1
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Zhang Z, Lv ZG, Lu M, Li H, Zhou J. Nerve-tumor crosstalk in tumor microenvironment: From tumor initiation and progression to clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189121. [PMID: 38796026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The autonomic nerve system (ANS) innervates organs and tissues throughout the body and maintains functional balance among various systems. Further investigations have shown that excessive activation of ANS not only causes disruption of homeostasis, but also may promote tumor formation. In addition, the dynamic interaction between nerve and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment also regulate tumor progression. On the one hand, nerves are passively invaded by tumor cells, that is, perineural invasion (PNI). On the other hand, compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues are subject to more abundant innervation, and nerves can influence tumor progression through regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance. A large number of studies have shown that nerve-tumor crosstalk, including PNI and innervation, is closely related to the prognosis of patients, and contributes to the formation of cancer pain, which significantly deteriorates the quality of life for patients. These findings suggest that nerve-tumor crosstalk represents a potential target for anti-tumor therapies and the management of cancer pain in the future. In this review, we systematically describe the mechanism by which nerve-tumor crosstalk regulates tumorigenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen Gang Lv
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Miao Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiahua Zhou
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China.
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2
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Wang Y, Liu Z, Tian Y, Zhao H, Fu X. Periampullary cancer and neurological interactions: current understanding and future research directions. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1370111. [PMID: 38567163 PMCID: PMC10985190 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1370111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Periampullary cancer is a malignant tumor occurring around the ampullary region of the liver and pancreas, encompassing a variety of tissue types and sharing numerous biological characteristics, including interactions with the nervous system. The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating organ development, maintaining physiological equilibrium, and ensuring life process plasticity, a role that is equally pivotal in oncology. Investigations into nerve-tumor interactions have unveiled their key part in controlling cancer progression, inhibiting anti-tumor immune responses, facilitating invasion and metastasis, and triggering neuropathic pain. Despite many mechanisms by which nerve fibers contribute to cancer advancement still being incompletely understood, the growing emphasis on the significance of nerves within the tumor microenvironment in recent years has set the stage for the development of groundbreaking therapies. This includes combining current neuroactive medications with established therapeutic protocols. This review centers on the mechanisms of Periampullary cancer's interactions with nerves, the influence of various types of nerve innervation on cancer evolution, and outlines the horizons for ongoing and forthcoming research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Wang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zi’ang Liu
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanzhang Tian
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- General Surgery Department , Shanxi Bethune Hospital/General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoliang Zhao
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- General Surgery Department , Shanxi Bethune Hospital/General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xifeng Fu
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- General Surgery Department , Shanxi Bethune Hospital/General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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3
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Ferraguti G, Terracina S, Tarani L, Fanfarillo F, Allushi S, Caronti B, Tirassa P, Polimeni A, Lucarelli M, Cavalcanti L, Greco A, Fiore M. Nerve Growth Factor and the Role of Inflammation in Tumor Development. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:965-989. [PMID: 38392180 PMCID: PMC10888178 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46020062] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a dual role both in inflammatory states and cancer, acting both as a pro-inflammatory and oncogenic factor and as an anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediator in a context-dependent way based on the signaling networks and its interaction with diverse cellular components within the microenvironment. This report aims to provide a summary and subsequent review of the literature on the role of NGF in regulating the inflammatory microenvironment and tumor cell growth, survival, and death. The role of NGF in inflammation and tumorigenesis as a component of the inflammatory system, its interaction with the various components of the respective microenvironments, its ability to cause epigenetic changes, and its role in the treatment of cancer have been highlighted in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fanfarillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Allushi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Brunella Caronti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Cavalcanti
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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4
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Xu W, Liu J, Zhang J, Lu J, Guo J. Tumor microenvironment crosstalk between tumors and the nervous system in pancreatic cancer: Molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189032. [PMID: 38036106 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189032] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) exhibits the highest incidence of perineural invasion among all solid tumors. The intricate interplay between tumors and the nervous system plays an important role in PDAC tumorigenesis, progression, recurrence, and metastasis. Various clinical symptoms of PDAC, including anorexia and cancer pain, have been linked to aberrant neural activity, while the presence of perineural invasion is a significant prognostic indicator. The use of conventional neuroactive drugs and neurosurgical interventions for PDAC patients is on the rise. An in-depth exploration of tumor-nervous system crosstalk has revealed novel therapeutic strategies for mitigating PDAC progression and effectively relieving symptoms. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the regulatory functions of tumor-nervous system crosstalk, provide a succinct overview of the relationship between tumor-nervous system dialogue and clinical symptomatology, and deliberate the current research progress and forthcoming avenues of neural therapy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Xu
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jianzhou Liu
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Jianlu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Junchao Guo
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
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5
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Zhu M, Luo F, Xu B, Xu J. Research Progress of Neural Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:397-410. [PMID: 37592782 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230817105221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the highly malignant gastrointestinal tumors in humans, and patients suffer from cancer pain in the process of cancer. Most patients suffer from severe pain in the later stages of the disease. The latest studies have shown that the main cause of pain in patients with pancreatic cancer is neuroinflammation caused by tumor cells invading nerves and triggering neuropathic pain on this basis, which is believed to be the result of nerve invasion. Peripheral nerve invasion (PNI), defined as the presence of cancer cells along the nerve or in the epineurial, perineural, and endoneurial spaces of the nerve sheath, is a special way for cancer to spread to distant sites. However, due to limited clinical materials, the research on the mechanism of pancreatic cancer nerve invasion has not been carried out in depth. In addition, perineural invasion is considered to be one of the underlying causes of recurrence and metastasis after pancreatectomy and an independent predictor of prognosis. This article systematically reviewed the neural invasion of pancreatic cancer through bioinformatics analysis, clinical manifestations and literature reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Zhu
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, P.R. China
| | - Feng Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xu
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, P.R. China
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6
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Ni B, Yin Y, Li Z, Wang J, Wang X, Wang K. Crosstalk Between Peripheral Innervation and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1717-1731. [PMID: 37347365 PMCID: PMC10603023 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01082-1] [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: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal malignancy, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive growth, and therapy resistance, leading to a poor overall prognosis. Emerging evidence shows that the peripheral nerve is an important non-tumor component in the tumor microenvironment that regulates tumor growth and immune escape. The crosstalk between the neuronal system and PDAC has become a hot research topic that may provide novel mechanisms underlying tumor progression and further uncover promising therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms of perineural invasion and the role of various types of tumor innervation in the progression of PDAC, summarize the potential signaling pathways modulating the neuronal-cancer interaction, and discuss the current and future therapeutic possibilities for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ni
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yiqing Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Zekun Li
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Junjin Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiuchao Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Kaiyuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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7
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Lu HJ, Wu XB, Wei QQ. Ion channels in cancer-induced bone pain: from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1239599. [PMID: 37664239 PMCID: PMC10469682 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1239599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) caused by bone metastasis is one of the most prevalent diseases, and current treatments rely primarily on opioids, which have significant side effects. However, recent developments in pharmaceutical science have identified several new mechanisms for CIBP, including the targeted modification of certain ion channels and receptors. Ion channels are transmembrane proteins, which are situated on biological cell membranes, which facilitate passive transport of inorganic ions across membranes. They are involved in various physiological processes, including transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the role of ion channels in chronic pain, including CIBP. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the current literature on ion channels, related receptors, and drugs and explore the mechanism of CIBP. Targeting ion channels and regulating their activity might be key to treating pain associated with bone cancer and offer new treatment avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Jun Lu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Wu
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qian-Qi Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital of Tibet Military Command, Xizang, China
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8
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Hung YH, Hou YC, Hsu SH, Wang LY, Tsai YL, Shan YS, Su YY, Hung WC, Chen LT. Pancreatic cancer cell-derived semaphorin 3A promotes neuron recruitment to accelerate tumor growth and dissemination. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:3417-3432. [PMID: 37693128 PMCID: PMC10492129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion and neurogenesis are frequently observed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and they are associated with a poor prognosis. Axon guidance factor semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A) is upregulated in PDAC. However, it remains unclear whether cancer-derived SEMA3A influences nerve innervation and pancreatic tumorigenesis. In silico analyses were performed using PROGgene and NetworkAnalyst to clarify the importance of SEMA3A and its receptors, plexin A1 (PLXNA1) and neuropilin 2 (NRP2), in pancreatic cancer. In vitro assays, including migration, neurite outgrowth, and 3D recruitment, were performed to study the effects of SEMA3A on neuronal behaviors. Additionally, an orthotopic animal study using C57BL/6 mice was performed to validate the in vitro findings. Expression of SEMA3A and its receptors predicted worse prognosis for PDAC. Cancer-derived SEMA3A promoted neural migration, neurite outgrowth, and neural recruitment. Furthermore, SEMA3A-induced effects depended on PLXNA1, NRP2, and MAPK activation. Trametinib, an approved MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor, counteracted SEMA3A-enhanced neuronal activity in vitro. Inhibition of SEMA3A by shRNA in pancreatic cancer cells resulted in decreased neural recruitment, tumor growth, and dissemination in vivo. Our results suggested that cancer-secreted SEMA3A plays an important role in promoting neo-neurogenesis and progression of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research InstitutesTainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chin Hou
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Han Hsu
