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Affὸ S, Sererols-Viñas L, Garcia-Vicién G, Cadamuro M, Chakraborty S, Sirica AE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Insights into Origins, Heterogeneity, Lymphangiogenesis, and Peritoneal Metastasis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024:S0002-9440(24)00279-7. [PMID: 39117110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) denotes a rare, highly malignant and heterogeneous class of primary liver adenocarcinomas exhibiting phenotypic characteristics of cholangiocyte differentiation. Among the distinctive pathological features of iCCA that differentiates the most common macroscopic subtypes (e.g., mass-forming type) of this hepatic tumor from conventional hepatocellular carcinoma, is a prominent desmoplastic reaction manifested as a dense fibro-collagenous enriched tumor stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the most abundant mesenchymal cell type in the desmoplastic reaction. While the pro-tumor effects of CAFs in iCCA have been increasingly recognized, more recent cell lineage tracing studies, advanced single cell RNA sequencing, and expanded biomarker analyses have provided new awareness into their ontogeny, as well as underscored their biological complexity as reflected by the presence of multiple subtypes. In addition, evidence has been described to support CAFs potential to display cancer-restrictive roles, including immunosuppression. However, CAFs also play important roles in facilitating metastasis, as exemplified by lymph node metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, which are common in iCCA. Herein, we provide a timely appraisal of the origins and phenotypic and functional complexity of CAFs in iCCA, together with providing mechanistic insights into lymphangiogenesis and peritoneal metastasis relevant to this lethal human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Affὸ
- Tumor Microenvironment Plasticity and Heterogeneity Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Sererols-Viñas
- Tumor Microenvironment Plasticity and Heterogeneity Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Garcia-Vicién
- Tumor Microenvironment Plasticity and Heterogeneity Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX
| | - Alphonse E Sirica
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA.
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2
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Jacobs W, Khalifeh M, Koot M, Palacio-Castañeda V, van Oostrum J, Ansems M, Verdurmen WPR, Brock R. RNA-based logic for selective protein expression in senescent cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 174:106636. [PMID: 39089613 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a cellular state characterized by irreversible growth arrest, resistance to apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory molecules, which is causally linked to the pathogenesis of many age-related diseases. Besides, there is accumulating evidence that selective removal of senescent cells can benefit therapies for cancer and fibrosis by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. While the field of so-called senolytics has spawned promising small molecules and peptides for the selective removal of senescent cells, there is still no effective means to detect senescent cells in vivo, a prerequisite for understanding the role of senescence in pathophysiology and to assess the effectiveness of treatments aimed at removing senescent cells. Here, we present a strategy based on an mRNA logic circuit, that yields mRNA-dependent protein expression only when a senescence-specific miRNA signature is present. Following a validation of radiation-induced senescence induction in primary human fibroblasts, we identify miRNAs up- and downregulated in association with cellular senescence using RT-qPCR. Incorporating binding sites to these miRNAs into the 3' untranslated regions of the mRNA logic circuit, we demonstrate the senescence-specific expression of EGFP for detection of senescent cells and of a constitutively active caspase-3 for selective removal. Altogether, our results pave the way for a novel approach to execute an mRNA-based programme specifically in senescent cells aimed at their detection or selective removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ward Jacobs
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Masoomeh Khalifeh
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Merijn Koot
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jenny van Oostrum
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen Ansems
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain.
