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Futoh Y, Miyato H, Yamaguchi H, Matsumiya M, Takahashi R, Kaneko Y, Kimura Y, Ohzawa H, Sata N, Kitayama J, Hosoya Y. Vagus nerve signal has an inhibitory influence on the development of peritoneal metastasis in murine gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7832. [PMID: 38570542 PMCID: PMC10991300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58440-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The vagus nerve is the only pathway for transmitting parasympathetic signals between the brain and thoracoabdominal organs, thereby exhibiting anti-inflammatory functions through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Despite often being resected during lymph node dissection in upper gastrointestinal cancer surgery, the impact of vagotomy on postoperative outcomes in gastric cancer patients remains unclear. Sub-diaphragmatic vagotomy was performed on C57BL/6 mice. Three weeks later, syngeneic murine gastric cancer cell line YTN16P was injected into the peritoneal cavity, and the number of peritoneal metastases (PM) on the mesentery and omentum compared with control mice. The phenotypes of immune cells in peritoneal lavage and omental milky spots one day after tumor inoculation were analyzed using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Intraperitoneal transfer of 3 × 105 YTN16P significantly increased the number of metastatic nodules on the mesentery in the vagotomy group compared to the control group. The omental metastasis grade was also significantly higher in the vagotomy group. Phenotypic analysis of immune cells in peritoneal lavage did not reveal significant differences after vagotomy. However, vagotomized mice exhibited a notable increase in milky spot area, with a higher presence of cytokeratin(+) tumor cells, F4/80(+) macrophages, and CD3(+) T cells. Vagus nerve signaling appears to regulate the immune response dynamics within milky spots against disseminated tumor cells and inhibits the development of PM. Preserving the vagus nerve may offer advantages in advanced gastric cancer surgery to reduce peritoneal recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurie Futoh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hideyo Miyato
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan.
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
| | - Hironori Yamaguchi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Misaki Matsumiya
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Rei Takahashi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Yuki Kaneko
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Yuki Kimura
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ohzawa
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Yakushiji 3311-1, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Naohiro Sata
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Joji Kitayama
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Center for Clinical Research, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hosoya
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
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2
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Park H, Lee CH. The contribution of the nervous system in the cancer progression. BMB Rep 2024; 57:167-175. [PMID: 38523371 PMCID: PMC11058356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is driven by genetic mutations, environmental factors, and intricate interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME comprises of diverse cell types, such as cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, and neuronal cells. These cells mutually influence each other through various factors, including cytokines, vascular perfusion, and matrix stiffness. In the initial or developmental stage of cancer, neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor are associated with poor prognosis of various cancers by communicating with cancer cells, immune cells, and peripheral nerves within the TME. Over the past decade, research has been conducted to prevent cancer growth by controlling the activation of neurotrophic factors within tumors, exhibiting a novel attemt in cancer treatment with promising results. More recently, research focusing on controlling cancer growth through regulation of the autonomic nervous system, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, has gained significant attention. Sympathetic signaling predominantly promotes tumor progression, while the role of parasympathetic signaling varies among different cancer types. Neurotransmitters released from these signalings can directly or indirectly affect tumor cells or immune cells within the TME. Additionally, sensory nerve significantly promotes cancer progression. In the advanced stage of cancer, cancer-associated cachexia occurs, characterized by tissue wasting and reduced quality of life. This process involves the pathways via brainstem growth and differentiation factor 15-glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha-like signaling and hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin neurons. Our review highlights the critical role of neurotrophic factors as well as central nervous system on the progression of cancer, offering promising avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(4): 167-175].
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongryeol Park
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Muenster D-48149, Germany, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Chan Hee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Program of Material Science for Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
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3
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Giri SS, Tripathi AS, Erkekoğlu P, Zaki MEA. Molecular pathway of pancreatic cancer-associated neuropathic pain. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23638. [PMID: 38613466 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23638] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
The pancreas is a heterocrine gland that has both exocrine and endocrine parts. Most pancreatic cancer begins in the cells that line the ducts of the pancreas and is called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is the most encountered pancreatic cancer type. One of the most important characteristic features of PDAC is neuropathy which is primarily due to perineural invasion (PNI). PNI develops tumor microenvironment which includes overexpression of fibroblasts cells, macrophages, as well as angiogenesis which can be responsible for neuropathy pain. In tumor microenvironment inactive fibroblasts are converted into an active form that is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Neurotrophins they also increase the level of Substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide which is also involved in pain. Matrix metalloproteases are the zinc-associated proteases enzymes which activates proinflammatory interleukin-1β into its activated form and are responsible for release and activation of Substance P which is responsible for neuropathic pain by transmitting pain signal via dorsal root ganglion. All the molecules and their role in being responsible for neuropathic pain are described below.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alok Shiomurti Tripathi
- Department of Pharmacology, Era College of Pharmacy, Era University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pınar Erkekoğlu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Magdi E A Zaki
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad lbn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Martinez P, Grinand M, Cheggour S, Taieb J, Gourjon G. How to properly evaluate cardiac vagal tone in oncology studies: a state-of-the-art review. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2024; 4:36-46. [PMID: 39036385 PMCID: PMC11256691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis provides an assessment of cardiac vagal tone and consequently global cardiac health as well as systemic condition. In systemic diseases such as cancer and during treatments that affect the whole body, like chemotherapy, the vagus nerve activity is low and deregulated. Some studies focus on using HRV to predict mortality in oncology. However, in cancer patients, systemic alterations substantially increase artifacts during HRV measurement, especially atrial ectopic beats. Moreover, HRV may be altered by various factors (duration and time of measurement, breathing, drugs, and other confounding factors) that alter each metric in different ways. The Standard Deviation of all Normal to Normal intervals (SDNN) is the most commonly used metric to evaluate HRV in oncology, but it does not appear to be specific to the cardiac vagal tone. Thus, cardiac vagal activity diagnosis and vital prognosis of cancer patients can be biased. Our review presents the main HRV metrics that can be currently used in oncology studies and their links with vagus nerve and cancer. We present the influence of external factors and the required duration and time of measurement. Considering all these parameters, this review proposes seven key points for an assessment of HRV and cardiac vagal tone in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierrick Martinez
- Scientific and Osteopathic Research Department, Institut de Formation en Ostéopathie du Grand Avignon, 403 Rue Marcel Demonque, Avignon, France
| | - Marilyne Grinand
- Département de recherche clinique, Centre hospitalier d'Avignon, 305A Rue Raoul Follereau, Avignon, France
| | - Saïda Cheggour
- Service de cardiologie, Centre hospitalier d'Avignon, 305A Rue Raoul Follereau, Avignon, France
| | - Jérôme Taieb
- Service de cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier du pays d'Aix-Pertuis, Avenue des Tamaris Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Géraud Gourjon
- Scientific and Osteopathic Research Department, Institut de Formation en Ostéopathie du Grand Avignon, 403 Rue Marcel Demonque, Avignon, France
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5
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Szczepanski JM, Rudolf MA, Shi J. Clinical Evaluation of the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment: Opportunities and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:794. [PMID: 38398185 PMCID: PMC10887250 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040794] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its tumor microenvironment (TME) have the potential to transform treatment for the hundreds of thousands of patients who are diagnosed each year. Whereas the clinical assessment of cancer cell genetics has grown increasingly sophisticated and personalized, current protocols to evaluate the TME have lagged, despite evidence that the TME can be heterogeneous within and between patients. Here, we outline current protocols for PDAC diagnosis and management, review novel biomarkers, and highlight potential opportunities and challenges when evaluating the PDAC TME as we prepare to translate emerging TME-directed therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.S.); (M.A.R.)
