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Jalil SMA, Henry JC, Cameron AJM. Targets in the Tumour Matrisome to Promote Cancer Therapy Response. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1847. [PMID: 38791926 PMCID: PMC11119821 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101847] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of complex fibrillar proteins, proteoglycans, and macromolecules, generated by stromal, immune, and cancer cells. The components and organisation of the matrix evolves as tumours progress to invasive disease and metastasis. In many solid tumours, dense fibrotic ECM has been hypothesised to impede therapy response by limiting drug and immune cell access. Interventions to target individual components of the ECM, collectively termed the matrisome, have, however, revealed complex tumour-suppressor, tumour-promoter, and immune-modulatory functions, which have complicated clinical translation. The degree to which distinct components of the matrisome can dictate tumour phenotypes and response to therapy is the subject of intense study. A primary aim is to identify therapeutic opportunities within the matrisome, which might support a better response to existing therapies. Many matrix signatures have been developed which can predict prognosis, immune cell content, and immunotherapy responses. In this review, we will examine key components of the matrisome which have been associated with advanced tumours and therapy resistance. We have primarily focussed here on targeting matrisome components, rather than specific cell types, although several examples are described where cells of origin can dramatically affect tumour roles for matrix components. As we unravel the complex biochemical, biophysical, and intracellular transduction mechanisms associated with the ECM, numerous therapeutic opportunities will be identified to modify tumour progression and therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angus J. M. Cameron
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (S.M.A.J.); (J.C.H.)
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Buruiană A, Gheban BA, Gheban-Roșca IA, Georgiu C, Crișan D, Crișan M. The Tumor Stroma of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Complex Environment That Fuels Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1727. [PMID: 38730679 PMCID: PMC11083853 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex assembly of cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, plays a crucial role in driving tumor progression, shaping treatment responses, and influencing metastasis. This narrative review focuses on the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumor stroma, highlighting its key constituents and their dynamic contributions. We examine how significant changes within the cSCC ECM-specifically, alterations in fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, laminins, proteoglycans, and collagens-promote cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The cellular composition of the cSCC TME is also explored, detailing the intricate interplay of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial cells, pericytes, adipocytes, and various immune cell populations. These diverse players modulate tumor development, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Finally, we emphasize the TME's potential as a therapeutic target. Emerging strategies discussed in this review include harnessing the immune system (adoptive cell transfer, checkpoint blockade), hindering tumor angiogenesis, disrupting CAF activity, and manipulating ECM components. These approaches underscore the vital role that deciphering TME interactions plays in advancing cSCC therapy. Further research illuminating these complex relationships will uncover new avenues for developing more effective treatments for cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Buruiană
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.B.); (C.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Bogdan-Alexandru Gheban
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana-Andreea Gheban-Roșca
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Carmen Georgiu
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.B.); (C.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Doința Crișan
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.B.); (C.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Maria Crișan
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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Hirani P, McDermott J, Rajeeve V, Cutillas PR, Jones JL, Pennington DJ, Wight TN, Santamaria S, Alonge KM, Pearce OM. Versican Associates with Tumor Immune Phenotype and Limits T-cell Trafficking via Chondroitin Sulfate. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:970-985. [PMID: 38517140 PMCID: PMC10989462 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapies for cancers of epithelial origin have limited efficacy, and a growing body of evidence links the composition of extracellular matrix (ECM) with the likelihood of a favorable response to treatment. The ECM may be considered an immunologic barrier, restricting the localization of cytotoxic immune cells to stromal areas and inhibiting their contact with tumor cells. Identifying ECM components of this immunologic barrier could provide targets that whether degraded in situ may support antitumor immunity and improve immunotherapy response. Using a library of primary triple-negative breast cancer tissues, we correlated CD8+ T-cell tumor contact with ECM composition and identified a proteoglycan, versican (VCAN), as a putative member of the immunologic barrier. Our analysis reveals that CD8+ T-cell contact with tumor associates with the location of VCAN expression, the specific glycovariant of VCAN [defined through the pattern of posttranslational attachments of glycosaminoglycans (GAG)], and the cell types that produce the variant. In functional studies, the isomers of chondroitin sulfate presented on VCAN have opposing roles being either supportive or inhibiting of T-cell trafficking, and removal of the GAGs ameliorates these effects on T-cell trafficking. Overall, we conclude that VCAN can either support or inhibit T-cell trafficking within the tumor microenvironment depending on the pattern of GAGs present, and that VCAN is a major component of the ECM immunologic barrier that defines the type of response to immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE The response to immunotherapy has been poor toward solid tumors despite immune cells infiltrating into the tumor. The ECM has been associated with impacting T-cell infiltration toward the tumor and in this article we have identified VCAN and its structural modification, chondroitin sulfate as having a key role in T-cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Hirani
- Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline McDermott
- Department of Histopathology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vinothini Rajeeve
- Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro R. Cutillas
- Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - J. Louise Jones
- Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. Pennington
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London Medical School, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas N. Wight
- Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington
| | - Salvatore Santamaria
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Edward Jenner Building, University of Surrey, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberly M. Alonge
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Oliver M.T. Pearce
- Barts Cancer Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Li MD, Lu JW, Zhang F, Lei WJ, Pan F, Lin YK, Ling LJ, Myatt L, Wang WS, Sun K. ADAMTS4 is a crucial proteolytic enzyme for versican cleavage in the amnion at parturition. Commun Biol 2024; 7:301. [PMID: 38461223 PMCID: PMC10924920 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06007-w] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyalectan cleavage may play an important role in extracellular matrix remodeling. However, the proteolytic enzyme responsible for hyalectan degradation for fetal membrane rupture at parturition remains unknown. Here, we reveal that versican (VCAN) is the major hyalectan in the amnion, where its cleavage increases at parturition with spontaneous rupture of membrane. We further reveal that ADAMTS4 is a crucial proteolytic enzyme for VCAN cleavage in the amnion. Inflammatory factors may enhance VCAN cleavage by inducing ADAMTS4 expression and inhibiting ADAMTS4 endocytosis in amnion fibroblasts. In turn, versikine, the VCAN cleavage product, induces inflammatory factors in amnion fibroblasts, thereby forming a feedforward loop between inflammation and VCAN degradation. Mouse studies show that intra-amniotic injection of ADAMTS4 induces preterm birth along with increased VCAN degradation and proinflammatory factors abundance in the fetal membranes. Conclusively, there is enhanced VCAN cleavage by ADAMTS4 in the amnion at parturition, which can be reenforced by inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Die Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jiang-Wen Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wen-Jia Lei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Fan Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yi-Kai Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Li-Jun Ling
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Wang-Sheng Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Kang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, PR China.