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3
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El Herch I, Tornaas S, Dongre HN, Costea DE. Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-promoting roles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1340024. [PMID: 38966131 PMCID: PMC11222324 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1340024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a major influence on disease progression and therapy response. One of the predominant stromal cell types in the TME of HNSCC is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). CAF constitute a diverse cell population and we are only at the beginning of characterizing and understanding the functions of various CAF subsets. CAF have been shown to interact with tumor cells and other components of the TME to shape mainly a favourable microenvironment for HNSCC progression, although some studies report existence of tumor-restraining CAF subtypes. The numerous pathways used by CAF to promote tumorigenesis may represent potential therapeutic targets. This review summarizes current knowledge on the origins, subtypes and mechanisms employed by CAF in HNSCC. The aim is to contribute to the understanding on how CAF actively influence the TME and modulate different immune cell types, as well as cancer cells, to establish a conducive setting for cancer growth. Although CAF are currently a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of other types of cancer, there is no significant therapeutic advancement in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imane El Herch
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stian Tornaas
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Harsh Nitin Dongre
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Daniela Elena Costea
- Gade Laboratory for Pathology, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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4
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Devarasou S, Kang M, Shin JH. Biophysical perspectives to understanding cancer-associated fibroblasts. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021507. [PMID: 38855445 PMCID: PMC11161195 DOI: 10.1063/5.0199024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The understanding of cancer has evolved significantly, with the tumor microenvironment (TME) now recognized as a critical factor influencing the onset and progression of the disease. This broader perspective challenges the traditional view that cancer is primarily caused by mutations, instead emphasizing the dynamic interaction between different cell types and physicochemical factors within the TME. Among these factors, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) command attention for their profound influence on tumor behavior and patient prognoses. Despite their recognized importance, the biophysical and mechanical interactions of CAFs within the TME remain elusive. This review examines the distinctive physical characteristics of CAFs, their morphological attributes, and mechanical interactions within the TME. We discuss the impact of mechanotransduction on CAF function and highlight how these cells communicate mechanically with neighboring cancer cells, thereby shaping the path of tumor development and progression. By concentrating on the biomechanical regulation of CAFs, this review aims to deepen our understanding of their role in the TME and to illuminate new biomechanical-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayadineshraj Devarasou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Minwoo Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jennifer H. Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea
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Johnson D, Chee CE, Wong W, Lam RCT, Tan IBH, Ma BBY. Current advances in targeted therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer - Clinical translation and future directions. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 125:102700. [PMID: 38422896 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The last two decades have witnessed major breakthroughs in the development of targeted therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), an achievement which stems largely from advances in translational research. Precision medicine is now widely practiced in routine oncological care, where systemic therapy is individualized based on clinical factors such as primary tumor sidedness, location and number of metastases, as well as molecular factors such as the RAS and BRAF mutation status, mismatch repair / microsatellite status and presence of other actionable genomic alterations in the tumor. The optimal selection of patients with RAS and BRAF-wild type (WT), left-sided primary tumor for treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and chemotherapy (chemo) has markedly improved survival in the first-line setting. The pivotal trials of cetuximab in combination with BRAF/ MEK inhibitor for BRAF V600E mutant mCRC, and panitumumab with KRAS G12C inhibitor in KRAS(G12C)-mutant mCRC have been practice-changing. Anti-HER2 small molecular inhibitor, antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates have significantly improved the treatment outcome of patients with HER2 amplified mCRC. Anti-angiogenesis agents are now used across all lines of treatment and novel combinations with immune-checkpoint inhibitors are under active investigation in MSS mCRC. The non-invasive monitoring of molecular resistance to targeted therapies using Next Generation Sequencing analysis of circulating tumor-derived DNA (ctDNA) and captured sequencing of tumors have improved patient selection for targeted therapies. This review will focus on how latest advances, challenges and future directions in the development of targeted therapies in mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Johnson
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Cheng Ean Chee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore.