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research InstitutesTainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yun Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Li Tsai
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research InstitutesTainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Shen Shan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainan 704, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University HospitalTainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Yeh Su
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research InstitutesTainan 704, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainan 704, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University HospitalTainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research InstitutesTainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research InstitutesTainan 704, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung UniversityTainan 704, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University HospitalTainan 704, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University HospitalKaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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9
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Galindo-Vega A, Maldonado-Lagunas V, Mitre-Aguilar IB, Melendez-Zajgla J. Tumor Microenvironment Role in Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells. Cells 2023; 12:1560. [PMID: 37371030 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121560] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a majority of patients presenting with unresectable or metastatic disease, resulting in a poor 5-year survival rate. This, in turn, is due to a highly complex tumor microenvironment and the presence of cancer stem cells, both of which induce therapy resistance and tumor relapse. Therefore, understanding and targeting the tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells may be key strategies for designing effective PDAC therapies. In the present review, we summarized recent advances in the role of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic neoplastic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Galindo-Vega
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04710, Mexico
| | | | - Irma B Mitre-Aguilar
- Biochemistry Unit, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Jorge Melendez-Zajgla
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 04710, Mexico
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10
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Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Das SK, Fisher PB, Emdad L. Chemoresistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Overcoming resistance to therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:285-341. [PMID: 37268399 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a prominent cause of cancer deaths worldwide, is a highly aggressive cancer most frequently detected at an advanced stage that limits treatment options to systemic chemotherapy, which has provided only marginal positive clinical outcomes. More than 90% of patients with PDAC die within a year of being diagnosed. PDAC is increasing at a rate of 0.5-1.0% per year, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by 2030. The resistance of tumor cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, which can be innate or acquired, is the primary factor contributing to the ineffectiveness of cancer treatments. Although many PDAC patients initially responds to standard of care (SOC) drugs they soon develop resistance caused partly by the substantial cellular heterogeneity seen in PDAC tissue and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are considered key factors contributing to resistance to therapy. A deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in PDAC progression and metastasis development, and the interplay of the TME in all these processes is essential to better comprehend the etiology and pathobiology of chemoresistance observed in PDAC. Recent research has recognized new therapeutic targets ushering in the development of innovative combinatorial therapies as well as enhancing our comprehension of several different cell death pathways. These approaches facilitate the lowering of the therapeutic threshold; however, the possibility of subsequent resistance development still remains a key issue and concern. Discoveries, that can target PDAC resistance, either alone or in combination, have the potential to serve as the foundation for future treatments that are effective without posing undue health risks. In this chapter, we discuss potential causes of PDAC chemoresistance and approaches for combating chemoresistance by targeting different pathways and different cellular functions associated with and mediating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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11
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Le TT, Oudin MJ. Understanding and modeling nerve-cancer interactions. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049729. [PMID: 36621886 PMCID: PMC9844229 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The peripheral nervous system plays an important role in cancer progression. Studies in multiple cancer types have shown that higher intratumoral nerve density is associated with poor outcomes. Peripheral nerves have been shown to directly regulate tumor cell properties, such as growth and metastasis, as well as affect the local environment by modulating angiogenesis and the immune system. In this Review, we discuss the identity of nerves in organs in the periphery where solid tumors grow, the known mechanisms by which nerve density increases in tumors, and the effects these nerves have on cancer progression. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of current in vitro and in vivo models used to study nerve-cancer interactions. Increased understanding of the mechanisms by which nerves impact tumor progression and the development of new approaches to study nerve-cancer interactions will facilitate the discovery of novel treatment strategies to treat cancer by targeting nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T. Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Madeleine J. Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 200 College Avenue, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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12
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Le TT, Payne SL, Buckwald MN, Hayes LA, Parker SR, Burge CB, Oudin MJ. Sensory nerves enhance triple-negative breast cancer invasion and metastasis via the axon guidance molecule PlexinB3. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:116. [PMID: 36333352 PMCID: PMC9636220 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-022-00485-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In breast cancer, nerve presence has been correlated with more invasive disease and worse prognosis, yet the mechanisms by which different types of peripheral nerves drive tumor progression remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified sensory nerves as more abundant in human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumors. Co-injection of sensory neurons isolated from the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult female mice with human TNBC cells in immunocompromised mice increased the number of lung metastases. Direct in vitro co-culture of human TNBC cells with the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of adult female mice revealed that TNBC cells adhere to sensory neuron fibers leading to an increase in migration speed. Species-specific RNA sequencing revealed that co-culture of TNBC cells with sensory nerves upregulates the expression of genes associated with cell migration and adhesion in cancer cells. We demonstrated that lack of the semaphorin receptor PlexinB3 in cancer cells attenuate their adhesion to and migration on sensory nerves. Together, our results identify a mechanism by which nerves contribute to breast cancer migration and metastasis by inducing a shift in TNBC cell gene expression and support the rationale for disrupting neuron-cancer cell interactions to target metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Samantha L Payne
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Maia N Buckwald
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Lily A Hayes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Savannah R Parker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | | | - Madeleine J Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, 200 College Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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Gola M, Sejda A, Godlewski J, Cieślak M, Starzyńska A. Neural Component of the Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5246. [PMID: 36358664 PMCID: PMC9657005 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive primary malignancy of the pancreas, with a dismal prognosis and limited treatment options. It possesses a unique tumor microenvironment (TME), generating dense stroma with complex elements cross-talking with each other to promote tumor growth and progression. Diversified neural components makes for not having a full understanding of their influence on its aggressive behavior. The aim of the study was to summarize and integrate the role of nerves in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. The role of autonomic nerve fibers on PDAC development has been recently studied, which resulted in considering the targeting of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways as a novel treatment opportunity. Perineural invasion (PNI) is commonly found in PDAC. As the severity of the PNI correlates with a poorer prognosis, new quantification of this phenomenon, distinguishing between perineural and endoneural invasion, could feature in routine pathological examination. The concepts of cancer-related neurogenesis and axonogenesis in PDAC are understudied; so, further research in this field may be warranted. A better understanding of the interdependence between the neural component and cancer cells in the PDAC microenvironment could bring new nerve-oriented treatment options into clinical practice and improve outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer. In this review, we aim to summarize and integrate the current state of knowledge and future challenges concerning nerve-cancer interactions in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Gola
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, Collegium Medicum, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Sejda
- Department of Pathomorphology and Forensic Medicine, Collegium Medicum, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 18 Żołnierska Street, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Janusz Godlewski
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, Collegium Medicum, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Cieślak
- Department of Pathomorphology and Forensic Medicine, Collegium Medicum, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 18 Żołnierska Street, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Starzyńska
- Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Gdańsk, 7 Dębinki Street, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
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Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) Encourages the Neuroinvasive Potential of Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Activating the Warburg Effect and Promoting Tumor Derived Exosomal miRNA-21 Expression. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8445093. [PMID: 36285300 PMCID: PMC9588358 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8445093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background It has been reported that signaling from the nerve growth factor (NGF) pathway associated with peripheral nerves is able to contribute to perineural invasion (PNI) of pancreatic cancer (PC). Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism by which NGF leads to PNI remained poorly understood. Methods Western blotting was employed to determine NGF level in PC and paracarcinoma tissues and in PC cell lines as well as pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. MiaPaCa-2 and CFPAC-1 cells were treated with 100 ng/ml of NGF or the NGF inhibitor Tanezumab for 24 h, CCK-8 and Transwell assays were employed to test cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, respectively. TrkA expression was knocked down in MiaPaCa-2 and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells treated with NGF to determine its effect on the Warburg effect. To reveal that the NGF-TrkA signaling pathway was closely associated with PC PNI, in vitro neuroinvasion model was established by using MiaPaCa-2 cells via coculturing DRG cells in Matrigel. Further, exosomes were extracted from PC cells and identified by examining the levels of specific markers for exosomes. Then RT-qPCR was applied to test miR-21-5p level in tumor derived exosomal (TDE-miR-21-5p). RIP assay was performed to validate NGF and miR-21 binding ability in MiaPaCa-2 cells. Rescue experiments were performed by using coprocessing of Tanezumab and miR-21-5p mimic on MiaPaCa-2 cells, followed by coculture with DRG cells. Subsequently, we used a model of neuroinvasion in nude mice to assess the effect of NGF in vivo on tumor nerve invasion as well as on nociceptive transmission. Results NGF level was preeminently higher in PC tissues and cell lines than in paracarcinoma tissues and normal pancreatic epithelial cell lines. NGF promoted MiaPaCa-2 and CFPAC-1 cell invasion and migration, while Tanezumab treatment showed the opposite results. Besides, NGF binding to TrkA receptors encouraged the intracellular Warburg effect in PC and DRG cells. TrkA blocking-up could restrain NGF induced PC cell migration and neural invasion. Mechanistically, NGF could upregulate TDE-miR-21-5p levels, and DRG cells took up TDE to activate the Warburg effect and stimulate nociceptor gene expression. miR-21-5p inhibitor could abolish the facilitative effect of NGF on PNI in MiaPaCa-2 cells. In vivo tumorigenesis experiments, Tanezumab markedly alleviated nerve invasion of PC cells as well as relieved nociceptive conduction in animal models. Conclusions These findings displayed that NGF/TrkA encouraged the neuroinvasive potential of PC cells by activating the Warburg effect in DRG cells through upregulation of TDE-miR-21-5p expression.
