIF can provide insights into the diverse roles of various cell types in the modulation of CD8+ T cell infiltration. Using pretreatment RNA-seq data from 13 ICI-treated cohorts, we validated the use of MOTIF in predicting CD8+ T cell infiltration and ICI efficacy. Among the components of MOTIF, we identified EMC3 as a negative regulator of CD8+ T cell infiltration, which was validated via in vivo studies. Additionally, MOTIF provided guidance for the potential combinations of programmed death 1 blockade with certain immunostimulatory drugs to facilitate CD8+ T cell infiltration and improve ICI efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Yu Qian
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yi-Qian Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xue-Xin Li
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm S-171 21, Sweden; Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China
| | - Yan-Xing Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hao-Xiang Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ze-Xian Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China; Bioinformatics Platform, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China; Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Martin Kosar
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm S-171 21, Sweden; Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Haining 314400, China; Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH1 1LT, UK
| | - Jiri Bartek
- Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm S-171 21, Sweden; Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark.
| | - Zi-Xian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China; Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China; Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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17
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Chen Y, Deng X, Li Y, Han Y, Peng Y, Wu W, Wang X, Ma J, Hu E, Zhou X, Shen E, Zeng S, Cai C, Qin Y, Shen H. Comprehensive molecular classification predicted microenvironment profiles and therapy response for HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00822. [PMID: 38537130 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Tumor microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity leads to a discrepancy in survival prognosis and clinical treatment response for patients with HCC. The clinical applications of documented molecular subtypes are constrained by several issues. APPROACH AND RESULTS We integrated 3 single-cell data sets to describe the TME landscape and identified 6 prognosis-related cell subclusters. Unsupervised clustering of subcluster-specific markers was performed to generate transcriptomic subtypes. The predictive value of these molecular subtypes for prognosis and treatment response was explored in multiple external HCC cohorts and the Xiangya HCC cohort. TME features were estimated using single-cell immune repertoire sequencing, mass cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence. The prognosis-related score was constructed based on a machine-learning algorithm. Comprehensive single-cell analysis described TME heterogeneity in HCC. The 5 transcriptomic subtypes possessed different clinical prognoses, stemness characteristics, immune landscapes, and therapeutic responses. Class 1 exhibited an inflamed phenotype with better clinical outcomes, while classes 2 and 4 were characterized by a lack of T-cell infiltration. Classes 5 and 3 indicated an inhibitory tumor immune microenvironment. Analysis of multiple therapeutic cohorts suggested that classes 5 and 3 were sensitive to immune checkpoint blockade and targeted therapy, whereas classes 1 and 2 were more responsive to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment. Class 4 displayed resistance to all conventional HCC therapies. Four potential therapeutic agents and 4 targets were further identified for high prognosis-related score patients with HCC. CONCLUSIONS Our study generated a clinically valid molecular classification to guide precision medicine in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Chen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangying Deng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yinghui Peng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinwen Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiayao Ma
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Erya Hu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Edward Shen
- Department of Life Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Changjing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiming Qin
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopaedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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18
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Scheuermann S, Kristmann B, Engelmann F, Nuernbergk A, Scheuermann D, Koloseus M, Abed T, Solass W, Seitz CM. Unveiling spatial complexity in solid tumor immune microenvironments through multiplexed imaging. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383932. [PMID: 38566984 PMCID: PMC10985204 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383932] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Deciphering cellular components and the spatial interaction network of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of solid tumors is pivotal for understanding biologically relevant cross-talks and, ultimately, advancing therapies. Multiplexed tissue imaging provides a powerful tool to elucidate spatial complexity in a holistic manner. We established and cross-validated a comprehensive immunophenotyping panel comprising over 121 markers for multiplexed tissue imaging using MACSima™ imaging cyclic staining (MICS) alongside an end-to-end analysis workflow. Applying this panel and workflow to primary cancer tissues, we characterized tumor heterogeneity, investigated potential therapeutical targets, conducted in-depth profiling of cell types and states, sub-phenotyped T cells within the TIME, and scrutinized cellular neighborhoods of diverse T cell subsets. Our findings highlight the advantage of spatial profiling, revealing immunosuppressive molecular signatures of tumor-associated myeloid cells interacting with neighboring exhausted, PD1high T cells in the TIME of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study establishes a robust framework for spatial exploration of TIMEs in solid tumors and underscores the potency of multiplexed tissue imaging and ultra-deep cell phenotyping in unraveling clinically relevant tumor components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Scheuermann
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 ‘Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Tuebingen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Beate Kristmann
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Fabienne Engelmann
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alice Nuernbergk
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - David Scheuermann
- School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marie Koloseus
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tayeb Abed
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tuebingen and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Solass
- Institute of Tissue Medicine and Pathology (ITMP), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian M. Seitz
- Department of Haematology, Oncology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- iFIT Cluster of Excellence EXC 2180 ‘Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Tuebingen, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Wan R, Chen Y, Feng X, Luo Z, Peng Z, Qi B, Qin H, Lin J, Chen S, Xu L, Tang J, Zhang T. Exercise potentially prevents colorectal cancer liver metastases by suppressing tumor epithelial cell stemness via RPS4X downregulation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26604. [PMID: 38439884 PMCID: PMC10909670 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent tumor globally. The liver is the most common site for CRC metastasis, and the involvement of the liver is a common cause of death in patients with late-stage CRC. Consequently, mitigating CRC liver metastasis (CRLM) is key to improving CRC prognosis and increasing survival. Exercise has been shown to be an effective method of improving the prognosis of many tumor types. However, the ability of exercise to inhibit CRLM is yet to be thoroughly investigated. Methods The GSE157600 and GSE97084 datasets were used for analysis. A pan-cancer dataset which was uniformly normalized was downloaded and analyzed from the UCSC database: TCGA, TARGET, GTEx (PANCAN, n = 19,131, G = 60,499). Several advanced bioinformatics analyses were conducted, including single-cell sequencing analysis, correlation algorithm, and prognostic screen. CRC tumor microarray (TMA) as well as cell/animal experiments are used to further validate the results of the analysis. Results The greatest variability was found in epithelial cells from the tumor group. RPS4X was generally upregulated in all types of CRC, while exercise downregulated RPS4X expression. A lowered expression of RPS4X may prolong tumor survival and reduce CRC metastasis. RPS4X and tumor stemness marker-CD44 were highly positively correlated and knockdown of RPS4X expression reduced tumor stemness both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion RPS4X upregulation may enhance CRC stemness and increase the odds of metastasis. Exercise may reduce CRC metastasis through the regulation of RPS4X.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renwen Wan
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yisheng Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xinting Feng
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhiwen Luo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhen Peng
- Department of Sports Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beijie Qi
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Affiliated Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Haocheng Qin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jinrong Lin
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Shiyi Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Liangfeng Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sheyang County People's Hospital, Yancheng 224300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayin Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Li Y, Wu X, Fang D, Luo Y. Informing immunotherapy with multi-omics driven machine learning. NPJ Digit Med 2024; 7:67. [PMID: 38486092 PMCID: PMC10940614 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-024-01043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Progress in sequencing technologies and clinical experiments has revolutionized immunotherapy on solid and hematologic malignancies. However, the benefits of immunotherapy are limited to specific patient subsets, posing challenges for broader application. To improve its effectiveness, identifying biomarkers that can predict patient response is crucial. Machine learning (ML) play a pivotal role in harnessing multi-omic cancer datasets and unlocking new insights into immunotherapy. This review provides an overview of cutting-edge ML models applied in omics data for immunotherapy analysis, including immunotherapy response prediction and immunotherapy-relevant tumor microenvironment identification. We elucidate how ML leverages diverse data types to identify significant biomarkers, enhance our understanding of immunotherapy mechanisms, and optimize decision-making process. Additionally, we discuss current limitations and challenges of ML in this rapidly evolving field. Finally, we outline future directions aimed at overcoming these barriers and improving the efficiency of ML in immunotherapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Center for Collaborative AI in Healthcare, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yuan Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Center for Collaborative AI in Healthcare, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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21
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Fan L, Wang J, Zhang Z, Zuo Z, Liu Y, Ye F, Ma B, Sun Z. Identification of RNA methylation-related lncRNAs for prognostic assessment and immunotherapy in bladder cancer-based on single cell/Bulk RNA sequencing data. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:56. [PMID: 38472459 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01283-5] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a malignancy characterized by significant heterogeneity. RNA methylation has received an increasing amount of attention in recent years. RNA data were collected from the GEO database, and cell subsets were classified according to specific cell markers. Epithelial, immunological, and fibroblast cells were clustered individually to explore the tumor heterogeneity. To distinguish between malignant and benign cells, the InferCNV R package was employed. The monocle2 R package was used for pseudotime analysis. The Decouple R package was used for transcription factor analysis of each cell subgroup, and PROGENy was used to predict the activity of pathways related to tumors. The target lncRNA was screened for model construction. In addition, the qPCR experiment was used to detect the transcription level of lncRNA. Epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and T cells significantly differ in tumor and normal tissues. The lncRNAs related to m6A/m5C/m1A were intersected to construct the model. Finally, six model lncRNAs (PSMB8-AS1, THUMPD3-AS1, U47924.27, XXbac-B135H6.15, MIR99AHG, and C14orf132) were screened. High-risk individuals were shown to have a better prognosis. qPCR experiments showed that the model lncRNA was differentially expressed between normal and tumor cells. Immunotherapy will be more effective in treating individuals with lower risk than those with higher risk using 4 candidate drugs. The prognostic m6A/m5C/m1A-related lncRNA model was constructed for evaluating the clinical outcomes of bladder cancer patients and guiding clinical medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- LianMing Fan
- Department of Urology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Meishan City, Meishan, 620500, Sichuan, China
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Zhiya Zhang
- Department of Oncology The Second People's Hospital of Meishan City, Meishan, 620500, Sichuan, China
| | - Zili Zuo
- Department of Urology, The Second People's Hospital of Meishan City, Meishan, 620500, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunfei Liu
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Fangdie Ye
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Baoluo Ma
- Department of Urology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China.