| | - Wesley Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Rachel C T Lam
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Iain Bee Huat Tan
- National Cancer Centre Singapore and Duke NUS, Graduate Medical School and Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Brigette B Y Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Broz MT, Ko EY, Ishaya K, Xiao J, De Simone M, Hoi XP, Piras R, Gala B, Tessaro FHG, Karlstaedt A, Orsulic S, Lund AW, Chan KS, Guarnerio J. Metabolic targeting of cancer associated fibroblasts overcomes T-cell exclusion and chemoresistance in soft-tissue sarcomas. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2498. [PMID: 38509063 PMCID: PMC10954767 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46504-4] [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: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapies have exhibited promising outcomes in tumor control; however, their efficacy is limited in immune-excluded tumors. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and modulating immune infiltration. Despite the identification of distinct CAF subtypes using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), their functional impact on hindering T-cell infiltration remains unclear, particularly in soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) characterized by low response rates to T cell-based therapies. In this study, we characterize the STS microenvironment using murine models (in female mice) with distinct immune composition by scRNA-seq, and identify a subset of CAFs we termed glycolytic cancer-associated fibroblasts (glyCAF). GlyCAF rely on GLUT1-dependent expression of CXCL16 to impede cytotoxic T-cell infiltration into the tumor parenchyma. Targeting glycolysis decreases T-cell restrictive glyCAF accumulation at the tumor margin, thereby enhancing T-cell infiltration and augmenting the efficacy of chemotherapy. These findings highlight avenues for combinatorial therapeutic interventions in sarcomas and possibly other solid tumors. Further investigations and clinical trials are needed to validate these potential strategies and translate them into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina T Broz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Y Ko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristin Ishaya
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jinfen Xiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marco De Simone
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xen Ping Hoi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roberta Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Basia Gala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fernando H G Tessaro
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anja Karlstaedt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen Medical School, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- David Geffen Medical School, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amanda W Lund
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keith Syson Chan
- Department of Urology, Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jlenia Guarnerio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- David Geffen Medical School, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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7
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Mishra S, Telang G, Bennur D, Chougule S, Dandge PB, Joshi S, Vyas N. T Cell Exhaustion and Activation Markers in Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review. J Gastrointest Cancer 2024; 55:77-95. [PMID: 37672169 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-023-00965-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell exhaustion and activation markers are helpful in determining the therapies and predicting the overall survival in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients. PURPOSE In this systematic review, we have addressed two questions, how do these markers differ in their expression levels in PC patients and healthy individual and correlating the expression level of these markers with the cancer stage. METHODS The systematic review was registered with Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with registration number "CRD42022246780." All the included articles were obtained from three databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane, published from January 2010 to 26th May 2022. Two independent reviewers followed the PRISM protocol and reviewed and extracted data from the included articles. RESULTS PD-1 and CTLA-4 were the most studied markers in this field. A clear elevation in the expression of PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, and TIGIT was found in most of the studies. CD69, CD25, and HLA-DR expression was found to be upregulated after chemotherapy and immunotherapy. CD25 was the only marker analyzed against cancer progression, in a single study. No study compared the expression of exhaustion and activation markers (except CD69) with the cancer progression of the tumor stage. CONCLUSION Since the exhaustion markers are upregulated in patients, single or multiple markers can be targeted in immunotherapies. Knowledge of the dynamics of these markers at various cancer stages will help in determining the right immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer patients. Stage-wise comparison could also be made possible by developing in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Mishra
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gaurang Telang
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India
| | - Darpan Bennur
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shruti Chougule
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India
| | - P B Dandge
- Department of Biochemistry, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, 416004, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shantanu Joshi
- Acuere Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411043, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nishant Vyas
- Logical Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Pune, 411041, Maharashtra, India.