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6
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Rohilla A, Rohilla S. Drug Repositioning: A Monetary Stratagem to Discover a New Application of Drugs. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2024; 21:e101023222023. [PMID: 38629171 DOI: 10.2174/0115701638253929230922115127] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Drug repurposing, also referred to as drug repositioning or drug reprofiling, is a scientific approach to the detection of any new application for an already approved or investigational drug. It is a useful policy for the invention and development of new pharmacological or therapeutic applications of different drugs. The strategy has been known to offer numerous advantages over developing a completely novel drug for certain problems. Drug repurposing has numerous methodologies that can be categorized as target-oriented, drug-oriented, and problem-oriented. The choice of the methodology of drug repurposing relies on the accessible information about the drug molecule and like pharmacokinetic, pharmacological, physicochemical, and toxicological profile of the drug. In addition, molecular docking studies and other computer-aided methods have been known to show application in drug repurposing. The variation in dosage for original target diseases and novel diseases presents a challenge for researchers of drug repurposing in present times. The present review critically discusses the drugs repurposed for cancer, covid-19, Alzheimer's, and other diseases, strategies, and challenges of drug repurposing. Moreover, regulatory perspectives related to different countries like the United States (US), Europe, and India have been delineated in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Rohilla
- Department of Pharmacology, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, 140413, Mohali, India
| | - Seema Rohilla
- Department of Pharmacy, Panipat Institute of Engineering and Technology, Panipat, Haryana, India
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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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8
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Huang FF, Cui WH, Ma LY, Chen Q, Liu Y. Crosstalk of nervous and immune systems in pancreatic cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1309738. [PMID: 38099290 PMCID: PMC10720593 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1309738] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor known for its extremely low survival rate. The combination of genetic disorders within pancreatic cells and the tumor microenvironment contributes to the emergence and progression of this devastating disease. Extensive research has shed light on the nature of the microenvironmental cells surrounding the pancreatic cancer, including peripheral nerves and immune cells. Peripheral nerves release neuropeptides that directly target pancreatic cancer cells in a paracrine manner, while immune cells play a crucial role in eliminating cancer cells that have not evaded the immune response. Recent studies have revealed the intricate interplay between the nervous and immune systems in homeostatic condition as well as in cancer development. In this review, we aim to summarize the function of nerves in pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the significance to investigate the neural-immune crosstalk during the advancement of this malignant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Fei Huang
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hui Cui
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan-Yue Ma
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Li J, Che M, Zhang B, Zhao K, Wan C, Yang K. The association between the neuroendocrine system and the tumor immune microenvironment: Emerging directions for cancer immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189007. [PMID: 37907132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189007] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes emerging evidence that the neuroendocrine system is involved in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to influence cancer progression. The basis of the interaction between the neuroendocrine system and cancer is usually achieved by the infiltration of nerve fibers into the tumor tissue, which is called neurogenesis; the migration of cancer cells toward nerve fibers, which is called perineural invasion (PNI), and the neurotransmitters. In addition to the traditional role of neurotransmitters in neural communications, neurotransmitters are increasingly recognized as mediators of crosstalk between the nervous system, cancer cells, and the immune system. Recent studies have revealed that not only nerve fibers but also cancer cells and immune cells within the TIME can secrete neurotransmitters, exerting influence on both neurons and themselves. Furthermore, immune cells infiltrating the tumor environment have been found to express a wide array of neurotransmitter receptors. Hence, targeting these neurotransmitter receptors may promote the activity of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and exert anti-tumor immunity. Herein, we discuss the crosstalk between the neuroendocrine system and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, which may provide feasible cancer immunotherapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mengjie Che
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Kewei Zhao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chao Wan
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Kunyu Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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10
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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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11
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Capodanno Y, Hirth M. Targeting the Cancer-Neuronal Crosstalk in the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14989. [PMID: 37834436 PMCID: PMC10573820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents one of the most aggressive solid tumors with a dismal prognosis and an increasing incidence. At the time of diagnosis, more than 85% of patients are in an unresectable stage. For these patients, chemotherapy can prolong survival by only a few months. Unfortunately, in recent decades, no groundbreaking therapies have emerged for PDAC, thus raising the question of how to identify novel therapeutic druggable targets to improve prognosis. Recently, the tumor microenvironment and especially its neural component has gained increasing interest in the pancreatic cancer field. A histological hallmark of PDAC is perineural invasion (PNI), whereby cancer cells invade surrounding nerves, providing an alternative route for metastatic spread. The extent of PNI has been positively correlated with early tumor recurrence and reduced overall survival. Multiple studies have shown that mechanisms involved in PNI are also involved in tumor spread and pain generation. Targeting these pathways has shown promising results in alleviating pain and reducing PNI in preclinical models. In this review, we will describe the mechanisms and future treatment strategies to target this mutually trophic interaction between cancer cells to open novel avenues for the treatment of patients diagnosed with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylenia Capodanno
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Hirth
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1–3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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Abdullahi A, Wong TWL, Ng SSM. Putative role of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation in cancer pathology and immunotherapy: Can this be a hidden treasure, especially for the elderly? Cancer Med 2023; 12:19081-19090. [PMID: 37587897 PMCID: PMC10557911 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is globally a disease of significant public health concern owing to its prevalence, and association with morbidity and mortality. Thus, cost-effective treatments for cancer are important to help reduce its significant morbidity and mortality. However, the current therapeutic options for cancer such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery may produce serious adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy, especially in the long term. In addition, these therapeutic options may not be well tolerated by the elderly especially those who are frail. The current article is aimed at discussing an alternative therapeutic option, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and the roles it plays in cancer pathology and immunotherapy. The VNS does this by reducing oxidative stress via silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1); inhibiting inflammation via both hypothalamic-pituitary-axis (HPA) and the release of corticosteroid from the adrenal gland, and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), and increasing vagal activity which helps in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism, and increase chance of survival. Furthermore, it helps with reducing complications due to cancer or its treatments such as postoperative ileus and severity of peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapy, and improves cancer-related fatigue, lymphopenia, and quality of life. These suggest that the importance of non-invasive VNS in cancer pathology and immunotherapy cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, considering the safety of non-invasive VNS and its cost-effectiveness, it is a therapeutic option worth trying for these patients, especially in combination with other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auwal Abdullahi
- Department of Rehabilitation SciencesThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
| | - Thomson W. L. Wong
- Department of Rehabilitation SciencesThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
| | - Shamay S. M. Ng
- Department of Rehabilitation SciencesThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityKowloonHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
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13
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Nguyen TM, Ngoc DTM, Choi JH, Lee CH. Unveiling the Neural Environment in Cancer: Exploring the Role of Neural Circuit Players and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2023; 12:1996. [PMID: 37566075 PMCID: PMC10417274 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of the immune environment within the tumor microenvironment has provided new opportunities for cancer treatment. However, an important microenvironment surrounding cancer that is often overlooked despite its significance in cancer progression is the neural environment surrounding the tumor. The release of neurotrophic factors from cancer cells is implicated in cancer growth and metastasis by facilitating the infiltration of nerve cells into the tumor microenvironment. This nerve-tumor interplay can elicit cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in response to neurotransmitters. Moreover, it is possible that cancer cells could establish a network resembling that of neurons, allowing them to communicate with one another through neurotransmitters. The expression levels of players in the neural circuits of cancers could serve as potential biomarkers for cancer aggressiveness. Notably, the upregulation of certain players in the neural circuit has been linked to poor prognosis in specific cancer types such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, basal cell carcinoma, and stomach cancer. Targeting these players with inhibitors holds great potential for reducing the morbidity and mortality of these carcinomas. However, the efficacy of anti-neurogenic agents in cancer therapy remains underexplored, and further research is necessary to evaluate their effectiveness as a novel approach for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of players in the neural circuits of cancers and the potential of anti-neurogenic agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Minh Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (T.M.N.); (D.T.M.N.)
| | - Dinh Thi Minh Ngoc
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (T.M.N.); (D.T.M.N.)
| | - Jung-Hye Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hoon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (T.M.N.); (D.T.M.N.)
