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Darbinian N, Hampe M, Martirosyan D, Bajwa A, Darbinyan A, Merabova N, Tatevosian G, Goetzl L, Amini S, Selzer ME. Fetal Brain-Derived Exosomal miRNAs from Maternal Blood: Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5826. [PMID: 38892014 PMCID: PMC11172088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115826] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are leading causes of neurodevelopmental disability but cannot be diagnosed early in utero. Because several microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in other neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, the effects of EtOH exposure on the expression of these miRNAs and their target genes and pathways were assessed. In women who drank alcohol (EtOH) during pregnancy and non-drinking controls, matched individually for fetal sex and gestational age, the levels of miRNAs in fetal brain-derived exosomes (FB-Es) isolated from the mothers' serum correlated well with the contents of the corresponding fetal brain tissues obtained after voluntary pregnancy termination. In six EtOH-exposed cases and six matched controls, the levels of fetal brain and maternal serum miRNAs were quantified on the array by qRT-PCR. In FB-Es from 10 EtOH-exposed cases and 10 controls, selected miRNAs were quantified by ddPCR. Protein levels were quantified by ELISA. There were significant EtOH-associated reductions in the expression of several miRNAs, including miR-9 and its downstream neuronal targets BDNF, REST, Synapsin, and Sonic hedgehog. In 20 paired cases, reductions in FB-E miR-9 levels correlated strongly with reductions in fetal eye diameter, a prominent feature of FASDs. Thus, FB-E miR-9 levels might serve as a biomarker to predict FASDs in at-risk fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nune Darbinian
- Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation (Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (M.H.); (D.M.); (A.B.); (N.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Monica Hampe
- Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation (Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (M.H.); (D.M.); (A.B.); (N.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Diana Martirosyan
- Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation (Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (M.H.); (D.M.); (A.B.); (N.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Ahsun Bajwa
- Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation (Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (M.H.); (D.M.); (A.B.); (N.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Armine Darbinyan
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Nana Merabova
- Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation (Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (M.H.); (D.M.); (A.B.); (N.M.); (G.T.)
- Medical College of Wisconsin-Prevea Health, Green Bay, WI 54304, USA
| | - Gabriel Tatevosian
- Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation (Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (M.H.); (D.M.); (A.B.); (N.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Laura Goetzl
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Shohreh Amini
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Michael E. Selzer
- Center for Neural Repair and Rehabilitation (Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (M.H.); (D.M.); (A.B.); (N.M.); (G.T.)
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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2
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Ohhara Y, Tomaru U, Kinoshita I, Hatanaka KC, Noguchi T, Hatanaka Y, Amono T, Matsuno Y, Dosaka-Akita H. Polymorphisms of the PD-L1 gene 3'-untranslated region are associated with the expression of PD-L1 in non-small cell lung cancer. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2024; 63:e23216. [PMID: 38169142 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.23216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent results show that polymorphisms of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1, also known as CD274 or B7-H1) might be used as a possible marker for effectiveness of chemotherapy and cancer risk. However, the effect of PD-L1 gene variations on PD-L1 expression remain unclear. Given the post-transcriptional machinery in tumor PD-L1 expression, we investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the PD-L1 gene, rs4143815 and rs4742098, using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of 154 patients with non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). In rs4143815, the GG genotype showed significant association with PD-L1 expression (P = 0.032). In rs4742098, the AA genotype was significantly associated with histology and PD-L1 expression (P = 0.022 and P = 0.008, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the AA genotype in rs4742098 was correlated with PD-L1 expression (odds ratio 0.408, P = 0.048). Interestingly, approximately 10% of the NSCLC cases showed somatic mutation when we compared genotypes of these SNPs between NSCLC tissues and non-tumor tissues from the same patients. In addition, cases with somatic mutation showed higher levels of PD-L1 expression than cases with germline mutation in rs4143815 GG. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the rs4143815 and rs4742098 SNPs in the 3'-UTR of PD-L1 were associated with tumor PD-L1 expression in NSCLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Ohhara
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Utano Tomaru
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kinoshita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Division of Clinical Cancer Genomics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kanako C Hatanaka
- Research Division of Genome Companion Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
- Center for Development of Advanced Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takuro Noguchi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Hatanaka
- Research Division of Genome Companion Diagnostics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toraji Amono
- Clinical Research and Medical Innovation Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsuno
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Dosaka-Akita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Research Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
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3
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Lin Q, Wang X, Hu Y. The opportunities and challenges in immunotherapy: Insights from the regulation of PD-L1 in cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2023:216318. [PMID: 37454966 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The immunosuppressive molecule programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is frequently upregulated in human cancers. Binding of PD-L1 to its receptor, programmed death-1 (PD-1), on activated T cells facilitates cancer cells to evade the host immune system. Antibody-based PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors can inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 interaction allowing reactivate cytotoxic T cells to eradicate advanced cancer cells. However, the majority of cancer patients fail to respond to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies and the molecular mechanisms for this remain poorly understood. Recent studies show that PD-L1 expression level on tumor cells affect the clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint therapies. Thus, furthering our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells will be critical to improve clinical response rates and the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 immune therapies. Here we review recent studies, primarily focusing on the mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and protein level, with the purpose to drive the development of more targeted and effective anti-PD-1/PD-L1 cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi-modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China
| | - Xingwen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi-modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China
| | - Ying Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China; Key Laboratory of Science and Engineering for the Multi-modal Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China.
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4
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Dutta S, Ganguly A, Chatterjee K, Spada S, Mukherjee S. Targets of Immune Escape Mechanisms in Cancer: Basis for Development and Evolution of Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020218. [PMID: 36829496 PMCID: PMC9952779 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as a novel therapeutic tool for cancer therapy in the last decade. Unfortunately, a small number of patients benefit from approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, multiple studies are being conducted to find new ICIs and combination strategies to improve the current ICIs. In this review, we discuss some approved immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, PD-1, and CTLA-4, and also highlight newer emerging ICIs. For instance, HLA-E, overexpressed by tumor cells, represents an immune-suppressive feature by binding CD94/NKG2A, on NK and T cells. NKG2A blockade recruits CD8+ T cells and activates NK cells to decrease the tumor burden. NKG2D acts as an NK cell activating receptor that can also be a potential ICI. The adenosine A2A and A2B receptors, CD47-SIRPα, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and VISTA are targets that also contribute to cancer immunoresistance and have been considered for clinical trials. Their antitumor immunosuppressive functions can be used to develop blocking antibodies. PARPs, mARTs, and B7-H3 are also other potential targets for immunosuppression. Additionally, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated immunotherapeutic approaches are being investigated with great interest. Pre-clinical and clinical studies project these targets as potential immunotherapeutic candidates in different cancer types for their robust antitumor modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Dutta
- The Center for Immunotherapy & Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar 814152, India
| | | | - Sheila Spada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
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5
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Zhang D, Fu Z, Guo Y, Guo F, Wan Y, Guan G. Circ_0000052/miR-382-3p axis induces PD-L1 expression and regulates cell proliferation and immune evasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 27:113-126. [PMID: 36515567 PMCID: PMC9806294 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying PD-L1 aberrant expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) will help reveal predictive biomarkers and overcome resistance to treatment. In this study, the prognostic significance of PD-L1 in forty-five HNSCC archival samples was determined by qRT-PCR. The biological function associated with malignant behaviour was assessed by PD-L1 depletion, miR-382-3p re-expression and regulation of circ_0000052. The interactions of PD-L1-miRNA and miRNA-circRNA were determined by qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. PD-L1 was highly expressed in patient samples and cancer cell lines. Higher levels of PD-L1 were associated with patient recurrences and play a pivotal role in regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, clonogenicity and apoptosis. In addition to demonstrating that the IFN-γ/JAK2/STAT1 signalling pathway can induce PD-L1 overexpression in HNSCC, a novel mechanism by which upregulated circ_0000052 mediates PD-L1 overexpression was also demonstrated. To do this, circ_0000052 competitively binds to miR-382-3p and alleviates its repression of PD-L1. This leads to overexpression of PD-L1, causing the aggressiveness of the cells. Our data demonstrate that circ_0000052 is oncogenic, and the circ_0000052/miR-382-3p/PD-L1 axis is critical in HNSCC progression. The manipulation of circRNAs/miRNAs in combination with anti-PD-L1 therapy may improve personalized disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- De‐Jun Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Ze‐Ming Fu
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Ying‐Yuan Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Fang Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Yi‐Ning Wan
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Guo‐Fang Guan
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck SurgeryThe Second Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
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6
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Wang J, Liu T, Huang T, Shang M, Wang X. The mechanisms on evasion of anti-tumor immune responses in gastric cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:943806. [PMID: 36439472 PMCID: PMC9686275 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.943806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system and the tumor have been at each other's throats for so long that the neoplasm has learned to avoid detection and avoid being attacked, which is called immune evasion. Malignant tumors, such as gastric cancer (GC), share the ability to evade the body's immune system as a defining feature. Immune evasion includes alterations to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), antigen presentation mechanisms (APMs), and the tumor microenvironment (TME). While TAA and APM are simpler in nature, they both involve mutations or epigenetic regulation of genes. The TME is comprised of numerous cell types, cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix, any one of which might be altered to have an effect on the surrounding ecosystem. The NF-kB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hippo and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways are all associated with gastric cancer tumor immune evasion. In this review, we will delineate the functions of these pathways in immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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7
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The Features of Immune Checkpoint Gene Regulation by microRNA in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169324. [PMID: 36012588 PMCID: PMC9409052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the search for new promising tools of immunotherapy continues. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence immune checkpoint (IC) gene expression in tumor and T-cells and may be important regulators of immune cells are considered. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by blocking mRNA translation. An important feature of miRNA is its ability to affect the expression of several genes simultaneously, which corresponds to the trend toward the use of combination therapy. The article provides a list of miRNAs acting simultaneously on several ICs and miRNAs that, in addition to IC, can regulate the expression of targeted therapy genes. There is dependence of miRNA interactions with IC genes on the type of cancer. The analysis of the accumulated data demonstrates that only about 14% (95% CI: 9.8–20.1%) of the studied miRNAs regulate the expression of specific IC in more than one type of cancer. That is, there is tumor specificity in the miRNA action on ICs. A number of miRNAs demonstrated high efficiency in vitro and in vivo. This indicates the potential of miRNAs as promising agents for cancer immunotherapy. Additional studies of the miRNA–gene interaction features and the search for an optimal miRNA mimic structure are necessary.