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Urban L, Novák Š, Čoma M, Dvořánková B, Lacina L, Šáchová J, Hradilová M, Svatoňová P, Kolář M, Strnad H, Březinová J, Smetana K, Gál P, Szabo P. Unravelling heterogeneous effects of cancer‑associated fibroblasts on poor prognosis markers in breast cancer EM‑G3 cell line: In vitro‑targeted treatment (anti‑IL-6, anti‑VEGF-A, anti‑MFGE8) based on transcriptomic profiling. Oncol Rep 2024; 51:3. [PMID: 37975220 PMCID: PMC10688412 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Although dramatically increased survival rates of early diagnosed cases have been observed, late diagnosed patients and metastatic cancer may still be considered fatal. The present study's main focus was on cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which is an active component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) regulating the breast cancer ecosystem. Transcriptomic profiling and analysis of CAFs isolated from breast cancer skin metastasis, cutaneous basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma unravelled major gene candidates such as IL6, VEGFA and MFGE8 that induced co‑expression of keratins‑8/‑14 in the EM‑G3 cell line derived from infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. Western blot analysis of selected keratins (keratin‑8, ‑14, ‑18, ‑19) and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition‑associated markers (SLUG, SNAIL, ZEB1, E‑/N‑cadherin, vimentin) revealed specific responses pointing to certain heterogeneity of the studied CAF populations. Experimental in vitro treatment using neutralizing antibodies against IL-6, VEGF‑A and MFGE8 attenuated the modulatory effect of CAFs on EM‑G3 cells. The present study provided novel data in characterizing and understanding the interactions between CAFs and EM‑G3 cells in vitro. CAFs of different origins support the pro‑inflammatory microenvironment and influence the biology of breast cancer cells. This observation potentially holds significant interest for the development of novel, clinically relevant approaches targeting the TME in breast cancer. Furthermore, its implications extend beyond breast cancer and have the potential to impact a wide range of other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš Urban
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department for Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inc., 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Štepán Novák
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matúš Čoma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department for Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inc., 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Barbora Dvořánková
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Lacina
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Dermatovenereology, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Šáchová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miluše Hradilová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Svatoňová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kolář
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Strnad
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Březinová
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smetana
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Gál
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department for Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inc., 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Prague Burn Center, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 34 Prague, Czech Republic
- Insitute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Pavol Szabo
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
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9
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Gostomczyk K, Marsool MDM, Tayyab H, Pandey A, Borowczak J, Macome F, Chacon J, Dave T, Maniewski M, Szylberg Ł. Targeting circulating tumor cells to prevent metastases. Hum Cell 2024; 37:101-120. [PMID: 37874534 PMCID: PMC10764589 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that detach from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or body fluids, and spread to other body parts, leading to metastasis. Their presence and characteristics have been linked to cancer progression and poor prognosis in different types of cancer. Analyzing CTCs can offer valuable information about tumors' genetic and molecular diversity, which is crucial for personalized therapy. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), play a significant role in generating and disseminating CTCs. Certain proteins, such as EpCAM, vimentin, CD44, and TGM2, are vital in regulating EMT and MET and could be potential targets for therapies to prevent metastasis and serve as detection markers. Several devices, methods, and protocols have been developed for detecting CTCs with various applications. CTCs interact with different components of the tumor microenvironment. The interactions between CTCs and tumor-associated macrophages promote local inflammation and allow the cancer cells to evade the immune system, facilitating their attachment and invasion of distant metastatic sites. Consequently, targeting and eliminating CTCs hold promise in preventing metastasis and improving patient outcomes. Various approaches are being explored to reduce the volume of CTCs. By investigating and discussing targeted therapies, new insights can be gained into their potential effectiveness in inhibiting the spread of CTCs and thereby reducing metastasis. The development of such treatments offers great potential for enhancing patient outcomes and halting disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Gostomczyk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
- University Hospital No. 2 Im. Dr Jan Biziel, Ujejskiego 75, 85-168, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | | | | | | | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Facundo Macome
- Universidad del Norte Santo Tomás de Aquino, San Miquel de Tucuman, Argentina
| | - Jose Chacon
- American University of Integrative Sciences, Cole Bay, Saint Martin, Barbados
| | - Tirth Dave
- Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre, Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Chair of Pathology, Dr Jan Biziel Memorial University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Ye Y, Zhang S, Jiang Y, Huang Y, Wang G, Zhang M, Gui Z, Wu Y, Bian G, Li P, Zhang M. Identification of a cancer associated fibroblasts-related index to predict prognosis and immune landscape in ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21565. [PMID: 38057405 PMCID: PMC10700659 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48653-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a role in ovarian cancer (OV) evolution, immunosuppression and promotion of drug resistance. Exploring the value of CAFs-related biomarker in OV is of great importance. In the present work, we developed a CAFs-related index (CAFRI) based on an integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing and highlighted the value of CAFRI in predicting clinical outcomes in individuals with OV, tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The GSE151214 cohort was used for cell subpopulation localization and analysis, the TCGA-OV patients as a training set. Moreover, the ICGC-OV, GSE26193, GSE26712 and GSE19829 cohorts were used for the validation of CAFRI. The TIMER 2.0, CIBERSORT and ssGSEA algorithms were used for analysis of TIME characteristics based on the CAFRI. The GSVA, GSEA, GO, KEGG and tumour mutation burden (TMB) analyses were used for mechanistic exploration. Additionally, the IMvigor210 cohort was conducted to validate the predictive value of CAFRI on the efficacy of ICIs. Finally, CAFRI-based antitumour drug sensitivity was analysed. The findings demonstrate that the CAFRI can served as an excellent predictor of prognosis for individuals with OV, as well as identifying patients with different TIME characteristics, differentiating between immune 'hot' and 'cold' tumour populations, and providing new insights into the selection of ICIs and personalised treatment regimens. CAFRI provides new perspectives for the development of novel prognostic and immunotherapy efficacy predictive biomarkers for OV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingquan Ye