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14
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Khanmammadova N, Islam S, Sharma P, Amit M. Neuro-immune interactions and immuno-oncology. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:636-649. [PMID: 37258398 PMCID: PMC10524972 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), driving tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Neuronal cues (e.g., neurotransmitters and neuropeptides) in the TME cause phenotypic changes in immune cells, such as increased exhaustion and inhibition of effector cells, which promote immune evasion and cancer progression. Two types of immune regulation by tumor-associated nerves are discussed in this review: regulation via neuronal stimuli (i.e., by neural transmission) and checkpoint-mediated neuronal immune regulation. The latter occurs via the expression of immune checkpoints on the membranes of intratumoral nerves and glial cells. Here, we summarize novel findings regarding the neuroimmune circuits in the tumor milieu, while emphasizing the potential targets of new and affordable anticancer therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmina Khanmammadova
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shajedul Islam
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Immunobiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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15
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Weitz J, Garg B, Martsinkovskiy A, Patel S, Tiriac H, Lowy AM. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma induces neural injury that promotes a transcriptomic and functional repair signature by peripheral neuroglia. Oncogene 2023; 42:2536-2546. [PMID: 37433986 PMCID: PMC10880465 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02775-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is the phenomenon whereby cancer cells invade the space surrounding nerves. PNI occurs frequently in epithelial malignancies, but is especially characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The presence of PNI portends an increased incidence of local recurrence, metastasis and poorer overall survival. While interactions between tumor cells and nerves have been investigated, the etiology and initiating cues for PNI development is not well understood. Here, we used digital spatial profiling to reveal changes in the transcriptome and to allow for a functional analysis of neural-supportive cell types present within the tumor-nerve microenvironment of PDAC during PNI. We found that hypertrophic tumor-associated nerves within PDAC express transcriptomic signals of nerve damage including programmed cell death, Schwann cell proliferation signaling pathways, as well as macrophage clearance of apoptotic cell debris by phagocytosis. Moreover, we identified that neural hypertrophic regions have increased local neuroglial cell proliferation which was tracked using EdU tumor labeling in KPC mice, as well as frequent TUNEL positivity, suggestive of a high turnover rate. Functional calcium imaging studies using human PDAC organotypic slices confirmed nerve bundles had neuronal activity, as well as contained NGFR+ cells with high sustained calcium levels, which are indicative of apoptosis. This study reveals a common gene expression pattern that characterizes solid tumor-induced damage to local nerves. These data provide new insights into the pathobiology of the tumor-nerve microenvironment during PDAC as well as other gastrointestinal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Weitz
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Bharti Garg
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alexei Martsinkovskiy
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sandip Patel
- Division of Hematology-Oncology in the Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Herve Tiriac
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA
| | - Andrew M Lowy
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, CA 92093, USA.
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16
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Mitsou JD, Tseveleki V, Dimitrakopoulos FI, Konstantinidis K, Kalofonos H. Radical Tumor Denervation Activates Potent Local and Global Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3758. [PMID: 37568574 PMCID: PMC10417359 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153758] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This preliminary study seeks to determine the effect of R&P denervation on tumor growth and survival in immunocompetent rats bearing an aggressive and metastatic breast solid tumor. A novel microsurgical approach was applied "in situ", aiming to induce R&P denervation through the division of every single nerve fiber connecting the host with the primary tumor via its complete detachment and re-attachment, by resecting and reconnecting its supplying artery and vein (anastomosis). This preparation, known as microsurgical graft or flap, is radically denervated by definition, but also effectively delays or even impedes the return of innervation for a significant period of time, thus creating a critical and therapeutic time window. Mammary adenocarcinoma cells (HH-16.cl4) were injected into immunocompetent Sprague Dawley adult rats. When the tumors reached a certain volume, the subjects entered the study. The primary tumor, including a substantial amount of peritumoral tissue, was surgically isolated on a dominant artery and vein, which was resected and reconnected using a surgical microscope (orthotopic tumor auto-transplantation). Intending to simulate metastasis, two or three tumors were simultaneously implanted and only one was treated, using the surgical technique described herein. Primary tumor regression was observed in all of the microsurgically treated subjects, associated with a potent systemic anticancer effect and prolonged survival. In stark contrast, the subjects received a close to identical surgical operation; however, with the intact neurovascular connection, they did not achieve the therapeutic result. Animals bearing multiple tumors and receiving the same treatment in only one tumor exhibited regression in both the "primary" and remote- untreated tumors at a clinically significant percentage, with regression occurring in more than half of the treated subjects. A novel therapeutic approach is presented, which induces the permanent regression of primary and, notably, remote tumors, as well as, evidently, the naturally occurring metastatic lesions, at a high rate. This strategy is aligned with the impetus that comes from the current translational research data, focusing on the abrogation of the neuro-tumoral interaction as an alternative treatment strategy. More data regarding the clinical significance of this are expected to come up from a pilot clinical trial that is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D. Mitsou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Athens Medical Center, 15125 Maroussi, Greece
| | - Vivian Tseveleki
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Foteinos-Ioannis Dimitrakopoulos
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece;
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Konstantinidis
- Department of General Robotic, Laparoscopic and Oncologic Surgery, Athens Medical Center, 15125 Maroussi, Greece;
| | - Haralabos Kalofonos
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece;
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17
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Weitz J, Garg B, Tiriac H, Martsinkovskiy A, Patel S, Lowy A. Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Induces Neural Injury that Promotes a Transcriptomic and Functional Repair Signature by Peripheral Neuroglia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2715023. [PMID: 37034696 PMCID: PMC10081383 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2715023/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Perineural invasion (PNI) is the phenomenon whereby cancer cells invade the space surrounding nerves. PNI occurs frequently in epithelial malignancies, but is especially characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The presence of PNI portends an increased incidence of local recurrence, metastasis and poorer overall survival. While interactions between tumor cells and nerves have been investigated, the etiology and initiating cues for PNI development is not well understood. Here, we used digital spatial profiling to reveal changes in the transcriptome and to allow for a functional analysis of neural-supportive cell types present within the tumor-nerve microenvironment of PDAC during PNI. We found that hypertrophic tumor-associated nerves within PDAC express transcriptomic signals of nerve damage including programmed cell death, Schwann cell proliferation signaling pathways, as well as macrophage clearance of apoptotic cell debris by phagocytosis. Moreover, we identified that neural hypertrophic regions have increased local neuroglial cell proliferation which was tracked using EdU tumor labeling in KPC mice. This study reveals a common gene expression pattern that characterizes solid tumor-induced damage to local nerves. These data provide new insights into the pathobiology of the tumor-nerve microenvironment during PDAC as well as other gastrointestinal cancers.
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18
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Chauvet S, Hubert F, Mann F, Mezache M. Tumorigenesis and axons regulation for the pancreatic cancer: A mathematical approach. J Theor Biol 2023; 556:111301. [PMID: 36270328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111301] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system is today recognized to play an important role in the development of cancer. Indeed, neurons extend long processes (axons) that grow and infiltrate tumors in order to regulate the progression of the disease in a positive or negative way, depending on the type of neuron considered. Mathematical modeling of this biological process allows to formalize the nerve-tumor interactions and to test hypotheses in silico to better understand this phenomenon. In this work, we introduce a system of differential equations modeling the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) coupled with associated changes in axonal innervation. The study of the asymptotic behavior of the model confirms the experimental observations that PDAC development is correlated with the type and densities of axons in the tissue. We study then the identifiability and the sensitivity of the model parameters. The identifiability analysis informs on the adequacy between the parameters of the model and the experimental data and the sensitivity analysis on the most contributing factors on the development of cancer. It leads to significant insights on the main neural checkpoints and mechanisms controlling the progression of pancreatic cancer. Finally, we give an example of a simulation of the effects of partial or complete denervation that sheds lights on complex correlation between the healthy, pre-cancerous and cancerous cell densities and axons with opposite functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Chauvet
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM (UMR 7288), Turing Centre for Living systems, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Hubert
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, I2M (UMR 7373), Turing Centre for Living systems, Marseille, France
| | - Fanny Mann
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM (UMR 7288), Turing Centre for Living systems, Marseille, France
| | - Mathieu Mezache
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, I2M (UMR 7373), Turing Centre for Living systems, Marseille, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MaIAGE (UR 1404), 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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19
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An Overview of the Molecular Cues and Their Intracellular Signaling Shared by Cancer and the Nervous System: From Neurotransmitters to Synaptic Proteins, Anatomy of an All-Inclusive Cooperation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314695. [PMID: 36499024 PMCID: PMC9739679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314695] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose an overview of the molecular cues and their intracellular signaling involved in the crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system. While "cancer neuroscience" as a field is still in its infancy, the relation between cancer and the nervous system has been known for a long time, and a huge body of experimental data provides evidence that tumor-nervous system connections are widespread. They encompass different mechanisms at different tumor progression steps, are multifaceted, and display some intriguing analogies with the nervous system's physiological processes. Overall, we can say that many of the paradigmatic "hallmarks of cancer" depicted by Weinberg and Hanahan are affected by the nervous system in a variety of manners.