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8
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Liu Z, Yu X, Xu L, Li Y, Zeng C. Current insight into the regulation of PD-L1 in cancer. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:44. [PMID: 35907881 PMCID: PMC9338491 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00297-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying cancer immune escape are a core topic in cancer immunology research. Cancer cells can escape T cell-mediated cellular cytotoxicity by exploiting the inhibitory programmed cell-death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1, CD274) immune checkpoint. Studying the PD-L1 regulatory pattern of tumor cells will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms of tumor immune evasion and improve cancer treatment. Recent studies have found that tumor cells regulate PD-L1 at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels and influence the anti-tumor immune response by regulating PD-L1. In this review, we focus on the regulation of PD-L1 in cancer cells and summarize the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuandi Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xibao Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, 510632, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, No.601, West Huangpu Avenue, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, 510632, Guangdong, China.
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9
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Abstract
With the development of precision medicine, the efficiency of tumor treatment has been significantly improved. More attention has been paid to targeted therapy and immunotherapy as the key to precision treatment of cancer. Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has become one of the most important targeted treatments for various cancers. Comparing with traditional chemotherapy drugs, targeting EGFR is highly selective in killing tumor cells with better safety, tolerability and less side effect. In addition, tumor immunotherapy has become the fourth largest tumor therapy after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, these treatments still produce a certain degree of drug resistance. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were found to play a key role in carcinogenesis, treatment and regulation of the efficacy of anticancer drugs in the past few years. Therefore, in this review, we aim to summarize the targeted treatment of cancers and the functions of ncRNAs in cancer treatment.
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10
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Li X, Wang S, Mu W, Barry J, Han A, Carpenter RL, Jiang BH, Peiper SC, Mahoney MG, Aplin AE, Ren H, He J. Reactive oxygen species reprogram macrophages to suppress antitumor immune response through the exosomal miR-155-5p/PD-L1 pathway. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:41. [PMID: 35086548 PMCID: PMC8793215 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02244-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cells have an imbalance in oxidation-reduction (redox) homeostasis. Understanding the precise mechanisms and the impact of the altered redox microenvironment on the immunologic reaction to tumors is limited. Methods We isolated exosomes from ovarian cancer cells through ultracentrifuge and characterized by Western-blots and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis. 2D, 3D-coculture tumor model, and 3D live cell imaging were used to study the interactions between tumor cells, macrophages and CD3 T cells in vitro. The role of exosomal miR-155-5p in tumor growth was evaluated in xenograft nude mice models and immune-competent mice models. Flow cytometry and flow sorting were used to determine the expression levels of miR-155-5p and PD-L1 in ascites and splenic macrophages, and the percentages of CD3 T cells subpopulations. Results The elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) greatly downregulated exosomal miR-155-5p expression in tumor cells. Neutralization of ROS with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) increased the levels of miR-155-5p in tumor exosomes that were taken up by macrophages, leading to reduction of macrophage migration and tumor spheroid infiltration. We further found that programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a functional target of miR-155-5p. Co-culture of macrophages pre-treated with NAC-derived tumor exosomes or exosomal miR-155-5p with T-lymphocytes leading to an increased percentage of CD8+ T-lymphocyte and a decreased CD3+ T cell apoptosis through PD-L1 downregulation. Tumor growth in nude mice was delayed by treatment with NAC-derived tumor exosomes. Delivery of tumor exo-miR-155-5p in immune-intact mice suppressed ovarian cancer progression and macrophage infiltration, and activated CD8+ T cell function. It is of note that exo-miR-155-5p inhibited tumor growth more potently than the PD-L1 antibody, suggesting that in addition to PD-L1, other pathways may also be targeted by this approach. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism, ROS-induced down-regulation of miR-155-5p, by which tumors modulate the microenvironment that favors tumor growth. Understanding of the negative impact of ROS on the tumor immune response will improve current therapeutic strategies. Targeting miR-155-5p can be an alternative approach to prevent formation of an immunosuppressive TME through downregulation of PD-L1 and other immunosuppressive factors. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02244-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P. R. China
| | - Shaomin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Wei Mu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jennifer Barry
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Anna Han
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Richard L Carpenter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Bing-Hua Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Stephen C Peiper
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Mỹ G Mahoney
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P. R. China.
| | - Jun He
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.