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China.
| | - Zhou Sun
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China.
- Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital of Jiangxia District, Wuhan, 430200, Hubei, China.
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22
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Sun W, Zhu Y, Zou Z, Wang L, Zhong J, Shen K, Lin X, Gao Z, Liu W, Li Y, Xu Y, Ren M, Hu T, Wei C, Gu J, Chen Y. An advanced comprehensive muti-cell-type-specific model for predicting anti-PD-1 therapeutic effect in melanoma. Theranostics 2024; 14:2127-2150. [PMID: 38505619 PMCID: PMC10945348 DOI: 10.7150/thno.91626] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death (PD)-1/PD-L1 pathway have promise in patients with advanced melanoma. However, drug resistance usually results in limited patient benefits. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies have elucidated that MM patients display distinctive transcriptional features of tumor cells, immune cells and interstitial cells, including loss of antigen presentation function of tumor cells, exhaustion of CD8+T and extracellular matrix secreted by fibroblasts to prevents immune infiltration, which leads to a poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, cell subgroups beneficial to anti-tumor immunity and the model developed by them remain to be further identified. Methods: In this clinical study of neoadjuvant therapy with anti-PD-1 in advanced melanoma, tumor tissues were collected before and after treatment for single-nucleus sequencing, and the results were verified using multicolor immunofluorescence staining and public datasets. Results: This study describes four cell subgroups which are closely associated with the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 treatment. It also describes a cell-cell communication network, in which the interaction of the four cell subgroups contributes to anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, we discuss a newly developed predictive model based on these four subgroups that holds significant potential for assessing the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment. Conclusions: These findings elucidate the primary mechanism of anti-PD-1 resistance and offer guidance for clinical drug administration for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Cancer center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zijian Zou
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Cancer center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jingqin Zhong
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Kangjie Shen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Cancer center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Lin
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zixu Gao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Cancer center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Wanlin Liu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yinlam Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Cancer center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Ming Ren
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Cancer center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Tu Hu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Chuanyuan Wei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Cancer center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jianying Gu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Cancer center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
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23
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Benguigui M, Cooper TJ, Kalkar P, Schif-Zuck S, Halaban R, Bacchiocchi A, Kamer I, Deo A, Manobla B, Menachem R, Haj-Shomaly J, Vorontsova A, Raviv Z, Buxbaum C, Christopoulos P, Bar J, Lotem M, Sznol M, Ariel A, Shen-Orr SS, Shaked Y. Interferon-stimulated neutrophils as a predictor of immunotherapy response. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:253-265.e12. [PMID: 38181798 PMCID: PMC10864002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite the remarkable success of anti-cancer immunotherapy, its effectiveness remains confined to a subset of patients-emphasizing the importance of predictive biomarkers in clinical decision-making and further mechanistic understanding of treatment response. Current biomarkers, however, lack the power required to accurately stratify patients. Here, we identify interferon-stimulated, Ly6Ehi neutrophils as a blood-borne biomarker of anti-PD1 response in mice at baseline. Ly6Ehi neutrophils are induced by tumor-intrinsic activation of the STING (stimulator of interferon genes) signaling pathway and possess the ability to directly sensitize otherwise non-responsive tumors to anti-PD1 therapy, in part through IL12b-dependent activation of cytotoxic T cells. By translating our pre-clinical findings to a cohort of patients with non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma (n = 109), and to public data (n = 1440), we demonstrate the ability of Ly6Ehi neutrophils to predict immunotherapy response in humans with high accuracy (average AUC ≈ 0.9). Overall, our study identifies a functionally active biomarker for use in both mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Benguigui
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tim J Cooper
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Department of Immunology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Prajakta Kalkar
- Department of Human Biology, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sagie Schif-Zuck
- Department of Human Biology, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ruth Halaban
- Department of Dermatology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Antonella Bacchiocchi
- Department of Dermatology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Iris Kamer
- Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Abhilash Deo
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Bar Manobla
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rotem Menachem
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jozafina Haj-Shomaly
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Avital Vorontsova
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ziv Raviv
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Chen Buxbaum
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Petros Christopoulos
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) at Heidelberg University Hospital, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jair Bar
- Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Lotem
- Department of Melanoma and Cancer Immunotherapy, Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Mario Sznol
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amiram Ariel
- Department of Human Biology, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shai S Shen-Orr
- Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Department of Immunology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuval Shaked
- Cell Biology and Cancer Science, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; Rappaport Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Zhang Y, Liu YJ, Mei J, Yang ZX, Qian XP, Huang W. An Analysis Regarding the Association Between DAZ Interacting Zinc Finger Protein 1 (DZIP1) and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01065-1. [PMID: 38334905 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01065-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant disease worldwide, and its incidence is increasing, but the molecular mechanisms of this disease are highly heterogeneous and still far from being fully understood. Increasing evidence suggests that fibrosis mediated by abnormal activation of fibroblasts based in the microenvironment is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the function and pathogenic mechanisms of fibroblasts in CRC remain unclear. Here, combining scrna-seq and clinical specimen data, DAZ Interacting Protein 1 (DZIP1) was found to be expressed on fibroblasts and cancer cells and positively correlated with stromal deposition. Importantly, pseudotime-series analysis showed that DZIP1 levels were up-regulated in malignant transformation of fibroblasts and experimentally confirmed that DZIP1 modulates activation of fibroblasts and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells. Further studies showed that DZIP1 expressed by tumor cells also has a driving effect on EMT and contributes to the recruitment of more fibroblasts. A similar phenomenon was observed in xenografted nude mice. And it was confirmed in xenograft mice that downregulation of DZIP1 expression significantly delayed tumor formation and reduced tumor size in CRC cells. Taken together, our findings suggested that DZIP1 was a regulator of the CRC mesenchymal phenotype. The revelation of targeting DZIP1 provides a new avenue for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Tianyinshan Hospital, Nanjing, 211199, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia Mei
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhao-Xu Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Qian