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20
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Pavlov VA, Tracey KJ. Bioelectronic medicine: Preclinical insights and clinical advances. Neuron 2022; 110:3627-3644. [PMID: 36174571 PMCID: PMC10155266 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system maintains homeostasis and health. Homeostatic disruptions underlying the pathobiology of many diseases can be controlled by bioelectronic devices targeting CNS and peripheral neural circuits. New insights into the regulatory functions of the nervous system and technological developments in bioelectronics drive progress in the emerging field of bioelectronic medicine. Here, we provide an overview of key aspects of preclinical research, translation, and clinical advances in bioelectronic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin A Pavlov
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
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21
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Yaman I, Ağaç Çobanoğlu D, Xie T, Ye Y, Amit M. Advances in understanding cancer-associated neurogenesis and its implications on the neuroimmune axis in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108199. [PMID: 35490859 PMCID: PMC9991830 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108199] [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: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nerves and immunologic mediators play pivotal roles in body homeostasis by interacting with each other through diverse mechanisms. The spread of nerves in the tumor microenvironment increases tumor cell proliferation and disease progression, and this correlates with poor patient outcomes. The effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves on cancer regulation are being investigated. Recent findings demonstrate the possibility of developing therapeutic strategies that target the tumor microenvironment and its components such as immune cells, neurotransmitters, and extracellular vesicles. Therefore, examining and understanding the mechanisms and pathways associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, neurotransmitters, cancer-derived mediators and their interactions with the immune system in the tumor microenvironment may lead to the development of new cancer treatments. This review discusses the effects of nerve cells, immune cells, and cancer cells have on each other that regulate neurogenesis, cancer progression, and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Yaman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Didem Ağaç Çobanoğlu
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tongxin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yi Ye
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
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22
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Richter MN, Fattahi F. Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying the Effects of Cancer and Cancer Therapies on the Peripheral Nervous System. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200009. [PMID: 35666079 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the complexity of cancer and cancer therapies and their interactions with the peripheral nervous system have come into focus, but limitations in experimental models have remained a significant challenge in the field. As evidence, there are currently no therapies approved that target cancer-peripheral nervous system or cancer therapy-peripheral nervous system interactions as an anti-neoplastic or anti-neurotoxic agent, respectively. Human pluripotent stem cells offer an appealing model system that, unlike rodent models, is compatible with high throughput, high content applications; techniques that reflect modern drug discovery methodologies. Thus, utilizing the key advantages of stem cell-based models in tandem with the strengths of traditional animal models offers a complementary and interdisciplinary strategy to advance cancer and cancer therapy-peripheral nervous system research and drug discovery. In this review, the current status of the cancer-peripheral nervous system and cancer therapy-peripheral nervous system research is discussed, examples where stem cell-based models have been implemented are described, and avenues where stem cell-based models may further advance the field are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikayla N Richter
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Faranak Fattahi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94110, USA
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23
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Aronowitz AL, Ali SR, Glaun MDE, Amit M. Acetylcholine in Carcinogenesis and Targeting Cholinergic Receptors in Oncology. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200053. [PMID: 35858206 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells modulate and are modulated by their microenvironments, which include the nervous system. Accumulating evidence links the overexpression and activity of nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtypes to tumorigenesis in breast, ovarian, prostate, gastric, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors have downstream factors are associated with angiogenesis, cell proliferation and migration, antiapoptotic signaling, and survival. Clinical trials analyzing the efficacy of various therapies targeting cholinergic signaling or downstream pathways of acetylcholine have shed promising light on novel cancer therapeutics. Although the evidence for cholinergic signaling involvement in tumor development is substantial, a more detailed understanding of the acetylcholine-induced mechanisms of tumorigenesis remains to be unlocked. Such an understanding would enable the development of clinical applications ranging from the identification of novel biomarkers to the utilization of existing drugs to modulate cholinergic signaling to the development of novel cancer therapies, as discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Aronowitz
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Shahrukh R Ali
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mica D E Glaun
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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24
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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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25
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Erin N, Shurin GV, Baraldi JH, Shurin MR. Regulation of Carcinogenesis by Sensory Neurons and Neuromediators. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092333. [PMID: 35565462 PMCID: PMC9102554 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092333] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sensory nerve fibers extensively innervate the entire body. They are the first to sense danger signals, including the ones coming from newly formed cancer cells. Various studies have demonstrated that the inactivation of sensory nerve fibers as well as the vagus nerve enhances tumor growth and spread in models including breast, pancreatic, and gastric cancer. On the other hand, there are also contradictory findings that show the opposite, namely that the inactivation of nerve fibers inhibits tumor growth. These discrepancies are likely caused by the stage and the level of aggressiveness of the tumor model used. Hence, further studies are required to determine the factors involved in neuro-immunological mechanisms of tumor growth and spread. Abstract Interactions between the immune system and the nervous system are crucial in maintaining homeostasis, and disturbances of these neuro-immune interactions may participate in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Nerve endings have been identified within solid tumors in humans and experimental animals. Although the involvement of the efferent sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation in carcinogenesis has been extensively investigated, the role of the afferent sensory neurons and the neuropeptides in tumor development, growth, and progression is recently appreciated. Similarly, current findings point to the significant role of Schwann cells as part of neuro-immune interactions. Hence, in this review, we mainly focus on local and systemic effects of sensory nerve activity as well as Schwann cells in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Specific denervation of vagal sensory nerve fibers, or vagotomy, in animal models, has been reported to markedly increase lung metastases of breast carcinoma as well as pancreatic and gastric tumor growth, with the formation of liver metastases demonstrating the protective role of vagal sensory fibers against cancer. Clinical studies have revealed that patients with gastric ulcers who have undergone a vagotomy have a greater risk of stomach, colorectal, biliary tract, and lung cancers. Protective effects of vagal activity have also been documented by epidemiological studies demonstrating that high vagal activity predicts longer survival rates in patients with colon, non-small cell lung, prostate, and breast cancers. However, several studies have reported that inhibition of sensory neuronal activity reduces the development of solid tumors, including prostate, gastric, pancreatic, head and neck, cervical, ovarian, and skin cancers. These contradictory findings are likely to be due to the post-nerve injury-induced activation of systemic sensory fibers, the level of aggressiveness of the tumor model used, and the local heterogeneity of sensory fibers. As the aggressiveness of the tumor model and the level of the inflammatory response increase, the protective role of sensory nerve fibers is apparent and might be mostly due to systemic alterations in the neuro-immune response. Hence, more insights into inductive and permissive mechanisms, such as systemic, cellular neuro-immunological mechanisms of carcinogenesis and metastasis formation, are needed to understand the role of sensory neurons in tumor growth and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuray Erin
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Immunopharmacology, and Immuno-Oncology Unit, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, 07070 Antalya, Turkey
- Correspondence:
| | - Galina V. Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, 15213 PA, USA; (G.V.S.); (M.R.S.)