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11
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Alemohammad H, Najafzadeh B, Asadzadeh Z, Baghbanzadeh A, Ghorbaninezhad F, Najafzadeh A, Safarpour H, Bernardini R, Brunetti O, Sonnessa M, Fasano R, Silvestris N, Baradaran B. The importance of immune checkpoints in immune monitoring: A future paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 146:112516. [PMID: 34906767 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth and development of cancer are directly correlated to the suppression of the immune system. A major breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy depends on various mechanisms to detect immunosuppressive factors that inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. Immune checkpoints are expressed on many immune cells such as T-cells, regulatory B cells (Bregs), dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer cells (NKs), regulatory T (Tregs), M2-type macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Immune inhibitory molecules, including CTLA-4, TIM-3, TIGIT, PD-1, and LAG-3, normally inhibit immune responses via negatively regulating immune cell signaling pathways to prevent immune injury. However, the up-regulation of inhibitory immune checkpoints during tumor progression on immune cells suppresses anti-tumor immune responses and promotes immune escape in cancer. It has recently been indicated that cancer cells can up-regulate various pathways of the immune checkpoints. Therefore, targeting immune inhibitory molecules through antibodies or miRNAs is a promising therapeutic strategy and shows favorable results. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are introduced as a new immunotherapy strategy that enhance immune cell-induced antitumor responses in many patients. In this review, we highlighted the function of each immune checkpoint on different immune cells and therapeutic strategies aimed at using monoclonal antibodies and miRNAs against inhibitory receptors. We also discussed current challenges and future strategies for maximizing these FDA-approved immunosuppressants' effectiveness and clinical success in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Alemohammad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Basira Najafzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Asadzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Arezoo Najafzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Safarpour
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Renato Bernardini
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania, Italy
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- Medical Oncological Unite, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Margherita Sonnessa
- Functional Biomorphology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Rossella Fasano
- Medical Oncological Unite, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Medical Oncological Unite, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, Bari, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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12
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Sanceau J, Gougelet A. Epigenetic mechanisms of liver tumor resistance to immunotherapy. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:979-1002. [PMID: 34630870 PMCID: PMC8473495 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i9.979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor, which stands fourth in rank of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of HCC is constantly increasing in correlation with the epidemic in diabetes and obesity, arguing for an urgent need for new treatments for this lethal cancer refractory to conventional treatments. HCC is the paradigm of inflammation-associated cancer, since more than 80% of HCC emerge consecutively to cirrhosis associated with a vast remodeling of liver microenvironment. In the recent decade, immunomodulatory drugs have been developed and have given impressive results in melanoma and later in several other cancers. In the present review, we will discuss the recent advancements concerning the use of immunotherapies in HCC, in particular those targeting immune checkpoints, used alone or in combination with other anti-cancers agents. We will address why these drugs demonstrate unsatisfactory results in a high proportion of liver cancers and the mechanisms of resistance developed by HCC to evade immune response with a focus on the epigenetic-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sanceau
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
| | - Angélique Gougelet
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Paris 75006, France
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13
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Miliotis C, Slack FJ. miR-105-5p regulates PD-L1 expression and tumor immunogenicity in gastric cancer. Cancer Lett 2021; 518:115-126. [PMID: 34098061 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies targeting the interaction between Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have recently been approved for the treatment of multiple cancer types, including gastric cancer. However, not all patients respond to these therapies, while some eventually acquire resistance. A partial predictive biomarker for positive response to PD-1/PD-L1 therapy is PD-L1 expression, which has been shown to be under strict post-transcriptional control in cancer. By fractionating the PD-L1 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) into multiple overlapping fragments, we identified a small 100-nucleotide-long cis-acting region as being necessary and sufficient for post-transcriptional repression of PD-L1 expression in gastric cancer. In parallel, we performed a correlation analysis between PD-L1 expression and all host miRNAs in stomach cancer patient samples. A single miRNA, miR-105-5p, was predicted to bind to the identified cis-acting 3'UTR region and to negatively correlate with PD-L1 expression. Overexpression of miR-105-5p in gastric cancer cell lines resulted in decreased expression of PD-L1, both at the total protein and surface expression levels, and induced CD8+ T cell activation in co-culture assays. Finally, we show that expression of miR-105-5p in gastric cancer is partly controlled by DNA methylation of a cancer- and germline-specific promoter of its host gene, GABRA3. Dysregulation of miR-105-5p is observed in many cancer types and this study shows the importance of this miRNA in controlling the immunogenicity of cancer cells, thus highlighting it as a potential biomarker for PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and target for combinatorial immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Miliotis
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frank J Slack
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Tobin JWD, Bednarska K, Campbell A, Keane C. PD-1 and LAG-3 Checkpoint Blockade: Potential Avenues for Therapy in B-Cell Lymphoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051152. [PMID: 34068762 PMCID: PMC8151045 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The dependence of cancer on an immunotolerant tumor microenvironment (TME) is well established. Immunotherapies that overcome tumor-induced immune suppression have been central to recent advancements in oncology. This is highlighted by the success of agents that interrupt PD-1 mediated immune suppression in a range of cancers. However, while PD-1 blockade has been paradigm-shifting in many malignancies, the majority of cancers show high rates of primary resistance to this approach. This has led to a rapid expansion in therapeutic targeting of other immune checkpoint molecules to provide combination immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), with one such promising approach is blockade of Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 (LAG-3). Clinically, lymphoproliferative disorders show a wide spectrum of responses to ICB. Specific subtypes including classical Hodgkin lymphoma have demonstrated striking efficacy with anti-PD-1 therapy. Conversely, early trials of ICB have been relatively disappointing in common subtypes of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In this review, we describe the TME of common lymphoma subtypes with an emphasis on the role of prominent immune checkpoint molecules PD-1 and LAG3. We will also discuss current clinical evidence for ICB in lymphoma and highlight key areas for further investigation where synergistic dual checkpoint blockade of LAG-3 and PD-1 could be used to overcome ICB resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W. D. Tobin
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (J.W.D.T.); (K.B.)
- Department of Haematology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
| | - Karolina Bednarska
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (J.W.D.T.); (K.B.)
| | - Ashlea Campbell
- Department of Haematology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
| | - Colm Keane
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (J.W.D.T.); (K.B.)
- Department of Haematology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +617-3443-7912
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15
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Grimaldi AM, Salvatore M, Incoronato M. miRNA-Based Therapeutics in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:668464. [PMID: 34026646 PMCID: PMC8131824 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.668464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in females and despite advances in treatment, it represents the leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Conventional therapeutic modalities have significantly improved the management of BC patients, but subtype heterogeneity, drug resistance, and tumor relapse remain the major factors to hamper the effectiveness of therapy for BC. In this scenario, miRNA(miR)-based therapeutics offer a very attractive area of study. However, the use of miR-based therapeutics for BC treatment still represents an underdeveloped topic. Therefore, this systematic review aims at summarizing current knowledge on promising miR-based therapeutics for BC exploring original articles focusing on in vivo experiments. Methods The current systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and EMBASE databases were comprehensively explored to perform the article search. Results Twenty-one eligible studies were included and analyzed: twelve focused on antitumor miR-based therapeutics and nine on metastatic miR-based therapeutics. We found 18 different miRs tested as potential therapeutic molecules in animal model experiments. About 90% of the selected studies evaluate the efficiency and the safety of miRs as therapeutic agents in triple-negative (TN)-BC mouse models. Among all founded miR-based therapeutics, miR-21 emerged to be the most investigated and proposed as a potential antitumoral molecule for TNBC treatment. Besides, miR-34a and miR-205a appeared to be successful antitumoral and antimetastatic molecules. Conclusions Our analysis provides a snapshot of the current scenario regarding the miRs as therapeutic molecules in BC. Nevertheless, despite many efforts, none of the selected studies goes beyond preclinical studies, and their translatability in the clinical practice seems quite premature.
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Lone SN, Bhat AA, Wani NA, Karedath T, Hashem S, Nisar S, Singh M, Bagga P, Das BC, Bedognetti D, Reddy R, Frenneaux MP, El-Rifai W, Siddiqi MA, Haris M, Macha MA. miRNAs as novel immunoregulators in cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 124:3-14. [PMID: 33926791 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is a well-known vital regulator of tumor growth, and one of the main hallmarks of cancer is evading the immune system. Immune system deregulation can lead to immune surveillance evasion, sustained cancer growth, proliferation, and metastasis. Tumor-mediated disruption of the immune system is accomplished by different mechanisms that involve extensive crosstalk with the immediate microenvironment, which includes endothelial cells, immune cells, and stromal cells, to create a favorable tumor niche that facilitates the development of cancer. The essential role of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) in the mechanism of cancer cell immune evasion has been highlighted in recent studies. miRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate a wide range of post-transcriptional gene expression in a cell. Recent studies have focused on the function that miRNAs play in controlling the expression of target proteins linked to immune modulation. Studies show that miRNAs modulate the immune response in cancers by regulating the expression of different immune-modulatory molecules associated with immune effector cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells, as well as those present in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. This review explores the relationship between miRNAs, their altered patterns of expression in tumors, immune modulation, and the functional control of a wide range of immune cells, thereby offering detailed insights on the crosstalk of tumor-immune cells and their use as prognostic markers or therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saife N Lone
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Molecular and Metabolic Imaging Laboratory, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nissar A Wani
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | | | - Sheema Hashem
- Molecular and Metabolic Imaging Laboratory, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabah Nisar
- Molecular and Metabolic Imaging Laboratory, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mayank Singh
- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital (BRAIRCH), AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Puneet Bagga
- Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Bhudev Chandra Das
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunogenomics, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar; Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ravinder Reddy
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mushtaq A Siddiqi
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, India
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Molecular and Metabolic Imaging Laboratory, Cancer Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, India.