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Deng D, Patel R, Chiang CY, Hou P. Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Regulating Pancreatic Cancer Therapy Resistance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11192952. [PMID: 36230914 PMCID: PMC9563251 DOI: 10.3390/cells11192952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has a notoriously poor prognosis, exhibits persistent drug resistance, and lacks a cure. Unique features of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment exacerbate tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Recent studies emphasize the importance of exploiting cells in the tumor microenvironment to thwart cancers. In this review, we summarize the hallmarks of the multifaceted pancreatic tumor microenvironment, notably pancreatic stellate cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, and neutrophils, in the regulation of chemo-, radio-, immuno-, and targeted therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. The molecular insight will facilitate the development of novel therapeutics against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiyong Deng
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Riya Patel
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Cheng-Yao Chiang
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Pingping Hou
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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Liu Q, Ma Z, Cao Q, Zhao H, Guo Y, Liu T, Li J. Perineural invasion-associated biomarkers for tumor development. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113691. [PMID: 36095958 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is the process of neoplastic invasion of peripheral nerves and is considered to be the fifth mode of cancer metastasis. PNI has been detected in head and neck tumors and pancreatic, prostate, bile duct, gastric, and colorectal cancers. It leads to poor prognostic outcomes and high local recurrence rates. Despite the increasing number of studies on PNI, targeted therapeutic modalities have not been proposed. The identification of PNI-related biomarkers would facilitate the non-invasive and early diagnosis of cancers, the establishment of prognostic panels, and the development of targeted therapeutic approaches. In this review, we compile information on the molecular mediators involved in PNI-associated cancers. The expression and prognostic significance of molecular mediators and their receptors in PNI-associated cancers are analyzed, and the possible mechanisms of action of these mediators in PNI are explored, as well as the association of cells in the microenvironment where PNI occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Zhiming Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Qian Cao
- Department of Education, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Gastroenterology and Center of Digestive Endoscopy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Tongjun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
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17
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The Role of Neural Signaling in the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174269. [PMID: 36077804 PMCID: PMC9454556 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignant disease with a dense stroma, called the tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence indicates the important role of sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory nerves in the tumor microenvironment of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Cancer cells and neural cells interact with each other to form a complex network and cooperatively promote cancer growth and invasion. In this review article, we describe the current understanding of the role of nerves in the tumor microenvironment. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant diseases. Various cells in the tumor microenvironment interact with tumor cells and orchestrate to support tumor progression. Several kinds of nerves are found in the tumor microenvironment, and each plays an essential role in tumor biology. Recent studies have shown that sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory neurons are found in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. Neural signaling not only targets neural cells, but tumor cells and immune cells via neural receptors expressed on these cells, through which tumor growth, inflammation, and anti-tumor immunity are affected. Thus, these broad-range effects of neural signaling in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment may represent novel therapeutic targets. The modulation of neural signaling may be a therapeutic strategy targeting the whole tumor microenvironment. In this review, we describe the current understanding of the role of nerves in the tumor microenvironment of various cancers, with an emphasis on pancreatic cancer. We also discuss the underlying mechanisms and the possibility of therapeutic applications.
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18
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Emerging Roles of the Nervous System in Gastrointestinal Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153722. [PMID: 35954387 PMCID: PMC9367305 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nerve–cancer cross-talk has increasingly become a focus of the oncology field, particularly in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The indispensable roles of the nervous system in GI tumorigenesis and malignancy have been dissected by epidemiological, experimental animal and mechanistic data. Herein, we review and integrate recent discoveries linking the nervous system to GI cancer initiation and progression, and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which nerves and neural receptor pathways drive GI malignancy. Abstract Our understanding of the fascinating connection between nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) tumorigenesis has expanded greatly in recent years. Recent studies revealed that neurogenesis plays an active part in GI tumor initiation and progression. Tumor-driven neurogenesis, as well as neurite outgrowth of the pre-existing peripheral nervous system (PNS), may fuel GI tumor progression via facilitating cancer cell proliferation, chemoresistance, invasion and immune escape. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides drive the activation of various oncogenic pathways downstream of neural receptors within cancer cells, underscoring the importance of neural signaling pathways in GI tumor malignancy. In addition, neural infiltration also plays an integral role in tumor microenvironments, and contributes to an environment in favor of tumor angiogenesis, immune evasion and invasion. Blockade of tumor innervation via denervation or pharmacological agents may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy against GI tumors. In this review, we summarize recent findings linking the nervous system to GI tumor progression, set the spotlight on the molecular mechanisms by which neural signaling fuels cancer aggressiveness, and highlight the importance of targeting neural mechanisms in GI tumor therapy.
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Liao W, Long J, Li Y, Xie F, Xun Z, Wang Y, Yang X, Wang Y, Zhou K, Sang X, Zhao H. Identification of an m6A-Related Long Noncoding RNA Risk Model for Predicting Prognosis and Directing Treatments in Patients With Colon Adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:910749. [PMID: 35912098 PMCID: PMC9326028 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.910749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and lncRNAs have been implicated in the development of colon cancer, including tumorigenesis, migration, and invasion. However, the specific effect of m6A regulators on lncRNAs is not clear, and m6A-related lncRNAs may be new prognostic biomarkers and may help direct treatment and medication. We identified 29 prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs and constructed a risk model using 12 lncRNAs. The model was an independent prognostic factor and could accurately predict the prognosis. A stable and robust nomogram that combined the model and pathologic stage was constructed. A total of 2,424 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified based on the model. Functional analysis of the DEGs showed that they were associated with tumor progression, helping investigate the underlying biological functions and signaling pathways of the risk model. In addition, the low-risk group based on the risk model had more sensitivity to afatinib, metformin, and GW.441756, and patients with low risk would more likely respond to immunotherapy. Moreover, patients with higher risk were more sensitive to olaparib, bexarotene, and doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Liao
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Junyu Long
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fucun Xie
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Xun
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yunchao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Zhou
- Radiology Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Kang Zhou, ; Xinting Sang, ; Haitao Zhao,
| | - Xinting Sang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Kang Zhou, ; Xinting Sang, ; Haitao Zhao,
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Kang Zhou, ; Xinting Sang, ; Haitao Zhao,
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20
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Szymoński K, Milian-Ciesielska K, Lipiec E, Adamek D. Current Pathology Model of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2321. [PMID: 35565450 PMCID: PMC9105915 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignant neoplasms, ranking in seventh place in the world in terms of the incidence of death, with overall 5-year survival rates still below 10%. The knowledge about PC pathomechanisms is rapidly expanding. Daily reports reveal new aspects of tumor biology, including its molecular and morphological heterogeneity, explain complicated "cross-talk" that happens between the cancer cells and tumor stroma, or the nature of the PC-associated neural remodeling (PANR). Staying up-to-date is hard and crucial at the same time. In this review, we are focusing on a comprehensive summary of PC aspects that are important in pathologic reporting, impact patients' outcomes, and bring meaningful information for clinicians. Finally, we show promising new trends in diagnostic technologies that might bring a difference in PC early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Szymoński
- Department of Pathomorphology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland;
- Department of Pathomorphology, University Hospital, 30-688 Cracow, Poland;
| | | | - Ewelina Lipiec
- M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Adamek
- Department of Pathomorphology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Cracow, Poland;
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Goluba K, Kunrade L, Riekstina U, Parfejevs V. Schwann Cells in Digestive System Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:832. [PMID: 35269454 PMCID: PMC8908985 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper functioning of the digestive system is ensured by coordinated action of the central and peripheral nervous systems (PNS). Peripheral innervation of the digestive system can be viewed as intrinsic and extrinsic. The intrinsic portion is mainly composed of the neurons and glia of the enteric nervous system (ENS), while the extrinsic part is formed by sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory branches of the PNS. Glial cells are a crucial component of digestive tract innervation, and a great deal of research evidence highlights the important status of ENS glia in health and disease. In this review, we shift the focus a bit and discuss the functions of Schwann cells (SCs), the glial cells of the extrinsic innervation of the digestive system. For more context, we also provide information on the basic findings regarding the function of innervation in disorders of the digestive organs. We find diverse SC roles described particularly in the mouth, the pancreas, and the intestine. We note that most of the scientific evidence concerns the involvement of SCs in cancer progression and pain, but some research identifies stem cell functions and potential for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vadims Parfejevs
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, House of Science, Jelgavas Str. 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia; (K.G.); (L.K.); (U.R.)