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Hanzhong Road No.155, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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25
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Lee J, Kim D, Kong J, Ha D, Kim I, Park M, Lee K, Im SH, Kim S. Cell-cell communication network-based interpretable machine learning predicts cancer patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj0785. [PMID: 38295179 PMCID: PMC10830106 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, only some patients respond to ICIs, and current biomarkers for ICI efficacy have limited performance. Here, we devised an interpretable machine learning (ML) model trained using patient-specific cell-cell communication networks (CCNs) decoded from the patient's bulk tumor transcriptome. The model could (i) predict ICI efficacy for patients across four cancer types (median AUROC: 0.79) and (ii) identify key communication pathways with crucial players responsible for patient response or resistance to ICIs by analyzing more than 700 ICI-treated patient samples from 11 cohorts. The model prioritized chemotaxis communication of immune-related cells and growth factor communication of structural cells as the key biological processes underlying response and resistance to ICIs, respectively. We confirmed the key communication pathways and players at the single-cell level in patients with melanoma. Our network-based ML approach can be used to expand ICIs' clinical benefits in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhun Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Donghyo Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - JungHo Kong
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Doyeon Ha
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Inhae Kim
- ImmunoBiome Inc., Pohang 166-20, Korea
| | - Minhyuk Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Kwanghwan Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
| | - Sin-Hyeog Im
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
- ImmunoBiome Inc., Pohang 166-20, Korea
- Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
| | - Sanguk Kim
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea
- Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
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Liu J, Jiang P, Lu Z, Yu Z, Qian P. Decoding leukemia at the single-cell level: clonal architecture, classification, microenvironment, and drug resistance. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:12. [PMID: 38291542 PMCID: PMC10826069 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00479-6] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Leukemias are refractory hematological malignancies, characterized by marked intrinsic heterogeneity which poses significant obstacles to effective treatment. However, traditional bulk sequencing techniques have not been able to effectively unravel the heterogeneity among individual tumor cells. With the emergence of single-cell sequencing technology, it has bestowed upon us an unprecedented resolution to comprehend the mechanisms underlying leukemogenesis and drug resistance across various levels, including the genome, epigenome, transcriptome and proteome. Here, we provide an overview of the currently prevalent single-cell sequencing technologies and a detailed summary of single-cell studies conducted on leukemia, with a specific focus on four key aspects: (1) leukemia's clonal architecture, (2) frameworks to determine leukemia subtypes, (3) tumor microenvironment (TME) and (4) the drug-resistant mechanisms of leukemia. This review provides a comprehensive summary of current single-cell studies on leukemia and highlights the markers and mechanisms that show promising clinical implications for the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianche Liu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- International Campus, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining, 314400, China
| | - Penglei Jiang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zezhen Lu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- International Campus, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining, 314400, China
| | - Zebin Yu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Pengxu Qian
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Li J, Meng Z, Cao Z, Lu W, Yang Y, Li Z, Lu S. ADGRE5-centered Tsurv model in T cells recognizes responders to neoadjuvant cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1304183. [PMID: 38343549 PMCID: PMC10853338 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1304183] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Neoadjuvant immunotherapy with anti-programmed death-1 (neo-antiPD1) has revolutionized perioperative methods for improvement of overall survival (OS), while approaches for major pathologic response patients' (MPR) recognition along with methods for overcoming non-MPR resistance are still in urgent need. Methods We utilized and integrated publicly-available immune checkpoint inhibitors regimens (ICIs) single-cell (sc) data as the discovery datasets, and innovatively developed a cell-communication analysis pipeline, along with a VIPER-based-SCENIC process, to thoroughly dissect MPR-responding subsets. Besides, we further employed our own non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ICIs cohort's sc data for validation in-silico. Afterward, we resorted to ICIs-resistant murine models developed by us with multimodal investigation, including bulk-RNA-sequencing, Chip-sequencing and high-dimensional cytometry by time of flight (CYTOF) to consolidate our findings in-vivo. To comprehensively explore mechanisms, we adopted 3D ex-vivo hydrogel models for analysis. Furthermore, we constructed an ADGRE5-centered Tsurv model from our discovery dataset by machine learning (ML) algorithms for a wide range of tumor types (NSCLC, melanoma, urothelial cancer, etc.) and verified it in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) sc datasets. Results Through a meta-analysis of multimodal sequential sc sequencing data from pre-ICIs and post-ICIs, we identified an MPR-expanding T cells meta-cluster (MPR-E) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by a stem-like CD8+ T cluster (survT) with STAT5-ADGRE5 axis enhancement compared to non-MPR or pre-ICIs TME. Through multi-omics analysis of murine TME, we further confirmed the existence of survT with silenced function and immune checkpoints (ICs) in MPR-E. After verification of the STAT5-ADGRE5 axis of survT in independent ICIs cohorts, an ADGRE5-centered Tsurv model was then developed through ML for identification of MPR patients pre-ICIs and post-ICIs, both in TME and PBMCs, which was further verified in pan-cancer immunotherapy cohorts. Mechanistically, we unveiled ICIs stimulated ADGRE5 upregulation in a STAT5-IL32 dependent manner in a 3D ex-vivo system (3D-HYGTIC) developed by us previously, which marked Tsurv with better survival flexibility, enhanced stemness and potential cytotoxicity within TME. Conclusion Our research provides insights into mechanisms underlying MPR in neo-antiPD1 and a well-performed model for the identification of non-MPR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ziming Li
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shun Lu
- Shanghai Lung Cancer Center, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Narvaez D, Nadal J, Nervo A, Costanzo MV, Paletta C, Petracci FE, Rivero S, Ostinelli A, Freile B, Enrico D, Pombo MT, Amat M, Aguirre ED, Chacon M, Waisberg F. The Emerging Role of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:396. [PMID: 38254885 PMCID: PMC10814091 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020396] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review aims to clarify the role of tertiary lymphoid structures in breast cancer. We examine their development, composition, and prognostic value, and current ways of recognizing them. A comprehensive literature review was performed using the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. A significant area of interest in breast cancer research involves targeting immune checkpoint molecules, particularly in the triple-negative subtype, where treatment options remain limited. However, existing biomarkers have limitations in accurately predicting treatment response. In this context, tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) emerge as a prognostic biomarker and also as a promising predictive marker for response. TLSs are ectopic lymphoid formations or neo-organogenesis that can develop after prolonged exposure to inflammatory signals mediated by chemokines and cytokines. Their presence is inversely correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) expression, but positively associated with a higher pathologic complete response rate and improved overall survival. In certain scenarios, TLS-positive tumors were associated with improved outcomes regardless of the presence of PDL-1 (programmed cell death ligand 1) expression or TILs (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Narvaez
- Breast Cancer Division, Alexander Fleming Institute, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina; (J.N.); (A.N.); (M.V.C.); (C.P.); (F.E.P.); (S.R.); (A.O.); (B.F.); (D.E.); (M.T.P.); (M.A.); (E.D.A.); (M.C.); (F.W.)