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Rasoolnezhad M, Safaralizadeh R, Hosseinpourfeizi MA, Banan-Khojasteh SM, Baradaran B. MiRNA-138-5p: A strong tumor suppressor targeting PD-L-1 inhibits proliferation and motility of breast cancer cells and induces apoptosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 896:173933. [PMID: 33545160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are important regulators in multiple cellular processes and are closely related to a variety of cancers including breast cancer (BC). Immunotherapy using different methods such as modulating immune check points has been known as an advanced and successful procedure in cancer treatment. Here we investigated the effects of miRNA-138-5p restoring on Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L-1) expression, BC biological behaviors and T-cell exhaustion. Breast cancer specimens and cell lines were provided and qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to measure the expression of miRNA-138-5p, PD-L-1 and other underlying genes. MTT and colony formation assays and scratch test were employed to specify proliferation, cloning and migration in miRNA-138-5p-transfected MDA-MB-231 cells respectively. DAPI staining assay and flow-cytometry were used to investigate apoptosis rate and cell cycle development. Finally, isolated T-cells were co-cultured with transfected BC cells to explore the effect of miRNA-138-5p on T-cell exhaustion. qRT-PCR revealed down-regulation ofmiRNA-138-5p conversely, up-regulation of PD-L-1 in BC tissues and cell lines. Transfection of miRNA-138-5p into MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited PD-L-1 expression. Western blotting, MTT and colony formation assays affirmed the anti-proliferative effect ofmiRNA-138-5p through down-regulating PI3K/AKT pathway. Also, miRNA-138-5p induced apoptosis in BC cells via up-regulating Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 and arresting cell cycle at sub-G1 phase. Moreover, scratch test and western blotting indicated that miRNA-138-5p inhibits cell motility via targeting MMP2, MMP9 and vimentin but up-regulating E-cadherin. Finally, miRNA-138-5p restrains T-cell exhaustion via suppressing PD-L-1 expression in BC cells leading to disrupt PD-L-1/PD-1 interaction and modulate effector cytokines in T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Rasoolnezhad
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Safaralizadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | | | | | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Integrative p53, micro-RNA and Cathepsin Protease Co-Regulatory Expression Networks in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113454. [PMID: 33233599 PMCID: PMC7699684 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This article describes an emerging area of significant interest in cancer and cell death and the relationships shared by these through the transcriptional regulation of cathepsin protease genes by micro-RNAs that are connected to p53 activation. While it has been demonstrated that the p53 protein can directly regulate some cathepsin genes and the expression of their upstream regulatory micro-RNAs, very little is known about what input the p53 isoform proteins may have in regulating this relationship. Herein, we draw attention to this important regulatory aspect in the context of describing mechanisms that are being established for the micro-RNA regulation of cathepsin protease genes and their collective use in diagnostic or prognostic assays. Abstract As the direct regulatory role of p53 and some of its isoform proteins are becoming established in modulating gene expression in cancer research, another aspect of this mode of gene regulation that has captured significant interest over the years is the mechanistic interplay between p53 and micro-RNA transcriptional regulation. The input of this into modulating gene expression for some of the cathepsin family members has been viewed as carrying noticeable importance based on their biological effects during normal cellular homeostasis and cancer progression. While this area is still in its infancy in relation to general cathepsin gene regulation, we review the current p53-regulated micro-RNAs that are generating significant interest through their regulation of cathepsin proteases, thereby strengthening the link between activated p53 forms and cathepsin gene regulation. Additionally, we extend our understanding of this developing relationship to how such micro-RNAs are being utilized as diagnostic or prognostic tools and highlight their future uses in conjunction with cathepsin gene expression as potential biomarkers within a clinical setting.
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Shermane Lim YW, Xiang X, Garg M, Le MT, Li-Ann Wong A, Wang L, Goh BC. The double-edged sword of H19 lncRNA: Insights into cancer therapy. Cancer Lett 2020; 500:253-262. [PMID: 33221454 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
H19 long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has many functions in cancer. Some studies have reported that H19 acts as an oncogene and is involved in cancer progression by activating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the cell cycle and angiogenesis via mechanisms like microRNA (miRNA) sponging - the binding to and inhibition of miRNA activity. This makes H19 lncRNA a potential target for cancer therapeutics. However, several conflicting studies have also found that H19 suppresses tumour development. In this review, we shed light on the possible reasons for these conflicting findings. We also summarise the current literature on the applications of H19 lncRNA in cancer therapy in many cancers and explore new avenues for future research. This includes the use of H19 in recombinant vectors, chemoresistance, epigenetic regulation, tumour microenvironment alteration and cancer immunotherapy. The relationship between H19 and the master tumour suppressor gene p53 is also explored. In most studies, H19 knockdown via RNA interference (RNAi) or epigenetic silencing inhibits cancer development. Thus, H19 lncRNA could be a promising target for the development of cancer therapeutics. This warrants further investigations into its translational research to improve cancer therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wei Shermane Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore; Institute for Digital Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Xiaoqiang Xiang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, 201313, India
| | - Minh Tn Le
- Institute for Digital Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Andrea Li-Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, 119228, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore; Institute for Digital Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
| | - Boon-Cher Goh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore; Institute for Digital Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, 119228, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
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20
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P53-regulated miR-320a targets PDL1 and is downregulated in malignant mesothelioma. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:748. [PMID: 32929059 PMCID: PMC7490273 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02940-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer, related to asbestos exposure, which has a dismal prognosis. MPM diagnosis is late and often challenging, suggesting the need to identify more reliable molecular biomarkers. Here, we set out to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid MPMs versus normal mesothelium and explored specific miRNA contribution to mesothelial tumorigenesis. We screened an LNA™-based miRNA-microrray with 14 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) MPMs and 6 normal controls. Through real-time qRT-PCR we extended the analysis of a miRNA subset and further investigated miR-320a role through state-of-the-art techniques. We identified 16 upregulated and 32 downregulated miRNAs in MPMs versus normal tissue, including the previously identified potential biomarkers miR-21, miR-126, miR-143, miR-145. We showed in an extended series that miR-145, miR-10b, and miR-320a levels can discriminate tumor versus controls with high specificity and sensitivity. We focused on miR-320a because other family members were found downregulated in MPMs. However, stable miR-320a ectopic expression induced higher proliferation and migration ability, whereas miR-320a silencing reduced these processes, not supporting a classic tumor-suppressor role in MPM cell lines. Among putative targets, we found that miR-320a binds the 3'-UTR of the immune inhibitory receptor ligand PDL1 and, consistently, miR-320a modulation affects PDL1 levels in MPM cells. Finally, we showed that p53 over-expression induces the upregulation of miR-320a, along with miR-200a and miR-34a, both known to target PDL1, and reduces PDL1 levels in MPM cells. Our data suggest that PDL1 expression might be due to a defective p53-regulated miRNA response, which could contribute to MPM immune evasion or tumorigenesis through tumor-intrinsic roles.
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21
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PD-1/PD-L1 axis regulation in cancer therapy: The role of long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs. Life Sci 2020; 256:117899. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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22
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Tumor suppressive activity of miR-424-5p in breast cancer cells through targeting PD-L1 and modulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Life Sci 2020; 259:118239. [PMID: 32784058 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS MicroRNAs (miRs) are key modulators of cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, as well as anti-cancer immune responses. Here, we evaluated the role of miR-424-5p in breast cancer (BC) and investigated its effects on T cell-related immune response. MAIN METHODS BC tissues and cell lines were prepared and the expression of miR-424-5p and PD-L1, as well as the underlying molecular pathways, were assessed via qRT-PCR and western blotting. The MTT assay and flow cytometry were used to assess the effect of miR-424-5p on proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle progression. The co-culture of T cells with MDA-MB-231 was performed for evaluating the role of miR-424-5p in rescuing T cell exhaustion. KEY FINDINGS The results indicated the down-regulation of miR-424-5p and up-regulation of PD-L1 expression in BC tissue specimens. MiR-424-5p transfection into PD-L1 overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells decreased the expression of PD-L1. Also, miR-424-5p could reduce MDA-MB-231 cell viability through modulating apoptosis and autophagy pathways. Furthermore, miR-424-5p transfection leads to decreased colony formation and increased cell number at the G2/M phase. Western blot analysis illustrated that miR-424-5p could exert its anti-proliferative effect via modulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Moreover, it was demonstrated that suppression of PD-L1 by miR-424-5p could participate in regulating the expression of effector cytokines in T cells. SIGNIFICANCE MiR-424-5p could be considered as a potential tumor-suppressor miR in regulating BC cellular growth, apoptosis, and T cell-related immune response through targeting PD-L1, and its downstream mediators. Therefore, we recognized miR-424-5p as a promising candidate for miR restoration therapy in BC patients.