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Kunnathattil M, Rahul P, Skaria T. Soluble vascular endothelial glycocalyx proteoglycans as potential therapeutic targets in inflammatory diseases. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:97-116. [PMID: 37982607 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12712] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Reducing the activity of cytokines and leukocyte extravasation is an emerging therapeutic strategy to limit tissue-damaging inflammatory responses and restore immune homeostasis in inflammatory diseases. Proteoglycans embedded in the vascular endothelial glycocalyx, which regulate the activity of cytokines to restrict the inflammatory response in physiological conditions, are proteolytically cleaved in inflammatory diseases. Here we critically review the potential of proteolytically shed, soluble vascular endothelial glycocalyx proteoglycans to modulate pathological inflammatory responses. Soluble forms of the proteoglycans syndecan-1, syndecan-3 and biglycan exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects by the removal of chemokines, suppression of proinflammatory cytokine expression and leukocyte migration, and induction of autophagy of proinflammatory M1 macrophages. By contrast, soluble versikine and decorin enhance proinflammatory responses by increasing inflammatory cytokine synthesis and leukocyte migration. Endogenous syndecan-2 and mimecan exert proinflammatory effects, syndecan-4 and perlecan mediate beneficial anti-inflammatory effects and glypican regulates Hh and Wnt signaling pathways involved in systemic inflammatory responses. Taken together, targeting the vascular endothelial glycocalyx-derived, soluble syndecan-1, syndecan-2, syndecan-3, syndecan-4, biglycan, versikine, mimecan, perlecan, glypican and decorin might be a potential therapeutic strategy to suppress overstimulated cytokine and leukocyte responses in inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maneesha Kunnathattil
- Department of Zoology, Government College Madappally, University of Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - Pedapudi Rahul
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - Tom Skaria
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
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Reis MBE, Maximo AI, Magno JM, de Lima Bellan D, Buzzo JLA, Simas FF, Rocha HAO, da Silva Trindade E, Camargo de Oliveira C. A Fucose-Containing Sulfated Polysaccharide from Spatoglossum schröederi Potentially Targets Tumor Growth Rather Than Cytotoxicity: Distinguishing Action on Human Melanoma Cell Lines. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 26:181-198. [PMID: 38273163 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-024-10287-y] [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: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Natural substances are strategic candidates for drug development in cancer research. Marine-derived molecules are of special interest due to their wide range of biological activities and sustainable large-scale production. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from genetic mutations in melanocytes. BRAF, RAS, and NF1 mutations are described as the major melanoma drivers, but approximately 20% of patients lack these mutations and are included in the triple wild-type (tripleWT) classification. Recent advances in targeted therapy directed at driver mutations along with immunotherapy have only partially improved patients' overall survival, and consequently, melanoma remains deadly when in advanced stages. Fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSP) are potential candidates to treat melanoma; therefore, we investigated Fucan A, a FCSP from Spatoglossum schröederi brown seaweed, in vitro in human melanoma cell lines presenting different mutations. Up to 72 h Fucan A treatment was not cytotoxic either to normal melanocytes or melanoma cell lines. Interestingly, it was able to impair the tripleWT CHL-1 cell proliferation (57%), comparable to the chemotherapeutic cytotoxic drug cisplatin results, with the advantage of not causing cytotoxicity. Fucan A increased CHL-1 doubling time, an effect attributed to cell cycle arrest. Vascular mimicry, a close related angiogenesis process, was also impaired (73%). Fucan A mode of action could be related to gene expression modulation, in special β-catenin downregulation, a molecule with protagonist roles in important signaling pathways. Taken together, results indicate that Fucan A is a potential anticancer molecule and, therefore, deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Barbosa E Reis
- Cell Biology Department, Universidade Federal Do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Jessica Maria Magno
- Cell Biology Department, Universidade Federal Do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Daniel de Lima Bellan
- Cell Biology Department, Universidade Federal Do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
- Biochemistry Department, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
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Baghy K, Ladányi A, Reszegi A, Kovalszky I. Insights into the Tumor Microenvironment-Components, Functions and Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17536. [PMID: 38139365 PMCID: PMC10743805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417536] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Similarly to our healthy organs, the tumor tissue also constitutes an ecosystem. This implies that stromal cells acquire an altered phenotype in tandem with tumor cells, thereby promoting tumor survival. Cancer cells are fueled by abnormal blood vessels, allowing them to develop and proliferate. Tumor-associated fibroblasts adapt their cytokine and chemokine production to the needs of tumor cells and alter the peritumoral stroma by generating more collagen, thereby stiffening the matrix; these processes promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor cell invasion. Chronic inflammation and the mobilization of pro-tumorigenic inflammatory cells further facilitate tumor expansion. All of these events can impede the effective administration of tumor treatment; so, the successful inhibition of tumorous matrix remodeling could further enhance the success of antitumor therapy. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made with the introduction of novel immunotherapy that targets the inhibitory mechanisms of T cell activation. However, extensive research is also being conducted on the stromal components and other cell types of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that may serve as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornélia Baghy
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Andrea Ladányi
- Department of Surgical and Molecular Pathology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Andrea Reszegi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1091 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ilona Kovalszky
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
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8
