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Matsui T, Taniguchi S, Ishii M. Function of alveolar macrophages in lung cancer microenvironment. Inflamm Regen 2024; 44:23. [PMID: 38720352 PMCID: PMC11077793 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-024-00335-4] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer tissues contain a wide variety of immune cells that play critical roles in suppressing or promoting tumor progression. Macrophages are one of the most predominant populations in the tumor microenvironment and are composed of two classes: infiltrating macrophages from the bone marrow and tissue-resident macrophages (TRMs). This review aimed to outline the function of TRMs in the tumor microenvironment, focusing on lung cancer. REVIEW Although the functions of infiltrating macrophages and tumor-associated macrophages have been intensively analyzed, a comprehensive understanding of TRM function in cancer is relatively insufficient because it differs depending on the tissue and organ. Alveolar macrophages (AMs), one of the most important TRMs in the lungs, are replenished in situ, independent of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow, and are abundant in lung cancer tissue. Recently, we reported that AMs support cancer cell proliferation and contribute to unfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSION In this review, we introduce the functions of AMs in lung cancer and their underlying molecular mechanisms. A thorough understanding of the functions of AMs in lung cancer will lead to improved treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Matsui
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Seiji Taniguchi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, Habikino, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Ishii
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Cohen N, Mundhe D, Deasy SK, Adler O, Ershaid N, Shami T, Levi-Galibov O, Wassermann R, Scherz-Shouval R, Erez N. Breast Cancer-Secreted Factors Promote Lung Metastasis by Signaling Systemically to Induce a Fibrotic Premetastatic Niche. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3354-3367. [PMID: 37548552 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-3707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer is largely incurable and is the main cause of cancer-related deaths. The metastatic microenvironment facilitates formation of metastases. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are crucial players in generating a hospitable metastatic niche by mediating an inflammatory microenvironment. Fibroblasts also play a central role in modifying the architecture and stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Resolving the early changes in the metastatic niche could help identify approaches to inhibit metastatic progression. Here, we demonstrate in mouse models of spontaneous breast cancer pulmonary metastasis that fibrotic changes and rewiring of lung fibroblasts occurred at premetastatic stages, suggesting systemic influence by the primary tumor. Activin A (ActA), a TGFβ superfamily member, was secreted from breast tumors and its levels in the blood were highly elevated in tumor-bearing mice. ActA upregulated the expression of profibrotic factors in lung fibroblasts, leading to enhanced collagen deposition in the lung premetastatic niche. ActA signaling was functionally important for lung metastasis, as genetic targeting of ActA in breast cancer cells significantly attenuated lung metastasis and improved survival. Moreover, high levels of ActA in human patients with breast cancer were associated with lung metastatic relapse and poor survival. This study uncovers a novel mechanism by which breast cancer cells systemically rewire the stromal microenvironment in the metastatic niche to facilitate pulmonary metastasis. SIGNIFICANCE ActA mediates cross-talk between breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the lung metastatic niche that enhances fibrosis and metastasis, implicating ActA as a potential therapeutic target to inhibit metastatic relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dhanashree Mundhe
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarah K Deasy
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Omer Adler
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nour Ershaid
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Shami
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Oshrat Levi-Galibov
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rina Wassermann
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ruth Scherz-Shouval
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Neta Erez
- Department of Pathology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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3
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Zhao H, Li W, Li X, Ding Z, Zhao S. Survival benefit of resection surgery for lung adenocarcinoma with bone metastases and a post-operative prognosis nomogram establishment and validation. J Thorac Dis 2022; 14:4877-4893. [PMID: 36647503 PMCID: PMC9840054 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-22-1514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Surgical resection is not usually recommended for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with bone metastases. However, the criteria for surgery are constantly being adjusted and there is a need to focus on the prognostic role of cancer-directed surgery (CDS) for bone metastatic LUAD patients investigate the factors influencing survival of CDS. We determined the survival benefit of CDS for LUAD patients with bone metastases and to develop a prognostic nomogram to predict overall survival (OS) for patients after surgery. Methods LUAD patients with bone metastases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010-2015 were included and divided into CDS and non-CDS groups. The propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics. We used Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests to compare cancer-specific survival (CSS) and OS between the two groups. Patients underwent CDS were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts to develop and validate a nomogram model to predict postoperative prognosis outcome-OS. Results Patients who underwent CDS had a better OS and CSS than those who did not underwent CDS (e.g., 1-year OS rate: 56.9% vs. 30.1%). Independent prognostic factors were selected by Cox regression analysis for CDS patients including age, sex, race, histological grade, N stage, and chemotherapy, and a nomogram was constructed to predict 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS after surgery according to the prognostic factors. The calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the nomogram showed the model had a high predictive accuracy. [Area under the curve (AUC) at 1, 2, and 3 years in the training cohort were 0.735, 0.756 and 0.782, and in the validation cohort were 0.703, 0.758 and 0.836, respectively]. In addition, patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on prognostic scores, and Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences in prognosis between the two groups. Conclusions These results indicated that patients with bone metastasis of LUAD received survival benefit from CDS. The prognostic nomograms could assist clinicians in specifying individualized assessments, but further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenqi Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiangnan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zheng Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Song Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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4
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Ganjoo S, Puebla-Osorio N, Nanez S, Hsu E, Voss T, Barsoumian H, Duong LK, Welsh JW, Cortez MA. Bone morphogenetic proteins, activins, and growth and differentiation factors in tumor immunology and immunotherapy resistance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1033642. [PMID: 36353620 PMCID: PMC9638036 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1033642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The TGF-β superfamily is a group of secreted polypeptides with key roles in exerting and regulating a variety of physiologic effects, especially those related to cell signaling, growth, development, and differentiation. Although its central member, TGF-β, has been extensively reviewed, other members of the family-namely bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs)-have not been as thoroughly investigated. Moreover, although the specific roles of TGF-β signaling in cancer immunology and immunotherapy resistance have been extensively reported, little is known of the roles of BMPs, activins, and GDFs in these domains. This review focuses on how these superfamily members influence key immune cells in cancer progression and resistance to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Angelica Cortez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Bae J, Choi YS, Cho G, Jang SJ. The Patient-Derived Cancer Organoids: Promises and Challenges as Platforms for Cancer Discovery. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092144. [PMID: 35565273 PMCID: PMC9105149 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer burden is rapidly increasing in most countries, and thus, new anticancer drugs for effective cancer therapy must be developed. Cancer model systems that recapitulate the biological processes of human cancers are one of the cores of the drug development process. PDCO has emerged as a unique model that preserves the genetic, physiological, and histologic characteristics of original cancer, including inter- and intratumoral heterogeneities. Due to these advantages, the PCDO model is increasingly investigated for anticancer drug screening and efficacy testing, preclinical patient stratification, and precision medicine for selecting the most effective anticancer therapy for patients. Here, we review the prospects and limitations of PDCO compared to the conventional cancer models. With advances in culture success rates, co-culture systems with the tumor microenvironment, organoid-on-a-chip technology, and automation technology, PDCO will become the most promising model to develop anticancer drugs and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- JuneSung Bae
- Department of Research and Development, OncoClew Co., Ltd., Seoul 04778, Korea; (J.B.); (Y.S.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Yun Sik Choi
- Department of Research and Development, OncoClew Co., Ltd., Seoul 04778, Korea; (J.B.); (Y.S.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Gunsik Cho
- Department of Research and Development, OncoClew Co., Ltd., Seoul 04778, Korea; (J.B.); (Y.S.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Se Jin Jang
- Department of Research and Development, OncoClew Co., Ltd., Seoul 04778, Korea; (J.B.); (Y.S.C.); (G.C.)