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuangshuang Zhang
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Gaoxiang Wang
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhongxuan Gui
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Geng Bian
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ping Li
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Mei Zhang
- Oncology Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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11
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Chen C, Guo Q, Liu Y, Hou Q, Liao M, Guo Y, Zang Y, Wang F, Liu H, Luan X, Liang Y, Guan Z, Li Y, Liu H, Dong X, Zhang X, Liu J, Xu Q. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal POSTN + cancer-associated fibroblasts correlated with immune suppression and tumour progression in non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1515. [PMID: 38115703 PMCID: PMC10731139 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1515] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are potential targets for cancer therapy. Due to the heterogeneity of CAFs, the influence of CAF subpopulations on the progression of lung cancer is still unclear, which impedes the translational advances in targeting CAFs. METHODS We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on tumour, paired tumour-adjacent, and normal samples from 16 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. CAF subpopulations were analyzed after integration with published NSCLC scRNA-seq data. SpaTial enhanced resolution omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq) was applied in tumour and tumour-adjacent samples from seven NSCLC patients to map the architecture of major cell populations in tumour microenvironment (TME). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and multiplexed IHC (mIHC) were used to validate marker gene expression and the association of CAFs with immune infiltration in TME. RESULTS A subcluster of myofibroblastic CAFs, POSTN+ CAFs, were significantly enriched in advanced tumours and presented gene expression signatures related to extracellular matrix remodeling, tumour invasion pathways and immune suppression. Stereo-seq and mIHC demonstrated that POSTN+ CAFs were in close localization with SPP1+ macrophages and were associated with the exhausted phenotype and lower infiltration of T cells. POSTN expression or the abundance of POSTN+ CAFs were associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified a myofibroblastic CAF subpopulation, POSTN+ CAFs, which might associate with SPP1+ macrophages to promote the formation of desmoplastic architecture and participate in immune suppression. Furthermore, we showed that POSTN+ CAFs associated with cancer progression and poor clinical outcomes and may provide new insights on the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Chen
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Qiang Guo
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yang Liu
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Qinghua Hou
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Mengying Liao
- Department of PathologyPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Yanying Guo
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
| | - Yupeng Zang
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | | | - Huanyu Liu
- Department of PathologyPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Xinyu Luan
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Yanling Liang
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Zhuojue Guan
- College of Life SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yanling Li
- Central Laboratory of Peking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Haozhen Liu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Xuan Dong
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBGI ResearchShenzhenChina
| | - Xiuqing Zhang
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBGI ResearchShenzhenChina
| | - Jixian Liu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryPeking University Shenzhen HospitalShenzhen Peking University‐The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterShenzhenChina
| | - Qumiao Xu
- BGI ResearchHangzhouChina
- BGI ResearchShenzhenChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Human Disease Genomics, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of GenomicsBGI ResearchShenzhenChina
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12
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Huang T, Lu C, Zhang Y, Lin BY, Zhang ZJ, Zhu D, Wang L, Lu Y. Effect of activating cancer-associated fibroblasts biomarker TNC on immune cell infiltration and prognosis in breast cancer. Ann Med 2023; 55:2250987. [PMID: 38375814 PMCID: PMC10629425 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2250987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs are heterogeneous and involved in tumor tumorigenesis and drug resistance, contributing to TME remodeling and predicting clinical outcomes as prognostic factors. However, the effect of CAFs the TME and the prognosis of patients with breast cancer (BC) is not fully understood. This study investigated the correlation between CAFs-activating biomarkers immune cell infiltration and survival in patients with breast cancer. METHODS RNA sequencing data and survival information for patients with breast cancer were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) using R software. We then analyzed the correlation between CAFs-expressing biomarkers and immune cells using the clusterProfiler package, and evaluated the prognostic role of appealing genes using the Survminer package. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to determine the expression levels of TNC in 160 breast cancer samples pathologically diagnosed as invasive ductal carcinoma that were not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS). RESULTS Data analysis showed that CAFs-expressing genes was higher than in normal tissues (p < 0.05). Pathway enrichment revealed that the overexpression of CAFs-related genes was mainly enriched in the focal adhesion and phosphoinositol-3 kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathways. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that high expression of CAFs-related genes was significantly positively correlated with the infiltration of naive B cells and resting dendritic cells and inversely correlated with macrophages cell infiltration. In addition, high TNC expression in tumor cells was associated with the most adverse clinicopathological features and reduced metastasis-free survival (MFS) (hazard ratio (HR) 0.574, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.404-0.815, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS This study found that CAFs may participate in immunosuppression and regulate tumor cell proliferation and invasion. High TNC expression is associated with several adverse clinicopathological features, and high TNC expression in tumor cells has been identified as an independent prognostic factor for IDC-NOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Huang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bi-yun Lin
