Comprehensive analysis of macrophage-related multigene signature in the tumor microenvironment of head and neck squamous cancer

Reciprocal Interactions of Human Monocytes and Cancer Cells in Co-Cultures In Vitro

The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes immune and stromal cells and noncellular extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most important immune cells in TME and are crucial for carcinomas' progression. The purpose was to analyze direct and indirect interactions in co-culture of tumor cells with monocytes/macrophages and, additionally, to indicate which interactions are more important for cancer development. Cytokines, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide level, tumor cell cycle and changes in tumor cell morphology after human tumor cells (Hep-2 and RK33 cell lines) with human monocyte/macrophage (THP-1 cell line) interactions were tested. Morphology and cytoskeleton organization of tumor cells did not change after co-culture with macrophages. In co-culture of tumor cells with human monocyte, changes in the percentage of tumor cells in cell cycle phases was observed. No significant changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) were found in the co-culture as compared to the tumor cell mono-culture. Monocytes produced about three times higher ROS than tumor cells. In co-cultures, a lower nitric oxide (NOx) level was found as compared to the sum of the production by both mono-cultures. Co-culture conditions limited the production of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) as compared to the sum of their level in mono-cultures. In conclusion, macrophages influence tumor cell growth and functions. Mutual (direct and paracrine) interactions between tumor cells and macrophages changed cytokine production and tumor cell cycle profile. The data obtained may allow us to initially indicate which kind of interactions may have a greater impact on cancer development processes.

The Relationship between the Prognostic Marker LIMA1 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Immune Infiltration

Background. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is one of the most common malignancies, and identification of HNSC biomarkers is critical. LIM Domain And Actin Binding 1 (LIMA1) is involved in actin cytoskeleton regulation and dynamics. The role of LIMA1 in HNSC is unclear. This is the first study to investigate the expression of LIMA1 in HNSC patients and its prognostic value, potential biological functions, and impact on the immune system. Methods. Gene expression and clinicopathological analysis, enrichment analysis, and immune infiltration analysis were all based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) with additional bioinformatics analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using TIMER and ssGSEA to analyze the immune response to LIMA1 expression in HNSCs. In addition, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Kaplan–Meier(K-M) survival analysis, and data from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) were used to validate the results. Results. LIMA1 played a key role as an independent prognostic factor in HNSC patients. GSEA found that LIMA1 is associated with promoting cell adhesion and suppressing immune function. LIMA1 expression was significantly correlated with infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils and was coexpressed with immune-related genes and immune checkpoints. Conclusion. The expression of LIMA1 is increased in HNSC, and the high expression of LIMA1 is associated with poor prognosis. LIMA1 may affect tumor development by regulating tumor-infiltrating cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). LIMA1 may be a potential target for immunotherapy.

Identification of Candidate Target Genes and Immune Cells in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background

The advance of new treatment strategies for more effective management of oral cancer requires identification of novel biological targets. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify novel biomarkers associated with oral tumorigenesis and prognostic signature by comparing gene expression profile of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs).

Methods

Four datasets including GSE25099, GSE30784, GSE37991, and GSE41613 were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, Cox model analysis, identification of key genes, and Kaplan-Meier analysis were also performed. The xCell was utilized to analyze the infiltration levels of immune cells.

Results

A total of 235 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be dysregulated in OSCC. These genes were mainly enriched in ECM receptor interaction and focal adhesion. Cox regression analysis identified 10 genes considered as key genes. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that low expression of SERPINE1 (also known as PAI-1), high expression of CD1C, and C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) were associated with well prognostic status in OSCC patients. In addition, we constructed a 3-immune-cell signature (myeloid dendritic cell, T cell CD4⁺ central memory, and common myeloid progenitor) that may be used to predict the survival status of OSCC patients.

Conclusion

Three key genes and 3-immune-cell signature were potential biomarkers for the prognosis of OSCC, and they may serve as potential targets for the treatment of OSCC patients.