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Asan Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-498-2644; Fax: +82-2-498-2655
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Daitoku N, Miyamoto Y, Hiyoshi Y, Tokunaga R, Sakamoto Y, Sawayama H, Ishimoto T, Baba Y, Yoshida N, Baba H. Activin A promotes cell proliferation, invasion and migration and predicts poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Oncol Rep 2022; 47:107. [PMID: 35445735 PMCID: PMC9073419 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A is a member of the transforming growth factor‑β superfamily of cytokines and displays various pathophysiological activities, including regulation of muscle catabolism and atrophy. Activin A expression is upregulated in several human cancer types and in certain pathologies, its expression is associated with poor prognosis. In the present study, activin A expression was assessed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue specimens from 157 patients with primary CRC and the relationship between activin A levels and clinicopathological characteristics, including skeletal muscle mass, and prognosis, was determined. Furthermore, the effects of knockdown of endogenous or exposure to exogenous activin A on the malignant behavior of human CRC cell lines were investigated in vitro. The results indicated that activin A mRNA was significantly upregulated in CRC tumor tissues compared with normal intestinal epithelium. High activin A expression was significantly associated with shorter cancer‑specific survival (P=0.047) and overall survival (P=0.014). According to a multivariate analysis, tumor activin A levels were an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P=0.001). However, activin A mRNA levels were not associated with the skeletal muscle index. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that exposure to exogenous activin A increased the proliferation, invasion and migration of CRC cell lines, whereas knockdown of endogenous activin A had the opposite effects. In conclusion, activin A is an autocrine and paracrine regulator of CRC cell proliferation and high tumor expression of activin A is associated with poor prognosis in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuya Daitoku
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
| | - Yuji Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
| | - Yukiharu Hiyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
| | - Ryuma Tokunaga
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
| | - Yuki Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sawayama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
| | - Naoya Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860‑8556, Japan
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Loumaye A, Lause P, Zhong X, Zimmers TA, Bindels LB, Thissen JP. Activin A Causes Muscle Atrophy through MEF2C-Dependent Impaired Myogenesis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071119. [PMID: 35406681 PMCID: PMC8997966 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A (ActA) is considered to play a major role in cancer-induced cachexia (CC). Indeed, circulating ActA levels are elevated and predict survival in patients with CC. However, the mechanisms by which ActA mediates CC development and in particular skeletal muscle (SM) atrophy in humans are not yet fully understood. In this work, we aimed to investigate the effects of ActA on human SM and in mouse models of CC. We used a model of human muscle cells in culture to explore how ActA acts towards human SM. In this model, recombinant ActA induced myotube atrophy associated with the decline of MyHC-β/slow, the main myosin isoform in human muscle cells studied. Moreover, ActA inhibited the expression and activity of MEF2C, the transcription factor regulating MYH7, the gene which codes for MyHC-β/slow. This decrease in MEF2C was involved in the decline of MyHC-β/slow expression, since inhibition of MEF2C by a siRNA leads to the decrease in MyHC-β/slow expression. The relevance of this ActA/MEF2C pathway in vivo was supported by the parallel decline of MEF2C expression and SM mass, which are both blunted by ActA inhibition, in animal models of CC. In this work, we showed that ActA is a potent negative regulator of SM mass by inhibiting MyHC-β/slow synthesis through downregulation of MEF2C. This observation highlights a novel interaction between ActA signaling and MEF2C transcriptional activity which contributes to SM atrophy in CC models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Loumaye
- Pole of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (P.L.); (J.-P.T.)
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2-764-6001
| | - Pascale Lause
- Pole of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (P.L.); (J.-P.T.)
| | - Xiaoling Zhong
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Simon and Bren Comprehensive Cancer Center, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.Z.); (T.A.Z.)
- Research Service, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Teresa A. Zimmers
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Simon and Bren Comprehensive Cancer Center, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (X.Z.); (T.A.Z.)
- Research Service, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Laure B. Bindels
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Jean-Paul Thissen
- Pole of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (P.L.); (J.-P.T.)
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Liu M, Smith R, Liby T, Chiotti K, López CS, Korkola JE. INHBA is a mediator of aggressive tumor behavior in HER2+ basal breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2022; 24:18. [PMID: 35248133 PMCID: PMC8898494 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-022-01512-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Resistance to HER2-targeted therapeutics remains a significant clinical problem in HER2+ breast cancer patients with advanced disease. This may be particularly true for HER2+ patients with basal subtype disease, as recent evidence suggests they receive limited benefit from standard of care HER2-targeted therapies. Identification of drivers of resistance and aggressive disease that can be targeted clinically has the potential to impact patient outcomes. Methods We performed siRNA knockdown screens of genes differentially expressed between lapatinib-responsive and -resistant HER2+ breast cancer cells, which corresponded largely to luminal versus basal subtypes. We then validated hits in 2-d and 3-d cell culture systems. Results Knockdown of one of the genes, INHBA, significantly slowed growth and increased sensitivity to lapatinib in multiple basal HER2+ cell lines in both 2-d and 3-d cultures, but had no effect in luminal HER2+ cells. Loss of INHBA altered metabolism, eliciting a shift from glycolytic to oxidative phosphorylative metabolism, which was also associated with a decrease in tumor invasiveness. Analysis of breast cancer datasets showed that patients with HER2+ breast cancer and high levels of INHBA expression had worse outcomes than patients with low levels of INHBA expression. Conclusions Our data suggest that INHBA is associated with aggressiveness of the basal subtype of HER2+ tumors, resulting in poor response to HER2-targeted therapy and an invasive phenotype. We hypothesize that targeting this pathway could be an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce invasiveness of tumor cells and to improve therapeutic response. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-022-01512-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moqing Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rebecca Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tiera Liby
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Kami Chiotti
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Claudia S López
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Multiscale Microscopy Core, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - James E Korkola
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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Gutiérrez-Seijo A, García-Martínez E, Barrio-Alonso C, Parra-Blanco V, Avilés-Izquierdo JA, Sánchez-Mateos P, Samaniego R. Activin A Sustains the Metastatic Phenotype of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Is a Prognostic Marker in Human Cutaneous Melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:653-661.e2. [PMID: 34499901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.07.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells attract and dynamically interact with monocytes/macrophages to subvert their differentiation into tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), which mainly promote immune suppression and neoplastic progression, but the pathways and microenvironmental cues governing their protumoral deviation are not completely understood. To identify the molecular pathways responsible for TAM differentiation, we screened the biomarkers secreted during melanoma‒macrophage interactions using Quantibody microarrays and RNA sequencing of macrophages. We found that activin A, a member of the transforming GF family, plays an instrumental role in the cross-talk between melanoma cells and monocytes/macrophages, which results in the upregulation of distinct tumor-sustaining genes and the achievement of proinvasive and immunosuppressive functions of TAMs. Blockade of activin reduces the upregulation of part of these genes and prevents the acquisition of protumoral functions, facilitating human melanoma rejection by transferred human lymphocytes in a xenograft mouse model. Remarkably, screening of two independent cutaneous primary melanoma collections showed that activin A is enriched in TAMs and melanoma cells from patients with worse outcomes and constitutes a new and independent prognostic marker. Thus, we identify activin A as a key intermediary in the protumoral and immunosuppressive functions of TAMs, with significant potential as a disease biomarker as well as an immunotherapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Gutiérrez-Seijo
- Unidad de Microscopía Confocal, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Inmuno-oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena García-Martínez
- Unidad de Microscopía Confocal, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Inmuno-oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia Barrio-Alonso
- Unidad de Microscopía Confocal, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Inmuno-oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Parra-Blanco
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Paloma Sánchez-Mateos
- Laboratorio de Inmuno-oncología, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Samaniego
- Unidad de Microscopía Confocal, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
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10
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Barany N, Rozsas A, Megyesfalvi Z, Grusch M, Hegedus B, Lang C, Boettiger K, Schwendenwein A, Tisza A, Renyi-Vamos F, Schelch K, Hoetzenecker K, Hoda MA, Paku S, Laszlo V, Dome B. Clinical relevance of circulating activin A and follistatin in small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2021; 161:128-135. [PMID: 34583221 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Circulating levels of activin A (ActA) and follistatin (FST) have been investigated in various disorders including malignancies. However, to date, their diagnostic and prognostic relevance is largely unknown in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Our aim was to evaluate circulating ActA and FST levels as potential biomarkers in this devastating disease. METHODS Seventy-nine Caucasian SCLC patients and 67 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included in this study. Circulating ActA and FST concentrations were measured by ELISA and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and long-term outcomes. RESULTS Plasma ActA and FST concentrations were significantly elevated in SCLC patients when compared to healthy volunteers (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, extensive-stage SCLC patients had significantly higher circulating ActA levels than those with limited-stage disease (p = 0.0179). Circulating FST concentration was not associated with disease stage (p = 0.6859). Notably, patients with high (≥548.8 pg/ml) plasma ActA concentration exhibited significantly worse median overall survival (OS) compared to those with low (<548.8 pg/ml) ActA levels (p = 0.0009). Moreover, Cox regression analysis adjusted for clinicopathological parameters revealed that high ActA concentration is an independent predictor of shorter OS (HR: 1.932; p = 0.023). No significant differences in OS have been observed with regards to plasma FST levels (p = 0.1218). CONCLUSION Blood ActA levels are elevated and correlate with disease stage in SCLC patients. Measurement of circulating ActA levels might help in the estimation of prognosis in patients with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Barany