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Wu Y, Zhao S, Guo W, Liu Y, Requena Mullor MDM, Rodrìguez RA, Wei R. Systematic analysis of the prognostic value and immunological function of LTBR in human cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:129-152. [PMID: 38175686 PMCID: PMC10817409 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205356] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTBR) is a positive T cell proliferation regulator gene. It is closely associated with the tumor immune microenvironment. However, its role in cancer and immunotherapy is unclear. Firstly, the expression level and prognostic value of LTBR were analyzed. Secondly, the expression of LTBR in clinical stages, immune subtypes, and molecular subtypes was analyzed. The correlation between LTBR and immune regulatory genes, immune checkpoint genes, and RNA modification genes was then analyzed. Correlations between LTBR and immune cells, scores, cancer-related functional status, tumor stemness index, mismatch repair (MMR) genes, and DNA methyltransferase were also analyzed. In addition, we analyzed the role of LTBR in DNA methylation, mutational status, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the role of LTBR in pan-cancer. Finally, the drugs associated with LTBR were analyzed. The expression of LTBR was confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. LTBR is significantly overexpressed in most cancers and is associated with low patient survival. In addition, LTBR expression was strongly correlated with immune cells, score, cancer-related functional status, tumor stemness index, MMR genes, DNA methyltransferase, DNA methylation, mutational status, TMB, and MSI. Enrichment analysis revealed that LTBR was associated with apoptosis, necroptosis, and immune-related pathways. Finally, multiple drugs targeting LTBR were identified. LTBR is overexpressed in several tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis. It is related to immune-related genes and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinteng Wu
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Shijian Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Wenliang Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, Guangxi 537100, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | | | | | - Ruqiong Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
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Prelaj A, Miskovic V, Zanitti M, Trovo F, Genova C, Viscardi G, Rebuzzi SE, Mazzeo L, Provenzano L, Kosta S, Favali M, Spagnoletti A, Castelo-Branco L, Dolezal J, Pearson AT, Lo Russo G, Proto C, Ganzinelli M, Giani C, Ambrosini E, Turajlic S, Au L, Koopman M, Delaloge S, Kather JN, de Braud F, Garassino MC, Pentheroudakis G, Spencer C, Pedrocchi ALG. Artificial intelligence for predictive biomarker discovery in immuno-oncology: a systematic review. Ann Oncol 2024; 35:29-65. [PMID: 37879443 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.10.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionised treatment of multiple cancer types. However, selecting patients who may benefit from ICI remains challenging. Artificial intelligence (AI) approaches allow exploitation of high-dimension oncological data in research and development of precision immuno-oncology. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed original articles studying the ICI efficacy prediction in cancer patients across five data modalities: genomics (including genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics), radiomics, digital pathology (pathomics), and real-world and multimodality data. RESULTS A total of 90 studies were included in this systematic review, with 80% published in 2021-2022. Among them, 37 studies included genomic, 20 radiomic, 8 pathomic, 20 real-world, and 5 multimodal data. Standard machine learning (ML) methods were used in 72% of studies, deep learning (DL) methods in 22%, and both in 6%. The most frequently studied cancer type was non-small-cell lung cancer (36%), followed by melanoma (16%), while 25% included pan-cancer studies. No prospective study design incorporated AI-based methodologies from the outset; rather, all implemented AI as a post hoc analysis. Novel biomarkers for ICI in radiomics and pathomics were identified using AI approaches, and molecular biomarkers have expanded past genomics into transcriptomics and epigenomics. Finally, complex algorithms and new types of AI-based markers, such as meta-biomarkers, are emerging by integrating multimodal/multi-omics data. CONCLUSION AI-based methods have expanded the horizon for biomarker discovery, demonstrating the power of integrating multimodal data from existing datasets to discover new meta-biomarkers. While most of the included studies showed promise for AI-based prediction of benefit from immunotherapy, none provided high-level evidence for immediate practice change. A priori planned prospective trial designs are needed to cover all lifecycle steps of these software biomarkers, from development and validation to integration into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Prelaj
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan; Nearlab, Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy; ESMO Real World Data and Digital Health Working Group, ESMO, Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - V Miskovic
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan; Nearlab, Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - M Zanitti
- Department of Electronic Systems, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - F Trovo
- Nearlab, Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - C Genova
- UO Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genoa, Genoa
| | - G Viscardi
- Precision Medicine Department, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples
| | - S E Rebuzzi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genoa, Genoa; Medical Oncology Unit, Ospedale San Paolo, Savona, Italy
| | - L Mazzeo
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan; Nearlab, Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - L Provenzano
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan
| | - S Kosta
- Department of Electronic Systems, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Favali
- Nearlab, Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - A Spagnoletti
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan
| | - L Castelo-Branco
- ESMO European Society for Medical Oncology, Lugano, Switzerland; NOVA National School of Public Health, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Dolezal
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - A T Pearson
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - G Lo Russo
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan
| | - C Proto
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan
| | - M Ganzinelli
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan
| | - C Giani
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan
| | - E Ambrosini
- Nearlab, Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - S Turajlic
- Cancer Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London
| | - L Au
- Renal and Skin Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Medical Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Koopman
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands; ESMO Real World Data and Digital Health Working Group, ESMO, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - S Delaloge
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; ESMO Real World Data and Digital Health Working Group, ESMO, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - J N Kather
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - F de Braud
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan
| | - M C Garassino
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | | | - C Spencer
- Cancer Dynamics Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London.
| | - A L G Pedrocchi
- Nearlab, Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
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Wang C, Chen Y, Zhou R, Yang Y, Fang Y. Systematic Analysis of Tumor Stem Cell-related Gene Characteristics to Predict the PD-L1 Immunotherapy and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:2467-2482. [PMID: 37936456 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673278775231101064235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to develop a prognostic model with stemness-correlated genes to evaluate prognosis and immunotherapy responsiveness in gastric cancer (GC). BACKGROUND Tumor stemness is related to intratumoral heterogeneity, immunosuppression, and anti-tumor resistance. We developed a prognostic model with stemness-correlated genes to evaluate prognosis and immunotherapy responsiveness in GC. OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop a prognostic model with stemness-correlated genes to evaluate prognosis and immunotherapy responsiveness in GC. METHODS We downloaded single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of GC patients from the Gene-Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and screened GC stemness- related genes using CytoTRACE. We characterized the association of tumor stemness with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and immunity. Thereafter, a 9-stemness signature-based prognostic model was developed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), univariate Cox regression analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. The model predictive value was evaluated with a nomogram. RESULTS Early GC patients had significantly higher levels of stemness. The stemness score showed a negative relationship to tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score and immune infiltration, especially T cells and B cells. A stemness-based signature based on 9 genes (ERCC6L, IQCC, NKAPD1, BLMH, SLC25A15, MRPL4, VPS35, SUMO3, and CINP) was constructed with good performance in prognosis prediction, and its robustness was validated in GSE26942 cohort. Additionally, nomogram and risk score exhibited the most powerful ability for prognosis prediction. High-risk patients exhibited a tendency to develop immune escape and low response to PD-L1 immunotherapy. CONCLUSION We developed a stemness-based gene signature for prognosis prediction with accuracy and reliability. This signature also helps clinical decision-making of immunotherapy for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ru Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Ya'nan Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yantian Fang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Bhattachan P, Jeschke MG. SINGLE-CELL TRANSCRIPTOME ANALYSIS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. Shock 2024; 61:19-27. [PMID: 37962963 PMCID: PMC10883422 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000002274] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The analysis of the single-cell transcriptome has emerged as a powerful tool to gain insights on the basic mechanisms of health and disease. It is widely used to reveal the cellular diversity and complexity of tissues at cellular resolution by RNA sequencing of the whole transcriptome from a single cell. Equally, it is applied to discover an unknown, rare population of cells in the tissue. The prime advantage of single-cell transcriptome analysis is the detection of stochastic nature of gene expression of the cell in tissue. Moreover, the availability of multiple platforms for the single-cell transcriptome has broadened its approaches to using cells of different sizes and shapes, including the capture of short or full-length transcripts, which is helpful in the analysis of challenging biological samples. And with the development of numerous packages in R and Python, new directions in the computational analysis of single-cell transcriptomes can be taken to characterize healthy versus diseased tissues to obtain novel pathological insights. Downstream analysis such as differential gene expression analysis, gene ontology term analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, cell-cell interaction analysis, and trajectory analysis has become standard practice in the workflow of single-cell transcriptome analysis to further examine the biology of different cell types. Here, we provide a broad overview of single-cell transcriptome analysis in health and disease conditions currently applied in various studies.