- Biotissue Repository, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhe-jun Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanzhi Lu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Bao L, Zhang X, Wang W, Jiang B. Identification and validation of a cancer-associated fibroblasts-related scoring system to predict prognosis and immune landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma through integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11092-11113. [PMID: 37857017 PMCID: PMC10637792 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) regulate the malignant biological behaviour of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a significant component of the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME). This study aimed to develop a CAFs-based scoring system to predict the prognosis and TIME of patients with HCC. METHODS Data for the TCGA-LIHC and GSE14520 cohorts were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Single-cell RNA-sequencing data for HCC samples were retrieved from the GSE166635 cohort. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator algorithm was employed to develop a CAFs-related scoring system (CAFRss). The predictive value of the CAFRss was determined using Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves. Additionally, the TIMER platform, single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumour tissues using Expression data algorithms were performed to determine the TIME landscape. Finally, the pRRophic algorithm was utilised for drug sensitivity analysis. RESULTS The evaluation of the CAFRss system demonstrated its superior ability to predict the clinical outcome of patients with HCC. Additionally, CAFRss effectively distinguished HCC populations with distinct TIME landscapes. Furthermore, CAFRss-based risk stratification identified individuals with immune 'hot tumours' and predicted the survival of patients treated with ICBs. CONCLUSIONS The developed CAFRss can serve as a predictive tool for determining the clinical outcome of HCC and differentiating populations with diverse TIME characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Bao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Xuede Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Bitao Jiang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
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14
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Zheng L, Zhang J, Ye Y, Shi Z, Huang Y, Zhang M, Gui Z, Li P, Qin H, Sun W, Zhang M. Construction of a novel cancer-associated fibroblast-related signature to predict clinical outcome and immune response in colon adenocarcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:9521-9543. [PMID: 37724904 PMCID: PMC10564434 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between the tumour and the surrounding microenvironment determines the malignant biological behaviour of the tumour. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) coordinate crosstalk between cancer cells in the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) and are extensively involved in tumour malignant behaviours, such as immune evasion, invasion and drug resistance. Here, we performed differential and prognostic analyses of genes associated with CAFs and constructed CAF-related signatures (CAFRs) to predict clinical outcomes in individuals with colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) based on machine learning algorithms. The CAFRs were further validated in an external independent cohort, GSE17538. Additionally, Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and clinical correlation analysis were utilised to systematically assess the CAFRs. Moreover, CIBERSORT, single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) and Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data (ESTIMATE) analysis were utilised to characterise the TIME in patients with COAD. Microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumour mutation burden were also analysed. Furthermore, Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) elucidated the biological functions and signalling pathways involved in the CAFRs. Consensus clustering analysis was used for the immunological analysis of patients with COAD. Finally, the pRRophic algorithm was used for sensitivity analysis of common drugs. The CAFRs constructed herein can better predict the prognosis in COAD. The cluster analysis based on the CAFRs can effectively differentiate between immune 'hot' and 'cold' tumours, determine the beneficiaries of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and provide insight into individualised treatment for COAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zheng
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiale Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yingquan Ye
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhangpeng Shi
- Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhongxuan Gui
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huanlong Qin
- Shanghai Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Weijie Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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15
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Maffuid K, Cao Y. Decoding the Complexity of Immune-Cancer Cell Interactions: Empowering the Future of Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4188. [PMID: 37627216 PMCID: PMC10453128 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME) consist of a complex network of cells, including malignant, immune, fibroblast, and vascular cells, which communicate with each other. Disruptions in cell-cell communication within the TME, caused by a multitude of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, can contribute to tumorigenesis, hinder the host immune system, and enable tumor evasion. Understanding and addressing intercellular miscommunications in the TME are vital for combating these processes. The effectiveness of immunotherapy and the heterogeneous response observed among patients can be attributed to the intricate cellular communication between immune cells and cancer cells. To unravel these interactions, various experimental, statistical, and computational techniques have been developed. These include ligand-receptor analysis, intercellular proximity labeling approaches, and imaging-based methods, which provide insights into the distorted cell-cell interactions within the TME. By characterizing these interactions, we can enhance the design of cancer immunotherapy strategies. In this review, we present recent advancements in the field of mapping intercellular communication, with a particular focus on immune-tumor cellular interactions. By modeling these interactions, we can identify critical factors and develop strategies to improve immunotherapy response and overcome treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Maffuid