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anita Rozsas
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Megyesfalvi
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Michael Grusch
- Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Balazs Hegedus
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Lang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kristiina Boettiger
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Schwendenwein
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Tisza
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Renyi-Vamos
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Karin Schelch
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad Hoetzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandor Paku
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktoria Laszlo
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Balazs Dome
- National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Semmelweis University and National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
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11
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Morianos I, Tsitsopoulou A, Potaris K, Valakos D, Fari O, Vatsellas G, Bostantzoglou C, Photiades A, Gaga M, Xanthou G, Semitekolou M. Activin-A impedes the establishment of CD4 + T cell exhaustion and enhances anti-tumor immunity in the lung. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:295. [PMID: 34548096 PMCID: PMC8454162 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02092-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Although tumor-infiltrating T cells represent a favorable prognostic marker for cancer patients, the majority of these cells are rendered with an exhausted phenotype. Hence, there is an unmet need to identify factors which can reverse this dysfunctional profile and restore their anti-tumorigenic potential. Activin-A is a pleiotropic cytokine, exerting a broad range of pro- or anti-inflammatory functions in different disease contexts, including allergic and autoimmune disorders and cancer. Given that activin-A exhibits a profound effect on CD4+ T cells in the airways and is elevated in lung cancer patients, we hypothesized that activin-A can effectively regulate anti-tumor immunity in lung cancer. Methods To evaluate the effects of activin-A in the context of lung cancer, we utilized the OVA-expressing Lewis Lung Carcinoma mouse model as well as the B16F10 melanoma model of pulmonary metastases. The therapeutic potential of activin-A-treated lung tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells was evaluated in adoptive transfer experiments, using CD4−/−-tumor bearing mice as recipients. In a reverse approach, we disrupted activin-A signaling on CD4+ T cells using an inducible model of CD4+ T cell-specific knockout of activin-A type I receptor. RNA-Sequencing analysis was performed to assess the transcriptional signature of these cells and the molecular mechanisms which mediate activin-A’s function. In a translational approach, we validated activin-A’s anti-tumorigenic properties using primary human tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells from lung cancer patients. Results Administration of activin-A in lung tumor-bearing mice attenuated disease progression, an effect associated with heightened ratio of infiltrating effector to regulatory CD4+ T cells. Therapeutic transfer of lung tumor-infiltrating activin-A-treated CD4+ T cells, delayed tumor progression in CD4−/− recipients and enhanced T cell-mediated immunity. CD4+ T cells genetically unresponsive to activin-A, failed to elicit effective anti-tumor properties and displayed an exhausted molecular signature governed by the transcription factors Tox and Tox2. Of translational importance, treatment of activin-A on tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells from lung cancer patients augmented their immunostimulatory capacity towards autologous CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Conclusions In this study, we introduce activin-A as a novel immunomodulatory factor in the lung tumor microenvironment, which bestows exhausted CD4+ T cells with effector properties. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02092-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Morianos
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Tsitsopoulou
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Potaris
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Athens Chest Hospital 'Sotiria', 11527, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Ourania Fari
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), 11527, Athens, Greece.,Present address: Department of Medicine I, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Andreas Photiades
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Department and Asthma Center, Athens Chest Hospital 'Sotiria', 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Mina Gaga
- 7th Respiratory Medicine Department and Asthma Center, Athens Chest Hospital 'Sotiria', 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgina Xanthou
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Semitekolou
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA), 11527, Athens, Greece.
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12
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Cao Z, Zhao K, Jose I, Hoogenraad NJ, Osellame LD. Biomarkers for Cancer Cachexia: A Mini Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4501. [PMID: 33925872 PMCID: PMC8123431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a common condition in many cancer patients, particularly those with advanced disease. Cancer cachexia patients are generally less tolerant to chemotherapies and radiotherapies, largely limiting their treatment options. While the search for treatments of this condition are ongoing, standards for the efficacy of treatments have yet to be developed. Current diagnostic criteria for cancer cachexia are primarily based on loss of body mass and muscle function. However, these criteria are rather limiting, and in time, when weight loss is noticeable, it may be too late for treatment. Consequently, biomarkers for cancer cachexia would be valuable adjuncts to current diagnostic criteria, and for assessing potential treatments. Using high throughput methods such as "omics approaches", a plethora of potential biomarkers have been identified. This article reviews and summarizes current studies of biomarkers for cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Cao
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (K.Z.); (I.J.); (N.J.H.)
| | - Kening Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (K.Z.); (I.J.); (N.J.H.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Irvin Jose
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (K.Z.); (I.J.); (N.J.H.)
| | - Nick J. Hoogenraad
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (K.Z.); (I.J.); (N.J.H.)
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Laura D. Osellame
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (K.Z.); (I.J.); (N.J.H.)
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
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13
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Panagiotou G, Ghaly W, Upadhyay J, Pazaitou-Panayiotou K, Mantzoros CS. Serum Follistatin Is Increased in Thyroid Cancer and Is Associated With Adverse Tumor Characteristics in Humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e2137-e2150. [PMID: 33493282 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Obesity and classical growth factors are associated with thyroid cancer (TC). However, less is known regarding novel hormones such as follistatins and activins. We hypothesized that serum follistatin but not activins would be increased in TC. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to assess circulating levels of follistatins, activins, and growth factors in patients with a history of TC vs patients with nonmalignant thyroid diseases. METHODS A hospital-based, unmatched case-control study was conducted with 170 thyroidectomized patients due to well-differentiated TC and 106 thyroidectomized patients without history of malignancy. Anthropometric, biochemical, and histological parameters were recorded. Serum samples were collected in the steady state 45 days after surgery. Multivariate models were used to adjust for baseline differences of the unmatched variables. Serum levels of follistatin (FST), follistatin like-3, activin A, activin B, bioactive insulin-like growth factor-1, and stanniocalcin-2 were assayed with novel, highly specific ELISA kits. RESULTS In unmatched univariate models, TC patients had higher FST serum levels compared to cancer-free individuals, independently of histological subtype. In multivariate models adjusting for covariates, individuals in the highest tertile of FST levels were associated with an increased risk for the presence of any type of TC or specific histological subtypes, including papillary, follicular and Hürthle-cell carcinoma, and medullary TC. Higher postoperative FST concentrations were found in patients with vascular invasion and distant metastases and associated with TNM staging at diagnosis. CONCLUSION FST serum levels are increased in TC patients and correlate with advanced tumor aggressiveness. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm and extend our observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Panagiotou
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Wael Ghaly
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Jagriti Upadhyay
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | | | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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14
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Role of stromal activin A in human pancreatic cancer and metastasis in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7986. [PMID: 33846512 PMCID: PMC8042028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87213-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has extensive stromal involvement and remains one of the cancers with the highest mortality rates. Activin A has been implicated in colon cancer and its stroma but its role in the stroma of PDAC has not been elucidated. Activin A expression in cancer and stroma was assessed in human PDAC tissue microarrays (TMA). Activin A expression in human TMA is significantly higher in cancer samples, with expression in stroma correlated with shorter survival. Cultured pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) were found to secrete high levels of activin A resulting in PDAC cell migration that is abolished by anti-activin A neutralizing antibody. KPC mice treated with anti-activin A neutralizing antibody were evaluated for tumors, lesions and metastases quantified by immunohistochemistry. KPC mice with increased tumor burden express high plasma activin A. Treating KPC mice with an activin A neutralizing antibody does not reduce primary tumor size but decreases tumor metastases. From these data we conclude that PDAC patients with high activin A expression in stroma have a worse prognosis. PSCs secrete activin A, promoting increased PDAC migration. Inhibition of activin A in mice decreased metastases. Hence, stroma-rich PDAC patients might benefit from activin A inhibition.