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Gelman IH. Metastasis suppressor genes in clinical practice: are they druggable? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1169-1188. [PMID: 37749308 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10135-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Since the identification of NM23 (now called NME1) as the first metastasis suppressor gene (MSG), a small number of other gene products and non-coding RNAs have been identified that suppress specific parameters of the metastatic cascade, yet which have little or no ability to regulate primary tumor initiation or maintenance. MSG can regulate various pathways or cell biological functions such as those controlling mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway mediators, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix protein adhesion, cytoskeletal architecture, G-protein-coupled receptors, apoptosis, and transcriptional complexes. One defining facet of this gene class is that their expression is typically downregulated, not mutated, in metastasis, such that any effective therapeutic intervention would involve their re-expression. This review will address the therapeutic targeting of MSG, once thought to be a daunting task only facilitated by ectopically re-expressing MSG in metastatic cells in vivo. Examples will be cited of attempts to identify actionable oncogenic pathways that might suppress the formation or progression of metastases through the re-expression of specific metastasis suppressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irwin H Gelman
- Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
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Tripathi AS, Zaki MEA, Al-Hussain SA, Dubey BK, Singh P, Rind L, Yadav RK. Material matters: exploring the interplay between natural biomaterials and host immune system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269960. [PMID: 37936689 PMCID: PMC10627157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269960] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomaterials are widely used for various medical purposes, for instance, implants, tissue engineering, medical devices, and drug delivery systems. Natural biomaterials can be obtained from proteins, carbohydrates, and cell-specific sources. However, when these biomaterials are introduced into the body, they trigger an immune response which may lead to rejection and failure of the implanted device or tissue. The immune system recognizes natural biomaterials as foreign substances and triggers the activation of several immune cells, for instance, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells. These cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which recruit other immune cells to the implantation site. The activation of the immune system can lead to an inflammatory response, which can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on the type of natural biomaterial and the extent of the immune response. These biomaterials can also influence the immune response by modulating the behavior of immune cells. For example, biomaterials with specific surface properties, such as charge and hydrophobicity, can affect the activation and differentiation of immune cells. Additionally, biomaterials can be engineered to release immunomodulatory factors, such as anti-inflammatory cytokines, to promote a tolerogenic immune response. In conclusion, the interaction between biomaterials and the body's immune system is an intricate procedure with potential consequences for the effectiveness of therapeutics and medical devices. A better understanding of this interplay can help to design biomaterials that promote favorable immune responses and minimize adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdi E A Zaki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad lbn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami A Al-Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad lbn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bidhyut Kumar Dubey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Era College of Pharmacy, Era University, Lucknow, India
| | - Prabhjot Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Era College of Pharmacy, Era University, Lucknow, India
| | - Laiba Rind
- Department of Pharmacology, Era College of Pharmacy, Era University, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Era College of Pharmacy, Era University, Lucknow, India
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Amin A, Koul AM, Wani UM, Farooq F, Amin B, Wani Z, Lone A, Qadri A, Qadri RA. Dissection of paracrine/autocrine interplay in lung tumor microenvironment mimicking cancer cell-monocyte co-culture models reveals proteins that promote inflammation and metastasis. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:926. [PMID: 37784035 PMCID: PMC10544320 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11428-7] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor cell-monocyte interactions play crucial roles in shaping up the pro-tumorigenic phenotype and functional output of tumor-associated macrophages. Within the tumor microenvironment, such heterotypic cell-cell interactions are known to occur via secretory proteins. Secretory proteins establish a diabolic liaison between tumor cells and monocytes, leading to their recruitment, subsequent polarization and consequent tumor progression. METHODS We co-cultured model lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 with model monocytes, THP-1 to delineate the interactions between them. The levels of prototypical pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-𝛼, IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Migration, invasion and attachment independence of lung cancer cells was assessed by wound healing, transwell invasion and colony formation assays respectively. The status of EMT was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Identification of secretory proteins differentially expressed in monocultures and co-culture was carried out using SILAC LC-MS/MS. Various insilico tools like Cytoscape, Reacfoam, CHAT and Kaplan-Meier plotter were utilized for association studies, pathway analysis, functional classification, cancer hallmark relevance and predicting the prognostic potential of the candidate secretory proteins respectively. RESULTS Co-culture of A549 and THP-1 cells in 1:10 ratio showed early release of prototypical pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-𝛼 and IL-6, however anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 was observed to be released at the highest time point. The conditioned medium obtained from this co-culture ratio promoted the migration, invasion and colony formation as well as the EMT of A549 cells. Co-culturing of A549 with THP-1 cells modulated the secretion of proteins involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT, inflammation, angiogenesis and inhibition of apoptosis. Among these proteins Versican, Tetranectin, IGFBP2, TUBB4B, C2 and IFI30 were found to correlate with the inflammatory and pro-metastatic milieu observed in our experimental setup. Furthermore, dysregulated expression of these proteins was found to be associated with poor prognosis and negative disease outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma compared to other cancer types. Pharmacological interventions targeting these proteins may serve as useful therapeutic approaches in lung adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION In this study, we have demonstrated that the lung cancer cell-monocyte cross-talk modulates the secretion of IFI30, RNH1, CLEC3B, VCAN, IGFBP2, C2 and TUBB4B favoring tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Amin
- Immunobiology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, 190006, India
| | - Aabid Mustafa Koul
- Immunobiology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, 190006, India
| | - Umer Majeed Wani
- Immunobiology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, 190006, India
| | - Faizah Farooq
- Immunobiology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, 190006, India
| | - Basit Amin
- Immunobiology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, 190006, India
| | - Zubair Wani
- Immunobiology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, 190006, India
| | - Asif Lone
- Department of Biotechnology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110608, India
| | - Ayub Qadri
- Abdul Kalam Chair for Translational Research, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, J&K, 192122, India
| | - Raies A Qadri
- Immunobiology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, 190006, India.