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Shao J, Wang W, Tao B, Cai Z, Li H, Chen J. Extracellular vesicle-carried GTF2I from mesenchymal stem cells promotes the expression of tumor-suppressive FAT1 and inhibits stemness maintenance in thyroid carcinoma. Front Med 2023; 17:1186-1203. [PMID: 37707678 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-0999-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Through bioinformatics predictions, we identified that GTF2I and FAT1 were downregulated in thyroid carcinoma (TC). Further, Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed a positive correlation between GTF2I expression and FAT1 expression. Therefore, we selected them for this present study, where the effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs (BMSDs-EVs) enriched with GTF2I were evaluated on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness maintenance in TC. The under-expression of GTF2I and FAT1 was validated in TC cell lines. Ectopically expressed GTF2I and FAT1 were found to augment malignant phenotypes of TC cells, EMT, and stemness maintenance. Mechanistic studies revealed that GTF2I bound to the promoter region of FAT1 and consequently upregulated its expression. MSC-EVs could shuttle GTF2I into TPC-1 cells, where GTF2I inhibited TC malignant phenotypes, EMT, and stemness maintenance by increasing the expression of FAT1 and facilitating the FAT1-mediated CDK4/FOXM1 downregulation. In vivo experiments confirmed that silencing of GTF2I accelerated tumor growth in nude mice. Taken together, our work suggests that GTF2I transferred by MSC-EVs confer antioncogenic effects through the FAT1/CDK4/FOXM1 axis and may be used as a promising biomarker for TC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Baorui Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Zihao Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Haixia Li
- Department of Pathology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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Jiang X, Lu Y, Xie S, Chen Y, Liu X, Li S, Song S, Wang L, Lu D. miR-624 accelerates the growth of liver cancer cells by inhibiting EMC3. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:641-644. [PMID: 37810370 PMCID: PMC10550760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
miRNA is a noncoding RNA found in recent years and more than one third of human genes are the target of miRNAs. miR-624, located on human chromosome 14, is associated with tumorigenesis. However, the role of miR-624 in human hepatocarcinogenesis is still unclear. Herein, our results indicate that miR-624 accelerates the growth of liver cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the modification distribution of H3K9me1 on chromosomes is different between rLV group and rLV-miR-624 group. miR-624 affects epigenetic regulation of several genes in human liver cancer cells, such as RAB21, SMARCD3, MAPK6,PRRX1, ZFHX3, EMC3 (TMEM111). Furthermore, miR-624 affects transcriptome of some genes in liver cancer, including RAB21, UBE2N, PPP1CC,KPNA3, RAB7A,CPEB2,KLF4, MARK2, JUN, ARF6, TMEM39A. On the other hand, miR-624 affects proteome of several genes in liver cancer, such as, RBM5,PTK2, KDM2A,POLR2H, POLR2G,CDK6,KIF15,CUL2,FKBP2,ErbB-3,JUN, PKM2, CyclinE,PLK1, mTOR, PPARγ, Rab7A,ARAF, UPF3B ,PTEN, SUZ12, GADD45, H3.3, CUL5, ARF6,EMC3,ATG4B,ATG14,CALR. Interestingly, miR-624 affects the RAB7A interaction network in liver cancer cells, involving in CLTC,ITGB1,HNRNPU, DARS1, RPS16, CTPS1,H3-3B,JUN,MYH10, CUL5, CPSF7. Strikingly, excessive MEC3 abrogates the carcinogenic functions of miR-624. Importantly, our findings indicate that miR-624 affects some signaling pathway in liver cancer, including Wnt signaling pathway,Hippo signaling pathway,mTOR signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, erbB signaling pathway. These results provide a basis for the treatment of human liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Jiang
- Shanghai Putuo People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Departments of Geriatrics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Sijie Xie
- Shanghai Putuo People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yingji Chen
- Shanghai Putuo People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xinlei Liu
- Shanghai Putuo People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shujie Li
- Shanghai Putuo People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shuting Song
- Shanghai Putuo People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Shanghai Putuo People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Dongdong Lu
- Shanghai Putuo People's Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
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Dezem FS, Marção M, Ben-Cheikh B, Nikulina N, Omotoso A, Burnett D, Coelho P, Hurley J, Gomez C, Phan-Everson T, Ong G, Martelotto L, Lewis ZR, George S, Braubach O, Malta TM, Plummer J. A machine learning one-class logistic regression model to predict stemness for single cell transcriptomics and spatial omics. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:717. [PMID: 38017371 PMCID: PMC10683105 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09722-6] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell annotation is a crucial methodological component to interpreting single cell and spatial omics data. These approaches were developed for single cell analysis but are often biased, manually curated and yet unproven in spatial omics. Here we apply a stemness model for assessing oncogenic states to single cell and spatial omic cancer datasets. This one-class logistic regression machine learning algorithm is used to extract transcriptomic features from non-transformed stem cells to identify dedifferentiated cell states in tumors. We found this method identifies single cell states in metastatic tumor cell populations without the requirement of cell annotation. This machine learning model identified stem-like cell populations not identified in single cell or spatial transcriptomic analysis using existing methods. For the first time, we demonstrate the application of a ML tool across five emerging spatial transcriptomic and proteomic technologies to identify oncogenic stem-like cell types in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Segato Dezem
- Center for Spatial Omics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maycon Marção
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bassem Ben-Cheikh
- Akoya Biosciences, The Spatial Biology Company, Marlborough, MA, USA
| | - Nadya Nikulina
- Akoya Biosciences, The Spatial Biology Company, Marlborough, MA, USA
| | - Ayodele Omotoso
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Destiny Burnett
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Priscila Coelho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Judith Hurley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Carmen Gomez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Giang Ong
- Nanostring Technologies, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Sophia George
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth Medical Systems, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Oliver Braubach
- Akoya Biosciences, The Spatial Biology Company, Marlborough, MA, USA
| | - Tathiane M Malta
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Toxicology and Food Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jasmine Plummer
- Center for Spatial Omics, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Xu C, Xu H, Liu B. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma-specific prognostic signature and drug sensitive subtypes based on programmed cell death-related genes. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16364. [PMID: 38025757 PMCID: PMC10668860 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16364] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As a complex group of malignancies, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. This study aims to establish a reliable clinical classification and gene signature for HNSC prognostic prediction and precision treatments. Methods A consensus clustering analysis was performed to group HNSC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database based on genes linked to programmed cell death (PCD). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between subtypes were identified using the "limma" R package. The TCGA prognostic signature and PCD-related prognostic genes were found using a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis. The robustness of the LASSO analysis was validated using datasets GSE65858 and GSE41613. A cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) test, Western blot, and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to evaluate the expression and viability of prognostic genes. Results Four molecular subtypes were identified in PCD-related genes. Subtype C4 had the best prognosis and the highest immune score, while subtype C1 exhibited the most unfavorable outcomes. Three hundred shared DEGs were identified among the four subtypes, and four prognostic genes (CTLA4, CAMK2N1, PLAU and CALML5) were used to construct a TCGA-HNSC prognostic model. High-risk patients manifested poorer prognosis, more inflammatory pathway enrichment, and lower immune cell infiltration. High-risk patients were more prone to immune escape and were more likely to be resistant to Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil. Prognosis prediction was validated in external datasets. The expression of CTLA4, CAMK2N1, PLAU and CALML5 was enhanced in CAL-27 and SCC-25 cell lines, and CALML5 inhibited CAL-27 and SCC-25 cell viability. Conclusion This study shares novel insights into HNSC classification and provides a reliable PCD-related prognostic signature for prognosis prediction and treatment for patients with HNSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengbo Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jinhua Wenrong Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Hongfang Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jinhua Wenrong Hospital, Jinhua, China
| | - Baimei Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Yongkang First People’s Hospital, Yongkang, China
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Zou X, Liu Y, Wang M, Zou J, Shi Y, Su X, Xu J, Tong HHY, Ji Y, Gui L, Hao J. scCURE identifies cell types responding to immunotherapy and enables outcome prediction. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100643. [PMID: 37989083 PMCID: PMC10694528 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
A deep understanding of immunotherapy response/resistance mechanisms and a highly reliable therapy response prediction are vital for cancer treatment. Here, we developed scCURE (single-cell RNA sequencing [scRNA-seq] data-based Changed and Unchanged cell Recognition during immunotherapy). Based on Gaussian mixture modeling, Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence, and mutual nearest-neighbors criteria, scCURE can faithfully discriminate between cells affected or unaffected by immunotherapy intervention. By conducting scCURE analyses in melanoma and breast cancer immunotherapy scRNA-seq data, we found that the baseline profiles of specific CD8+ T and macrophage cells (identified by scCURE) can determine the way in which tumor microenvironment immune cells respond to immunotherapy, e.g., antitumor immunity activation or de-activation; therefore, these cells could be predictive factors for treatment response. In this work, we demonstrated that the immunotherapy-associated cell-cell heterogeneities revealed by scCURE can be utilized to integrate the therapy response mechanism study and prediction model construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zou
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China; Department of Pathology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.
| | - Yujun Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaochen Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawei Zou
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xianbin Su
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Department of Stomatology, Sijing Hospital, Shanghai 201601, China
| | - Henry H Y Tong
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuan Ji
- Molecular Pathology Center, Department Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lv Gui
- Department of Pathology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China.