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15
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Targeting the Activin Receptor Signaling to Counteract the Multi-Systemic Complications of Cancer and Its Treatments. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030516. [PMID: 33671024 PMCID: PMC7997313 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscle wasting, i.e., cachexia, frequently occurs in cancer and associates with poor prognosis and increased morbidity and mortality. Anticancer treatments have also been shown to contribute to sustainment or exacerbation of cachexia, thus affecting quality of life and overall survival in cancer patients. Pre-clinical studies have shown that blocking activin receptor type 2 (ACVR2) or its ligands and their downstream signaling can preserve muscle mass in rodents bearing experimental cancers, as well as in chemotherapy-treated animals. In tumor-bearing mice, the prevention of skeletal and respiratory muscle wasting was also associated with improved survival. However, the definitive proof that improved survival directly results from muscle preservation following blockade of ACVR2 signaling is still lacking, especially considering that concurrent beneficial effects in organs other than skeletal muscle have also been described in the presence of cancer or following chemotherapy treatments paired with counteraction of ACVR2 signaling. Hence, here, we aim to provide an up-to-date literature review on the multifaceted anti-cachectic effects of ACVR2 blockade in preclinical models of cancer, as well as in combination with anticancer treatments.
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16
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Ausoni S, Calamelli S, Saccà S, Azzarello G. How progressive cancer endangers the heart: an intriguing and underestimated problem. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 39:535-552. [PMID: 32152913 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09869-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Since it came into being as a discipline, cardio-oncology has focused on the prevention and treatment of cardiotoxicity induced by antitumor chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Over time, it has been proved that even more detrimental is the direct effect generated by cancer cells that release pro-cachectic factors in the bloodstream. Secreted molecules target different organs at a distance, including the heart. Inflammatory and neuronal modulators released by the tumor bulk, either as free molecules or through exosomes, contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiac disease. Progressive cancer causes cachexia and severe cardiac muscle wasting accompanied by cardiomyocyte atrophy, tissue fibrosis, and several functional impairments up to heart failure. The molecular mechanisms responsible for such a cardiac muscle wasting have been partially elucidated in animal models, but minimally investigated in humans, although severe cardiac dysfunction exacerbates global cachexia and hampers efficient anti-cancer treatments. This review provides an overview of cancer-induced structural cardiac and functional damage, drawing on both clinical and scientific research. We start by looking at the pathophysiological mechanisms and evolving epidemiology and go on to discuss prevention, diagnosis, and a multimodal policy of intervention aimed at providing overall prognosis and global care for patients. Despite much interest in the cardiotoxicity of cancer therapies, the direct tumor effect on the heart remains poorly explored. There is still a lack of diagnostic criteria for the identification of the early stages of cardiac disease in cancer patients, while the possibilities that there are for effective prevention are largely underestimated. Research on innovative therapies has claimed considerable advances in preclinical studies, but none of the molecular targets suitable for clinical application has been approved for therapy. These issues are critically discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Ausoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padova, Italy.
| | - Sara Calamelli
- Department of Cardiology, Local Health Unit 3 Serenissima, Mirano Hospital, Mirano, Venice, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccà
- Department of Cardiology, Local Health Unit 3 Serenissima, Mirano Hospital, Mirano, Venice, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Azzarello
- Department of Medical Oncology, Local Health Unit 3 Serenissima, Mirano Hospital, Mirano, Venice, Italy.
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17
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Qi Y, Jiang L, Wu C, Li J, Wang H, Wang S, Chen X, Cui X, Liu Z. Activin A impairs ActRIIA + neutrophil recruitment into infected skin of mice. iScience 2021; 24:102080. [PMID: 33604525 PMCID: PMC7873648 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A levels are elevated during multiple severe infections and associated with an increased risk of death. However, the role of activin A in bacterial infection is still unclear. Here, we found that activin A levels were increased during S. aureus skin infection in mice. Administration of activin A increased the bacterial burden and promoted the spread of bacteria in vivo. Moreover, activin A inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis to N-formylmethionine-leucyl-phenylalanine via the type IIA activin receptor (ActRIIA) in vitro and impaired ActRIIA+ neutrophil recruitment to infection foci in vivo. Additionally, we identified a novel subpopulation of neutrophils, ActRIIA+ neutrophils, which exhibit superior phagocytic capacity compared to ActRIIA− neutrophils and possess an N2-like immunoregulatory activity via secreting IL-10 and TGF-β. Taken together, these findings indicate that activin A inhibits the recruitment of ActRIIA+ neutrophils to infected foci, leading to the impairment of bacterial clearance, and thus may hamper early infection control. A novel activin A-responsitive subpopulation of neutrophils (ActRIIA+) was identified ActRIIA+ neutrophils exhibit N2-like immunoregulatory properties Activin A inhibits ActRIIA+ neutrophil recruitment to infected skin
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,Department of Oral Comprehensive Therapy, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Chengdong Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Heyuan Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shiji Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xintong Chen
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xueling Cui
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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18
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The Association between the Activin A Serum Level and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients. Int J Nephrol 2020; 2020:8893653. [PMID: 33294228 PMCID: PMC7700056 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8893653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with high mortality rates, mainly as a result of cardiovascular complications. Meanwhile, recent studies have suggested a role of a homodimer protein called activin A in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) conditions that may exist in the vascular calcification and osteolytic process. Ultrasound examination of the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a noninvasive method to assess vascular calcification. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the activin A serum level and cIMT in patients with CKD at Mohammad Hoesin Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia. Methods We conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional study of consecutive CKD patients at the Department of Internal Medicine, Mohammad Hoesin Hospital, from July to November 2019. The level of activin A was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Meanwhile, cIMT measurements were collected by B-mode ultrasound imaging. Results A total of 55 patients with CKD were included in this investigation. The median serum activin A level in these patients was 236.17 (116.33–283) pg/mL, while the median cIMT was 0.8 (0.6–1.45) mm. A relationship between the serum activin A level and cIMT (r = 0.449; p = 0.001) was observed. During multivariate analysis with linear regression, triglyceride (p = 0.049), phosphate (p = 0.005), and activin A (p = 0.020) serum levels were factors associated with cIMT. Conclusion In this study, a relationship between the activin A serum level and cIMT in patients with CKD was identified. Vascular calcification should be screened for in all CKD patients by the measurement of cIMT.