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Barbagallo C, Stella M, Ferrara C, Caponnetto A, Battaglia R, Barbagallo D, Di Pietro C, Ragusa M. RNA-RNA competitive interactions: a molecular civil war ruling cell physiology and diseases. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2023:504-540. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2023.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The idea that proteins are the main determining factors in the functioning of cells and organisms, and their dysfunctions are the first cause of pathologies, has been predominant in biology and biomedicine until recently. This protein-centered view was too simplistic and failed to explain the physiological and pathological complexity of the cell. About 80% of the human genome is dynamically and pervasively transcribed, mostly as non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), which competitively interact with each other and with coding RNAs generating a complex RNA network regulating RNA processing, stability, and translation and, accordingly, fine-tuning the gene expression of the cells. Qualitative and quantitative dysregulations of RNA-RNA interaction networks are strongly involved in the onset and progression of many pathologies, including cancers and degenerative diseases. This review will summarize the RNA species involved in the competitive endogenous RNA network, their mechanisms of action, and involvement in pathological phenotypes. Moreover, it will give an overview of the most advanced experimental and computational methods to dissect and rebuild RNA networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Barbagallo
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Stella
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Angela Caponnetto
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalia Battaglia
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Section of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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12
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Wight TN, Day AJ, Kang I, Harten IA, Kaber G, Briggs DC, Braun KR, Lemire JM, Kinsella MG, Hinek A, Merrilees MJ. V3: an enigmatic isoform of the proteoglycan versican. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C519-C537. [PMID: 37399500 PMCID: PMC10511178 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00059.2023] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
V3 is an isoform of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycan (PG) versican generated through alternative splicing of the versican gene such that the two major exons coding for sequences in the protein core that support chondroitin sulfate (CS) glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain attachment are excluded. Thus, versican V3 isoform carries no GAGs. A survey of PubMed reveals only 50 publications specifically on V3 versican, so it is a very understudied member of the versican family, partly because to date there are no antibodies that can distinguish V3 from the CS-carrying isoforms of versican, that is, to facilitate functional and mechanistic studies. However, a number of in vitro and in vivo studies have identified the expression of the V3 transcript during different phases of development and in disease, and selective overexpression of V3 has shown dramatic phenotypic effects in "gain and loss of function" studies in experimental models. Thus, we thought it would be useful and instructive to discuss the discovery, characterization, and the putative biological importance of the enigmatic V3 isoform of versican.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas N Wight
- Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Anthony J Day
- Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Inkyung Kang
- Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Ingrid A Harten
- Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Gernot Kaber
- Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - David C Briggs
- Signalling and Structural Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kathleen R Braun
- Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Joan M Lemire
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Michael G Kinsella
- Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, Washington, United States
| | - Aleksander Hinek
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mervyn J Merrilees
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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13
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Liang D, Liu L, Zhao Y, Luo Z, He Y, Li Y, Tang S, Tang J, Chen N. Targeting extracellular matrix through phytochemicals: a promising approach of multi-step actions on the treatment and prevention of cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1186712. [PMID: 37560476 PMCID: PMC10407561 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1186712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal and dynamic role in the construction of tumor microenvironment (TME), becoming the focus in cancer research and treatment. Multiple cell signaling in ECM remodeling contribute to uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance of cancer. Targeting trilogy of ECM remodeling could be a new strategy during the early-, middle-, advanced-stages of cancer and overcoming drug resistance. Currently nearly 60% of the alternative anticancer drugs are derived from natural products or active ingredients or structural analogs isolated from plants. According to the characteristics of ECM, this manuscript proposes three phases of whole-process management of cancer, including prevention of cancer development in the early stage of cancer (Phase I); prevent the metastasis of tumor in the middle stage of cancer (Phase II); provide a novel method in the use of immunotherapy for advanced cancer (Phase III), and present novel insights on the contribution of natural products use as innovative strategies to exert anticancer effects by targeting components in ECM. Herein, we focus on trilogy of ECM remodeling and the interaction among ECM, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and sort out the intervention effects of natural products on the ECM and related targets in the tumor progression, provide a reference for the development of new drugs against tumor metastasis and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Fishery Resources Exploitment and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science and Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyi Luo
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yadi He
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanping Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiyun Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Nianzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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14
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Luo HL, Chang YL, Liu HY, Wu YT, Sung MT, Su YL, Huang CC, Wang PC, Peng JM. VCAN Hypomethylation and Expression as Predictive Biomarkers of Drug Sensitivity in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087486. [PMID: 37108649 PMCID: PMC10139123 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087486] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Versican (VCAN), also known as extracellular matrix proteoglycan 2, has been suggested as a potential biomarker in cancers. Previous research has found that VCAN is highly expressed in bladder cancer. However, its role in predicting outcomes for patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) is not well understood. In this study, we collected tissues from 10 patients with UTUC, including 6 with and 4 without lymphovascular invasion (LVI), a pathological feature that plays a significant role in determining metastasis. Results from RNA sequencing revealed that the most differentially expressed genes were involved in extracellular matrix organization. Using the TCGA database for clinical correlation, VCAN was identified as a target for study. A chromosome methylation assay showed that VCAN was hypomethylated in tumors with LVI. In our patient samples, VCAN expression was also found to be high in UTUC tumors with LVI. In vitro analysis showed that knocking down VCAN inhibited cell migration but not proliferation. A heatmap analysis also confirmed a significant correlation between VCAN and migration genes. Additionally, silencing VCAN increased the effectiveness of cisplatin, gemcitabine and epirubicin, thus providing potential opportunities for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Lun Luo
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Lun Chang
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ying Liu
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ting Wu
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tse Sung
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Li Su
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chia Wang
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Jei-Ming Peng
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
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15
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Mao BH, Nguyen Thi KM, Tang MJ, Kamm RD, Tu TY. The interface stiffness and topographic feature dictate interfacial invasiveness of cancer spheroids. Biofabrication 2023; 15. [PMID: 36594698 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acaa00] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During cancer metastasis, tumor cells likely navigate, in a collective manner, discrete tissue spaces comprising inherently heterogeneous extracellular matrix microstructures where interfaces may be frequently encountered. Studies have shown that cell migration modes can be determined by adaptation to mechanical/topographic cues from interfacial microenvironments. However, less attention has been paid to exploring the impact of interfacial mechnochemical attributes on invasive and metastatic behaviors of tumor aggregates. Here, we excogitated a collagen matrix-solid substrate interface platform to investigate the afore-stated interesting issue. Our data revealed that stiffer interfaces stimulated spheroid outgrowth by motivating detachment of single cells and boosting their motility and velocity. However, stronger interfacial adhesive strength between matrix and substrate led to the opposite outcomes. Besides, this interfacial parameter also affected the morphological switch between migration modes of the detached cells and their directionality. Mechanistically, myosin II-mediated cell contraction, compared to matrix metalloproteinases-driven collagen degradation, was shown to play a more crucial role in the invasive outgrowth of tumor spheroids in interfacial microenvironments. Thus, our findings highlight the importance of heterogeneous interfaces in addressing and combating cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Hsu Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Kim Mai Nguyen Thi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jer Tang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.,International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States of America