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22
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Autophagic Schwann cells promote perineural invasion mediated by the NGF/ATG7 paracrine pathway in pancreatic cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:48. [PMID: 35109895 PMCID: PMC8809009 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02198-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Perineural invasion (PNI) and autophagy are two common features in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer (PanCa) and have a negative effect on prognosis. Potential mediator cells and the molecular mechanism underlying their relationships need to be fully elucidated. Methods To investigate the autophagy of Schwann cells (SCs) in PNI, we reproduced the microenvironment of PNI by collecting clinical PNI tissue, performing sciatic nerve injection of nude mice with cancer cells and establishing a Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) coculture system with cancer cell lines. Autophagy was detected by IHC, IF, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blotting assays. Apoptosis was detected by IF, TEM and western blotting. NGF targeting molecular RO 08–2750(RO) and the autophagy inhibitor Chloroquine (CQ) were utilized to evaluate the effect on autophagy and apoptosis in SCs and PanCa cells in PNI samples. Results SC autophagy is activated in PNI by paracrine NGF from PanCa cells. Autophagy-activated Schwann cells promote PNI through a) enhanced migration and axon guidance toward PanCa cells and b) increased chemoattraction to PanCa cells. The NGF-targeting reagent RO and autophagy inhibitor CQ inhibited Schwann cell autophagic flux and induced Schwann cell apoptosis. Moreover, RO and CQ could induce PanCa cell apoptosis and showed good therapeutic effects in the PNI model. Conclusions PanCa cells can induce autophagy in SCs through paracrine pathways such as the NGF/ATG7 pathway. Autophagic SCs exert a “nerve-repair like effect”, induce a high level of autophagy of cancer cells, provide a “beacon” for the invasion of cancer cells to nerve fibers, and induce directional growth of cancer cells. Targeting NGF and autophagy for PNI treatment can block nerve infiltration and is expected to provide new directions and an experimental basis for the research and treatment of nerve infiltration in pancreatic cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02198-w.
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Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Perineural Invasion in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Potential Targets for Therapeutic Intervention. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236011. [PMID: 34885121 PMCID: PMC8656475 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of oral cavity cancer. It can spread along and invade nerves in a process called perineural invasion. Perineural invasion can increase the chances of tumor recurrence and reduce survival in patients with oral cancer. Understanding how oral cancer interacts with nerves to facilitate perineural invasion is an important area of research. Targeting key events that contribute to perineural invasion in oral cavity cancer may reduce tumor recurrence and improve survival. In this review, we describe the impact of perineural invasion in oral cancer and the mechanisms that contribute to perineural invasion. Highlighting the key events of perineural invasion is important for the identification and testing of novel therapies for oral cancer with perineural invasion. Abstract The most common oral cavity cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), of which perineural invasion (PNI) is a significant prognostic factor associated with decreased survival and an increased rate of locoregional recurrence. In the classical theory of PNI, cancer was believed to invade nerves directly through the path of least resistance in the perineural space; however, more recent evidence suggests that PNI requires reciprocal signaling interactions between tumor cells and nerve components, particularly Schwann cells. Specifically, head and neck SCC can express neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors that may contribute to cancer migration towards nerves, PNI, and neuritogenesis towards cancer. Through reciprocal signaling, recent studies also suggest that Schwann cells may play an important role in promoting PNI by migrating toward cancer cells, intercalating, and dispersing cancer, and facilitating cancer migration toward nerves. The interactions of neurotrophins with their high affinity receptors is a new area of interest in the development of pharmaceutical therapies for many types of cancer. In this comprehensive review, we discuss diagnosis and treatment of oral cavity SCC, how PNI affects locoregional recurrence and survival, and the impact of adjuvant therapies on tumors with PNI. We also describe the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with PNI, including the expression of neurotrophins and their receptors, and highlight potential targets for therapeutic intervention for PNI in oral SCC.
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24
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Qin T, Li J, Xiao Y, Wang X, Gong M, Wang Q, Zhu Z, Zhang S, Zhang W, Cao F, Han L, Wang Z, Ma Q, Sha H. Honokiol Suppresses Perineural Invasion of Pancreatic Cancer by Inhibiting SMAD2/3 Signaling. Front Oncol 2021; 11:728583. [PMID: 34671554 PMCID: PMC8521150 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.728583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Perineural invasion (PNI) is an important pathologic feature of pancreatic cancer, and the incidence of PNI in pancreatic cancer is 70%-100%. PNI is associated with poor outcome, metastasis, and recurrence in pancreatic cancer patients. There are very few treatments for PNI in pancreatic cancer. Honokiol (HNK) is a natural product that is mainly obtained from Magnolia species and has been indicated to have anticancer activity. HNK also has potent neurotrophic activity and may be effective for suppressing PNI. However, the potential role of HNK in the treatment of PNI in pancreatic cancer has not been elucidated. Methods In our study, pancreatic cancer cells were treated with vehicle or HNK, and the invasion and migration capacities were assessed by wound scratch assays and Transwell assays. A cancer cell-dorsal root ganglion coculture model was established to evaluate the effect of HNK on the PNI of pancreatic cancer. Western blotting was used to detect markers of EMT and neurotrophic factors in pancreatic tissue. Recombinant TGF-β1 was used to activate SMAD2/3 to verify the effect of HNK on SMAD2/3 and neurotrophic factors. The subcutaneous tumor model and the sciatic nerve invasion model, which were established in transgenic engineered mice harboring spontaneous pancreatic cancer, were used to investigate the mechanism by which HNK inhibits EMT and PNI in vivo. Results We found that HNK can inhibit the invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells. More importantly, HNK can inhibit the PNI of pancreatic cancer. The HNK-mediated suppression of pancreatic cancer PNI was partially mediated by inhibition of SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. In addition, the inhibitory effect of HNK on PNI can be reversed by activating SMAD2/3. In vivo, we found that HNK can suppress EMT in pancreatic cancer. HNK can also inhibit cancer cell migration along the nerve, reduce the damage to the sciatic nerve caused by tumor cells and protect the function of the sciatic nerve. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that HNK can inhibit the invasion, migration, and PNI of pancreatic cancer by blocking SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, and we conclude that HNK may be a new strategy for suppressing PNI in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xueni Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengyuan Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiqi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zeen Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Simei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wunai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fang Cao
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Centre for Pancreatic Diseases of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingyong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Centre for Pancreatic Diseases of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huanchen Sha
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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25
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Wang J, Chen Y, Li X, Zou X. Perineural Invasion and Associated Pain Transmission in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4594. [PMID: 34572820 PMCID: PMC8467801 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the cancers with the highest incidence of perineural invasion (PNI), which often indicates a poor prognosis. Aggressive tumor cells invade nerves, causing neurogenic inflammation; the tumor microenvironment also induces nerves to undergo a series of structural and functional reprogramming. In turn, neurons and the surrounding glial cells promote the development of pancreatic cancer through autocrine and/or paracrine signaling. In addition, hyperalgesia in PDAC patients implies alterations of pain transmission in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Currently, the studies on this topic are relatively limited. This review will elaborate on the mechanisms of tumor-neural interactions and its possible relationship with pain from several aspects that have been focused on in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaoping Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China; (J.W.); (Y.C.); (X.L.)