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Ries A, Schelch K, Falch D, Pany L, Hoda MA, Grusch M. Activin A: an emerging target for improving cancer treatment? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:985-996. [PMID: 32700590 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1799350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activin A is involved in the regulation of a surprisingly broad number of processes that are relevant for cancer development and treatment; it is implicated in cell autonomous functions and multiple regulatory functions in the tumor microenvironment. AREAS COVERED This article summarizes the current knowledge about activin A in cell growth and death, migration and metastasis, angiogenesis, stemness and drug resistance, regulation of antitumor immunity, and cancer cachexia. We explore the role of activin A as a biomarker and discuss strategies for using it as target for cancer therapy. Literature retrieved from Medline until 25 June 2020 was considered. EXPERT OPINION While many functions of activin A were investigated in preclinical models, there is currently limited experience from clinical trials. Activin A has growth- and migration-promoting effects, contributes to immune evasion and cachexia and is associated with shorter survival in several cancer types. Targeting activin A could offer the chance to simultaneously limit tumor growth and spreading, improve drug response, boost antitumor immune responses and improve cancer-associated or treatment-associated cachexia, bone loss, and anemia. Nevertheless, defining which patients have the highest likelihood of benefiting from these effects is challenging and will require further work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ries
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Schelch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - David Falch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Pany
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Translational Thoracic Oncology Laboratory, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Grusch
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
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20
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Ervolino De Oliveira C, Dourado MR, Sawazaki-Calone Í, Costa De Medeiros M, Rossa Júnior C, De Karla Cervigne N, Esquiche León J, Lambert D, Salo T, Graner E, Coletta RD. Activin A triggers angiogenesis via regulation of VEGFA and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:364-376. [PMID: 32377747 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor prognosis associated with the dysregulated expression of activin A in a number of malignancies has been related to with numerous aspects of tumorigenesis, including angiogenesis. The present study investigated the prognostic significance of activin A immunoexpression in blood vessels and cancer cells in a number of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cases and applied in vitro strategies to determine the impact of activin A on angiogenesis. In a cohort of 95 patients with OSCC, immunoexpression of activin A in both blood vessels and tumor cells was quantified and the association with clinicopathological parameters and survival was analyzed. Effects of activin A on the tube formation, proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were evaluated in gain‑of‑function (treatment with recombinant activin A) or loss‑of‑function [treatment with activin A‑antagonist follistatin or by stable transfection with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting activin A] conditions. Conditioned medium from an OSCC cell line with shRNA‑mediated depletion of activin A was also tested. The profile of pro‑ and anti‑angiogenic factors regulated by activin A was assessed with a human angiogenesis quantitative PCR (qPCR) array. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and its major isoforms were evaluated by reverse transcription‑qPCR and ELISA. Activin A expression in blood vessels demonstrated an independent prognostic value in the multivariate analysis with a hazard ratio of 2.47 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30‑4.71; P=0.006) for disease‑specific survival and 2.09 (95% CI, 1.07‑4.08l: P=0.03) for disease‑free survival. Activin A significantly increased tubular formation of HUVECs concomitantly with an increase in proliferation. This effect was validated by reduced proliferation and tubular formation of HUVECs following inhibition of activin A by follistatin or shRNA, as well as by treatment of HUVECs with conditioned medium from activin A‑depleted OSCC cells. Activin A‑knockdown increased the migration of HUVECs. In addition, activin A stimulated the phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and the expression and production of total VEGFA, significantly enhancing the expression of its pro‑angiogenic isoform 121. The present findings suggest that activin A is a predictor of the prognosis of patients with OSCC, and provide evidence that activin A, in an autocrine and paracrine manner, may contribute to OSCC angiogenesis through differential expression of the isoform 121 of VEGFA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurício Rocha Dourado
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP 13414‑018, Brazil
| | - Íris Sawazaki-Calone
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine, Dentistry School, Western Paraná State University, Cascavel, PR 85819‑170, Brazil
| | - Marcell Costa De Medeiros
- Departament of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Araraquara, SP 14801‑385, Brazil
| | - Carlos Rossa Júnior
- Departament of Diagnosis and Surgery, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Araraquara, SP 14801‑385, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge Esquiche León
- Departament of Stomatology, Public Oral Health and Forensic Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14040‑904, Brazil
| | - Daniel Lambert
- Integrated Biosciences, School of Clinical Dentistry and Sheffield Cancer Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TG, UK
| | - Tuula Salo
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu 90220, Finland
| | - Edgard Graner
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP 13414‑018, Brazil
| | - Ricardo D Coletta
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, SP 13414‑018, Brazil
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Ge Z, Wu S, Zhang Z, Ding S. Mechanism of tumor cells escaping from immune surveillance of NK cells. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2020; 42:187-198. [PMID: 32223464 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2020.1742733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in anti-tumor and anti-infection, and perform their immune surveillance function in various ways. However, no matter what kind of cancer, the functional activity of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is suppressed. Understanding the relationship between tumor cells and NK cells is very critical for tumor immunotherapy. This review discusses the mechanism of tumor cells escaping the immune surveillance of NK cells. These include a variety of factors that inhibit the activity of NK cells, an imbalance of activating receptors and inhibiting receptors on NK cells, abnormal binding of receptors and ligands, cross-talk of surrounding cell groups and NK cells in the TME, and other factors that affect NK cell activity. An understanding of these factors is necessary to provide new treatment strategies for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ge
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Wu
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuzhe Ding
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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22
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Cheng Q, Jabbari K, Winkelmaier G, Andersen C, Yaswen P, Khoshdeli M, Parvin B. Overexpression of CD36 in mammary fibroblasts suppresses colony growth in breast cancer cell lines. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 526:41-47. [PMID: 32192771 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.03.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human breast tumors are not fully autonomous. They are dependent on nutrients and growth-promoting signals provided by the supporting stromal cells. Within the tumor microenvironment, one of the secreted macromolecules by tumor cells is activin A, where we show to downregulate CD36 in fibroblasts. Downregulation of CD36 in fibroblasts also increases the secretion of activin A by fibroblasts. We hypothesize that overexpression of CD36 in fibroblasts inhibits the formation of solid tumors in subtypes of breast cancer models. For the first time, we show that co-culturing organoid models of breast cancer cell lines of MDA-MB-231 (e.g., a triple-negative line) or MCF7 (e.g., a luminal-A line) with CD36+ fibroblasts inhibit the growth and normalizes basal and lateral polarities, respectively. In the long-term anchorage-independent growth assay, the rate of colony formation is also reduced for MDA-MB-231. These observations are consistent with the mechanism of tumor suppression involving the downregulation of pSMAD2/3 and YY1 expression levels. Our integrated analytical methods leverage and extend quantitative assays at cell- and colony-scales in both short- and long-term cultures using brightfield or immunofluorescent microscopy and robust image analysis. Conditioned media are profiled with the ELISA assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingsu Cheng
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Kosar Jabbari
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Garrett Winkelmaier
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Cody Andersen
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Paul Yaswen
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Mina Khoshdeli
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | - Bahram Parvin
- Department Biomedical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
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23
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Bauer J, Emon MAB, Staudacher JJ, Thomas AL, Zessner-Spitzenberg J, Mancinelli G, Krett N, Saif MT, Jung B. Increased stiffness of the tumor microenvironment in colon cancer stimulates cancer associated fibroblast-mediated prometastatic activin A signaling. Sci Rep 2020; 10:50. [PMID: 31919369 PMCID: PMC6952350 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55687-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer in the US due to its propensity to metastasize. Stromal cells and especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a critical biophysical role in cancer progression, but the precise pro-metastatic mechanisms are not clear. Activin A, a TGF-β family member, is a strong pro-metastatic cytokine in the context of CRC. Here, we assessed the link between biophysical forces and pro-metastatic signaling by testing the hypothesis that CAF-generated mechanical forces lead to activin A release and associated downstream effects. Consistent with our hypothesis, we first determined that stromal activin A secretion increased with increasing substrate stiffness. Then we found that stromally-secreted activin A induced ligand-dependent CRC epithelial cell migration and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, serum activin A levels are significantly increased in metastatic (stage IV) CRC patients (1.558 ng/ml versus 0.4179 ng/ml, p < 0.05). We propose that increased tumor microenvironment stiffness leads to stromal cell-mediated TGF-β family signaling relying on the induction and utilization of activin A signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bauer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Md Abul Bashar Emon
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jonas J Staudacher
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases and Rheumatology, Charité-University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexandra L Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jasmin Zessner-Spitzenberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georgina Mancinelli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nancy Krett
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M Taher Saif
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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24
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The Many Microenvironments of Ovarian Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1296:199-213. [PMID: 34185294 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59038-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most common and deadly subtype of ovarian cancer as it is commonly diagnosed after substantial metastasis has already occurred. The past two decades have been an active era in HGSOC research, with new information on the origin and genomic signature of the tumor cell. Additionally, studies have begun to characterize changes in the HGSOC microenvironment and examine the impact of these changes on tumor progression and response to therapies. While this knowledge may provide valuable insight into better prognosis and treatments for HGSOCs, its collection, synthesis, and application are complicated by the number of unique microenvironments in the disease-the initiating site (fallopian tube), first metastasis (ovary), distal metastases (peritoneum), and recurrent/platinum-resistant setting. Here, we review the state of our understanding of these diverse sites and highlight remaining questions.