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23
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Li H, Tang W, Jin Y, Dong W, Yan Y, Zhou J. Differential CircRNA Expression Profiles in PK-15 Cells Infected with Pseudorabies Virus Type II. Virol Sin 2020; 36:75-84. [PMID: 32617900 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00255-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) belong to a class of non-coding RNAs with diverse biological functions. However, little is known about their roles in case of pseudorabies virus (PrV) infection. Here, we analyzed the expression profile of host circRNAs from a virulent PrV type II strain DX (PrV-DX) infected and an attenuated gE/TK deficient (gE-TK-PrV) strain of PrV infected PK-15 cells. CircRNAs were identified by find_circ and analyzed with DESeq 2. Compared with the mock cells, 449 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs (233 down-regulated and 216 up-regulated) from PrV-DX infected and 578 DE circRNAs (331 down-regulated and 247 up-regulated) from gE-TK- PrV infected PK-15 cells were identified. In addition, 459 DE circRNAs (164 down-regulated and 295 up-regulated) between the PrV-DX and gE-TK-PrV infected cells were identified. The expression patterns of 13 circRNAs were validated by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and results were similar as of RNA-seq. The putative target miRNA binding sites of DE circRNAs were predicted by using miRanda and psRobot. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed and certain miRNAs that have possible roles in antiviral immune response, such as miR-210 and miR-340, were predicted. GO and KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that DE circRNAs were enriched in the processes such as cellular metabolism, protein binding, RNA degradation and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. Collectively, these findings might provide the useful information for a better understanding of mechanisms underlying the interaction between PrV-II and host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimin Li
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Center of Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wen Tang
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Center of Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yulan Jin
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Center of Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Weiren Dong
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Center of Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yan Yan
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Center of Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiyong Zhou
- MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Virology, Center of Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Kono K, Nakajima S, Mimura K. Current status of immune checkpoint inhibitors for gastric cancer. Gastric Cancer 2020; 23:565-578. [PMID: 32468420 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-020-01090-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent breakthrough results from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have paved the way to a new era of cancer immunotherapy. In particular, inhibition of programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis with ICI including nivolumab and pembrolizumab has been emerging as a novel treatment strategy for advanced gastric cancers (GC). In a meta-analysis for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in GC, the objective response rate was 12.0% and the disease control ratio was 34.7%. The ICI treatment in GC provided modest survival benefit and especially, anti-PD-1 treatment could improve the 12-month and 18-month overall survival rate and prolonged the duration of the response. Moreover, it is likely that anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy is more effective in subgroups with microsatellite instability-high, Epstein-Barr virus-positive or high mutation burden in advanced GC. The next steps for developing ICI in GC are mainly two challenges as follows. First is the identification of accurate biomarkers that can predict the response to ICI. The second challenge is the clinical development of combinatorial approaches to maximize the efficacy of ICI. In this review, recent advances in ICI for GC are discussed from a viewpoint of translational aspect including biomarkers and tumor microenvironment, and from a viewpoint of clinical aspects including combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Kono
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima-city, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Shotaro Nakajima
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima-city, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Medical Electrophysiology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima-city, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Kosaku Mimura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima-city, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
- Department of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima-city, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
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25
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Liu L, Wang Q, Qiu Z, Kang Y, Liu J, Ning S, Yin Y, Pang D, Xu S. Noncoding RNAs: the shot callers in tumor immune escape. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:102. [PMID: 32561709 PMCID: PMC7305134 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0194-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, designed to exploit the functions of the host immune system against tumors, has shown considerable potential against several malignancies. However, the utility of immunotherapy is heavily limited due to the low response rate and various side effects in the clinical setting. Immune escape of tumor cells may be a critical reason for such low response rates. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified as key regulatory factors in tumors and the immune system. Consequently, ncRNAs show promise as targets to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in tumors. However, the relationship between ncRNAs and tumor immune escape (TIE) has not yet been comprehensively summarized. In this review, we provide a detailed account of the current knowledge on ncRNAs associated with TIE and their potential roles in tumor growth and survival mechanisms. This review bridges the gap between ncRNAs and TIE and broadens our understanding of their relationship, providing new insights and strategies to improve immunotherapy response rates by specifically targeting the ncRNAs involved in TIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhilin Qiu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yujuan Kang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jiena Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shipeng Ning
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yanling Yin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Da Pang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China. .,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Shouping Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Skafi N, Fayyad-Kazan M, Badran B. Immunomodulatory role for MicroRNAs: Regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 immune checkpoints expression. Gene 2020; 754:144888. [PMID: 32544493 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The development and progression of different pathologies including, cancer, are associated with suppressed immune responses. This restrained immune activity could be associated with the activation of different immune checkpoint pathways that mediate immunosuppressive functions. Therapeutic Protocols based on abolishing the activity of immune check points provided a promising potential for treating cancer. Among the distinct known immune checkpoints, PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4, are the most studied and have been the focus for development of different blocking agents. Monoclonal antibodies that can block PD-1, PD-L1 or CTLA4 have been approved for treatment of different cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding regulatory RNA molecules, could repress mRNA expression at a post-transcriptional level. Many miRNAs have been reported to modulate the expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1, either directly or indirectly, in multiple pathological cases, mainly cancer. In this review, after a brief introduction about T cell activation and immune checkpoints, the miRNAs regulating the expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 are discussed with highlights on their role in cancer. Many of these miRNAs could serve as novel treatments in different types of cancer as detailed throughout the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najwa Skafi
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bassam Badran
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences-I, Lebanese University, Hadath, Beirut, Lebanon.
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27
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Miliotis CN, Slack FJ. Multi-layered control of PD-L1 expression in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 6. [PMID: 34212113 PMCID: PMC8244904 DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2020.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. In approximately 10% of GC cases, cancer cells show ubiquitous and monoclonal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. A significant feature of EBV-associated GC (EBVaGC) is high lymphocytic infiltration and high expression of immune checkpoint proteins, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). This highlights EBVaGC as a strong candidate for immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Indeed, several recent studies have shown that EBV positivity in GC correlates with positive response to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 blockade therapy. Understanding the mechanisms that control PD-L1 expression in EBVaGC can indicate new predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy, as well as therapeutic targets for combination therapy. Various mechanisms have been implicated in PD-L1 expression regulation, including structural variations, post-transcriptional control, oncogenic activation of intrinsic signaling pathways, and increased sensitivity to extrinsic signals. This review provides the most recent updates on the multilayered control of PD-L1 expression in EBVaGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos N Miliotis
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Frank J Slack
- HMS Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway in Cancer by Noncoding RNAs. Pathol Oncol Res 2019; 26:651-663. [PMID: 31748880 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-019-00735-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has demonstrated significant anti-tumor immunity in an array of cancer types, yet the underlying regulatory mechanism of it is still obscure, and many problems remain to be solved. As an inhibitory costimulatory signal of T-cells, the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway can paralyze T-cells at the tumor site, enabling the immune escape of tumor cells. Although many antibodies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have been developed to block their interaction for the treatment of cancer, the reduced response rate and resistance to the therapies call for further comprehension of this pathway in the tumor microenvironment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are two main types of noncoding RNAs that play critical parts in the regulation of immune response in tumorigenesis, including the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Here we summarize the most recent studies on the control of this pathway by noncoding RNAs in cancer and hopefully will offer new insights into immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
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Vishnubalaji R, Shaath H, Elango R, Alajez NM. Noncoding RNAs as potential mediators of resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 65:65-79. [PMID: 31733291 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Substantial evolution in cancer therapy has been witnessed lately, steering mainly towards immunotherapeutic approaches, replacing or in combination with classical therapies. Whereas the use of various immunotherapy approaches, such as adoptive T cell therapy, genetically-modified T cells, or immune checkpoint inhibitors, has been a triumph for cancer immunotherapy, the great challenge is the ability of the immune system to sustain long lasting anti-tumor response. Additionally, epigenetic changes in a suppressive tumor microenvironment can pertain to T cell exhaustion, limiting their functionality. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged over the last years as key players in epigenetic regulation. Among those, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been studied extensively for their potential role in regulating tumor immunity through direct regulation of genes involved in immune activation or suppression. In this review, we will provide an overview of contemporary approaches for cancer immunotherapy and will present the current state of knowledge implicating miRNAs and lncRNAs in regulating immune response against human cancer and their potential implications in resistance to cancer immunotherapy, with main emphasis on immune checkpoints regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhakrishnan Vishnubalaji
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hibah Shaath
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Ramesh Elango
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nehad M Alajez
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar; College of Health & Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar.
