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Zhao Y, Chen C, Chen K, Sun Y, He N, Zhang X, Xu J, Shen A, Zhao S. Multi-omics analysis of macrophage-associated receptor and ligand reveals a strong prognostic signature and subtypes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12163. [PMID: 38806553 PMCID: PMC11133315 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62668-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. The interaction between receptors and ligands is the primary mode of intercellular signaling and plays a vital role in the progression of HCC. This study aimed to identify the macrophage-related receptor ligand marker genes associated with HCC and further explored the molecular immune mechanisms attributed to altered biomarkers. Single-cell RNA sequencing data containing primary and recurrent samples were downloaded from the China National GeneBank. Cell types were first identified to explore differences between immune cells from different sample sources. CellChat analysis was used to infer and analyze intercellular communication networks quantitatively. Three molecular subtypes were constructed based on the screened twenty macrophage-associated receptor ligand genes. Bulk RNA-Seq data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. After the screening, the minor absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was employed to identify key markers. After collecting peripheral blood and clinical information from patients, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the correlation between key markers and IL-10, one of the macrophage markers. After developing a new HCC risk adjustment model and conducting analysis, it was found that there were significant differences in immune status and gene mutations between the high-risk and low-risk groups of patients based on macrophage-associated receptor and ligand genes. This study identified SPP1, ANGPT2, and NCL as key biological targets for HCC. The drug-gene interaction network analysis identified wortmannin, ribavirin, and tarnafloxin as potential therapeutic drugs for the three key markers. In a clinical cohort study, patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) resistance had significantly higher expression levels of OPN, ANGPT2, NCL, and IL-10 than patients with ICI-responsiveness. These three key markers were positively correlated with the expression level of IL-10. The signature based on macrophage-associated receptor and ligand genes can accurately predict the prognosis of patients with HCC and the sensitivity to immunotherapy. These results may help guide the development of targeted prevention and personalized treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulou Zhao
- Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Interventional and Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Kang Chen
- Department of Interventional and Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yanjun Sun
- The Sixth People's Hospital of Yancheng City, Yancheng, China
| | - Ning He
- Department of Interventional and Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiubing Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nantong Second People's Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nantong Second People's Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Aiguo Shen
- Cancer Research Center Nantong, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Suming Zhao
- Department of Interventional and Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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Romanzi A, Milosa F, Marcelli G, Critelli RM, Lasagni S, Gigante I, Dituri F, Schepis F, Cadamuro M, Giannelli G, Fabris L, Villa E. Angiopoietin-2 and the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Promote Migration and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma- and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma-Derived Spheroids. Biomedicines 2023; 12:87. [PMID: 38255193 PMCID: PMC10813100 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010087] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) overexpressing Angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) (a protein linked with angiogenesis, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)), shares 95% of up-regulated genes and a similar poor prognosis with the proliferative subgroup of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). We analyzed the pro-invasive effect of ANG-2 and its regulator vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on HCC and CCA spheroids to uncover posUsible common ways of response. Four cell lines were used: Hep3B and HepG2 (HCC), HuCC-T1 (iCCA), and EGI-1 (extrahepatic CCA). We treated the spheroids with recombinant human (rh) ANG-2 and/or VEGF and then observed the changes at the baseline, after 24 h, and again after 48 h. Proangiogenic stimuli increased migration and invasion capability in HCC- and iCCA-derived spheroids and were associated with a modification in EMT phenotypic markers (a decrease in E-cadherin and an increase in N-cadherin and Vimentin), especially at the migration front. Inhibitors targeting ANG-2 (Trebananib) and the VEGF (Bevacizumab) effectively blocked the migration ability of spheroids that had been stimulated with rh-ANG-2 and rh-VEGF. Overall, our findings highlight the critical role played by ANG-2 and the VEGF in enhancing the ability of HCC- and iCCA-derived spheroids to migrate and invade, which are key processes in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Romanzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Clinical and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (S.L.)
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Fabiola Milosa
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Gemma Marcelli
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Rosina Maria Critelli
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Simone Lasagni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Clinical and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (S.L.)
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Isabella Gigante
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (I.G.); (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (I.G.); (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Filippo Schepis
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology IRCCS “Saverio de Bellis”, Research Hospital, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy; (I.G.); (F.D.); (G.G.)
| | - Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Erica Villa
- Chimomo Department, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.); (G.M.); (R.M.C.); (F.S.)