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26
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Roda N, Blandano G, Pelicci PG. Blood Vessels and Peripheral Nerves as Key Players in Cancer Progression and Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174471. [PMID: 34503281 PMCID: PMC8431382 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174471] [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: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding blood vessels and peripheral nerves are critical in all the phases of tumor development. Accordingly, therapies that specifically target vessels and nerves represent promising anticancer approaches. The first aim of this review is to document the importance of blood vessels and peripheral nerves in both cancer onset and local or distant growth of tumoral cells. We then focus on the state-of-the-art therapies that limit cancer progression through the impairment of blood vessels and peripheral nerves. The mentioned literature is helpful for the scientific community to appreciate the recent advances in these two fundamental components of tumors. Abstract Cancer cells continuously interact with the tumor microenvironment (TME), a heterogeneous milieu that surrounds the tumor mass and impinges on its phenotype. Among the components of the TME, blood vessels and peripheral nerves have been extensively studied in recent years for their prominent role in tumor development from tumor initiation. Cancer cells were shown to actively promote their own vascularization and innervation through the processes of angiogenesis and axonogenesis. Indeed, sprouting vessels and axons deliver several factors needed by cancer cells to survive and proliferate, including nutrients, oxygen, and growth signals, to the expanding tumor mass. Nerves and vessels are also fundamental for the process of metastatic spreading, as they provide both the pro-metastatic signals to the tumor and the scaffold through which cancer cells can reach distant organs. Not surprisingly, continuously growing attention is devoted to the development of therapies specifically targeting these structures, with promising initial results. In this review, we summarize the latest evidence that supports the importance of blood vessels and peripheral nerves in cancer pathogenesis, therapy resistance, and innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Roda
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (N.R.); (G.B.)
| | - Giada Blandano
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (N.R.); (G.B.)
| | - Pier Giuseppe Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (N.R.); (G.B.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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27
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De Lellis L, Veschi S, Tinari N, Mokini Z, Carradori S, Brocco D, Florio R, Grassadonia A, Cama A. Drug Repurposing, an Attractive Strategy in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: Preclinical and Clinical Updates. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3946. [PMID: 34439102 PMCID: PMC8394389 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide, since patients rarely display symptoms until an advanced and unresectable stage of the disease. Current chemotherapy options are unsatisfactory and there is an urgent need for more effective and less toxic drugs to improve the dismal PC therapy. Repurposing of non-oncology drugs in PC treatment represents a very promising therapeutic option and different compounds are currently being considered as candidates for repurposing in the treatment of this tumor. In this review, we provide an update on some of the most promising FDA-approved, non-oncology, repurposed drug candidates that show prominent clinical and preclinical data in pancreatic cancer. We also focus on proposed mechanisms of action and known molecular targets that they modulate in PC. Furthermore, we provide an explorative bioinformatic analysis, which suggests that some of the PC repurposed drug candidates have additional, unexplored, oncology-relevant targets. Finally, we discuss recent developments regarding the immunomodulatory role displayed by some of these drugs, which may expand their potential application in synergy with approved anticancer immunomodulatory agents that are mostly ineffective as single agents in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura De Lellis
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Serena Veschi
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Nicola Tinari
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (N.T.); (A.G.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Zhirajr Mokini
- European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) Mentorship Programme, ESAIC, 24 Rue des Comédiens, BE-1000 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Davide Brocco
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Rosalba Florio
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
| | - Antonino Grassadonia
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (N.T.); (A.G.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cama
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (S.V.); (S.C.); (D.B.); (R.F.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology—CAST, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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28
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Xelwa N, Candy GP, Devar J, Omoshoro-Jones J, Smith M, Nweke EE. Targeting Growth Factor Signaling Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer: Towards Inhibiting Chemoresistance. Front Oncol 2021; 11:683788. [PMID: 34195085 PMCID: PMC8236623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.683788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers, ranking amongst the top leading cause of cancer related deaths in developed countries. Features such as dense stroma microenvironment, abnormal signaling pathways, and genetic heterogeneity of the tumors contribute to its chemoresistant characteristics. Amongst these features, growth factors have been observed to play crucial roles in cancer cell survival, progression, and chemoresistance. Here we review the role of the individual growth factors in pancreatic cancer chemoresistance. Importantly, the interplay between the tumor microenvironment and chemoresistance is explored in the context of pivotal role played by growth factors. We further describe current and future potential therapeutic targeting of these factors.
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29
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Park SH, Eber MR, Fonseca MM, Patel CM, Cunnane KA, Ding H, Hsu FC, Peters CM, Ko MC, Strowd RE, Wilson JA, Hsu W, Romero-Sandoval EA, Shiozawa Y. Usefulness of the measurement of neurite outgrowth of primary sensory neurons to study cancer-related painful complications. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 188:114520. [PMID: 33741328 PMCID: PMC8154668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal outgrowth of sensory nerves is one of the important contributors to pain associated with cancer and its treatments. Primary neuronal cultures derived from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have been widely used to study pain-associated signal transduction and electrical activity of sensory nerves. However, there are only a few studies using primary DRG neuronal culture to investigate neurite outgrowth alterations due to underlying cancer-related factors and chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, primary DRG sensory neurons derived from mouse, non-human primate, and human were established in serum and growth factor-free conditions. A bovine serum albumin gradient centrifugation method improved the separation of sensory neurons from satellite cells. The purified DRG neurons were able to maintain their heterogeneous subpopulations, and displayed an increase in neurite growth when exposed to cancer-derived conditioned medium, while they showed a reduction in neurite length when treated with a neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agent. Additionally, a semi-automated quantification method was developed to measure neurite length in an accurate and time-efficient manner. Finally, these exogenous factors altered the gene expression patterns of murine primary sensory neurons, which are related to nerve growth, and neuro-inflammatory pain and nociceptor development. Together, the primary DRG neuronal culture in combination with a semi-automated quantification method can be a useful tool for further understanding the impact of exogenous factors on the growth of sensory nerve fibers and gene expression changes in sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun H Park
- Department of Cancer Biology and Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Matthew R Eber
- Department of Cancer Biology and Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Miriam M Fonseca
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Chirayu M Patel
- Department of Cancer Biology and Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Katharine A Cunnane
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Huiping Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Fang-Chi Hsu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science and Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Christopher M Peters
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Mei-Chuan Ko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Roy E Strowd
- Department of Neurology and Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - John A Wilson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Wesley Hsu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | | | - Yusuke Shiozawa
- Department of Cancer Biology and Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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30
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GDI2 is a target of paclitaxel that affects tumorigenesis of prostate cancer via the p75NTR signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 562:119-126. [PMID: 34051575 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) refers to malignant tumors derived from prostate epithelial cells, whose morbidity and mortality rates have been increasing every year. Although new drugs for treating prostate cancer continue to emerge, the unclear mechanism underlying drug targets limits this therapy, thereby constraining identification of effective therapeutic targets. Although GDP dissociation inhibitor 2(GDI2) is highly expressed and closely associated with occurrence and development of many tumors, its role in prostate cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of GDI2 and elucidated its underlying mechanism of action in prostate cancer. Moreover, we screened chemotherapeutic drugs that affect GDI2 expression with a view of identifying novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. METHODS We performed sequence analyses and functional assays to precisely elucidate the GDI2 role in prostate cancer. Moreover, we induced tumorigenesis in nude mice to verify the role of GDI2 in vivo. Finally, we used the CCK8 assay to ascertain the most suitable IC50 across the three drugs and performed quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot to analyze the effects of drugs on expression of GDI2, p75NTR, and p-NFκB. RESULTS GDI2 was up-regulated in prostate cancer cells and tissues. Knocking down GDI2 suppressed cell proliferation but promoted cell apoptosis. Interestingly, knocking down GDI2 activated the p75NTR signaling pathway, indicating, for the first time, that p75NTR is negatively correlated with GDI2 expression. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results indicate that GDI2 is a therapeutic target of paclitaxel. Knocking down of GDI2 inhibits cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis via the p75NTR signaling pathway in prostate cancer. Notably, paclitaxel inhibits GDI2 expression, implying that GDI2 may be a promising therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
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31
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Unveiling the pathogenesis of perineural invasion from the perspective of neuroactive molecules. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 188:114547. [PMID: 33838132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is characterized by an encounter between the cancer cells and neuronal fibers and holds an extremely poor prognosis for malignant tumors. The exact molecular mechanism behind PNI yet remains to be explored. However, it is worth-noting that an involvement of the neuroactive molecules plays a major part in this process. A complex signaling network comprising the interplay between immunological cascades and neurogenic molecules such as tumor-derived neurotrophins, neuromodulators, and growth factors constitutes an active microenvironment for PNI associated with malignancy. The present review aims at discussing the following points in relation to PNI: a) Communication between PNI and neuroplasticity mechanisms can explain the pathophysiology of poor, short and long-term outcomes in cancer patients; b) Neuroactive molecules can significantly alter the neurons and cancer cells so as to sustain PNI progression; c) Finally, careful manipulation of neurogenic pathways and/or their crosstalk with the immunological molecules implicated in PNI could provide a potential breakthrough in cancer therapeutics.