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Friedrich M, Jasinski-Bergner S, Lazaridou MF, Subbarayan K, Massa C, Tretbar S, Mueller A, Handke D, Biehl K, Bukur J, Donia M, Mandelboim O, Seliger B. Tumor-induced escape mechanisms and their association with resistance to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1689-1700. [PMID: 31375885 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy aims to activate the immune system to fight cancer in a very specific and targeted manner. Despite the success of different immunotherapeutic strategies, in particular antibodies directed against checkpoints as well as adoptive T-cell therapy, the response of patients is limited in different types of cancers. This attributes to escape of the tumor from immune surveillance and development of acquired resistances during therapy. In this review, the different evasion and resistance mechanisms that limit the efficacy of immunotherapies targeting tumor-associated antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex molecules on the surface of the malignant cells are summarized. Overcoming these escape mechanisms is a great challenge, but might lead to a better clinical outcome of patients and is therefore currently a major focus of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Simon Jasinski-Bergner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maria-Filothei Lazaridou
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Subbarayan
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sandy Tretbar
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Mueller
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Diana Handke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Katharina Biehl
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jürgen Bukur
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marco Donia
- Department of Oncology, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Straße 2, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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31
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Shen B, Han S, Wang Y, Yang Z, Zou Z, Liu J, Zhao Z, Wu R, Wang C. Bta-miR-152 affects intracellular triglyceride content by targeting the UCP3 gene. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2019; 103:1365-1373. [PMID: 31355500 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
According to our previous studies, bta-miR-152, PRKAA1 and UCP3 are differentially expressed in mammary gland tissues of high milk fat and low milk fat cows, and the trend in bta-miR-152 expression is opposite from those of PRKAA1 and UCP3. To further identify the function and regulatory mechanism of bta-miR-152 in milk fat metabolism, we investigated the effect of bta-miR-152 on cellular triglyceride content in bovine mammary epithelial cells cultured in vitro, on the basis of bta-miR-152 overexpression and inhibition assays. The target genes of bta-miR-152 were identified through qPCR, Western blotting and dual luciferase reporter gene detection. Compared with that in the control group, the expression of UCP3 was significantly lower in the bta-miR-152 mimic group, the expression of PRKAA1 was decreased, and the intracellular TAG content was significantly increased. After transfection with bta-miR-152 inhibitor, the expression of UCP3 increased significantly, and the expression of PRKAA1 decreased, but the difference was not significant; in addition, the intracellular TAG content decreased significantly. Therefore, we concluded that bta-miR-152 affects the intracellular TAG content by targeting UCP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binglei Shen
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Shuo Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Zhuonina Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Ziwen Zou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Juan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Zhihui Zhao
- Agricultural College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Rui Wu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Changyuan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
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Omar HA, El‐Serafi AT, Hersi F, Arafa EA, Zaher DM, Madkour M, Arab HH, Tolba MF. Immunomodulatory MicroRNAs in cancer: targeting immune checkpoints and the tumor microenvironment. FEBS J 2019; 286:3540-3557. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hany A. Omar
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy Beni‐Suef University Egypt
| | - Ahmed T. El‐Serafi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine Suez Canal University Ismailia Egypt
| | - Fatema Hersi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
| | - El‐Shaimaa A. Arafa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Ajman University UAE
| | - Dana M. Zaher
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
| | - Mohamed Madkour
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research University of Sharjah UAE
| | - Hany H. Arab
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy Cairo University Egypt
- Biochemistry Division and GTMR Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy Taif University Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai F. Tolba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy Ain Shams University Cairo Egypt
- Biology Department, School of Sciences and Engineering The American University in Cairo New Cairo Egypt
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MicroRNA expression profile in retina and choroid in oxygen-induced retinopathy model. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218282. [PMID: 31188886 PMCID: PMC6561584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ischemic retinopathies (IRs) are leading causes of visual impairment. They are characterized by an initial phase of microvascular degeneration and a second phase of aberrant pre-retinal neovascularization (NV). microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression, and a number play a role in normal and pathological NV. But, post-transcriptional modulation of miRNAs in the eye during the development of IRs has not been systematically evaluated. Aims & methods Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) we profiled miRNA expression in the retina and choroid during vasodegenerative and NV phases of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Results Approximately 20% of total miRNAs exhibited altered expression (up- or down-regulation); 6% of miRNA were found highly expressed in retina and choroid of rats subjected to OIR. During OIR-induced vessel degeneration phase, miR-199a-3p, -199a-5p, -1b, -126a-3p displayed a robust decreased expression (> 85%) in the retina. While in the choroid, miR-152-3p, -142-3p, -148a-3p, -532-3p were upregulated (>200%) and miR-96-5p, -124-3p, -9a-3p, -190b-5p, -181a-1-3p, -9a-5p, -183-5p were downregulated (>70%) compared to controls. During peak pathological NV, miR-30a-5p, -30e-5p and 190b-5p were markedly reduced (>70%), and miR-30e-3p, miR-335, -30b-5p strongly augmented (by up to 300%) in the retina. Whereas in choroid, miR-let-7f-5p, miR-126a-5p and miR-101a-3p were downregulated by (>81%), and miR-125a-5p, let-7e-5p and let-7g-5p were upregulated by (>570%) during NV. Changes in miRNA observed using NGS were validated using qRT-PCR for the 24 most modulated miRNAs. In silico approach to predict miRNA target genes (using algorithms of miRSystem database) identified potential new target genes with pro-inflammatory, apoptotic and angiogenic properties. Conclusion The present study is the first comprehensive description of retinal/choroidal miRNAs profiling in OIR (using NGS technology). Our results provide a valuable framework for the characterization and possible therapeutic potential of specific miRNAs involved in ocular IR-triggered inflammation, angiogenesis and degeneration.