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25
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Janik S, Bekos C, Hacker P, Raunegger T, Schiefer AI, Müllauer L, Veraar C, Dome B, Klepetko W, Ankersmit HJ, Moser B. Follistatin impacts Tumor Angiogenesis and Outcome in Thymic Epithelial Tumors. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17359. [PMID: 31757999 PMCID: PMC6874542 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53671-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is a key factor in the progression of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs). Activin A, a member of the TGFβ family, and its antagonist Follistatin are involved in several human malignancies and angiogenesis. We investigated Activin A and Follistatin in serum and tumor tissue of patients with TETs in relation to microvessel density (MVD), WHO histology classification, tumor stage and outcome. Membranous Activin A expression was detected in all tumor tissues of TETs, while Follistatin staining was found in tumor nuclei and cytoplasm. Patients with TETs presented with significantly higher Activin A and Follistatin serum concentrations compared to healthy volunteers, respectively. Follistatin serum concentrations correlated significantly with tumor stage and decreased to physiologic values after complete tumor resection. Follistatin serum concentrations correlated further with MVD and were associated with significantly worse freedom from recurrence (FFR). Low numbers of immature tumor vessels represented even an independent worse prognostic factor for FFR at multivariable analysis. To conclude, the Activin A - Follistatin axis is involved in the pathogenesis of TETs. Further study of Follistatin and Activin A in TETs is warranted as the molecules may serve as targets to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Janik
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Diagnosis and Regeneration of Cardiac and Thoracic Diseases, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Bekos
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Diagnosis and Regeneration of Cardiac and Thoracic Diseases, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of General Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Hacker
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Diagnosis and Regeneration of Cardiac and Thoracic Diseases, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Raunegger
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Diagnosis and Regeneration of Cardiac and Thoracic Diseases, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ana-Iris Schiefer
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonhard Müllauer
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cecilia Veraar
- Department of Anaesthesiology, General Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Balazs Dome
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Comprehensive Cancer Centre Vienna, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Klepetko
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hendrik Jan Ankersmit
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Diagnosis and Regeneration of Cardiac and Thoracic Diseases, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Head FFG Project "APOSEC", FOLAB Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Moser
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Diagnosis and Regeneration of Cardiac and Thoracic Diseases, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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26
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Paajanen J, Ilonen I, Lauri H, Järvinen T, Sutinen E, Ollila H, Rouvinen E, Lemström K, Räsänen J, Ritvos O, Koli K, Myllärniemi M. Elevated Circulating Activin A Levels in Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Are Related to Cancer Cachexia and Reduced Response to Platinum-based Chemotherapy. Clin Lung Cancer 2019; 21:e142-e150. [PMID: 31734071 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous preclinical studies have shown that activin A is overexpressed in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), associates with cancer cachexia, and is observed in in vitro resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy. We evaluated circulating activin levels and their endogenous antagonists' follistatin/follistatin-like 3 in intrathoracic tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients suspected of thoracic malignancy were recruited prior to surgery. Serum samples were collected from 21 patients with MPM, 59 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and 22 patients with benign lung lesions. Circulating activin/follistatin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared with clinicopathologic parameters. RESULTS Circulating activin A levels were elevated in patients with MPM when compared with patients with NSCLC or benign lung lesion samples (P < .0001). Also, follistatin and follistatin-like 3 levels were the highest in MPM, although with less difference compared with activin A. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for activin A for separating NSCLC from benign lung lesion showed an area under the curve of 0.856 (95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.94). Activin A levels were higher in patients with cachexia (P < .001). In patients with MPM, activin A levels correlated positively with computed tomography-based baseline tumor size (R = 0.549; P = .010) and the change in tumor size after chemotherapy (R = 0.743; P = .0006). Patients with partial response or stable disease had lower circulating activin A levels than the ones with progressive disease (P = .028). CONCLUSION Activin A serum level could be used as a biomarker in differentiating malignant and benign lung tumors. Circulating activin A levels were elevated in MPM and associates with cancer cachexia and reduced chemotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juuso Paajanen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Individualized Drug Therapy, Research Programs Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ilkka Ilonen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Individualized Drug Therapy, Research Programs Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Helena Lauri
- Medical Imaging Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tommi Järvinen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eva Sutinen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Individualized Drug Therapy, Research Programs Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hely Ollila
- Individualized Drug Therapy, Research Programs Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva Rouvinen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Transplantation Immunology Program, Research Programs Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karl Lemström
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Transplantation Immunology Program, Research Programs Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jari Räsänen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katri Koli
- Individualized Drug Therapy, Research Programs Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marjukka Myllärniemi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Individualized Drug Therapy, Research Programs Unit, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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27
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Ge J, Sun H, Li J, Shan Y, Zhao Y, Liao F, Yang Y, Cui X, Liu Z. Involvement of CHOP in activin A‑induced myeloma NS‑1 cell apoptosis. Oncol Rep 2019; 42:2644-2654. [PMID: 31638256 PMCID: PMC6859442 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a multifunctional cytokine, is a member of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. It is associated with a variety of pathophysiological processes, including inflammation, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. Chronic or prolonged endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can lead to cells apoptosis. However, whether ER stress-related proteins, such as CHOP, GADD34 are involved in activin A-induced myeloma cell apoptosis remains unknown. In the present study, it was revealed that activin A inhibited the proliferation of myeloma cell line NS-1 cells and induced NS-1 cell apoptosis. Activin A upregulated the expression of CHOP, GADD34, caspase-3, and caspase-12. Moreover, both Smad3 and p-Smad3 levels were increased with treatment of activin A. Further studies revealed that the overexpression of activin signaling protein Smad3 in NS-1 cells increased the levels of CHOP, caspase-3, and p-Smad3. These data indicated that the CHOP protein of the ER stress pathway may be involved in activin A-induced NS-1 cell apoptosis, and also indicated the potential therapy of activin A-induced apoptosis via CHOP signaling for multiple myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyan Ge
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yidi Shan
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Fangwei Liao
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Functional Laboratory, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xueling Cui
- Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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28
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Zessner-Spitzenberg J, Thomas AL, Krett NL, Jung B. TGFβ and activin A in the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer. GENE REPORTS 2019; 17. [PMID: 32154442 DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2019.100501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although overall survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing steadily due to progress in screening, therapeutic options and precise diagnostic tools remain scarce. As the understanding of CRC as a complex and multifactorial condition moves forward, the tumor microenvironment has come into focus as a source of diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets. The role of TGFβ in shifting the epithelial cancer compartment towards invasiveness and a pro-migratory phenotype via stromal signaling has been widely investigated. Accordingly, recent studies have proposed that CRC patients could be stratified into distinct subtypes and have identified one poor prognosis subset of CRC that is characterized by high stromal activity and elevated levels of TGFβ. The TGFβ superfamily member activin A is crucial for the pro-metastatic properties of the TGFβ pathway, yet it has been under-researched in CRC carcinogenesis. In this review, we will elucidate the signaling network and interdependency of both ligands in the context of the tumor microenvironment in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Zessner-Spitzenberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Alexandra L Thomas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Nancy L Krett
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Barbara Jung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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29
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Rautela J, Dagley LF, de Oliveira CC, Schuster IS, Hediyeh-Zadeh S, Delconte RB, Cursons J, Hennessy R, Hutchinson DS, Harrison C, Kita B, Vivier E, Webb AI, Degli-Esposti MA, Davis MJ, Huntington ND, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F. Therapeutic blockade of activin-A improves NK cell function and antitumor immunity. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/596/eaat7527. [PMID: 31455725 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aat7527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play a major role in immunosurveillance against tumor initiation and metastatic spread. The signals and checkpoints that regulate NK cell fitness and function in the tumor microenvironment are not well defined. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a suppressor of NK cells that inhibits interleukin-15 (IL-15)-dependent signaling events and increases the abundance of receptors that promote tissue residency. Here, we showed that NK cells express the type I activin receptor ALK4, which, upon binding to its ligand activin-A, phosphorylated SMAD2/3 to suppress IL-15-mediated NK cell metabolism. Activin-A impaired human and mouse NK cell proliferation and reduced the production of granzyme B to impair tumor killing. Similar to TGF-β, activin-A also induced SMAD2/3 phosphorylation and stimulated NK cells to increase their cell surface expression of several markers of ILC1 cells. Activin-A also induced these changes in TGF-β receptor-deficient NK cells, suggesting that activin-A and TGF-β stimulate independent pathways that drive SMAD2/3-mediated NK cell suppression. Last, inhibition of activin-A by follistatin substantially slowed orthotopic melanoma growth in mice. These data highlight the relevance of examining TGF-β-independent SMAD2/3 signaling mechanisms as a therapeutic axis to relieve NK cell suppression and promote antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Rautela