| | - James H. Baraldi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, 15213 PA, USA;
| | - Michael R. Shurin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, 15213 PA, USA; (G.V.S.); (M.R.S.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, 15213 PA, USA
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Limitations of Nerve Fiber Density as a Prognostic Marker in Predicting Oncological Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092237. [PMID: 35565366 PMCID: PMC9103173 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that the presence and density of nerve fibers (NFs; NFD) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) may play an important prognostic role in predicting long-term oncological outcomes in various malignancies. However, the role of NFD in the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is yet to be explored. To this end, we aimed to investigate the impact of NFs on oncological outcomes in a large European single-center cohort of HCC patients. In total, 153 HCC patients who underwent partial hepatectomy in a curative-intent setting between 2010 and 2021 at our university hospital were included in this study. Group comparisons between patients with and without NFs were conducted and the association of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) with the presence of NFs and other clinico-pathological variables were determined by univariate and multivariable Cox regression models. Patients with NFs in the TME presented with a median OS of 66 months (95% CI: 30−102) compared to 42 months (95% CI: 20−63) for patients without NFs (p = 0.804 log-rank). Further, RFS was 26 months (95% CI: 12−40) for patients with NFs compared to 18 months (95% CI: 9−27) for patients without NFs (p = 0.666 log-rank). In a subgroup analysis, patients with NFD ≤ 5 showed a median OS of 54 months (95% CI: 11−97) compared to 48 months (95% CI: 0−106) for the group of patients with NFD > 5 (p = 0.787 log-rank). Correspondingly, the RFS was 26 months (95% CI: 10−42) in patients with NFD ≤ 5 and 29 months (95% CI: 14−44) for the subcohort with NFD > 5 (p = 0.421 log-rank). Further, group comparisons showed no clinico-pathological differences between patients with NFs (n = 76) and without NFs (n = 77) and NFs were not associated with OS (p = 0.806) and RFS (p = 0.322) in our Cox regression models. In contrast to observations in various malignancies, NFs in the TME and NFD are not associated with long-term oncological outcomes in HCC patients undergoing surgery.
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Guillot J, Dominici C, Lucchesi A, Nguyen HTT, Puget A, Hocine M, Rangel-Sosa MM, Simic M, Nigri J, Guillaumond F, Bigonnet M, Dusetti N, Perrot J, Lopez J, Etzerodt A, Lawrence T, Pudlo P, Hubert F, Scoazec JY, van de Pavert SA, Tomasini R, Chauvet S, Mann F. Sympathetic axonal sprouting induces changes in macrophage populations and protects against pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1985. [PMID: 35418199 PMCID: PMC9007988 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29659-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal nerve processes in the tumor microenvironment were highlighted recently. However, the origin of intra-tumoral nerves remains poorly known, in part because of technical difficulties in tracing nerve fibers via conventional histological preparations. Here, we employ three-dimensional (3D) imaging of cleared tissues for a comprehensive analysis of sympathetic innervation in a murine model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Our results support two independent, but coexisting, mechanisms: passive engulfment of pre-existing sympathetic nerves within tumors plus an active, localized sprouting of axon terminals into non-neoplastic lesions and tumor periphery. Ablation of the innervating sympathetic nerves increases tumor growth and spread. This effect is explained by the observation that sympathectomy increases intratumoral CD163+ macrophage numbers, which contribute to the worse outcome. Altogether, our findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which the sympathetic nervous system exerts cancer-protective properties in a mouse model of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Huyen Thi Trang Nguyen
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France
- University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), VAST, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | - Milesa Simic
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Jérémy Nigri
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Fabienne Guillaumond
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Martin Bigonnet
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Nelson Dusetti
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Jimmy Perrot
- Department of Anatomopathology, Lyon Sud University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jonathan Lopez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Lyon Sud University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon 1 University, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Lyon, France
| | - Anders Etzerodt
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
- Department of Biomedecine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Toby Lawrence
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Pudlo
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, I2M, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Hubert
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, I2M, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- Department of Pathology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Richard Tomasini
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Fanny Mann
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, IBDM, Marseille, France.
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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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29
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Huang Q, Lian C, Dong Y, Zeng H, Liu B, Xu N, He Z, Guo H. SNAP25 Inhibits Glioma Progression by Regulating Synapse Plasticity via GLS-Mediated Glutaminolysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:698835. [PMID: 34490096 PMCID: PMC8416623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.698835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuronal activity regulated by synaptic communication exerts an important role in tumorigenesis and progression in brain tumors. Genes for soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) annotated with the function ‘vesicle’ about synaptic connectivity were identified, and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25), one of those proteins, was found to have discrepant expression levels in neuropathies. However, the specific mechanism and prognostic value of SNAP25 during glioma progression remain unclear. Methods Using RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the differential synaptosis-related genes between low grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma (GBM) were identified as highly correlated. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and survival analysis were used to differentiate the outcome of low- and high-risk patients, and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) cohort was used for validation of the data set. RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays were performed to examine the expression level of SNAP25 in glioma cells and samples. Functional assays were performed to identify the effects of SNAP25 knockdown and overexpression on cell viability, migration, and invasion. Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics approach was presented for identifying crucial metabolic disturbances in glioma cells. In situ mouse xenograft model was used to investigate the role of SNAP25 in vivo. Then, an immunofluorescence assay of the xenograft tissue was applied to evaluate the expression of the neuronal dendron formation marker-Microtubule Associated Protein 2 (MAP2). Results SNAP25 was decreased in level of expression in glioma tissues and cell lines, and low-level SNAP25 indicated an unfavorable prognosis of glioma patients. SNAP25 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and fostered glutamine metabolism of glioma cells, exerting a tumor suppressor role. Overexpressed SNAP25 exerted a lower expression level of MAP2, indicating poor neuronal plasticity and connectivity. SNAP25 could regulate glutaminase (GLS)-mediated glutaminolysis, and GLS knockdown could rescue the anti-tumor effect of SNAP25 in glioma cells. Moreover, upregulated SNAP25 also decreased tumor volume and prolonged the overall survival (OS) of the xenograft mouse. Conclusion SNAP25, a tumor suppressor inhibited carcinogenesis of glioma via limiting glutamate metabolism by regulating GLS expression, as well as inhibiting dendritic formation, which could be considered as a novel molecular therapeutic target for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongzhen Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changlin Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaoyuan Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijun Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boyang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ningbo Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyan He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, Zhujiang Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Wakiya T, Ishido K, Yoshizawa T, Kanda T, Hakamada K. Roles of the nervous system in pancreatic cancer. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2021; 5:623-633. [PMID: 34585047 PMCID: PMC8452481 DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with its extremely poor prognosis, presents a substantial health problem worldwide. Outcomes have improved thanks to progress in surgical technique, chemotherapy, pre-/postoperative management, and centralization of patient care to high-volume centers. However, our goals are yet to be met. Recently, exome sequencing using PDAC surgical specimens has demonstrated that the most frequently altered genes were the axon guidance genes, indicating involvement of the nervous system in PDAC carcinogenesis. Moreover, perineural invasion has been widely identified as one poor prognostic factor. The combination of innovative technologies and extensive clinician experience with the nervous system come together here to create a new treatment option. However, evidence has emerged that suggests that the relationship between cancer and nerves in PDAC, the underlying mechanism, is not fully understood. In an attempt to tackle this lethal cancer, this review summarizes the anatomy and physiology of the pancreas and discusses the role of the nervous system in the pathophysiology of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiichi Wakiya