| | - Ting-Yuan Tu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.,International Center for Wound Repair and Regeneration, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan.,Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan No.1, University Road, Tainan City 701, Taiwan
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16
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Song J, Wei R, Huo S, Liu C, Liu X. Versican enrichment predicts poor prognosis and response to adjuvant therapy and immunotherapy in gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:960570. [PMID: 36203562 PMCID: PMC9530562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.960570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundIncreasing evidence has revealed an important role of versican (VCAN) on various aspects of cancer progression. Here, we assessed the impact of VCAN expression on prognosis and the response to adjuvant therapy and immunotherapy in patients with gastric cancer (GC).MethodsFour independent cohorts containing 1353 patients with GC, were utilized to investigate the effect of VCAN expression on prognosis and response to adjuvant therapy in GC. Two cohorts treated with immune checkpoint blockades were included to assess the predict value of VCAN expression on response to immunotherapy. Moreover, the bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq data were analyzed to illustrate the role of VCAN in tumor microenvironment. Clinical outcomes of patient subgroups were compared by Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test.ResultHigh VCAN expression was associated with poor prognosis for patients with GC. Compared with patients with high VCAN expression, patients with low VCAN expression benefited more from adjuvant chemotherapy and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Moreover, patients with high VCAN expression tended to be resistant to immunotherapy, and VCAN could serve as a promising indicator for predicting the response to immunotherapy. VCANhigh tumors showed a specific microenvironment with more cancer associated fibroblasts infiltration and significant enrichment of stromal relevant signaling pathways.ConclusionVCAN could predict the response to adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and immunotherapy in GC, and designing new medicine target to VCAN might be an effective way to improve the efficacy of several treatment options for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junquan Song
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongyuan Wei
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiying Huo
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chenchen Liu, ; Xiaowen Liu,
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chenchen Liu, ; Xiaowen Liu,
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17
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Deb G, Cicala A, Papadas A, Asimakopoulos F. Matrix proteoglycans in tumor inflammation and immunity. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C678-C693. [PMID: 35876288 PMCID: PMC9448345 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00023.2022] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunoediting progresses through elimination, equilibrium, and escape. Each of these phases is characterized by breaching, remodeling, and rebuilding tissue planes and structural barriers that engage extracellular matrix (ECM) components, in particular matrix proteoglycans. Some of the signals emanating from matrix proteoglycan remodeling are readily co-opted by the growing tumor to sustain an environment of tumor-promoting and immune-suppressive inflammation. Yet other matrix-derived cues can be viewed as part of a homeostatic response by the host, aiming to eliminate the tumor and restore tissue integrity. These latter signals may be harnessed for therapeutic purposes to tip the polarity of the tumor immune milieu toward anticancer immunity. In this review, we attempt to showcase the importance and complexity of matrix proteoglycan signaling in both cancer-restraining and cancer-promoting inflammation. We propose that the era of matrix diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer is fast approaching the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Deb
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, California
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, California
| | - Alexander Cicala
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, California
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, California
| | - Athanasios Papadas
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, California
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, California
| | - Fotis Asimakopoulos
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, California
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, California
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18
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Wang D, Li Y, Ge H, Ghadban T, Reeh M, Güngör C. The Extracellular Matrix: A Key Accomplice of Cancer Stem Cell Migration, Metastasis Formation, and Drug Resistance in PDAC. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163998. [PMID: 36010993 PMCID: PMC9406497 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is rich in dense fibrotic stroma that are composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. A disruption of the balance between ECM synthesis and secretion and the altered expression of matrix remodeling enzymes lead to abnormal ECM dynamics in PDAC. This pathological ECM promotes cancer growth, survival, invasion, and alters the behavior of fibroblasts and immune cells leading to metastasis formation and chemotherapy resistance, which contribute to the high lethality of PDAC. Additionally, recent evidence highlights that ECM, as a major structural component of the tumor microenvironment, is a highly dynamic structure in which ECM proteins establish a physical and biochemical niche for cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are characterized by self-renewal, tumor initiation, and resistance to chemotherapeutics. In this review, we will discuss the effects of the ECM on tumor biological behavior and its molecular impact on the fundamental signaling pathways in PDAC. We will also provide an overview of how the different ECM components are able to modulate CSCs properties and finally discuss the current and ongoing therapeutic strategies targeting the ECM. Given the many challenges facing current targeted therapies for PDAC, a better understanding of molecular events involving the interplay of ECM and CSC will be key in identifying more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs and ultimately to improve survival in patients that are suffering from this deadly disease.
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19
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Papadas A, Deb G, Cicala A, Officer A, Hope C, Pagenkopf A, Flietner E, Morrow ZT, Emmerich P, Wiesner J, Arauz G, Bansal V, Esbona K, Capitini CM, Matkowskyj KA, Deming DA, Politi K, Abrams SI, Harismendy O, Asimakopoulos F. Stromal remodeling regulates dendritic cell abundance and activity in the tumor microenvironment. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111201. [PMID: 35977482 PMCID: PMC9402878 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulatory type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s) engage in productive interactions with CD8+ effectors along tumor-stroma boundaries. The paradoxical accumulation of “poised” cDC1s within stromal sheets is unlikely to simply reflect passive exclusion from tumor cores. Drawing parallels with embryonic morphogenesis, we hypothesized that invasive margin stromal remodeling generates developmentally conserved cell fate cues that regulate cDC1 behavior. We find that, in human T cell-inflamed tumors, CD8+ T cells penetrate tumor nests, whereas cDC1s are confined within adjacent stroma that recurrently displays site-specific proteolysis of the matrix proteoglycan versican (VCAN), an essential organ-sculpting modification in development. VCAN is necessary, and its proteolytic fragment (matrikine) versikine is sufficient for cDC1 accumulation. Versikine does not influence tumor-seeding pre-DC differentiation; rather, it orchestrates a distinctive cDC1 activation program conferring exquisite sensitivity to DNA sensing, supported by atypical innate lymphoid cells. Thus, peritumoral stroma mimicking embryonic provisional matrix remodeling regulates cDC1 abundance and activity to elicit T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironments. T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironments are a prerequisite for immunotherapy efficacy; however, why some tumors are inflamed and others not remains poorly understood. Papadas et al. link stromal reaction dynamics with T cell-induced inflammation. Peritumoral stroma emulating embryonic provisional matrix remodeling regulates cDC1-NK-CD8+ crosstalk to promote T cell repriming and penetration into tumor nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Papadas
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gauri Deb
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Cicala
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Adam Officer
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA; Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chelsea Hope
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Adam Pagenkopf
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Evan Flietner
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zachary T Morrow
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Philip Emmerich
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joshua Wiesner
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Garrett Arauz
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Varun Bansal
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karla Esbona
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christian M Capitini
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kristina A Matkowskyj
- UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Dustin A Deming
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; UW Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Katerina Politi
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Scott I Abrams
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Olivier Harismendy
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fotis Asimakopoulos
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, USA.