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura F Dagley
- Systems Biology and Personalized Medicine Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Carolina C de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Células Inflamatórias e Neoplásicas, Departamento de Biologia Celular, SCB, Centro Politecnico, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, CEP 81531-980, PR, Brazil
| | - Iona S Schuster
- Immunology and Virology Program, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Soroor Hediyeh-Zadeh
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca B Delconte
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Joseph Cursons
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert Hennessy
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dana S Hutchinson
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Craig Harrison
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Badia Kita
- Paranta Biosciences Limited, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Eric Vivier
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université, Inserm, CNRS, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Andrew I Webb
- Systems Biology and Personalized Medicine Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Mariapia A Degli-Esposti
- Immunology and Virology Program, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.,Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa J Davis
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology and Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fernando Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. .,University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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30
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Brancaccio M, Pirozzi F, Hirsch E, Ghigo A. Mechanisms underlying the cross-talk between heart and cancer. J Physiol 2019; 598:3015-3027. [PMID: 31278748 DOI: 10.1113/jp276746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases and cancer remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the fact that these two conditions have long been considered as distinct clinical entities, recent epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that they should be contemplated and treated as co-morbidities. Heart failure represents nowadays a well-established complication of cancer, primarily as a consequence of the aggressive use of cardiotoxic anti-cancer treatments. On the other hand, the provocative idea that heart failure can prime carcinogenesis has started to emerge, though the molecular basis is still to be fully elucidated. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the bidirectional communication between the failing heart and the cancer. We will discuss and/or speculate on the role of molecular mediators released by either the tumour or the heart that can potentially link heart failure and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Brancaccio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Flora Pirozzi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ghigo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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31
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Cooke M, Casado-Medrano V, Ann J, Lee J, Blumberg PM, Abba MC, Kazanietz MG. Differential Regulation of Gene Expression in Lung Cancer Cells by Diacyglycerol-Lactones and a Phorbol Ester Via Selective Activation of Protein Kinase C Isozymes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6041. [PMID: 30988374 PMCID: PMC6465381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42581-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite our extensive knowledge on the biology of protein kinase C (PKC) and its involvement in disease, limited success has been attained in the generation of PKC isozyme-specific modulators acting via the C1 domain, the binding site for the lipid second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) and the phorbol ester tumor promoters. Synthetic efforts had recently led to the identification of AJH-836, a DAG-lactone with preferential affinity for novel isozymes (nPKCs) relative to classical PKCs (cPKCs). Here, we compared the ability of AJH-836 and a prototypical phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, PMA) to induce changes in gene expression in a lung cancer model. Gene profiling analysis using RNA-Seq revealed that PMA caused major changes in gene expression, whereas AJH-836 only induced a small subset of genes, thus providing a strong indication for a major involvement of cPKCs in their control of gene expression. MMP1, MMP9, and MMP10 were among the genes most prominently induced by PMA, an effect impaired by RNAi silencing of PKCα, but not PKCδ or PKCε. Comprehensive gene signature analysis and bioinformatics efforts, including functional enrichment and transcription factor binding site analyses of dysregulated genes, identified major differences in pathway activation and transcriptional networks between PMA and DAG-lactones. In addition to providing solid evidence for the differential involvement of individual PKC isozymes in the control of gene expression, our studies emphasize the importance of generating targeted C1 domain ligands capable of differentially regulating PKC isozyme-specific function in cellular models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Victoria Casado-Medrano
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jihyae Ann
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeewoo Lee
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Peter M Blumberg
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Martin C Abba
- Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CP1900, La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Kalli M, Mpekris F, Wong CK, Panagi M, Ozturk S, Thiagalingam S, Stylianopoulos T, Papageorgis P. Activin A Signaling Regulates IL13Rα2 Expression to Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis. Front Oncol 2019; 9:32. [PMID: 30805303 PMCID: PMC6370707 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination of cancer cells to distal organs is the major cause of death for patients suffering from the aggressive basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) subtype. Recently, we have shown that interleukin 13 receptor alpha 2 (IL13Rα2) is a critical gene that is overexpressed in a subset of BLBC primary tumors associated with poor distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and can promote extravasation and metastasis of breast cancer cells to the lungs. However, the upstream signaling mechanisms that promote aberrant IL13Rα2 expression during tumor progression remain unknown. Driven by our previously published gene expression microarray data derived from a well-characterized cell line model for BLBC progression, we show that both Inhibin βA (INHBA) and IL13Rα2 genes exhibit similarly higher expression levels in metastatic compared to non-metastatic cells and that overexpression of both genes predicts worse metastasis-free survival of patients with high grade tumors. Activin A, a member of the TGFβ superfamily comprising two INHBA subunits, has been shown to play context-depended roles in cancer progression. Here, we demonstrate that INHBA depletion downregulates IL13Rα2 expression in metastatic breast cancer cells, whereas treatment with Activin A in non-metastatic cells increases its expression levels. We also find that Activin A predominantly induces Smad2 phosphorylation and to a lesser extent activates Smad3 and Akt. Interestingly, we also show that Activin A-mediated upregulation of IL13Rα2 is Smad2-dependent since knocking down Smad2 or using the ALK4/ALK5 inhibitors EW-7197 and SB-505124 abolishes this effect. Most importantly, our data indicate that knocking down INHBA levels in breast cancer cells delays primary tumor growth, suppresses migration in vitro and inhibits the formation of lung metastases in vivo. Conclusively, our findings presented here suggest that the development of therapeutic interventions employing small molecule inhibitors against Activin receptors or neutralizing antibodies targeting Activin A ligand, could serve as alternative approaches against breast tumors overexpressing INHBA and/or IL13Rα2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Fotios Mpekris
- Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chen K Wong
- Genetics & Genomics and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical Genetics Section, Molecular Medicine Program and Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sait Ozturk
- Genetics & Genomics and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical Genetics Section, Molecular Medicine Program and Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Genetics & Genomics and Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical Genetics Section, Molecular Medicine Program and Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Zhang P, Ruan Y, Xiao J, Chen F, Zhang X. Association of serum follistatin levels with histological types and progression of tumor in human lung cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:162. [PMID: 30377409 PMCID: PMC6195981 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0664-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Follistatin (FST), an activin-binding protein, inhibits activin action by interfering with activin binding to its receptor. The prognostic value of FST has been studied in various cancers. However, these studies rarely focus on lung cancer. In our study, we investigated the relationship between serum FST levels and lung cancer with histologic types, TNM staging, and recurrence. Methods A total of 150 serum samples were collected, including 91 from patients with SCLC or NSCLC, 22 from patients with benign lung diseases, and 37 from healthy subjects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine serum FST levels in healthy subjects, patients with benign lung diseases and patients with lung cancers. Results Serum FST levels in patients with LADC, SCC, LASC, LCLC, and SCLC were much higher than those in healthy subjects and in patients with lung benign disease. A ROC curve was constructed for differentiating the lung cancer from the healthy subjects and benign lung diseases. The results indicated that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.971 and 0.728 respectively. According to TNM staging, serum FST level increased significantly in patients with stage III and IV of LADC. Moreover, serum FST expression were increased in LADC patients with different TNM category. Furthermore, we found that a higher expression of serum FST was correlated with recurrence in LADC patients. Conclusions The serum FST levels gradually increased with the rise of TNM staging and category in lung cancer patients. These data suggest that serum FST levels not only can be used in auxiliary diagnosis for lung cancer but also might be associated with the disease progression and metastasis of lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Zhang
- 1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060 People's Republic of China
| | - Yingxin Ruan
- 2Department of Nephrology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052 People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Xiao
- 4Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070 People's Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- 3Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031 People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Zhang
- 4Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070 People's Republic of China