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32
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Li A, Feng L, Niu X, Zeng Q, Li B, You Z. Downregulation of OIP5-AS1 affects proNGF-induced pancreatic cancer metastasis by inhibiting p75NTR levels. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:10688-10702. [PMID: 33820868 PMCID: PMC8064169 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to explore the mechanism by which long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) OIP5-AS1 affects proNGF (precursor nerve growth factor)-induced pancreatic cancer metastasis by targeting the miR-186-5p/NGFR axis. Bioinformatics was used to analyse whether OIP5-AS1 targets miR-186-5p/NGFR and their expression characteristics in pancreatic cancer. OIP5-AS1 and NGFR were overexpressed in pancreatic cancer, and their levels showed a significant positive correlation. Clinical trials also demonstrated that high expression of OIP5-AS1 and NGFR and low expression of miR-186-5p played a pro-cancer role in pancreatic cancer. MiR-186-5p inhibited the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells by targeting NGFR-regulated p75NTR. OIP5-AS1 regulated the action of miR-186-5p on NGFR mRNA and p75NTR by targeting miR-186-5p. Downregulation of NGFR inhibited the expression of p75NTR protein and blocked the role of proNGF in promoting the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Animal experiments also showed that the knockdown of miR-186-5p promoted cancer via the expression of NGFR mRNA and p75NTR protein, while the downregulation of proNGF blocked the effects. OIP5-AS1, as a ceRNA, promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer by targeting miR-186-5p/NGFR and affecting the prognosis of patients, which may be related to the action of proNGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ang Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoya Niu
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qihui Zeng
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhen You
- Department of Biliary Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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33
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Ferdoushi A, Griffin N, Marsland M, Xu X, Faulkner S, Gao F, Liu H, King SJ, Denham JW, van Helden DF, Jobling P, Jiang CC, Hondermarck H. Tumor innervation and clinical outcome in pancreatic cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7390. [PMID: 33795769 PMCID: PMC8017010 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86831-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by poor survival, recurrence after surgery and resistance to therapy. Nerves infiltrate the microenvironment of pancreatic cancers and contribute to tumor progression, however the clinicopathological significance of tumor innervation is unclear. In this study, the presence of nerves and their cross-sectional size were quantified by immunohistochemistry for the neuronal markers S-100, PGP9.5 and GAP-43 in a series of 99 pancreatic cancer cases versus 71 normal adjacent pancreatic tissues. A trend was observed between the presence of nerves in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and worse overall patient survival (HR = 1.8, 95% CI 0.77-4.28, p = 0.08). The size of nerves, as measured by cross-sectional area, were significantly higher in pancreatic cancer than in the normal adjacent tissue (p = 0.002) and larger nerves were directly associated with worse patient survival (HR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.87, p = 0.04). In conclusion, this study suggests that the presence and size of nerves within the pancreatic cancer microenvironment are associated with tumor aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysha Ferdoushi
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Nathan Griffin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Mark Marsland
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Xiaoyue Xu
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Fangfang Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, People's Republic of China
| | - Simon J King
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - James W Denham
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Dirk F van Helden
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Phillip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Chen Chen Jiang
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia.
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34
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Silverman DA, Martinez VK, Dougherty PM, Myers JN, Calin GA, Amit M. Cancer-Associated Neurogenesis and Nerve-Cancer Cross-talk. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1431-1440. [PMID: 33334813 PMCID: PMC7969424 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we highlight recent discoveries regarding mechanisms contributing to nerve-cancer cross-talk and the effects of nerve-cancer cross-talk on tumor progression and dissemination. High intratumoral nerve density correlates with poor prognosis and high recurrence across multiple solid tumor types. Recent research has shown that cancer cells express neurotrophic markers such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor and release axon-guidance molecules such as ephrin B1 to promote axonogenesis. Tumor cells recruit new neural progenitors to the tumor milieu and facilitate their maturation into adrenergic infiltrating nerves. Tumors also rewire established nerves to adrenergic phenotypes via exosome-induced neural reprogramming by p53-deficient tumors. In turn, infiltrating sympathetic nerves facilitate cancer progression. Intratumoral adrenergic nerves release noradrenaline to stimulate angiogenesis via VEGF signaling and enhance the rate of tumor growth. Intratumoral parasympathetic nerves may have a dichotomous role in cancer progression and may induce Wnt-β-catenin signals that expand cancer stem cells. Importantly, infiltrating nerves not only influence the tumor cells themselves but also impact other cells of the tumor stroma. This leads to enhanced sympathetic signaling and glucocorticoid production, which influences neutrophil and macrophage differentiation, lymphocyte phenotype, and potentially lymphocyte function. Although much remains unexplored within this field, fundamental discoveries underscore the importance of nerve-cancer cross-talk to tumor progression and may provide the foundation for developing effective targets for the inhibition of tumor-induced neurogenesis and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Silverman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vena K Martinez
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Patrick M Dougherty
- Department of Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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35
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Abstract
Diagnosis and treatment of disease demand a sound understanding of the underlying mechanisms, determining any Achilles' heel that can be targeted in effective therapies. Throughout history, this endeavour to decipher the origin and mechanism of transformation of a normal cell into cancer has led to various theories-from cancer as a curse to an understanding at the level of single-cell heterogeneity, meaning even among a single sub-type of cancer there are myriad molecular challenges to overcome. With increasing insight into cancer genetics and biology, the disease has become ever more complex to understand. The complexity of cancer as a disease was distilled into key traits by Hanahan and Weinberg in their seminal 'Hallmarks of Cancer' reviews. This lucid conceptualization of complex cancer biology is widely accepted and has helped advance cancer therapeutics by targeting the various hallmarks but, with the advancement in technologies, there is greater granularity in how we view cancer as a disease, and the additional understanding over the past decade requires us to revisit the hallmarks of cancer. Based on extensive study of the cancer research literature, we propose four novel hallmarks of cancer, namely, the ability of cells to regress from a specific specialized functional state, epigenetic changes that can affect gene expression, the role of microorganisms and neuronal signalling, to be included in the hallmark conceptualization along with evidence of various means to exploit them therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasi S. Senga
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen
Mary University of London, London EC1M
6BQ, UK
| | - Richard P. Grose
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen
Mary University of London, London EC1M
6BQ, UK
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36
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Hunt PJ, Kabotyanski KE, Calin GA, Xie T, Myers JN, Amit M. Interrupting Neuron-Tumor Interactions to Overcome Treatment Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3741. [PMID: 33322770 PMCID: PMC7762969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the tumor microenvironment release neurotransmitters, neuroligins, chemokines, soluble growth factors, and membrane-bound growth factors that solid tumors leverage to drive their own survival and spread. Tumors express nerve-specific growth factors and microRNAs that support local neurons and guide neuronal growth into tumors. The development of feed-forward relationships between tumors and neurons allows tumors to use the perineural space as a sanctuary from therapy. Tumor denervation slows tumor growth in animal models, demonstrating the innervation dependence of growing tumors. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments have identified many of the secreted signaling molecules (e.g., acetylcholine, nerve growth factor) that are passed between neurons and cancer cells, as well as the major signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK/EGFR) involved in these trophic interactions. The molecules involved in these signaling pathways serve as potential biomarkers of disease. Additionally, new treatment strategies focus on using small molecules, receptor agonists, nerve-specific toxins, and surgical interventions to target tumors, neurons, and immune cells of the tumor microenvironment, thereby severing the interactions between tumors and surrounding neurons. This article discusses the mechanisms underlying the trophic relationships formed between neurons and tumors and explores the emerging therapies stemming from this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Hunt
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.J.H.); (K.E.K.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katherine E. Kabotyanski
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.J.H.); (K.E.K.)
| | - George A. Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tongxin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (J.N.M.)
| | - Jeffrey N. Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (J.N.M.)
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (J.N.M.)
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Dragomir MP, Moisoiu V, Manaila R, Pardini B, Knutsen E, Anfossi S, Amit M, Calin GA. A Holistic Perspective: Exosomes Shuttle between Nerves and Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113529. [PMID: 33142779 PMCID: PMC7693842 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the limitations of cancer research has been the restricted focus on tumor cells and the omission of other non-malignant cells that are constitutive elements of this systemic disease. Current research is focused on the bidirectional communication between tumor cells and other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as immune and endothelial cells, and nerves. A major success of this bidirectional approach has been the development of immunotherapy. Recently, a more complex landscape involving a multi-lateral communication between the non-malignant components of the TME started to emerge. A prime example is the interplay between immune and endothelial cells, which led to the approval of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors and classical chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Hence, a paradigm shift approach is to characterize the crosstalk between different non-malignant components of the TME and understand their role in tumorigenesis. In this perspective, we discuss the interplay between nerves and immune cells within the TME. In particular, we focus on exosomes and microRNAs as a systemic, rapid and dynamic communication channel between tumor cells, nerves and immune cells contributing to cancer progression. Finally, we discuss how combinatorial therapies blocking this tumorigenic cross-talk could lead to improved outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihnea P. Dragomir
- Department of Surgery, Fundeni Clinical Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
- Institute of Pathology, Charité University Hospital, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.P.D.); (G.A.C.)
| | - Vlad Moisoiu
- Faculty of Physics, Babeş-Bolyai University, 400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Roxana Manaila
- Clinical Institute of Urology and Renal Transplantation, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Barbara Pardini
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), 10060 Candiolo, Italy;
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Erik Knutsen
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Simone Anfossi
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - George A. Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- The Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (M.P.D.); (G.A.C.)