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
| | - Keinosuke Ishido
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
| | - Tadashi Yoshizawa
- Department of Pathology and BioscienceHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
| | - Taishu Kanda
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
| | - Kenichi Hakamada
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHirosaki University Graduate School of MedicineHirosakiJapan
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31
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Scheff NN, Saloman JL. Neuroimmunology of cancer and associated symptomology. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 99:949-961. [PMID: 34355434 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionarily the nervous system and immune cells have evolved to communicate with each other to control inflammation and host responses against injury. Recent findings in neuroimmune communication demonstrate that these mechanisms extend to cancer initiation and progression. Lymphoid structures and tumors, which are often associated with inflammatory infiltrate, are highly innervated by multiple nerve types (e.g. sympathetic, parasympathetic, sensory). Recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that targeting the nervous system could be a therapeutic strategy to promote anti-tumor immunity while simultaneously reducing cancer-associated neurological symptoms, such as chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. Sympathetic nerve activity is associated with physiological or psychological stress, which can be induced by tumor development and cancer diagnosis. Targeting the stress response through suppression of sympathetic activity or activation of parasympathetic activity has been shown to drive activation of effector T cells and inhibition of myeloid derived suppressor cells within the tumor. Additionally, there is emerging evidence that sensory nerves may regulate tumor growth and metastasis by promoting or inhibiting immunosuppression in a tumor-type specific manner. Since neural effects are often tumor-type specific, further study is required to optimize clinical therapeutic strategies. This review examines the emerging evidence that neuroimmune communication can regulate anti-tumor immunity as well as contribute to development of cancer-related neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole N Scheff
- Biobehavioral Cancer Control Program UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Center for Neuroscience, and Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jami L Saloman
- Biobehavioral Cancer Control Program UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Center for Neuroscience, and Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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32
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Ricon-Becker I, Fogel E, Cole SW, Haldar R, Lev-Ari S, Gidron Y. Tone it down: Vagal nerve activity is associated with pro-inflammatory and anti-viral factors in breast cancer – An exploratory study. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 7:100057. [PMID: 35757058 PMCID: PMC9216392 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100057] [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: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to adverse social-environmental conditions, leukocytes gene expression profile is altered in a pattern recognized as the conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA). This entails the up-regulated expression of pro-inflammatory genes and down-regulated expression of genes involved in type-I interferon (IFN) related anti-viral immunity. In contrast, vagal nerve activity is recognized as a significant anti-inflammatory modulator. In this work, we investigated the association between CTRA and vagal activity indicated by the standard deviation of all NN interval (SDNN), a measure of heart-rate variability, in breast cancer patients awaiting surgery (n = 16). This association was tested both at the molecular leukocyte transcription factor activity level, as well as at the cytokines serum levels. We found an association between higher SDNN and increased interferon (IFN) related anti-viral pathways, both on the leukocyte transcription factor level and serum protein level. Unexpectedly, we also found a positive correlation between higher SDNN and pro-inflammatory transcription factor activity and cytokine serum level, potentially suggesting that increased vagal activity was induced by increased inflammation, in the context of pre-surgical stress and the presence of malignant tissue. Transcription origin analysis (TOA) suggests a role for monocyte and B-cells in the anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic effects induced by vagal nerve signaling. Larger prospective studies are needed to verify and elaborate on the results from this small cross-sectional study. Increased HRV is associated with increased anti-viral immunity. Unexpectedly, HRV is also associated with increased pro-inflammatory signaling. Findings are evident separately at transcription factor activity level as well as at cytokine serum levels. Macrophages and B cells emerge as the origin of these differences. Findings may shed light on novel pathways in which vagal nerve activity modulate cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itay Ricon-Becker
- School of Psychological Sciences, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Corresponding author. Neuroimmunology Research Unit, Prof. Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu's Laboratory, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Efrat Fogel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Steve W. Cole
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, USA
| | - Rita Haldar
- School of Psychological Sciences, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shahar Lev-Ari
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Yori Gidron
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Welfare University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth A White
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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34
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Bednarsch J, Tan X, Czigany Z, Liu D, Lang SA, Sivakumar S, Kather JN, Appinger S, Rosin M, Boroojerdi S, Dahl E, Gaisa NT, den Dulk M, Coolsen M, Ulmer TF, Neumann UP, Heij LR. The Presence of Small Nerve Fibers in the Tumor Microenvironment as Predictive Biomarker of Oncological Outcome Following Partial Hepatectomy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153661. [PMID: 34359564 PMCID: PMC8345152 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153661] [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: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nerve fibers in the microenvironment of malignant tumors have been shown to be an important prognostic factor for long-term survival in various cancer types; however, their role in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains to be determined. Therefore, the impact of nerve fibers on long-term survival was investigated in a large European cohort of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who were treated by curative-intent surgical resection. By univariate and multivariate statistics, the absence of nerve fibers was determined to be an independent predictor of impaired long-term survival. A group comparison between patients with and without nerve fibers showed a statically significant difference with a cancer-specific 5-year-survival of 47% in patients with nerve fibers compared to 21% in patients without nerve fibers. Thus, the presence of nerve fibers in the microenvironment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is revealed as a novel and important prognostic biomarker in these patients. Abstract The oncological role of the density of nerve fibers (NFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) remains to be determined. Therefore, data of 95 iCCA patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2010 and 2019 was analyzed regarding NFs and long-term outcome. Extensive group comparisons were carried out and the association of cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) with NFs were assessed using Cox regression models. Patients with iCCA and NFs showed a median CSS of 51 months (5-year-CSS = 47%) compared to 27 months (5-year-CSS = 21%) in patients without NFs (p = 0.043 log rank). Further, NFs (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.39, p = 0.002) and N-category (HR = 2.36, p = 0.010) were identified as independent predictors of CSS. Patients with NFs and without nodal metastases displayed a mean CSS of 89 months (5-year-CSS = 62%), while patients without NFs or with nodal metastases but not both showed a median CCS of 27 months (5-year-CSS = 25%) and patients with both positive lymph nodes and without NFs showed a median CCS of 10 months (5-year-CSS = 0%, p = 0.001 log rank). NFs in the TME are, therefore, a novel and important prognostic biomarker in iCCA patients. NFs alone and in combination with nodal status is suitable to identify iCCA patients at risk of poor oncological outcomes following curative-intent surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bednarsch
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
| | - Xiuxiang Tan
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Zoltan Czigany
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
| | - Sven Arke Lang
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
| | - Shivan Sivakumar
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK;
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Jakob Nikolas Kather
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Simone Appinger
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
| | - Mika Rosin
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
| | - Shiva Boroojerdi
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
| | - Edgar Dahl
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.D.); (N.T.G.)
| | - Nadine Therese Gaisa
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (E.D.); (N.T.G.)
| | - Marcel den Dulk
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.d.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Mariëlle Coolsen
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.d.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Tom Florian Ulmer
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
| | - Ulf Peter Neumann
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.d.D.); (M.C.)
| | - Lara Rosaline Heij
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (J.B.); (X.T.); (Z.C.); (D.L.); (S.A.L.); (S.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.F.U.); (U.P.N.)