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20
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Immunotherapy and immunoengineering for breast cancer; a comprehensive insight into CAR-T cell therapy advancements, challenges and prospects. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:755-777. [PMID: 35943716 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is a highly prevalent solid cancer with a high-rise infiltration of immune cells, turning it into a significant candidate for tumor-specific immunotherapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells are emerging as immunotherapeutic tools with genetically engineered receptors to efficiently recognize and attack tumor cells that express specific target antigens. Technological advancements in CAR design have provided five generations of CAR-T cells applicable to a wide range of cancer patients while boosting CAR-T cell therapy safety. However, CAR-T cell therapy is ineffective against breast cancer because of the loss of specified antigens, the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor and CAR-T cell-induced toxicities. Next-generation CAR-T cells actively pass through the tumor vascular barriers, persist for extended periods and disrupt the tumor microenvironment (TME) to block immune escape. CONCLUSION CAR-T cell therapy embodies advanced immunotherapy for BC, but further pre-clinical and clinical assessments are recommended to achieve maximized efficiency and safety.
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21
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Holstein SA, Asimakopoulos F, Azab AK, Bianchi G, Bhutani M, Crews LA, Cupedo T, Giles H, Gooding S, Hillengass J, John L, Kaiser S, Lee L, Maclachlan K, Pasquini MC, Pichiorri F, Shah N, Shokeen M, Shy BR, Smith EL, Verona R, Usmani SZ, McCarthy PL. Proceedings from the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network Myeloma Intergroup Workshop on Immune and Cellular Therapy in Multiple Myeloma. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:446-454. [PMID: 35605882 PMCID: PMC9357156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) Myeloma Intergroup conducted a workshop on Immune and Cellular Therapy in Multiple Myeloma on January 7, 2022. This workshop included presentations by basic, translational, and clinical researchers with expertise in plasma cell dyscrasias. Four main topics were discussed: platforms for myeloma disease evaluation, insights into pathophysiology, therapeutic target and resistance mechanisms, and cellular therapy for multiple myeloma. Here we provide a comprehensive summary of these workshop presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fotis Asimakopoulos
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Giada Bianchi
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Leslie A Crews
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tom Cupedo
- ErasmusMC Cancer Institute Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannah Giles
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Gooding
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lukas John
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Lydia Lee
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Flavia Pichiorri
- Judy and Bernard Briskin Center for Multiple Myeloma Research, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope, Duarte, California; Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Nina Shah
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Monica Shokeen
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Brian R Shy
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Eric L Smith
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raluca Verona
- Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania
| | - Saad Z Usmani
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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22
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Matrikines as mediators of tissue remodelling. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114240. [PMID: 35378216 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins confer biomechanical properties, maintain cell phenotype and mediate tissue repair (via release of sequestered cytokines and proteases). In contrast to intracellular proteomes, where proteins are monitored and replaced over short time periods, many ECM proteins function for years (decades in humans) without replacement. The longevity of abundant ECM proteins, such as collagen I and elastin, leaves them vulnerable to damage accumulation and their host organs prone to chronic, age-related diseases. However, ECM protein fragmentation can potentially produce peptide cytokines (matrikines) which may exacerbate and/or ameliorate age- and disease-related ECM remodelling. In this review, we discuss ECM composition, function and degradation and highlight examples of endogenous matrikines. We then critically and comprehensively analyse published studies of matrix-derived peptides used as topical skin treatments, before considering the potential for improvements in the discovery and delivery of novel matrix-derived peptides to skin and internal organs. From this, we conclude that while the translational impact of matrix-derived peptide therapeutics is evident, the mechanisms of action of these peptides are poorly defined. Further, well-designed, multimodal studies are required.