| | - Jie Hao
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Qin YY, Yang Y, Ren YH, Gao F, Wang MJ, Li G, Liu YX, Fan L. A pan-cancer analysis of the MAPK family gene and their association with prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and therapeutic targets. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35829. [PMID: 37960824 PMCID: PMC10637530 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035829] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinases family of genes plays a crucial role in a wide range of inflammatory responses in the human body. The MAPK family of genes includes ERK, ERK5, JNK, P-38 mitogen-activated protein kinases. However, the correlation between MAPK family gene expression and pan-cancer prognosis, as well as the tumor microenvironment, has not been extensively studied. This study integrated multiple bioinformatics analysis methods to assess the expression and prognostic value of MAPK family genes, as well as their relationship with tumor microenvironment in patients with pan-cancer. The results showed that ERK, JNK, and P-38 MAPK expression were found to be significantly upregulated in rectum adenocarcinoma (READ), colon adenocarcinoma/rectum adenocarcinoma esophageal carcinoma (COADREAD), and kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), and significantly downregulated in acute myeloid leukemia. And the results revealed good prognostic results for ERK, JNK, and P-38 MAPK in READ, COADREAD, and KIRC. We observed significant positive correlation between MAPK family gene expression and immune scores especially dendritic cells in READ, COADREAD, and KIRC. And we observed that the expression levels of MAPK family genes were significantly correlated with the expression of immune-related genes, such as CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8, CXCR1, CXCR2, CTLA-4, CD80, CD86, and CD28, suggesting their important role in regulating immune infiltrates and tumor progression. Therefore, our study suggested that MAPK family gene plays an important role in regulating immune infiltrates and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Yan-Hui Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Min-Jie Wang
- Medical Experimental Center, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Gang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Yun-Xia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
| | - Lei Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, China
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Fu X, Deng Y, Xu H, Shu Y, Chen HN. Selenium metabolism heterogeneity in pan-cancer: insights from bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15535-15551. [PMID: 37648807 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05333-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selenium, a natural microelement with both nutritional and toxicological properties, is intertwined with tumorigenesis and progression. However, it is not fully understood how selenium metabolism affects immune response and cancer biology. METHODS We estimated selenium metabolism by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to delineate the selenium metabolism landscape using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and a integrated pan-cancer single-cell dataset. We systematically explored the prognostic implications of selenium metabolism and selenium-related regulatory patterns. The therapeutic value of selenium metabolism was explored through machine learning and examined in several immunotherapy cohorts. The heterogeneity and underlying mechanism of selenium metabolism were investigated by cell‒cell communication analysis at the single-cell level. RESULTS A GSEA analysis based on 86 genes was used to evaluate the selenium metabolism landscape. The selenium metabolism score exhibited prognostic value in predicting the lower risk of mortality, possibly due to its correlation with multiple cancer hallmarks, including a positive correlation with complement (R = 0.761, P < 0.001), inflammatory response (R = 0.663, P < 0.001), apoptosis (R = 0.626, P < 0.001), hypoxia (R = 0.587, P < 0.001), reactive oxygen species (ROS) (R = 0.558, P < 0.001), and interferon gamma response (R = 0.539, P < 0.001). We also observed heterogeneity in the relationship between selenium metabolism and immunity across different cancers. Based on selenium-related genes, we constructed a machine learning model with area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.82 in predicting immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based immunotherapy response. Single-cell selenium metabolism quantification revealed that adjacent and tumor tissues had higher selenium metabolism compared with normal tissues, especially in epithelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages. The communication between high-selenium epithelium and high-selenium fibroblast was significantly higher than other cells, especially in cytokines, chemokines, collagen, Wnt, VEGF, IGF and FGF pathways. CONCLUSION Our study provides a comprehensive landscape of selenium metabolism levels and diverse regulatory patterns in different cancers, deepening the understanding of selenium's roles in tumorigenesis and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Fu
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiqi Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Department of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of General Surgery, Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hai-Ning Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Shi H, Tsang Y, Yang Y, Chin HL. Identification of ONECUT3 as a stemness-related transcription factor regulating NK cell-mediated immune evasion in pancreatic cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18133. [PMID: 37875589 PMCID: PMC10598193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45560-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal response to the current T cell-based immunotherapies, which is attributed to intratumoral heterogeneity caused by PDAC stem cells and lack of major histocompatibility complex class I required for neoantigen presentation. Although this scenario makes natural killer (NK) cells attractive candidates for immunotherapeutic agents targeting MHC-I-deficient cancer stem cells in heterogeneous PDACs, little is known about PDAC stem cell immunology. In our study, PDAC-specific datasets from public databases were collected for in-depth bioinformatic analysis. We found that the abundance of PDAC stemness negatively influenced the infiltration of NK cells and identified the transcription factor ONECUT3 enriched in PDACs with high stemness index scores and Pan-cancer Stemness Signature levels. A series of NK cell-targeted inhibitory immune checkpoints were highly expressed in ONECUT3high PDACs. The patient group with high levels of ONECUT3 expression had a high risk of poor overall survival, even if accompanied by high infiltration of NK cells. Furthermore, the prostanoid metabolic process was enriched in ONECUT3high PDACs with high levels of NK cell-targeted inhibitory immune checkpoints. ONECUT3 enriched in high-stemness PDACs possessed the potential to transcriptionally regulate the prostanoid metabolism-related genes. Our study reveals ONECUT3 as a candidate stemness-related transcription factor regulating NK cell-targeted inhibitory immune checkpoints in PDAC. ONECUT3-mediated prostanoid metabolism may regulate cancer stemness and immune evasion in PDAC. Synergistic inhibition of prostanoid metabolism may improve the efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapies targeting intratumoral heterogeneity caused by PDAC stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojun Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yiusing Tsang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yisi Yang
- Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hok Leong Chin
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Hu Y, Shen F, Yang X, Han T, Long Z, Wen J, Huang J, Shen J, Guo Q. Single-cell sequencing technology applied to epigenetics for the study of tumor heterogeneity. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:161. [PMID: 37821906 PMCID: PMC10568863 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01574-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have traditionally attributed the initiation of cancer cells to genetic mutations, considering them as the fundamental drivers of carcinogenesis. However, recent research has shed light on the crucial role of epigenomic alterations in various cell types present within the tumor microenvironment, suggesting their potential contribution to tumor formation and progression. Despite these significant findings, the progress in understanding the epigenetic mechanisms regulating tumor heterogeneity has been impeded over the past few years due to the lack of appropriate technical tools and methodologies. RESULTS The emergence of single-cell sequencing has enhanced our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms governing tumor heterogeneity by revealing the distinct epigenetic layers of individual cells (chromatin accessibility, DNA/RNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome localization) and the diverse omics (transcriptomics, genomics, multi-omics) at the single-cell level. These technologies provide us with new insights into the molecular basis of intratumoral heterogeneity and help uncover key molecular events and driving mechanisms in tumor development. CONCLUSION This paper provides a comprehensive review of the emerging analytical and experimental approaches of single-cell sequencing in various omics, focusing specifically on epigenomics. These approaches have the potential to capture and integrate multiple dimensions of individual cancer cells, thereby revealing tumor heterogeneity and epigenetic features. Additionally, this paper outlines the future trends of these technologies and their current technical limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhuowen Long
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiale Wen
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junxing Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiangfeng Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China.