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands; (M.d.D.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence:
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35
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Mampay M, Flint MS, Sheridan GK. Tumour brain: Pretreatment cognitive and affective disorders caused by peripheral cancers. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3977-3996. [PMID: 34029379 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
People that develop extracranial cancers often display co-morbid neurological disorders, such as anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment, even before commencement of chemotherapy. This suggests bidirectional crosstalk between non-CNS tumours and the brain, which can regulate peripheral tumour growth. However, the reciprocal neurological effects of tumour progression on brain homeostasis are not well understood. Here, we review brain regions involved in regulating peripheral tumour development and how they, in turn, are adversely affected by advancing tumour burden. Tumour-induced activation of the immune system, blood-brain barrier breakdown and chronic neuroinflammation can lead to circadian rhythm dysfunction, sleep disturbances, aberrant glucocorticoid production, decreased hippocampal neurogenesis and dysregulation of neural network activity, resulting in depression and memory impairments. Given that cancer-related cognitive impairment diminishes patient quality of life, reduces adherence to chemotherapy and worsens cancer prognosis, it is essential that more research is focused at understanding how peripheral tumours affect brain homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrthe Mampay
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Melanie S Flint
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Graham K Sheridan
- School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Bednarsch J, Kather J, Tan X, Sivakumar S, Cacchi C, Wiltberger G, Czigany Z, Ulmer F, Neumann UP, Heij LR. Nerve Fibers in the Tumor Microenvironment as a Novel Biomarker for Oncological Outcome in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma. Liver Cancer 2021; 10:260-274. [PMID: 34239812 PMCID: PMC8237795 DOI: 10.1159/000515303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) is a biliary tract cancer with a dismal prognosis, with surgery being the only chance of cure. A characteristic aggressive biological feature of pCCA is perineural growth which is defined by the invasion of cancer cells to nerves and nerve fibers. Recently, nerve fiber density (NFD) was linked to oncological outcomes in various malignancies; however, its prognostic role in pCCA remains to be elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data of 101 pCCA patients who underwent curative-intent surgery between 2010 and 2019 were included in this study. Extensive group comparisons between patients with high and low NFD were carried out, and the association of cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival with NFD and other clinicopathological characteristics was assessed using univariate and multivariable cox regression models. RESULTS Patients with high NFD showed a median CSS of 90 months (95% CI: 48-132, 3-year CSS = 77%, 5-year CSS = 72%) compared to 33 months (95% CI: 19-47, 3-year CSS = 46%, 5-year CSS = 32%) in patients with low NFD (p = 0.006 log rank). Further, N1 category (HR = 2.84, p = 0.001) and high NFD (HR = 0.41, p = 0.024) were identified as independent predictors of CSS in multivariable analysis. Patients with high NFD and negative lymph nodes showed a median CSS of 90 months (3-year CSS = 88%, 5-year CSS = 80%), while patients with either positive lymph nodes or low NFD displayed a median CSS of 51 months (3-year CSS = 59%, 5-year CSS = 45%) and patients with both positive lymph nodes and low NFD a median CSS of 24 months (3-year CSS = 26%, 5-year CSS = 16%, p = 0.001 log rank). CONCLUSION NFD has been identified as an important novel prognostic biomarker in pCCA patients. NFD alone and in combination with nodal status in particular allows to stratify pCCA patients based on their risk for inferior oncological outcomes after curative-intent surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bednarsch
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jakob Kather
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Xiuxiang Tan
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany,Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, The Netherlands,NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Shivan Sivakumar
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Cacchi
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Georg Wiltberger
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Zoltan Czigany
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Florian Ulmer
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ulf Peter Neumann
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany,Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lara Rosaline Heij
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany,NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany,*Lara Rosaline Heij,
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Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest division of the peripheral nervous system and closely resembles components and functions of the central nervous system. Although the central role of the ENS in congenital enteric neuropathic disorders, including Hirschsprung disease and inflammatory and functional bowel diseases, is well acknowledged, its role in systemic diseases is less understood. Evidence of a disordered ENS has accumulated in neurodegenerative diseases ranging from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer disease and multiple sclerosis to Parkinson disease as well as neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. The ENS is a key modulator of gut barrier function and a regulator of enteric homeostasis. A 'leaky gut' represents the gateway for bacterial and toxin translocation that might initiate downstream processes. Data indicate that changes in the gut microbiome acting in concert with the individual genetic background can modify the ENS, central nervous system and the immune system, impair barrier function, and contribute to various disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease or neurodegeneration. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of the ENS in gastrointestinal and systemic diseases, highlighting its interaction with various key players involved in shaping the phenotypes. Finally, current flaws and pitfalls related to ENS research in addition to future perspectives are also addressed.
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Dlamini Z, Mathabe K, Padayachy L, Marima R, Evangelou G, Syrigos KN, Bianchi A, Lolas G, Hull R. Many Voices in a Choir: Tumor-Induced Neurogenesis and Neuronal Driven Alternative Splicing Sound Like Suspects in Tumor Growth and Dissemination. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092138. [PMID: 33946706 PMCID: PMC8125307 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Significant progress has recently been made in understanding the role of the neuronal system in cancer biology, in many solid tumors such as prostate, breast, pancreatic, gastric and brain cancers. Solid tumors and the nervous system appear to influence each other’s development both directly and indirectly. A recurring element in such interactions is constituted by nerve-related substances such as neurotransmitters and neurotrophins, to which the first part of the current review is devoted. The second part of the review focuses on the potential role played by alternative splicing in cancer progression associated with neural signaling. Alternative splicing is the process where pre-mRNA is cut and re-ligated in different ways to give rise to multiple protein isoforms whose expression profile is often cancer specific. Alternative splicing is known to take place in the mRNA of genes that code for proteins involved in neuronal development and the creation of new nerve fibers. The change in alternative splicing patterns that occur as tumors develop and progress may make these splice variants potential targets for the development of drug treatments. They may also serve as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Abstract During development, as tissues expand and grow, they require circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous system expansion for proper function and support. Similarly, as tumors arise and develop, they also require the expansion of these systems to support them. While the contribution of blood and lymphatic systems to the development and progression of cancer is well known and is targeted with anticancer drugs, the contribution of the nervous system is less well studied and understood. Recent studies have shown that the interaction between neurons and a tumor are bilateral and promote metastasis on one hand, and the formation of new nerve structures (neoneurogenesis) on the other. Substances such as neurotransmitters and neurotrophins being the main actors in such interplay, it seems reasonable to expect that alternative splicing and the different populations of protein isoforms can affect tumor-derived neurogenesis. Here, we report the different, documented ways in which neurons contribute to the development and progression of cancer and investigate what is currently known regarding cancer-neuronal interaction in several specific cancer types. Furthermore, we discuss the incidence of alternative splicing that have been identified as playing a role in tumor-induced neoneurogenesis, cancer development and progression. Several examples of changes in alternative splicing that give rise to different isoforms in nerve tissue that support cancer progression, growth and development have also been investigated. Finally, we discuss the potential of our knowledge in alternative splicing to improve tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zodwa Dlamini
- SAMRC Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV-Associated Cancers (PPNDTHAC) Unit, Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; (K.M.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (G.L.); (R.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kgomotso Mathabe
- SAMRC Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV-Associated Cancers (PPNDTHAC) Unit, Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; (K.M.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (G.L.); (R.H.)
- Department of Urology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
| | - Llewellyn Padayachy
- SAMRC Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV-Associated Cancers (PPNDTHAC) Unit, Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; (K.M.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (G.L.); (R.H.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0084, South Africa
| | - Rahaba Marima
- SAMRC Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV-Associated Cancers (PPNDTHAC) Unit, Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; (K.M.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (G.L.); (R.H.)
| | - George Evangelou
- 3rd Department of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.E.); (K.N.S.)
| | - Konstantinos N. Syrigos
- 3rd Department of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.E.); (K.N.S.)
| | | | - Georgios Lolas
- SAMRC Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV-Associated Cancers (PPNDTHAC) Unit, Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; (K.M.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (G.L.); (R.H.)
- 3rd Department of Medicine, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.E.); (K.N.S.)
| | - Rodney Hull
- SAMRC Precision Prevention and Novel Drug Targets for HIV-Associated Cancers (PPNDTHAC) Unit, Pan African Cancer Research Institute (PACRI), University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; (K.M.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (G.L.); (R.H.)
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Wang H, Zheng Q, Lu Z, Wang L, Ding L, Xia L, Zhang H, Wang M, Chen Y, Li G. Role of the nervous system in cancers: a review. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:76. [PMID: 33846291 PMCID: PMC8041826 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00450-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerves are important pathological elements of the microenvironment of tumors, including those in pancreatic, colon and rectal, prostate, head and neck, and breast cancers. Recent studies have associated perineural invasion with tumor progression and poor outcomes. In turn, tumors drive the reprogramming of neurons to recruit new nerve fibers. Therefore, the crosstalk between nerves and tumors is the hot topic and trend in current cancer investigations. Herein, we reviewed recent studies presenting direct supporting evidences for a better understanding of nerve-tumor interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Qiming Zheng
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Zeyi Lu
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Lifeng Ding
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Liqun Xia
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Mingchao Wang
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Yicheng Chen
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
| | - Gonghui Li
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China.