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23
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Kato K, Fukai M, Hatanaka KC, Takasawa A, Aoyama T, Hayasaka T, Matsuno Y, Kamiyama T, Hatanaka Y, Taketomi A. Versican Secreted by Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts is a Poor Prognostic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:7135-7146. [PMID: 35543908 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11862-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly recurrent. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a major component of the tumor microenvironment, promote malignancy; however, the mechanisms underlying their actions are obscure. We aimed to identify CAF-specific proteins in HCC and determine whether they could be potential therapeutic targets. METHODS Using comprehensive proteomic analysis of CAFs and noncancerous fibroblasts (NFs) primary-cultured from resected HCC specimens from the same patients, CAF-specific proteins were identified. Immunohistochemistry for versican (VCAN) was performed on cancerous tissues obtained from 239 patients with HCC. Conditioned medium from CAFs transfected with siRNA for VCAN was analyzed in vitro. RESULTS CAFs significantly promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion (p < 0.01, 0.01, and 0.01, respectively) compared with NFs. VCAN was upregulated in CAFs, and its stromal level correlated with poor differentiation (p = 0.009) and positive vascular invasion (p = 0.003). Stromal VCAN level was also associated with significantly lower overall (p = 0.002) and relapse-free (p < 0.001) survival rates. It also independently predicted prognosis and recurrence. VCAN-knockdown CAFs significantly suppressed HCC cell migration and invasion compared with negative control. CONCLUSIONS VCAN secreted from CAFs promoted malignant transformation of HCC cells and has potential as a new therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Kato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Moto Fukai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kanako C Hatanaka
- Center for Development of Advanced Diagnostics (C-DAD), Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.,Clinical Research and Medical Innovation Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akira Takasawa
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Aoyama
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Hayasaka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsuno
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toshiya Kamiyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hatanaka
- Center for Development of Advanced Diagnostics (C-DAD), Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.,Research Division of Genome Companion Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akinobu Taketomi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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24
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Renner C, Gomez C, Visetsouk MR, Taha I, Khan A, McGregor SM, Weisman P, Naba A, Masters KS, Kreeger PK. Multi-modal Profiling of the Extracellular Matrix of Human Fallopian Tubes and Serous Tubal Intraepithelial Carcinomas. J Histochem Cytochem 2022; 70:151-168. [PMID: 34866441 PMCID: PMC8777377 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211061359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence supports the fimbriae of the fallopian tube as one origin site for high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). The progression of many solid tumors is accompanied by changes in the microenvironment, including alterations of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, we sought to determine the ECM composition of the benign fallopian tube and changes associated with serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (STICs), precursors of HGSOC. The ECM composition of benign human fallopian tube was first defined from a meta-analysis of published proteomic datasets that identified 190 ECM proteins. We then conducted de novo proteomics using ECM enrichment and identified 88 proteins, 7 of which were not identified in prior studies (COL2A1, COL4A5, COL16A1, elastin, LAMA5, annexin A2, and PAI1). To enable future in vitro studies, we investigated the levels and localization of ECM components included in tissue-engineered models (type I, III, and IV collagens, fibronectin, laminin, versican, perlecan, and hyaluronic acid) using multispectral immunohistochemical staining of fimbriae from patients with benign conditions or STICs. Quantification revealed an increase in stromal fibronectin and a decrease in epithelial versican in STICs. Our results provide an in-depth picture of the ECM in the benign fallopian tube and identified ECM changes that accompany STIC formation. (J Histochem Cytochem XX: XXX-XXX, XXXX).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexandra Naba
- Alexandra Naba, Department of Physiology
and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 835 S. Wolcott Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60612, USA. E-mail:
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25
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The Functional Role of Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010238. [PMID: 35008401 PMCID: PMC8750014 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is highly dynamic as it is constantly deposited, remodeled and degraded to maintain tissue homeostasis. ECM is a major structural component of the tumor microenvironment, and cancer development and progression require its extensive reorganization. Cancerized ECM is biochemically different in its composition and is stiffer compared to normal ECM. The abnormal ECM affects cancer progression by directly promoting cell proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation. The restructured extracellular matrix and its degradation fragments (matrikines) also modulate the signaling cascades mediated by the interaction with cell-surface receptors, deregulate the stromal cell behavior and lead to emergence of an oncogenic microenvironment. Here, we summarize the current state of understanding how the composition and structure of ECM changes during cancer progression. We also describe the functional role of key proteins, especially tenascin C and fibronectin, and signaling molecules involved in the formation of the tumor microenvironment, as well as the signaling pathways that they activate in cancer cells.
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26
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Lamandé SR. Collagen VI Muscle Disorders: Mutation Types, Pathogenic Mechanisms and Approaches to Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1348:311-323. [PMID: 34807426 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-80614-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the genes encoding the major collagen VI isoform, COL6A1, COL6A2 and COL6A3, are responsible for the muscle disorders Bethlem myopathy and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy. These disorders form a disease spectrum from mild to severe. Dominant and recessive mutations are found along the entire spectrum and the clinical phenotype is strongly influenced by the way mutations impede collagen VI protein assembly. Most mutations are in the triple helical domain, towards the N-terminus and they compromise microfibril assembly. Some mutations are found outside the helix in the C- and N-terminal globular domains, but because these regions are highly polymorphic it is difficult to discriminate mutations from rare benign changes without detailed structural and functional studies. Collagen VI deficiency leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, deficient autophagy and increased apoptosis. Therapies that target these consequences have been tested in mouse models and some have shown modest efficacy in small human trials. Antisense therapies for a common mutation that introduces a pseudoexon show promise in cell culture but haven't yet been tested in an animal model. Future therapeutic approaches await new research into how collagen VI deficiency signals downstream consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shireen R Lamandé
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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27
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He Y, Liu T, Dai S, Xu Z, Wang L, Luo F. Tumor-Associated Extracellular Matrix: How to Be a Potential Aide to Anti-tumor Immunotherapy? Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:739161. [PMID: 34733848 PMCID: PMC8558531 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.739161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade therapy, has made major breakthroughs in the therapy of cancers. However, less than one-third of the cancer patients obtain significant and long-lasting therapeutic effects by cancer immunotherapy. Over the past few decades, cancer-related inflammations have been gradually more familiar to us. It’s known that chronic inflammation in tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a predominant role in tumor immunosuppression. Tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM), as a core member of TME, has been a research hotspot recently. A growing number of studies indicate that tumor-associated ECM is one of the major obstacles to realizing more successful cases of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discussed the potential application of tumor-associated ECM in the cancer immunity and its aide potentialities to anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Oncology Department, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zihan Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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28
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Brune JE, Chang MY, Altemeier WA, Frevert CW. Type I Interferon Signaling Increases Versican Expression and Synthesis in Lung Stromal Cells During Influenza Infection. J Histochem Cytochem 2021; 69:691-709. [PMID: 34666527 PMCID: PMC8554580 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211054447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Versican, a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, is an essential component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in inflammatory lung disease. Versican's potential as an immunomodulatory molecule makes it a promising therapeutic target for controlling host immune responses in the lungs. To establish changes to versican expression and accumulation during influenza A viral pneumonia, we document the temporal and spatial changes to versican mRNA and protein in concert with pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration. These studies were performed in the lungs of wild-type C57BL6/J mice on days 3, 6, 9, and 12 post-infection with influenza A virus using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and quantitative digital pathology. Using duplex in situ hybridization, we demonstrate that type I interferon signaling contributes significantly to versican expression in lung stromal cells. Our findings show that versican is a type I interferon-stimulated gene in pulmonary fibroblasts and pericytes in the context of viral pneumonia. These data also provide a guide for future studies to determine the role of versican in the pulmonary immune response to influenza infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jourdan E Brune
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mary Y Chang
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - William A Altemeier
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Charles W Frevert
- Center for Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.,Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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29
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Isolation and Purification of Versican and Analysis of Versican Proteolysis. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34626407 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1398-6_43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Versican is a widely distributed chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan that forms large complexes with the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA). As a consequence of HA binding to its receptor CD44 and interactions of the versican C-terminal globular (G3) domain with a variety of extracellular matrix proteins, versican is a key component of well-defined networks in pericellular matrix and extracellular matrix. Versican is crucial for several developmental processes in the embryo ranging from cardiac development to digit separation, and there is an increasing interest in its roles in cancer and inflammation. Versican proteolysis by ADAMTS proteases is highly regulated, occurs at specific peptide bonds, and is relevant to several physiological and disease mechanisms. In this chapter, methods are described for the isolation and detection of intact and cleaved versican in tissues using morphologic and biochemical techniques. These, together with the methodologies for purification and analysis of recombinant versican and an N-terminal versican fragment named versikine that are provided here, are likely to facilitate further progress on the biology of versican and its proteolysis.