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Han X, Li X, Zhao H, Zhou D, Sun B, Liu A, Zhang J, Cui Z, Ma X, Yuan L. Serum miR-515-3p, a potential new RNA biomarker, is involved in gastric carcinoma. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:15834-15843. [PMID: 31081157 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES microRNAs (miRNAs) have provided a new opportunity for developing diagnostic biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets in gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between miR-515-3p and GC development. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was used for screening genes and miRNA and for 2R analysis. miRNA prediction target genes and screening key genes were analyzed using protein interactions (PPI) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. A network of miRNA-mRNA interactions was predicated by Cytoscape (v.3.5.1), Institute of Systems Biology & University of California, San Diego & Pasteur institute & University of California, San Francisco. Finally, miR-515-3p levels were detected by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in gastric cells and plasma levels. Then, the association between the expression level of miR-515-3p and the clinicopathological features of patients with GC was further analyzed. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS We found that miR-515-3p was markedly overexpressed in individuals with GC compared with that in normal gastric cells (NCs) and the surgery group (P < 0.0001). In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.8555 for miR-515-3p. SIGNIFICANCE Our results present new information to the field of gastric cancer and has done a good job of creating an initial hypothesis using the database as well as validate their initial results. These results suggest that serum miR-515-3p is a novel potential biomarker for the detection of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Nephrology, Daqing People Hospital, Daqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hengyu Zhao
- Imaging Department, Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Danyang Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Banghao Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Anqi Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jianan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhongqi Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Chaoyang District Taiyanggong Community Health Service Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lijie Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China.,Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical, Transformation of Fujian Medical College in Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Ashizawa M, Okayama H, Ishigame T, Thar Min AK, Saito K, Ujiie D, Murakami Y, Kikuchi T, Nakayama Y, Noda M, Tada T, Endo H, Fujita S, Sakamoto W, Saito M, Saze Z, Momma T, Ohki S, Mimura K, Kono K. miRNA-148a-3p Regulates Immunosuppression in DNA Mismatch Repair-Deficient Colorectal Cancer by Targeting PD-L1. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1403-1413. [PMID: 30872332 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy against the interaction between programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has emerged as a promising strategy for colorectal cancer with mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). The study aimed to identify miRNAs that posttranscriptionally control PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and also regulate immune evasion. A comprehensive miRNA screening using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset (n = 260) combined with eight different miRNA target prediction programs resulted in the identification of a tumor suppressive miRNA, miR-148a-3p, as a potential negative regulator of PD-L1 expression, particularly in dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancer. Using multiple cohorts of colorectal cancer, including TCGA data, a microarray dataset (n = 148), and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples (n = 395), we found that the expression of miR-148a-3p was decreased in dMMR/MSI-H tumors, correlating inversely with PD-L1 levels. We demonstrate that miR-148a-3p directly binds to the 3'-untranslated region of PD-L1, thereby reducing whole-cell and cell surface PD-L1 levels in HCT116 and SW837 cell lines. Overexpression of miR-148a-3p repressed IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and consequently diminished T-cell apoptosis in a coculture model of IL2-activated T cells and IFNγ-treated tumor cells. In conclusion, our data support a regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and immune suppression via miR-148a-3p downregulation in colorectal cancer. IMPLICATIONS: This study provides novel evidence that miR-148a-3p negatively regulates tumor cell PD-L1 expression and decreased levels of miR-148a-3p contributes to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Ashizawa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Okayama
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan.
| | - Teruhide Ishigame
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Aung Kyi Thar Min
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Katsuharu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ujiie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuko Murakami
- Departmet of Breast Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kikuchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakayama
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masaru Noda
- Departmet of Breast Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tada
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hisahito Endo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shotaro Fujita
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Wataru Sakamoto
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Motonobu Saito
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Zenichiro Saze
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Momma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shinji Ohki
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kosaku Mimura
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Advanced Cancer Immunotherapy, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan.,Department of Progressive DOHaD Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Koji Kono
- Department of Gastrointestinal Tract Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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36
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Fabrizio FP, Trombetta D, Rossi A, Sparaneo A, Castellana S, Muscarella LA. Gene code CD274/PD-L1: from molecular basis toward cancer immunotherapy. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2018; 10:1758835918815598. [PMID: 30574211 PMCID: PMC6299305 DOI: 10.1177/1758835918815598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) are key molecules of immune checkpoint mechanisms in cancer and actually represent one of the main targets of immunotherapy. The predictive and prognostic values of PD-L1 expression alone in cancer patients is currently under debate due to the methodological assessment of PD-L1 expression and its temporal variations. Better detailed studies about the molecular basis of immunotherapy biomarkers are necessary. Here we summarize the current knowledge of PD-L1 gene modifications at genetic and epigenetic levels in different tumors, thus highlighting their reported correlation with cellular processes and potential impact on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Pio Fabrizio
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Antonio Rossi
- Department of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Angelo Sparaneo
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Stefano Castellana
- Bioinformatic Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Lucia Anna Muscarella
- Laboratory of Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
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37
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Cui C, Yu B, Jiang Q, Li X, Shi K, Yang Z. The roles of PD-1/PD-L1 and its signalling pathway in gastrointestinal tract cancers. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2018; 46:3-10. [PMID: 30161295 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been increasingly applied in the treatment of advanced malignancies. Consequently, immune checkpoints have become a major concern. As PD-1 is an important immunomodulatory protein, the blockade of PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 is a promising tumour immunotherapy for human carcinoma. In this review, we first discuss the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction in gastrointestinal tract cancers. Targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 in immune cells and tumour cells may show remarkable efficiency in gastrointestinal tract cancers. Second, the PD-1/PD-L1-associated signalling pathway involved in cancer immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tract cancers is discussed. Most importantly, this review summarizes the PD-1/PD-L1-targeted immunotherapy combinations with relevant signalling pathways, which may result in a breakthrough for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract cancers, such as gastric cancer, colorectal cancer and liver cancer. Meanwhile, the review provides a deeper insight into the mechanism of checkpoint blockade immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunguo Cui
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Yu
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xingfang Li
- 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, China
| | - Kaiyao Shi
- China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zecheng Yang
- 2nd Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun City, China
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38
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Zhang J, Dang F, Ren J, Wei W. Biochemical Aspects of PD-L1 Regulation in Cancer Immunotherapy. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:1014-1032. [PMID: 30287140 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PD-L1, frequently expressed in human cancers, engages with PD-1 on immune cells and contributes to cancer immune evasion. As such, antibodies blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction reactivate cytotoxic T cells to eradicate cancer cells. However, a majority of cancer patients fail to respond to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with unclear underlying mechanism(s). Recent studies revealed that PD-L1 expression levels on tumor cells might affect the clinical response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. Hence, understanding molecular mechanisms for controlling PD-L1 expression will be important to improve the clinical response rate and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. In this review, we primarily focus on summarizing PD-L1 regulation and its potential roles in regulating antitumor immune response, with purpose to optimize anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies, benefiting a wider cancer patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Fabin Dang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Junming Ren
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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39
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Shi Y. Regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2018; 67:1481-1489. [PMID: 30120503 PMCID: PMC11028058 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy targeting the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway using antibodies is effective in the clinical treatment of a multitude of cancers. This makes research of the regulatory mechanisms of PD-1 expression in cancer cells intriguing. PD-L1 expression can be categorized into inducible expression, attributed to extrinsic factors in the microenvironment, and constitutive expression, attributed to intrinsic cancer-driving gene alteration. The mechanisms of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells operate at multiple levels, including gene amplification, chromatin modification, transcription, posttranscription, translation and posttranslation. Moreover, some open questions in this field that need to be answered in future research are proposed. Studies of regulatory mechanisms of PD-L1 expression pave the way for the application of more effective approaches in the future of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyu Shi
- Department of Immunology and Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, 44# Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China.