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40
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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: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [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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41
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Parasympathetic influences in cancer pathogenesis: further insights. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 23:1491-1493. [PMID: 33398710 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02523-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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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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Pfitzinger PL, Fangmann L, Wang K, Demir E, Gürlevik E, Fleischmann-Mundt B, Brooks J, D'Haese JG, Teller S, Hecker A, Jesinghaus M, Jäger C, Ren L, Istvanffy R, Kühnel F, Friess H, Ceyhan GO, Demir IE. Indirect cholinergic activation slows down pancreatic cancer growth and tumor-associated inflammation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:289. [PMID: 33357230 PMCID: PMC7758936 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01796-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Nerve-cancer interactions are increasingly recognized to be of paramount importance for the emergence and progression of pancreatic cancer (PCa). Here, we investigated the role of indirect cholinergic activation on PCa progression through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) via clinically available AChE-inhibitors, i.e. physostigmine and pyridostigmine. Methods We applied immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, MTT-viability, invasion, flow-cytometric-cell-cycle-assays, phospho-kinase arrays, multiplex ELISA and xenografted mice to assess the impact of AChE inhibition on PCa cell growth and invasiveness, and tumor-associated inflammation. Survival analyses were performed in a novel genetically-induced, surgically-resectable mouse model of PCa under adjuvant treatment with gemcitabine+/−physostigmine/pyridostigmine (n = 30 mice). Human PCa specimens (n = 39) were analyzed for the impact of cancer AChE expression on tumor stage and survival. Results We discovered a strong expression of AChE in cancer cells of human PCa specimens. Inhibition of this cancer-cell-intrinsic AChE via pyridostigmine and physostigmine, or administration of acetylcholine (ACh), diminished PCa cell viability and invasion in vitro and in vivo via suppression of pERK signaling, and reduced tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration and serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. In the novel genetically-induced, surgically-resectable PCa mouse model, adjuvant co-therapy with AChE blockers had no impact on survival. Accordingly, survival of resected PCa patients did not differ based on tumor AChE expression levels. Patients with higher-stage PCa also exhibited loss of the ACh-synthesizing enzyme, choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT), in their nerves. Conclusion For future clinical trials of PCa, direct cholinergic stimulation of the muscarinic signaling, rather than indirect activation via AChE blockade, may be a more effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo L Pfitzinger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Fangmann
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Kun Wang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Hepatic, Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100710, China
| | - Elke Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Engin Gürlevik
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bettina Fleischmann-Mundt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jennifer Brooks
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan G D'Haese
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Teller
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecker
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Moritz Jesinghaus
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Jäger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Rouzanna Istvanffy
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Kühnel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.,CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany
| | - Güralp Onur Ceyhan
- Department of General Surgery, HPB-Unit, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany. .,CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany. .,Department of General Surgery, HPB-Unit, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Cortese N, Rigamonti A, Mantovani A, Marchesi F. The neuro-immune axis in cancer: Relevance of the peripheral nervous system to the disease. Immunol Lett 2020; 227:60-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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45
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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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Yang J, Li Y, Sun Z, Zhan H. Macrophages in pancreatic cancer: An immunometabolic perspective. Cancer Lett 2020; 498:188-200. [PMID: 33122097 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most fatal gastrointestinal cancers, pancreatic cancer (PC) has a long-term survival rate that has shown limited improvement during recent decades and remains dismal. The poor prognosis is attributed to challenges in early detection, low opportunity for radical resection and resistance to chemotherapy and radiation. Macrophages are one of the most abundant infiltrating immune cells in PC stroma, and they can crosstalk with cancer cells, adipocytes and other stromal cells to modulate metabolism, inflammation and immune status, create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and ultimately facilitate tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of macrophage origin, distribution and polarization, as well as provide a thorough review of the role macrophages in PC carcinogenesis and development, as well as the underlying molecular mechanism. Additionally, we investigated macrophage targets in preclinical and clinical trials to evaluate their potential therapeutic value in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yang
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Yongzheng Li
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Zhaowei Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Hanxiang Zhan
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China.
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Hutchings C, Phillips JA, Djamgoz MBA. Nerve input to tumours: Pathophysiological consequences of a dynamic relationship. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188411. [PMID: 32828885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that tumours arising in different organs are innervated and that 'perineural invasion' (cancer cells escaping from the tumour by following the nerve trunk) is a negative prognostic factor. More surprisingly, increasing evidence suggests that the nerves can provide active inputs to tumours and there is two-way communication between nerves and cancer cells within the tumour microenvironment. Cells of the immune system also interact with the nerves and cancer cells. Thus, the nerve connections can exert significant control over cancer progression and modulating these (physically or chemically) can affect significantly the cancer process. Nerve inputs to tumours are derived mainly from the sympathetic (adrenergic) and the parasympathetic (cholinergic) systems, which are interactive. An important component of the latter is the vagus nerve, the largest of the cranial nerves. Here, we present a two-part review of the nerve inputs to tumours and their effects on tumorigenesis. First, we review briefly some relevant general issues including ultrastructural aspects, stemness, interactions between neurones and primary tumours, and communication between neurones and metastasizing tumour cells. Ultrastructural characteristics include synaptic vesicles, tumour microtubes and gap junctions enabling formation of cellular networks. Second, we evaluate the pathophysiology of the nerve input to five major carcinomas: cancers of prostate, stomach, colon, lung and pancreas. For each cancer, we present (i) the nerve inputs normally present in the cancer organ and (ii) how these interact and influence the cancer process. The best clinical evidence for the role of nerves in promoting tumorigenesis comes from prostate cancer patients where metastatic progression has been shown to be suppressed significantly in cases of spinal cord injury. The balance of the sympathetic and parasympathetic contributions to early versus late tumorigenesis varies amongst the different cancers. Different branches of the vagus provide functional inputs to several of the carcinomas and, in two-way interaction with the sympathetic nervous system, affect different stages of the cancer process. Overall, the impact of the vagus nerve can be 'direct' or 'indirect'. Directly, the effect of the vagus is primarily to promote tumorigenesis and this is mediated through cholinergic receptor mechanisms. Indirectly, pro- and anti-tumour effects can occur by stimulation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system, respectively. Less well understood are the 'indirect' anti-tumour effect of the vagus nerve via immunomodulation/inflammation, and the role of sensory innervation. A frequent occurrence in the nerve-tumour interactions is the presence of positive feedback driven by agents like nerve growth factor. We conclude that the nerve inputs to tumours can actively and dynamically impact upon cancer progression and are open to clinical exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Hutchings
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jade A Phillips
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Mustafa B A Djamgoz
- Imperial College London, Department of Life Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK; Biotechnology Research Centre, Cyprus International University, Haspolat, Nicosia, TRNC, Mersin 10, Turkey.
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48
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Role of the parasympathetic nervous system in cancer initiation and progression. Clin Transl Oncol 2020; 23:669-681. [PMID: 32770391 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02465-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system plays an important role in cancer initiation and progression. Accumulated evidences clearly show that the sympathetic nervous system exerts stimulatory effects on carcinogenesis and cancer growth. However, the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in cancer has been much less elucidated. Whereas retrospective studies in vagotomized patients and experiments employing vagotomized animals indicate the parasympathetic nervous system has an inhibitory effect on cancer, clinical studies in patients with prostate cancer indicate it has stimulatory effects. Therefore, the aim of this paper is a critical evaluation of the available data related to the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in cancer.
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Bautista M, Krishnan A. The Autonomic Regulation of Tumor Growth and the Missing Links. Front Oncol 2020; 10:744. [PMID: 32477953 PMCID: PMC7237572 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence now indicates that peripheral nerves and solid tumors mutually support the growth of each other. Tumor-derived molecular cues guide nerve infiltration to the tumor milieu, while the tumor-infiltrating nerves provide molecular support to promote tumor growth and dissemination. In this mini-review, we discuss the unique roles of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. The contribution of adrenergic and cholinergic signals, the specific receptors involved, and the downstream molecular links in both cancer cells and stromal cells are discussed for their intrinsic capacity to modulate tumor growth. We identified unappreciated niche areas in the field, an investigation of which are critical to filling the knowledge gap in understanding the biology of neuromodulation of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricris Bautista
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre (CMSNRC), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Anand Krishnan
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre (CMSNRC), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Abstract
The contribution of nerves to the pathogenesis of malignancies has emerged as an important component of the tumour microenvironment. Recent studies have shown that peripheral nerves (sympathetic, parasympathetic and sensory) interact with tumour and stromal cells to promote the initiation and progression of a variety of solid and haematological malignancies. Furthermore, new evidence suggests that cancers may reactivate nerve-dependent developmental and regenerative processes to promote their growth and survival. Here we review emerging concepts and discuss the therapeutic implications of manipulating nerves and neural signalling for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali H Zahalka
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul S Frenette
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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