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30
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Hirani P, Gauthier V, Allen CE, Wight TN, Pearce OMT. Targeting Versican as a Potential Immunotherapeutic Strategy in the Treatment of Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:712807. [PMID: 34527586 PMCID: PMC8435723 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.712807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of literature links events associated with the progression and severity of immunity and inflammatory disease with the composition of the tissue extracellular matrix as defined by the matrisome. One protein in the matrisome that is common to many inflammatory diseases is the large proteoglycan versican, whose varied function is achieved through multiple isoforms and post-translational modifications of glycosaminoglycan structures. In cancer, increased levels of versican are associated with immune cell phenotype, disease prognosis and failure to respond to treatment. Whether these associations between versican expression and tumour immunity are the result of a direct role in the pathogenesis of tumours is not clear. In this review, we have focused on the role of versican in the immune response as it relates to tumour progression, with the aim of determining whether our current understanding of the immunobiology of versican warrants further study as a cancer immunotherapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Hirani
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentine Gauthier
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carys E Allen
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas N Wight
- Matrix Biology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Oliver M T Pearce
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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31
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Habič A, Novak M, Majc B, Lah Turnšek T, Breznik B. Proteases Regulate Cancer Stem Cell Properties and Remodel Their Microenvironment. J Histochem Cytochem 2021; 69:775-794. [PMID: 34310223 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211035192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolytic activity is perturbed in tumors and their microenvironment, and proteases also affect cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are the therapy-resistant subpopulation of cancer cells with tumor-initiating capacity that reside in specialized tumor microenvironment niches. In this review, we briefly summarize the significance of proteases in regulating CSC activities with a focus on brain tumor glioblastoma. A plethora of proteases and their inhibitors participate in CSC invasiveness and affect intercellular interactions, enhancing CSC immune, irradiation, and chemotherapy resilience. Apart from their role in degrading the extracellular matrix enabling CSC migration in and out of their niches, we review the ability of proteases to modulate CSC properties, which prevents their elimination. When designing protease-oriented therapies, the multifaceted roles of proteases should be thoroughly investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamarija Habič
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,The Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,The Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Lah Turnšek
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,The Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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32
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Fontanil T, Mohamedi Y, Espina-Casado J, Obaya ÁJ, Cobo T, Cal S. Hyalectanase Activities by the ADAMTS Metalloproteases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062988. [PMID: 33804223 PMCID: PMC8000579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hyalectan family is composed of the proteoglycans aggrecan, versican, brevican and neurocan. Hyalectans, also known as lecticans, are components of the extracellular matrix of different tissues and play essential roles in key biological processes including skeletal development, and they are related to the correct maintenance of the vascular and central nervous system. For instance, hyalectans participate in the organization of structures such as perineural nets and in the regulation of neurite outgrowth or brain recovery following a traumatic injury. The ADAMTS (A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease domains, with thrombospondin motifs) family consists of 19 secreted metalloproteases. These enzymes also perform important roles in the structural organization and function of the extracellular matrix through interactions with other matrix components or as a consequence of their catalytic activity. In this regard, some of their preferred substrates are the hyalectans. In fact, ADAMTSs cleave hyalectans not only as a mechanism for clearance or turnover of proteoglycans but also to generate bioactive fragments which display specific functions. In this article we review some of the physiological and pathological effects derived from cleavages of hyalectans mediated by ADAMTSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Fontanil
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (T.F.); (Y.M.)
- Departamento de Investigación, Instituto Ordóñez, 33012 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yamina Mohamedi
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (T.F.); (Y.M.)
| | - Jorge Espina-Casado
- Departamento de Química Física y Analítica, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Álvaro J. Obaya
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Área de Fisiología, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Teresa Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Asturiano de Odontología, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (T.C.); (S.C.); Tel.: +34-985966014 (T.C.); +34-985106282 (S.C.)
| | - Santiago Cal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (T.F.); (Y.M.)
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence: (T.C.); (S.C.); Tel.: +34-985966014 (T.C.); +34-985106282 (S.C.)
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33
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Stromal Protein-Mediated Immune Regulation in Digestive Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13010146. [PMID: 33466303 PMCID: PMC7795083 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Solid cancers are surrounded by a network of non-cancerous cells comprising different cell types, including fibroblasts, and acellular protein structures. This entire network is called the tumor microenvironment (TME) and it provides a physical barrier to the tumor shielding it from infiltrating immune cells, such as lymphocytes, or therapeutic agents. In addition, the TME has been shown to dampen efficient immune responses of infiltrated immune cells, which are key in eliminating cancer cells from the organism. In this review, we will discuss how TME proteins in particular are involved in this dampening effect, known as immunosuppression. We will focus on three different types of digestive cancers: pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer. Moreover, we will discuss current therapeutic approaches using TME proteins as targets to reverse their immunosuppressive effects. Abstract The stromal tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of immune cells, vascular and neural structures, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), as well as extracellular matrix (ECM), and favors immune escape mechanisms promoting the initiation and progression of digestive cancers. Numerous ECM proteins released by stromal and tumor cells are crucial in providing physical rigidity to the TME, though they are also key regulators of the immune response against cancer cells by interacting directly with immune cells or engaging with immune regulatory molecules. Here, we discuss current knowledge of stromal proteins in digestive cancers including pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer, focusing on their functions in inhibiting tumor immunity and enabling drug resistance. Moreover, we will discuss the implication of stromal proteins as therapeutic targets to unleash efficient immunotherapy-based treatments.
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