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40
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Escors D, Gato-Cañas M, Zuazo M, Arasanz H, García-Granda MJ, Vera R, Kochan G. The intracellular signalosome of PD-L1 in cancer cells. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2018; 3:26. [PMID: 30275987 PMCID: PMC6160488 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-018-0022-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1) overexpression in cancer cells accelerates tumor progression. PD-L1 possesses two main pro-oncogenic functions. First, PD-L1 is a strong immunosuppressive molecule that inactivates tumor-specific T cells by binding to the inhibitory receptor PD-1. Second, PD-L1 function relies on the delivery of intrinsic intracellular signals that enhance cancer cell survival, regulate stress responses and confer resistance toward pro-apoptotic stimuli, such as interferons. Here, we review the current knowledge on intracellular signal transduction pathways regulated by PD-L1, describe its associated signalosome and discuss potential combinations of targeted therapies against the signalosome with PD-L1/PD-1 blockade therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Escors
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
- Rayne Institute, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, 5 University Street, WC1E 6JF London, UK
| | - María Gato-Cañas
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - Miren Zuazo
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - Hugo Arasanz
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
- Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - María Jesus García-Granda
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - Ruth Vera
- Oncology Department, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, IdISNA, Irunlarrea 3, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra Spain
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41
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Dong P, Xiong Y, Yue J, Hanley SJB, Watari H. Tumor-Intrinsic PD-L1 Signaling in Cancer Initiation, Development and Treatment: Beyond Immune Evasion. Front Oncol 2018; 8:386. [PMID: 30283733 PMCID: PMC6156376 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the role of PD-L1 in suppressing the anti-tumor immune response is extensively documented, recent discoveries indicate a distinct tumor-intrinsic role for PD-L1 in modulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotype, metastasis and resistance to therapy. In this review, we will focus on the newly discovered functions of PD-L1 in the regulation of cancer development, describe underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for PD-L1 upregulation and discuss current insights into novel components of PD-L1 signaling. Furthermore, we summarize our current understanding of the link between PD-L1 signaling and the EMT program as well as the CSC state. Tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 clearly contributes to cancer stemness, EMT, tumor invasion and chemoresistance in multiple tumor types. Conversely, activation of OCT4 signaling and upregulation of EMT inducer ZEB1 induce PD-L1 expression in cancer cells, thereby suggesting a possible immune evasion mechanism employed by cancer stem cells during metastasis. Our meta-analysis demonstrated that PD-L1 is co-amplified along with MYC, SOX2, N-cadherin and SNAI1 in the TCGA endometrial and ovarian cancer datasets. Further identification of immune-independent PD-L1 functions and characterization of crucial signaling events upstream or downstream of PD-L1 in diverse cancer types and specific cancer subtypes, would provide additional targets and new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixin Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ying Xiong
- Department of Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junming Yue
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Sharon J B Hanley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hidemichi Watari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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42
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Zhang H, Lu Y, Wang S, Sheng X, Zhang S. MicroRNA-152 Acts as a Tumor Suppressor MicroRNA by Inhibiting Krüppel-Like Factor 5 in Human Cervical Cancer. Oncol Res 2018; 27:335-340. [PMID: 30131089 PMCID: PMC7848453 DOI: 10.3727/096504018x15252202178408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of microRNA-152 (miR-152) is frequently observed in human cancers including ovarian cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and gastric cancer. However, its expression and functional role in cervical cancer (CC) are poorly understood. Also, the association between miR-152 and Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) expression in CC remains unclear. In this study, analyzing the expression of miR-152 by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed it was sharply reduced in CC tissues and cell lines. In addition, the negative correlation of miR-152 expression and KLF5 expression was observed. The dual-luciferase reporter assay validated that KLF5 was a target of miR-152. In vitro functional assays revealed that miR-152 could inhibit cell proliferation and cell cycle progression through regulating the expression of KLF5. Taken together, our study suggested that miR-152 functions as a tumor suppressor in CC, and the miR-152/KLF5 axis may provide novel therapeutic targets for CC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yanxia Lu
- Department of Gynecology Ward-3, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Hedong District, Linyi, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Surong Wang
- Department of Gynecology Ward-3, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Hedong District, Linyi, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xiugui Sheng
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shiqian Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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43
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Yang Q, Cao W, Wang Z, Zhang B, Liu J. Regulation of cancer immune escape: The roles of miRNAs in immune checkpoint proteins. Cancer Lett 2018; 431:73-84. [PMID: 29800685 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) are regulators of immune system. The ICP dysregulation silences the host immune response to cancer-specific antigens, contributing to the occurrence and progress of various cancers. MiRNAs are regulatory molecules and function in mRNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. MiRNAs that modulate the immunity via ICPs have received increasing attention. Many studies have shown that the expressions of ICPs are directly or indirectly repressed by miRNAs in multiple types of cancers. MiRNAs are also subject to regulation by ICPs. In this review, recent studies of the relationship between miRNAs and ICPs (including the PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, ICOS, B7-1, B7-2, B7-H2, B7-H3, CD27, CD70, CD40, and CD40L) in cancer immune escape are comprehensively discussed, which provide critical detailed mechanistic insights into the functions of the miRNA-ICP axes and their effects on immune escape, and will be beneficial for the potential applications of immune checkpoint therapy and miRNA-based guidance for personalized medicine as well as for predicting the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- Molecular Biology Research Center & Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; School of Medical Laboratory, Shao Yang University, Hunan Province, 422000, China
| | - Wenjie Cao
- Molecular Biology Research Center & Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Zi Wang
- Molecular Biology Research Center & Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China; Key Laboratory of Nanobiological Technology of Chinese Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Molecular Biology Research Center & Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
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44
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Chen C, Lei J, Zheng Q, Tan S, Ding K, Yu C. Poly(rC) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) promotes the viability of human gastric cancer cells by regulating CDK2. FEBS Open Bio 2018; 8:764-773. [PMID: 29744291 PMCID: PMC5929926 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival rates for patients with gastric cancer, especially the advanced form, remain poor and the development of targeted treatments is hampered by a lack of efficient biological targets. Poly(rC) binding protein 2 (PCBP2) is an RNA-binding protein that contributes to mRNA stabilization, translational silencing and enhancement and it has been implicated as a promoter of gastric cancer growth. In the present study, we demonstrated that the expression level of PCBP2 was higher in human gastric cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal gastric tissues. A high level of PCBP2 was correlated with worse postoperative relapse-free survival and overall survival rates of gastric cancer patients. Small hairpin RNA-mediated depletion of PCBP2 dramatically decreased the viability of gastric cancer cells. Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) was positively regulated by PCBP2 via a direct 3' UTR binding pathway as determined using a ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation assay and a biotin pulldown assay. CDK2 mediated the promoting role of PCBP2. These results suggest that PCBP2 acts as an oncogene in human gastric cancer cells and that functionally depleting PCBP2 could be considered as a potential target for gastric cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyu Chen
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery) The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medicial University Hefei China
| | - Jun Lei
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery) The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medicial University Hefei China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery) The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medicial University Hefei China
| | - Sheng Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology School of Life Science University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Keshuo Ding
- Department of Pathology Anhui Medical University Hefei China
| | - Changjun Yu
- Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery) The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medicial University Hefei China
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45
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Wang Q, Lin W, Tang X, Li S, Guo L, Lin Y, Kwok HF. The Roles of microRNAs in Regulating the Expression of PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18122540. [PMID: 29186904 PMCID: PMC5751143 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Engagement of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) with its receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1) on T cells has been speculated to play a major role in suppressing the immune system, which helps tumor cells evade anti-tumor immunity. With the development of whole genome sequencing technologies, microRNAs have gained more attention as an important new layer of molecular regulation. Recent studies have revealed that altered expression of microRNAs play a pivotal role in immune checkpoint and various cellular processes in cancer. In this review, we focused on the latest progress about microRNAs research which involves the regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshui Wang
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China.
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Wei Lin
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350112, Fujian, China.
| | - Xiaoqiong Tang
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China.
| | - Suhuan Li
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China.
| | - Libin Guo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Yao Lin
- Provincial University Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Response and Metabolic Regulation, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China.
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
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46
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Detassis S, Grasso M, Del Vescovo V, Denti MA. microRNAs Make the Call in Cancer Personalized Medicine. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:86. [PMID: 29018797 PMCID: PMC5614923 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their discovery and the advent of RNA interference, microRNAs have drawn enormous attention because of their ubiquitous involvement in cellular pathways from life to death, from metabolism to communication. It is also widely accepted that they possess an undeniable role in cancer both as tumor suppressors and tumor promoters modulating cell proliferation and migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Moreover, microRNAs can even affect the tumor surrounding environment influencing angiogenesis and immune system activation and recruitment. The tight association of microRNAs with several cancer-related processes makes them undoubtedly connected to the effect of specific cancer drugs inducing either resistance or sensitization. In this context, personalized medicine through microRNAs arose recently with the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the target binding sites, in the sequence of the microRNA itself or in microRNA biogenesis related genes, increasing risk, susceptibility and progression of multiple types of cancer in different sets of the population. The depicted scenario implies that the overall variation displayed by these small non-coding RNAs have an impact on patient-specific pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cancer drugs, pushing on a rising need of personalized treatment. Indeed, microRNAs from either tissues or liquid biopsies are also extensively studied as valuable biomarkers for disease early recognition, progression and prognosis. Despite microRNAs being intensively studied in recent years, a comprehensive review describing these topics all in one is missing. Here we report an up-to-date and critical summary of microRNAs as tools for better understanding personalized cancer biogenesis, evolution, diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michela A. Denti
- Laboratory of RNA Biology and Biotechnology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of TrentoTrento, Italy
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