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SNAIL Transctiption factor in prostate cancer cells promotes neurite outgrowth. Biochimie 2020; 180:1-9. [PMID: 33132158 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Neurite outgrowth involves reciprocal signaling interactions between tumor cells and nerves where invading tumor cells have acquired the ability to respond to pro-invasive signals within the nerve environment. Neurite outgrowth could serve as a mechanism leading to invasion of cancer cells into the nerve sheath and subsequent metastasis. Snail transcription factor can promote migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells. We hypothesized that prostate cancer cell interaction with nerve cells will be mediated by Snail expression within prostate cancer cells. For this study we utilized various prostate cancer cell lines: C4-2 non-silencing (NS, control); C4-2 Snail shRNA, (stable Snail knockdown); LNCaP Neo (empty vector control) and LNCaP Snail (stably over-expressing Snail). Cancer cell adhesion and migration towards nerve cells (snF96.2 or NS20Y) was examined by co-culture assays. Conditioned media (CM) collected from C4-2 cells was cultured with nerve cells (PC-12 or NS20Y) for 48 h followed by qualitative or quantitative neurite outgrowth assay. Our results showed that cancer cells expressing high levels of Snail (LNCaP Snail/C4-2 NS) displayed significantly higher migration adherence to nerve cells, compared to cells with lower levels of Snail (LNCaP Neo/C4-2 Snail shRNA). Additionally, LNCaP Snail or C4-2 NS (Snail-high) CM led to a higher neurite outgrowth compared to the LNCaP Neo or C4-2 Snail shRNA (Snail-low). In conclusion, Snail promotes migration and adhesion to nerve cells, as well as neurite outgrowth via secretion of soluble factors. Therefore, targeting cancer cell interaction with nerves may contribute to halting prostate cancer progression/metastasis.
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Liu X, Yang X, Zhan C, Zhang Y, Hou J, Yin X. Perineural Invasion in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Salivary Glands: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1493. [PMID: 33014792 PMCID: PMC7461905 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland (SACC) is a rare malignant tumors of the head and neck region, but it is one of the most common malignant tumors that are prone to perineural invasion (PNI) of the head and neck. The prognosis of patients with SACC is strongly associated with the presence of perineural spread (PNS). Although many contributing factors have been reported, the mechanisms underlying the preferential destruction of the blood-nerve barrier (BNB) by tumors and the infiltration of the tumor microenvironment by nerve fibers in SACC, have received little research attention. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning the characteristics of SACC in relation to the PNI, and then highlights the interplay between components of the tumor microenvironment and perineural niche, as well as their contributions to the PNI. Finally, we provide new insights into the possible mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of PNI, with particular emphasis on the role of extracellular vesicles that may serve as an attractive entry point in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohao Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoning Zhan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Hou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuemin Yin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Gregory E, Dugan R, David G, Song YH. The biology and engineered modeling strategies of cancer-nerve crosstalk. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188406. [PMID: 32827578 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A recent finding critical to cancer aggravation is the interaction between cancer cells and nerves. There exist two main modes of cancer-nerve interaction: perineural invasion (PNI) and tumor innervation. PNI occurs when cancer cells infiltrate the adjacent nerves, and its relative opposite, tumor innervation, occurs when axons extend into tumor bodies. Like most cancer studies, these crosstalk interactions have mostly been observed in patient samples and animal models at this point, making it difficult to understand the mechanisms in a controlled manner. As such, in recent years in vitro studies have emerged that have helped identify various microenvironmental factors responsible for cancer-nerve crosstalk, including but not limited to neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, chemokines, cancer-derived exosomes, and Schwann cells. The versatility of in vitro systems warrants continuous development to increase physiological relevance to study PNI and tumor innervation, for example by utilizing biomimetic three-dimensional (3D) culture systems. Despite the wealth of 3D in vitro cancer models, comparatively there exists a lack of 3D in vitro models of nerve, PNI, and tumor innervation. Native-like 3D in vitro models of cancer-nerve interactions may further help develop therapeutic strategies to curb nerve-mediated cancer aggravation. As such, we provide an overview of the key players of cancer-nerve crosstalk and current in vitro models of the crosstalk, as well as cancer and nerve models. We also discuss a few future directions in cancer-nerve crosstalk research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emory Gregory
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States of America.
| | - Reagan Dugan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States of America.
| | - Gabriel David
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States of America.
| | - Young Hye Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States of America.
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Sperb N, Tsesmelis M, Wirth T. Crosstalk between Tumor and Stromal Cells in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5486. [PMID: 32752017 PMCID: PMC7432853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a lethal cancer. The poor prognosis calls for a more detailed understanding of disease biology in order to pave the way for the development of effective therapies. Typically, the pancreatic tumor is composed of a minority of malignant cells within an excessive tumor microenvironment (TME) consisting of extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. Research conducted in recent years has particularly focused on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which represent the most prominent cellular component of the desmoplastic stroma. Here, we review the complex crosstalk between CAFs, tumor cells, and other components of the TME, and illustrate how these interactions drive disease progression. We also discuss the emerging field of CAF heterogeneity, their tumor-supportive versus tumor-suppressive capacity, and the consequences for designing stroma-targeted therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Wirth
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (N.S.); (M.T.)
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Faulkner S, Griffin N, Rowe CW, Jobling P, Lombard JM, Oliveira SM, Walker MM, Hondermarck H. Nerve growth factor and its receptor tyrosine kinase TrkA are overexpressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. FASEB Bioadv 2020; 2:398-408. [PMID: 32676580 PMCID: PMC7354692 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors are increasingly implicated in cancer progression, but their expression in cervical cancer is unclear. The objective of this study was to define the protein expression of NGF, its precursor (proNGF), as well as their receptors, the tyrosine kinase receptor TrkA, the common neurotrophin receptor p75NTR and the pro-neurotrophin receptor sortilin in cervical cancer. Immunohistochemistry was performed in a cohort of cervical cancers (n = 287), including the two major subtypes of the disease: squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and adenocarcinomas (AC). Normal cervical tissues (n = 28) were also analyzed. Protein expression was determined by computer-based digital quantification of staining intensity and comparative statistical analyses were made with clinicopathological parameters including histological subtype, age, grade, tumor size, lymph node invasion, and stage. The expression of NGF, proNGF, TrkA, p75NTR, and sortilin was higher in cervical cancer compared to normal cervical tissues. NGF and TrkA were found overexpressed in SCC compared to AC (P = .0006 and P < .0001, respectively). The expression of NGF (P = .0053), proNGF (P = .0022), and p75NTR (P = .0002), but not that of TrkA or sortilin, was associated with increasing grade in SCC. In addition, nerve infiltration into the tumor microenvironment was assessed using the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5. Infiltrating nerves were detected in 27% of cervical tumors and expressed TrkA. Functional investigations using the HELA cervical cancer cell line indicated that the Trk tyrosine kinase inhibitor GNF-5837 reduced cell viability through decreased ERK1/2 activation. Together, these data reveal the overexpression of NGF and TrkA in cervical SCC, suggesting a potential therapeutic value of targeting the NGF-TrkA signaling pathway in this subtype of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Nathan Griffin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Christopher W. Rowe
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
- School of Medicine and Public HealthFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
| | - Phillip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Janine M. Lombard
- School of Medicine and Public HealthFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Department of Medical OncologyCalvary Mater NewcastleWaratahNSWAustralia
| | - Sonia M. Oliveira
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Marjorie M. Walker
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
- School of Medicine and Public HealthFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
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Han L, Jiang J, Xue M, Qin T, Xiao Y, Wu E, Shen X, Ma Q, Ma J. Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway promotes pancreatic cancer pain via nerve growth factor. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2019; 45:137-144. [PMID: 31792027 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2019-100991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) suffer from abdominal pain and back pain. However, the cause of pain associated with PC is largely unclear. In this study, we tested the potential influence of the sonic hedgehog (sHH) signaling pathway on PC pain. METHODS Substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression was measured in cultured PC cells and dorsal root ganglions (DRG) by real-time PCR, western blotting analysis and ELISA. Small interfering RNA transfection and plasmid constructs were used to regulate the expression of sHH in the AsPc-1 and Panc-1 cell lines. Pain-related behavior was observed in an orthotopic tumor model in nude mice. RESULTS In this study, the results show that sHH increased the expression of SP and CGRP in DRGs in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Additionally, sHH secretion from PC cells could activate the sHH signaling pathway and, in turn, increase the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), P75, and TrkA in DRGs. Furthermore, the sHH signaling pathway and NGF/NGF receptor contributed to pain sensitivity in a nude mouse model. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that PC pain originates from the sHH signaling pathway, and NGF mediates the pain mechanism via regulating SP and CGRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengwen Xue
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Erxi Wu
- Department of Surgery, Baylor Scott and White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor Scott and White Health, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xin Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingyong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiguang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an, China