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Long S, Xu J, Huang H. Analysis of differential gene immune infiltration and clinical characteristics of skin cutaneous melanoma based on systems biology and drug repositioning methods to identify drug candidates for skin cutaneous melanoma. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:2427-2447. [PMID: 37086280 PMCID: PMC10122093 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02461-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) has a low early detection rate and a high mortality rate. There are many problems such as side effects and drug resistance in existing therapeutic drugs. Current studies have confirmed that SKCM pathogenesis-related genes promote the invasion and metastasis of cutaneous melanoma, but their roles in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain unclear. Network pharmacology provides new opportunities for drug repurposing and repositioning, and is a fast, safe, and inexpensive drug discovery method to find new drugs for the treatment of SKCM. In this study, based on 3 databases (KEGG, OMIM, and Genotype) to obtain SKCM-related genes, and TCGA SKCM dataset, SKCM differential genes in GSE3189 and GSE46517 were intersected to identify SKCM pathogenesis-related differential genes, and the differential genes were immune infiltration and analysis, For survival analysis, a prognostic nomogram risk model was constructed based on the results of multivariate Cox regression analysis for risk stratification and prognosis prediction, then focused on the differential expression of ZC3H12A and its effect on TME. Finally, the protein interaction network method was used to quantify the similarity between 684 drug targets and skin melanoma, and to screen out drugs similar to skin melanoma. Based on 3 databases of KEGG, OMIM, and Genotype, 294 SKCM-related genes and 18 SKCM pathogenesis-related differential genes were obtained, and 18 SKCM pathogenesis-related differential genes were significantly correlated with TME. The constructed prognostic nomogram risk model predicted performance better and provided valuable information for immunotherapy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and K-M analysis showed that ZC3H12A was a differentially expressed gene affecting the prognosis of SKCM and promoted the infiltration of anti-tumor immune cells CD8 + T cells, B cells, and DC cells. Based on the analysis of the protein interaction network method, 43 drugs were found to have high potential in the treatment of SKCM, and the literature search of these 43 drugs was carried out, and 21 drugs were found to have experimental verification for the treatment of SKCM. Taken together, the differential genes associated with the pathogenesis of SKCM have important roles in the tumor immune microenvironment, clinicopathological features, and prognosis, especially ZC3H12A has a potential role in identifying early SKCM patients. At the same time, it provides a new strategy for the drug development of SKCM and provides a basis for the reuse of SKCM drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyong Long
- Department of Traumatology, Guizhou Province, Tongren People's Hospital, No 120 Middle Section of Taoyuan Avenue, Tongren City, 554399, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Traumatology, Guizhou Province, Tongren People's Hospital, No 120 Middle Section of Taoyuan Avenue, Tongren City, 554399, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hai Huang
- Department of Traumatology, Guizhou Province, Tongren People's Hospital, No 120 Middle Section of Taoyuan Avenue, Tongren City, 554399, People's Republic of China
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43
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Qi W, Liu Q, Fu W, Shi J, Shi M, Duan S, Li Z, Song S, Wang J, Liu Y. BHLHE40, a potential immune therapy target, regulated by FGD5-AS1/miR-15a-5p in pancreatic cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16400. [PMID: 37773521 PMCID: PMC10541890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43577-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, as one of the neoplasms with the highest degree of malignancy, has become a main disease of concerns in recent years. BHLHE40, a critical transcription factor for remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment, has been described to be substantially increased in a variety of tumor-associated immune cells. Nevertheless, the pro-cancer biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of BHLHE40 for pancreatic cancer and its unique microenvironment are unclear. Hereby, we investigated the pro-oncogenic role of BHLHE40 in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment by bioinformatics analysis and cell biology experiments and determined that the expression of BHLHE40 was obviously elevated in pancreatic cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. In parallel, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis unveiled that lower expression of BHLHE40 was strongly associated with better prognosis of patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the accuracy of the BHLHE40-related prediction model. Subsequent, spearman correlation analysis observed that higher expression of BHLHE40 might be involved in immunosuppression of pancreatic cancer. Silencing of BHLHE40 could inhibit proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo, implying that BHLHE40 is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. In addition, we explored and validated the FGD5-AS1/miR-15a-5p axis as a potential upstream regulatory mode for high expression of BHLHE40 in pancreatic cancer. In summary, our data showed that ceRNA involved in the regulation of BHLHE40 contributes to the promotion of immunosuppressive response in pancreatic and is expected to be a diagnostic marker and potential immunotherapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Qi
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaming Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minmin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Songqi Duan
- College of Food Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Yaan, China
| | - Zhe Li
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shaohua Song
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yihao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Massa C, Seliger B. Combination of multiple omics techniques for a personalized therapy or treatment selection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1258013. [PMID: 37828984 PMCID: PMC10565668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1258013] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite targeted therapies and immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of cancer patients, only a limited number of patients have long-term responses. Moreover, due to differences within cancer patients in the tumor mutational burden, composition of the tumor microenvironment as well as of the peripheral immune system and microbiome, and in the development of immune escape mechanisms, there is no "one fit all" therapy. Thus, the treatment of patients must be personalized based on the specific molecular, immunologic and/or metabolic landscape of their tumor. In order to identify for each patient the best possible therapy, different approaches should be employed and combined. These include (i) the use of predictive biomarkers identified on large cohorts of patients with the same tumor type and (ii) the evaluation of the individual tumor with "omics"-based analyses as well as its ex vivo characterization for susceptibility to different therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Massa
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute for Translational Immunology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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Mathias C, Kozak VN, Magno JM, Baal SCS, dos Santos VHA, Ribeiro EMDSF, Gradia DF, Castro MAA, Carvalho de Oliveira J. PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors Response in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Can Long Noncoding RNAs Be Associated? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4682. [PMID: 37835376 PMCID: PMC10572024 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194682] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) emerge as a paradigm-shifting treatment option for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer, there is a growing demand for biomarkers that can distinguish which patients are likely to benefit. In the case of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by a lack of therapeutic targets, pembrolizumab approval for high-risk early-stage disease occurred regardless of PD-L1 status, which keeps the condition in a biomarker limbus. In this review, we highlight the participation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, as well as in the definition of prognostic immune-related signatures in many types of tumors, aiming to shed light on molecules that deserve further investigation for a potential role as biomarkers. We also conducted a bioinformatic analysis to investigate lncRNAs already investigated in PD-1/PDL-1 pathways in other cancer types, considering the TNBC molecular context. In this sense, from the generated data, we evidence here two lncRNAs, UCA1 and HCP5, which have not yet been identified in the context of the tumoral immune response in breast cancer. These candidates can be further explored to verify their use as biomarkers for ICI response. In this article, we present an updated review regarding the use of lncRNA as biomarkers of response to ICI, highlighting the versatility of using these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Mathias
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81530-980, Brazil; (C.M.)
| | - Vanessa Nascimento Kozak
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81530-980, Brazil; (C.M.)
| | - Jessica Maria Magno
- Post-Graduation Program in Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81520-260, Brazil (V.H.A.d.S.)
| | - Suelen Cristina Soares Baal
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81530-980, Brazil; (C.M.)
| | - Victor Henrique Apolonio dos Santos
- Post-Graduation Program in Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81520-260, Brazil (V.H.A.d.S.)
| | | | - Daniela Fiori Gradia
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81530-980, Brazil; (C.M.)
| | - Mauro Antonio Alves Castro
- Post-Graduation Program in Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 81520-260, Brazil (V.H.A.d.S.)
| | - Jaqueline Carvalho de Oliveira
- Post-Graduation Program in Genetics, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81530-980, Brazil; (C.M.)
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Liang R, Hong W, Zhang Y, Ma D, Li J, Shi Y, Luo Q, Du S, Song G. Deep dissection of stemness-related hierarchies in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2023; 21:631. [PMID: 37717019 PMCID: PMC10505333 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04425-8] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stem cells (LCSCs) play an essential part in HCC recurrence, metastasis, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance. Multiple studies have demonstrated that stemness-related genes facilitate the progression of tumors. However, the mechanism by which stemness-related genes contribute to HCC is not well understood. Here, we aim to construct a stemness-related score (SRscores) model for deeper analysis of stemness-related genes, assisting with the prognosis and individualized treatment of HCC patients.Further, we found that the gene LPCAT1 was highly expressed in tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry, and sphere-forming assay revealed that knockdown of LPCAT1 inhibited the sphere-forming ability of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. METHODS We used the TCGA-LIHC dataset to screen stemness-related genes of HCC from the MSigDB database. Prognosis, tumor microenvironment, immunological checkpoints, tumor immune dysfunction, rejection, treatment sensitivity, and putative biological pathways were examined. Random forest created the SRscores model. The anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy, tumor mutational burden, medication sensitivity, and cancer stem cell index were compared between the high- and low-risk score groups. We also examined risk scores for different cell types using single-cell RNA sequencing data and correlated transcription factor activity in cancer stem cells with SRscores genes. Finally, we tested core marker expression and biological functions. RESULTS Patients can be divided into two subtypes (Cluster1 and Cluster2) based on the TCGA-LIHC dataset's identification of 11 stemness-related genes. Additionally, a SRscores was developed based on subtypes. Cluster2 and the group with the lowest SRscores had superior survival and immunotherapy response than Cluster1 and the group with the highest SRscores. The group with a high SRscores was significantly more enriched in classical tumor pathways than the group with a low SRscores. Multiple transcription factors and SRscores genes are correlated. The core gene LPCAT1 is highly expressed in rat liver cancer tissues and promotes tumor cell sphere formation. CONCLUSION A SRscores model can be utilized to predict the prognosis of HCC patients as well as their response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Weifeng Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xuhui District, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- General Surgery 1, the First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Di Ma
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Jinwei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yisong Shi
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Qing Luo
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Shisuo Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xuhui District, No. 180, Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guanbin Song
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing, 400030, China.