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Ilie MD, De Alcubierre D, Carretti AL, Jouanneau E, Raverot G. Therapeutic targeting of the pituitary tumor microenvironment. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108506. [PMID: 37562699 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), the complex environment in which tumors develop, has been increasingly targeted for cancer treatment in recent years. Aggressive pituitary tumors and pituitary carcinomas have been so far targeted with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (28 cases, including a large cohort), and anti-angiogenic drugs (34 cases), specifically bevacizumab (30 cases), sunitinib (three cases), and apatinib (one case). Here, we reviewed all these cases, reporting tumor response, potential predictors of response, as well as adverse events. Given that the histological type could potentially influence treatment response, we present the existing data separately for each type. Briefly, under ICIs, complete response was noted in one case, partial response in a third of cases, stable disease in 10% of cases, while 54% of tumors progressed. Under BVZ monotherapy, most cases (57%) showed stable disease, while 36% of tumors progressed; partial response was reported in only one case. The three cases treated with sunitinib monotherapy progressed. Regarding predictive factors of response, the tumor type (aggressive pituitary tumor versus pituitary carcinoma) appears as the strongest predictor of response to ICIs. To date, no predictor of response to anti-angiogenic drugs in the treatment of pituitary carcinomas and aggressive pituitary tumors has been identified. The interest of BZV add-on to first- or second-line chemotherapy warrants further investigation. In addition, we discuss perspectives regarding the TME-targeting in aggressive pituitary tumors and pituitary carcinomas, including perspectives on immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic drugs, as well as on other TME components, namely stromal cells, extracellular matrix, and secreted molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela-Diana Ilie
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France; Endocrinology Department, "C.I. Parhon" National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dario De Alcubierre
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Carretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Emmanuel Jouanneau
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France; Neurosurgery Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Gérald Raverot
- Inserm U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France; Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France; Endocrinology Department, Reference Center for Rare Pituitary Diseases HYPO, "Groupement Hospitalier Est" Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France.
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Yang S, Zou X, Li J, Yang H, Zhang A, Zhu Y, Zhu L, Zhang L. Immunoregulation and clinical significance of neutrophils/NETs-ANGPT2 in tumor microenvironment of gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1010434. [PMID: 36172371 PMCID: PMC9512293 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1010434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although significant progress has been made in the study of gastric cancer (GC), clinicians lack reliable protein markers for accurate diagnosis and tumor stratification. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks of extracellular fibers composed of DNA from neutrophils. We have previously reported that abundant NETs are deposited in GC, damaging human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and triggering the release of tissue factors, leading to a hypercoagulable state in GC. However, the specific effects of NETs on HUVECs are unclear. We aimed to explore the functional changes caused by NETs on HUVECs, providing evidence that NETs may fuel GC progression. Through quantitative proteomics, we identified 6182 differentially expressed proteins in NET-stimulated HUVECs by TMT. The reliability of the TMT technique was confirmed by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analysis of 17 differentially expressed proteins. Through bioinformatics analysis, we found that NETs upregulate ANGPT2 in HUVECs. We comprehensively analyzed the prognosis, biological function, immune response, and therapeutic value of ANGPT2 in GC. We found that overexpression of ANGPT2 in GC is associated with poor prognosis and potentially regulates multiple biological functions. At the same time, ANGPT2 also predicted immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic responses in GC. In conclusion, NETs promoted ANGPT2 overexpression in the GC microenvironment. In the future, the neutrophil/NETs-ANGPT2 axis may provide a new target for the treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifeng Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoming Zou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoming Zou, ; Jiacheng Li,
| | - Jiacheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoming Zou, ; Jiacheng Li,
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ange Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yanli Zhu
- Key laboratory of Microecology-immune Regulatory Network and Related Diseases School of Basic Medicine, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lisha Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Liu N, Liu M, Fu S, Wang J, Tang H, Isah AD, Chen D, Wang X. Ang2-Targeted Combination Therapy for Cancer Treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:949553. [PMID: 35874764 PMCID: PMC9305611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.949553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), a member of the angiopoietin family, is widely involved in the process of vascular physiology, bone physiology, adipose tissue physiology and the occurrence and development of inflammation, cardiac hypertrophy, rheumatoid, tumor and other diseases under pathological conditions. Proliferation and metastasis of cancer largely depend on angiogenesis. Therefore, anti-angiogenesis has become the target of tumor therapy. Due to the Ang2 plays a key role in promoting angiogenesis and stability in vascular physiology, the imbalance of its expression is an important condition for the occurrence and development of cancer. It has been proved that blocking Ang2 can inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In recent years, research has been constantly supplemented. We focus on the mechanisms that regulate the expression of Ang2 mRNA and protein levels in different cancers, contributing to a better understanding of how Ang2 exerts different effects in different cancers and stages, as well as facilitating more specific targeting of relevant molecules in cancer therapy. At the same time, the importance of Ang2 in cancer growth, metastasis, prognosis and combination therapy is pointed out. And finally, we will discuss the current investigations and future challenges of combining Ang2 inhibition with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy to increase its efficacy in cancer patients. This review provides a theoretical reference for the development of new targets and effective combination therapy strategies for cancer treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Deyu Chen
- *Correspondence: Xu wang, ; Deyu Chen,
| | - Xu Wang
- *Correspondence: Xu wang, ; Deyu Chen,
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