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Yanguang Cao
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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16
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Naik A, Leask A. Tumor-Associated Fibrosis Impairs the Response to Immunotherapy. Matrix Biol 2023; 119:125-140. [PMID: 37080324 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Previously, impaired responses to immunotherapy in cancer had been attributed mainly to inherent tumor characteristics (tumor cell intrinsic factors) such as low immunogenicity, (low) mutational burden, weak host immune system, etc. However, mapping the responses of immunotherapeutic regimes in clinical trials for different types of cancer has pointed towards an obvious commonality - that tumors with a rich fibrotic stroma respond poorly or not at all. This has prompted a harder look on tumor cell extrinsic factors such as the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and specifically, the fibrotic stroma as a potential enabler of immunotherapy failure. Indeed, the role of cancer-associated fibrosis in impeding efficacy of immunotherapy is now well-established. In fact, recent studies reveal a complex interconnection between fibrosis and treatment efficacy. Accordingly, in this review we provide a general overview of what a tumor associated fibrotic reaction is and how it interacts with the members of immune system that are frequently seen to be modulated in a failed immunotherapeutic regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angha Naik
- University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Andrew Leask
- University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry, 105 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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17
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Strating E, van de Loo A, Elias S, Lam M, Kranenburg O. Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitor-PET Imaging in Colorectal Cancer. PET Clin 2023:S1556-8598(23)00016-0. [PMID: 37030984 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-PET imaging holds great promise for improving the clinical management of colorectal cancer. High fibroblast activation protein expression is particularly observed in lymph node metastases, in the aggressive Consensus Molecular Subtype 4, in peritoneal metastases, and in tumors that respond poorly to immunotherapy. We have defined six clinical dilemmas in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer, which FAPI-PET may help solve. Future clinical trials should include patients undergoing tumor resection, allowing correlation of FAPI-PET signals with in-depth histopathological, cellular, and molecular tissue analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Strating
- Division of Imaging and Cancer, Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, G.04.2.28, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne van de Loo
- Division of Imaging and Cancer, Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, G.04.2.28, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Elias
- Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, STR.6.131, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marnix Lam
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, E.01.1.32, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Division of Imaging and Cancer, Laboratory Translational Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, G.04.2.28, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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18
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Shin AE, Giancotti FG, Rustgi AK. Metastatic colorectal cancer: mechanisms and emerging therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:222-236. [PMID: 36828759 PMCID: PMC10365888 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a lethal disease with an approximately 14% 5-year survival rate. While early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) can be cured by surgery with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, mCRC cannot be eradicated due to a large burden of disseminated cancer cells comprising therapy-resistant metastasis-competent cells. To address this gap, recent studies have focused on further elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying colorectal metastasis and recognizing the limitations of available therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss newfound factors that regulate CRC cell dissemination and colonization of distant organs, such as genetic mutations, identification of metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the tumor microenvironment (TME). We also review current treatments for mCRC, therapeutic regimens undergoing clinical trials, and trending preclinical studies being investigated to target treatment-resistant mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Shin
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Filippo G Giancotti
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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19
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Implications for Immunotherapy of Breast Cancer by Understanding the Microenvironment of a Solid Tumor. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133178. [PMID: 35804950 PMCID: PMC9264853 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is poorly immunogenic due to immunosuppressive mechanisms produced in part by the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is a peritumoral area containing significant quantities of (1) cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), (2) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and (3) tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). This combination protects the tumor from effective immune responses. How these protective cell types are generated and how the changes in the developing tumor relate to these subsets is only partially understood. Immunotherapies targeting solid tumors have proven ineffective largely due to this protective TME barrier. Therefore, a better understanding of the interplay between the tumor, the tumor microenvironment and immune cells would both advance immunotherapeutic research and lead to more effective immunotherapies. This review will summarize the current understanding of the microenvironment of breast cancer giving implications for future immunotherapeutic strategies.