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Shiino S, Tokura M, Nakayama J, Yoshida M, Suto A, Yamamoto Y. Investigation of Tumor Heterogeneity Using Integrated Single-Cell RNA Sequence Analysis to Focus on Genes Related to Breast Cancer-, EMT-, CSC-, and Metastasis-Related Markers in Patients with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2286. [PMID: 37759508 PMCID: PMC10527746 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein, which is characterized by the amplification of ERBB2, is a molecular target for HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Many targeted HER2 strategies have been well developed thus far. Furthermore, intratumoral heterogeneity in HER2 cases has been observed with immunohistochemical staining and has been considered one of the reasons for drug resistance. Therefore, we conducted an integrated analysis of the breast cancer single-cell gene expression data for HER2-positive breast cancer cases from both scRNA-seq data from public datasets and data from our cohort and compared them with those for luminal breast cancer datasets. In our results, heterogeneous distribution of the expression of breast cancer-related genes (ESR1, PGR, ERBB2, and MKI67) was observed. Various gene expression levels differed at the single-cell level between the ERBB2-high group and ERBB2-low group. Moreover, molecular functions and ERBB2 expression levels differed between estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative HER2 cases. Additionally, the gene expression levels of typical breast cancer-, CSC-, EMT-, and metastasis-related markers were also different across each patient. These results suggest that diversity in gene expression could occur not only in the presence of ERBB2 expression and ER status but also in the molecular characteristics of each patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Shiino
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan;
| | - Momoko Tokura
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; (M.T.); (J.N.)
| | - Jun Nakayama
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; (M.T.); (J.N.)
| | - Masayuki Yoshida
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan;
| | - Akihiko Suto
- Department of Breast Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan;
| | - Yusuke Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Integrative Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; (M.T.); (J.N.)
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Guo Y, Wang R, Shi J, Yang C, Ma P, Min J, Zhao T, Hua L, Song Y, Li J, Su H. Machine learning-based integration develops a metabolism-derived consensus model for improving immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007466. [PMID: 37739440 PMCID: PMC10533800 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007466] [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] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PAC) is one of the most malignant cancer types and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment option. PAC cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, which is thought to modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and affect immunotherapy outcomes. However, the metabolic landscape of PAC and its association with the TME remains largely unexplored. METHODS We characterized the metabolic landscape of PAC based on 112 metabolic pathways and constructed a novel metabolism-related signature (MBS) using data from 1,188 patients with PAC. We evaluated the predictive performance of MBS for immunotherapy outcomes in 11 immunotherapy cohorts from both bulk-RNA and single-cell perspectives. We validated our results using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, colony-formation assays, and an in-house cohort. RESULTS MBS was found to be negatively associated with antitumor immunity, while positively correlated with cancer stemness, intratumoral heterogeneity, and immune resistant pathways. Notably, MBS outperformed other acknowledged signatures for predicting immunotherapy response in multiple immunotherapy cohorts. Additionally, MBS was a powerful and robust biomarker for predicting prognosis compared with 66 published signatures. Further, we identified dasatinib and epothilone B as potential therapeutic options for MBS-high patients, which were validated through experiments. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insights into the mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance in PAC and introduces MBS as a robust metabolism-based indicator for predicting response to immunotherapy and prognosis in patients with PAC. These findings have significant implications for the development of personalized treatment strategies in patients with PAC and highlight the importance of considering metabolic pathways and immune infiltration in TME regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdong Guo
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ronglin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingjie Shi
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peixiang Ma
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Min
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Hua
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junqiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haichuan Su
- Department of Oncology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Guo Y, Wang S, Liang F, Wang M. Identification of CHMP7 as a promising immunobiomarker for immunotherapy and chemotherapy and impact on prognosis of colorectal cancer patients. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1211843. [PMID: 37711849 PMCID: PMC10499328 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1211843] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: ESCRT is a molecular machine involved in various important physiological processes, such as the formation of multivesicular bodies, cellular autophagy, and cellular membrane repair. CHMP7 is a regulatory subunit of ESCRT-III and is necessary for the proper functioning of ESCRT. In this study, public databases were exploited to explore the role of CHMP7 in tumors. Methods: The research on CHMP7 in oncology is rather limited. In this study, the differential expression of CHMP7 in multiple tumor tissues was analyzed with information from public databases and clinically collected colorectal cancer tissue samples. Subsequently, the mutational landscape of CHMP7, methylation levels, and the relationship between its expression levels and genomic instability were resolved. The immune microenvironment is a compelling emerging star in tumor research. The correlation of CHMP7 with various infiltrating immune cell types in TME was analyzed by online datasets and single-cell sequencing. In terms of clinical treatment, the impact of CHMP7 expression levels on chemotherapy and immunotherapy and the evaluation of small molecule drugs related to CHMP7 were assessed. Results: CHMP7 has a predictive value for the prognosis of patients with tumors and is highly involved in tumor immunity. The downregulation of CHMP7 may lead to genomic instability. A strong correlation between CHMP7 and TME immune cell infiltration has been observed, participating in the formation of suppressive TME and promoting tumor progression. The expression level of CHMP7 is significantly lower in the non-responder group of multiple chemotherapeutic agents. CHMP7 can potentially serve as a new biomarker for predicting the efficacy of tumor chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Conclusion: As a gene of interest, CHMP7 is expected to provide novel and promising targets for further treatment of patients with tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Department of the General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of the Ridiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Feng Liang
- Department of the General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of the General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Zhang Q, Liu J, Yao D, Shi JX, Liu YJ, Wei YG, Guo S. Comprehensive Analysis to Identify Rh Family C Glycoprotein ( RHCG) as the Causative Gene for Psoriasis and Search for Alternative Treatment Modalities. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:2593-2611. [PMID: 37664450 PMCID: PMC10473404 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s421300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune disease. Frequent interactions between epidermal and immune cells are likely to be responsible for the strong heterogeneity of psoriasis. Therefore, our work aims to build on current knowledge and further search for new molecular mechanisms related to psoriasis pathogenesis in order to develop new targeted drugs. Methods Data from psoriasis samples were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and batch effects were corrected using the "Combat" algorithm in the "SVA" package. Functional annotation of differential genes in psoriasis was performed by Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Core functional modules were identified using the Multiscale Embedded Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (MEGENA) algorithm for selection from the differential gene interaction network. The expression and potential function of Rh Family C Glycoprotein (RHCG) was predicted in single cell data by the "Seurat" package and validated in psoriasis samples by multiplex immunofluorescence. In addition, the regulatory function of HOP Homeobox (HOPX) on RHCG in keratinocytes was confirmed using RNA interference. Using immune infiltration analysis, RHCG and DC cells were analyzed for their association. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of treatment of psoriasis using Tripterygii Radix (TR) and Cinnamomi Ramulus (CR) were explored through network pharmacology and experimental validation. Results Immune response (represented by C1_2) and collagen matrix formation (represented by C1_3) were identified as two important pathogenic factors in psoriasis and helped to define new biological subtypes of psoriasis. One important psoriasis hub gene, RHCG, was obtained and found to be closely associated with keratinocyte differentiation as well as DC cell maturation. And RHCG was regulated by HOPX in keratinocytes. In addition, the mechanism of action of CR and TR in the treatment of psoriasis was tentatively confirmed to be related to TRPV3, NFKB2, and YAP1. Conclusions Our study identifies a new causal disease gene (RHCG) and offers potential alternatives for the treatment of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Yao
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Xin Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tumor System Biology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Gang Wei
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shun Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, People’s Republic of China
- No. 1 Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, People’s Republic of China
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