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Lee TL, Chiu PH, Li WY, Yang MH, Wei PY, Chu PY, Wang YF, Tai SK. Nerve-tumour interaction enhances the aggressiveness of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Otolaryngol 2019; 44:1087-1095. [PMID: 31574203 DOI: 10.1111/coa.13452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Perineural invasion (PNI) is a poor prognostic pathologic feature of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The mechanisms of PNI remain poorly understood, and nerve-tumour interactions have been implicated for its pathogenesis. DESIGN AND SETTING Systematic investigation of nerve-tumour interactions was performed using fresh human peripheral nerve. In vitro and in vivo models were used to determine the ability of human peripheral nerves to enhance OSCC migration/invasion. Retrospective cohort study was also carried out in one medical centre from 2001 to 2009. PARTICIPANTS 314 T1-2 OSCC patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In the transwell migration/invasion assay, the cells in five representative fields were counted. In the nerve implantation model, tumour size was estimated. PNI quantification by PNI focus number was carried out in the OSCC patients to correlate with cervical lymph node metastasis and oncologic outcomes. RESULTS The transwell migration/invasion assay demonstrated that human peripheral nerves, compared with subcutaneous soft tissue, significantly enhanced the migration/invasion abilities of OSCC. Moreover, the enhanced migration was dose-dependent with increased length or number of peripheral nerve segments. The nerve implantation model showed that human peripheral nerve also enhanced OSCC growth in vivo. Finally, increased PNI focus number was found dose-dependently associated with increased cervical lymph node metastasis and decreased 5-year disease-specific survival rates. CONCLUSIONS These results clearly indicated the presence of nerve-tumour interaction that involved paracrine influences leading to aggressiveness of OSCC. Further investigations are required to explore key cell types and molecules involved in nerve-tumour interactions for future therapeutic targeting of PNI in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Lun Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsien Chiu
- Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wing-Yin Li
- Department of Pathology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Infection and Immunity Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yin Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pen-Yuan Chu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fen Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Kuan Tai
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Infection and Immunity Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Sapalidis K, Kosmidis C, Funtanidou V, Katsaounis A, Barmpas A, Koimtzis G, Mantalobas S, Alexandrou V, Aidoni Z, Koulouris C, Pavlidis E, Giannakidis D, Surlin V, Pantea S, Strambu V, Constantina RO, Amaniti A, Zarogoulidis P, Mogoantă S, Kesisoglou I, Sardeli C. Update on current pancreatic treatments: from molecular pathways to treatment. J Cancer 2019; 10:5162-5172. [PMID: 31602269 PMCID: PMC6775621 DOI: 10.7150/jca.36300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is still diagnosed at a late stage although we have novel diagnostic tools. Pancreatic cancer chemotherapy treatment resistance is observed and therefore novel treatments are in need. Anti-cancer stem cell therapy, combination of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy with immunotherapy, proteins/enzymes and gene therapy are currently under evaluation. Targeted treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is also administered and novel inhibitors are also under evaluation. In the current review we present recent data from our search within the year 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sapalidis
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christoforos Kosmidis
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Varvara Funtanidou
- Anesthesiology Department, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Athanasios Katsaounis
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Amastasios Barmpas
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Koimtzis
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stylianos Mantalobas
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vyron Alexandrou
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zoi Aidoni
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charilaos Koulouris
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efstathios Pavlidis
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Giannakidis
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Valeriu Surlin
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Victor Strambu
- General Surgery Department, "Dr Carol Davila", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucuresti, Romania
| | | | - Aikaterini Amaniti
- Anesthesiology Department, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paul Zarogoulidis
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Anesthesiology Department, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stelian Mogoantă
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Isaak Kesisoglou
- 3rd Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysanthi Sardeli
- Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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46
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Long Y, Yao DS, Wei YS, Wu GT. Effects of Nerve Growth Factor Expression on Perineural Invasion and Worse Prognosis in Early-Stage Cervical Cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2019; 131:2360-2363. [PMID: 30246726 PMCID: PMC6166468 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.241808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Long
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - De-Sheng Yao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - You-Sheng Wei
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Guang-Teng Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
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47
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Gasparini G, Pellegatta M, Crippa S, Lena MS, Belfiori G, Doglioni C, Taveggia C, Falconi M. Nerves and Pancreatic Cancer: New Insights into a Dangerous Relationship. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E893. [PMID: 31248001 PMCID: PMC6678884 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is defined as the presence of neoplastic cells along nerves and/or within the different layers of nervous fibers: epineural, perineural and endoneural spaces. In pancreatic cancer-particularly in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)-PNI has a prevalence between 70 and 100%, surpassing any other solid tumor. PNI has been detected in the early stages of pancreatic cancer and has been associated with pain, increased tumor recurrence and diminished overall survival. Such an early, invasive and recurrent phenomenon is probably crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. PNI is a still not a uniformly characterized event; usually it is described only dichotomously ("present" or "absent"). Recently, a more detailed scoring system for PNI has been proposed, though not specific for pancreatic cancer. Previous studies have implicated several molecules and pathways in PNI, among which are secreted neurotrophins, chemokines and inflammatory cells. However, the mechanisms underlying PNI are poorly understood and several aspects are actively being investigated. In this review, we will discuss the main molecules and signaling pathways implicated in PNI and their roles in the PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gasparini
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Axo-Glial Interaction Unit, INSPE, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marta Pellegatta
- Axo-Glial Interaction Unit, INSPE, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Stefano Crippa
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marco Schiavo Lena
- Pathology Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulio Belfiori
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Pathology Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Carla Taveggia
- Axo-Glial Interaction Unit, INSPE, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Vita Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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48
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Faulkner S, Jobling P, March B, Jiang CC, Hondermarck H. Tumor Neurobiology and the War of Nerves in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2019; 9:702-710. [PMID: 30944117 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-18-1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nerves are emerging regulators of cancer progression. Cancer cells induce the outgrowth of nerves in the tumor microenvironment through the release of neurotrophic factors, and in return nerves liberate neurotransmitters that activate cancer growth and dissemination. Although sympathetic nerves drive tumor angiogenesis via the liberation of noradrenaline, sensory and parasympathetic nerves stimulate cancer stem cells. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that parasympathetic nerves can eventually inhibit tumor progression, suggesting a yin-yang type of regulation of cancer by nerves. From a broader perspective, the question of a higher level of control of cancer development by the central nervous system should be raised. SIGNIFICANCE: Nerves are emerging regulators of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Here, we review the evidence to date and explore the basic and clinical ramifications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brayden March
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chen Chen Jiang
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
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49
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Neurotrophins and their involvement in digestive cancers. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:123. [PMID: 30741921 PMCID: PMC6370832 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancers of the digestive system, including esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatic, and colorectal cancers, have a high incidence and mortality worldwide. Efficient therapies have improved patient care; however, many challenges remain including late diagnosis, disease recurrence, and resistance to therapies. Mechanisms responsible for these aforementioned challenges are numerous. This review focuses on neurotrophins, including NGF, BDNF, and NT3, and their specific tyrosine kinase receptors called tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk A, B, C, respectively), associated with sortilin and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), and their implication in digestive cancers. Globally, p75NTR is a frequently downregulated tumor suppressor. On the contrary, Trk and their ligands are considered oncogenic factors. New therapies which target NT and/or their receptors, or use them as diagnosis biomarkers could help us to combat digestive cancers.
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50
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Chen SH, Zhang BY, Zhou B, Zhu CZ, Sun LQ, Feng YJ. Perineural invasion of cancer: a complex crosstalk between cells and molecules in the perineural niche. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:1-21. [PMID: 30755808 PMCID: PMC6356921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) can be found in a variety of malignant tumors. It is a sign of tumor metastasis and invasion and portends the poor prognosis of patients. The pathological description and clinical significance of PNI are clearly understood, but exploration of the underlying molecular mechanism is ongoing. It was previously thought that the low-resistance channel in the anatomic region led to the occurrence of PNI. However, with rapid development of precision medicine and molecular biology, we have gradually realized that the occurrence of PNI is not the result of a single factor. The latest study suggests that PNI of cancer is a continuous and multistep process. A specific peripheral microenvironment, also called the perineural niche, is formed by neural cells, supporting cells, recruited inflammatory cells, altered extracellular matrix, blood vessels, and immune components in the background of carcinoma. Various soluble signaling molecules and their receptors comprise a complex signal network, which achieves the interaction between nerve and tumor. Nerve cells and tumor cells can interact directly or through the opening and closing of the signal transduction pathways and/or the recognition and response of the ligands and receptors. The information is transferred to the targets accurately and effectively, leading to the specific interactions between the nerve cells and the malignant tumor cells. PNI occurs through changes in nerve cells and supporting cells in the background of cancer; change and migration of the perineural matrix; enhancement of the viability, mobility, and invasiveness of the tumor cells; injury and regeneration of nerve cells; interaction, chemotactic movement, contact, and adherence of the nerve cells and the tumor cells; escape from autophagy, apoptosis, and immunological surveillance of tumor cells; and so on. Certainly, exploring the mechanism of PNI clearly has great significance for blocking tumor progression and improving patient survival. The current review aims to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PNI, which may help us find a strategy for improving the prognosis of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hai Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
| | - Bing-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
| | - Cheng-Zhan Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
| | - Le-Qi Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
| | - Yu-Jie Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao UniversityQingdao 266003, China
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