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20
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J. Key promoters of tumor hallmarks. Int J Clin Oncol 2021; 27:45-58. [PMID: 34773527 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-021-02074-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Evolution of tumor hallmarks is a result of accommodation of tumor cells with their nearby milieu called tumor microenvironment (TME). Accommodation or adaptive responses is highly important for a cell to survive, without which no cell is allowed to take any further steps in tumorigenesis. Metabolism of cancer cells is largely depended on stroma. Composition and plasticity of cells within the stroma is highly affected from inflammatory setting of TME. Hypoxia which is a common event in many solid cancers, is known as one of the key hallmarks of chronic inflammation and the master regulator of metastasis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is produced in the chronic inflammatory and chronic hypoxic settings, and it is considered as a cardinal factor for induction of all tumor hallmarks. Aging, obesity and smoking are the main predisposing factors of cancer, acting mainly through modulation of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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21
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Manoukian P, Bijlsma M, van Laarhoven H. The Cellular Origins of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Their Opposing Contributions to Pancreatic Cancer Growth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:743907. [PMID: 34646829 PMCID: PMC8502878 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.743907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic tumors are known to harbor an abundant and highly desmoplastic stroma. Among the various cell types that reside within tumor stroma, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained a lot of attention in the cancer field due to their contributions to carcinogenesis and tumor architecture. These cells are not a homogeneous population, but have been shown to have different origins, phenotypes, and contributions. In pancreatic tumors, CAFs generally emerge through the activation and/or recruitment of various cell types, most notably resident fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and tumor-infiltrating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In recent years, single cell transcriptomic studies allowed the identification of distinct CAF populations in pancreatic tumors. Nonetheless, the exact sources and functions of those different CAF phenotypes remain to be fully understood. Considering the importance of stromal cells in pancreatic cancer, many novel approaches have aimed at targeting the stroma but current stroma-targeting therapies have yielded subpar results, which may be attributed to heterogeneity in the fibroblast population. Thus, fully understanding the roles of different subsets of CAFs within the stroma, and the cellular dynamics at play that contribute to heterogeneity in CAF subsets may be essential for the design of novel therapies and improving clinical outcomes. Fortunately, recent advances in technologies such as microfluidics and bio-printing have made it possible to establish more advanced ex vivo models that will likely prove useful. In this review, we will present the different roles of stromal cells in pancreatic cancer, focusing on CAF origin as a source of heterogeneity, and the role this may play in therapy failure. We will discuss preclinical models that could be of benefit to the field and that may contribute to further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Manoukian
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maarten Bijlsma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke van Laarhoven
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Ruhland MK, Alspach E. Senescence and Immunoregulation in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:754069. [PMID: 34692707 PMCID: PMC8529213 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.754069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer treatment, but despite the many lives that have been extended by these therapies many patients do not respond for reasons that are not well understood. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is comprised of heterogeneous cells that regulate tumor immune responses and likely influence immunotherapy response. Senescent (e.g., aged) stroma within the TME, and its expression of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype induces chronic inflammation that encourages tumor development and disease progression. Senescent environments also regulate the function of immune cells in ways that are decidedly protumorigenic. Here we discuss recent developments in senescence biology and the immunoregulatory functions of senescent stroma. Understanding the multitude of cell types present in the TME, including senescent stroma, will aid in the development of combinatorial therapeutic strategies to increase immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K. Ruhland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Elise Alspach
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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