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Lee RC, Thapa B, John T. LACES and bootstraps: the hunt for prognostic and predictive markers for adjuvant therapy in NSCLC. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2018; 7:S239-S242. [PMID: 30393612 PMCID: PMC6193923 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2018.09.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Chang Lee
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bibhusal Thapa
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thomas John
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
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Nissinen TA, Hentilä J, Penna F, Lampinen A, Lautaoja JH, Fachada V, Holopainen T, Ritvos O, Kivelä R, Hulmi JJ. Treating cachexia using soluble ACVR2B improves survival, alters mTOR localization, and attenuates liver and spleen responses. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2018; 9:514-529. [PMID: 29722201 PMCID: PMC5989872 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cachexia increases morbidity and mortality, and blocking of activin receptor ligands has improved survival in experimental cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully uncovered. METHODS The effects of blocking activin receptor type 2 (ACVR2) ligands on both muscle and non-muscle tissues were investigated in a preclinical model of cancer cachexia using a recombinant soluble ACVR2B (sACVR2B-Fc). Treatment with sACVR2B-Fc was applied either only before the tumour formation or with continued treatment both before and after tumour formation. The potential roles of muscle and non-muscle tissues in cancer cachexia were investigated in order to understand the possible mechanisms of improved survival mediated by ACVR2 ligand blocking. RESULTS Blocking of ACVR2 ligands improved survival in tumour-bearing mice only when the mice were treated both before and after the tumour formation. This occurred without effects on tumour growth, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines or the level of physical activity. ACVR2 ligand blocking was associated with increased muscle (limb and diaphragm) mass and attenuation of both hepatic protein synthesis and splenomegaly. Especially, the effects on the liver and the spleen were observed independent of the treatment protocol. The prevention of splenomegaly by sACVR2B-Fc was not explained by decreased markers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Decreased tibialis anterior, diaphragm, and heart protein synthesis were observed in cachectic mice. This was associated with decreased mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) colocalization with late-endosomes/lysosomes, which correlated with cachexia and reduced muscle protein synthesis. CONCLUSIONS The prolonged survival with continued ACVR2 ligand blocking could potentially be attributed in part to the maintenance of limb and respiratory muscle mass, but many observed non-muscle effects suggest that the effect may be more complex than previously thought. Our novel finding showing decreased mTOR localization in skeletal muscle with lysosomes/late-endosomes in cancer opens up new research questions and possible treatment options for cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuuli A Nissinen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland
| | - Jaakko Hentilä
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland
| | - Fabio Penna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Raffaello, Turin, 10125, Italy
| | - Anita Lampinen
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland
| | - Juulia H Lautaoja
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland
| | - Vasco Fachada
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland
| | - Tanja Holopainen
- Translational Cancer Biology Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, and Wihuri Research Institute, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Riikka Kivelä
- Translational Cancer Biology Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, and Wihuri Research Institute, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
| | - Juha J Hulmi
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Biology of Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Rautpohjankatu 8, Jyväskylä, 40014, Finland.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, 00290, Finland
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Zhang Y, Qi Y, Zhao Y, Sun H, Ge J, Liu Z. Activin A induces apoptosis of mouse myeloma cells via the mitochondrial pathway. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:2590-2594. [PMID: 29434978 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A is a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the transforming growth factor β superfamily. Abnormal expression of activin A is associated with tumorigenesis. Multiple myeloma is characterized by the development of osteolytic disease, which ultimately leads to cachexia. However, the involvement of activin A in myeloma cell viability and apoptosis remains to be fully elucidated. For this purpose, mouse myeloma NS-1 cells were treated with activin A, and subsequently subjected to 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine analysis, Hoechst 33342 staining, flow cytometry and western blot analysis. The results revealed that activin A significantly suppressed NS-1 cell viability, and induced NS-1 cell apoptosis. In addition, activin A-induced promotion of NS-1 cell apoptosis was accompanied by upregulated expression of BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator (Bax), but downregulated expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), resulting in an increase of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Furthermore, cytochrome c and caspase-3 protein expression also increased following treatment with activin A. These data suggest that activin A induces apoptosis in mouse myeloma NS-1 cells via the mitochondrial pathway, providing a novel insight into multiple myeloma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyi Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yan Qi
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jingyan Ge
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Zhonghui Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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Donovan P, Dubey OA, Kallioinen S, Rogers KW, Muehlethaler K, Müller P, Rimoldi D, Constam DB. Paracrine Activin-A Signaling Promotes Melanoma Growth and Metastasis through Immune Evasion. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 137:2578-2587. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.07.845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Loumaye A, de Barsy M, Nachit M, Lause P, van Maanen A, Trefois P, Gruson D, Thissen JP. Circulating Activin A predicts survival in cancer patients. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2017; 8:768-777. [PMID: 28712119 PMCID: PMC5659049 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several experimental evidences pinpoint the possible role of Activin A (ActA) as a driver of cancer cachexia. Supporting this hypothesis, we showed recently that human cancer cachexia is associated with high ActA levels. Moreover, ActA levels were correlated with body weight loss and skeletal muscle density, two prognostic factors in cancer patients. Our goal was therefore to investigate the value of ActA to predict survival in cancer patients. METHODS Patients with colorectal or lung cancer were prospectively enrolled at the time of diagnosis or relapse between January 2012 and March 2014. At baseline, patients had clinical, nutritional, and functional assessment. Body composition and skeletal muscle density were measured by CT scan, and plasma ActA concentrations were determined. Overall survival (OS) was analysed since inclusion to 24 months later. RESULTS Survival data were available for 149 patients out of 152. Patients with high ActA (≥408 pg/mL) had lower OS than those with low levels, regardless the type of cancer (OS in colorectal cancer, 50% vs. 79%, P < 0.05; and in lung cancer, 27% vs. 67%, P = 0.001). The multivariable analysis confirmed the prognostic value of ActA independently of tumour stage or inflammatory markers, particularly in lung cancer. Low muscularity was also an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that high ActA level is an independent prognosis factor of survival in cancer patients. More than a basic marker of the severity of the neoplastic disease or of the inflammatory process, ActA seems to influence survival by contributing to the development of cachexia and loss of skeletal muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Loumaye
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie de Barsy
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Nachit
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lause
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aline van Maanen
- King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Trefois
- Medical Imaging Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Damien Gruson
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory Medicine Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Paul Thissen
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Loumaye A, Thissen JP. Biomarkers of cancer cachexia. Clin Biochem 2017; 50:1281-1288. [PMID: 28739222 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2017.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cachexia is a complex multifactorial syndrome, characterized by loss of skeletal muscle and fat mass, which affects the majority of advanced cancer patients and is associated with poor prognosis. Interestingly, reversing muscle loss in animal models of cancer cachexia leads to prolong survival. Therefore, detecting cachexia and maintaining muscle mass represent a major goal in the care of cancer patients. However, early diagnosis of cancer cachexia is currently limited for several reasons. Indeed, cachexia development is variable according to tumor and host characteristics. In addition, safe, accessible and non-invasive tools to detect skeletal muscle atrophy are desperately lacking in clinical practice. Finally, the precise molecular mechanisms and the key players involved in cancer cachexia remain poorly characterized. The need for an early diagnosis of cancer cachexia supports therefore the quest for a biomarker that might reflect skeletal muscle atrophy process. Current research offers different promising ways to identify such a biomarker. Initially, the quest for a biomarker of cancer cachexia has mostly focused on mediators of muscle atrophy, produced by both tumor and host, in an attempt to define new therapeutic approaches. In another hand, molecules released by the muscle into the circulation during the atrophy process have been also considered as potential biomarkers. More recently, several "omics" studies are emerging to identify new muscular or circulating markers of cancer cachexia. Some genetic markers could also contribute to identify patients more susceptible to develop cachexia. This article reviews our current knowledge regarding potential biomarkers of cancer cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Loumaye
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jean-Paul Thissen
- Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition Department, IREC, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Xiao J, Liu A, Lu X, Chen X, Li W, He S, He B, Chen Q. Prognostic significance of TCF21 mRNA expression in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2027. [PMID: 28515486 PMCID: PMC5435710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several prognostic indicators have shown inconsistencies in patients of different genders with lung adenocarcinoma, indicating that these variations may be due to the different genetic background of males and females with lung adenocarcinoma. In this study, we first used the Gene-Cloud of Biotechnology Information (GCBI) bioinformatics platform to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that eliminated gender differences between lung adenocarcinoma and normal lung tissues. Then, we screened out that transcription factor 21 (TCF21) is a hub gene among these DEGs by creating a gene co-expression network on the GCBI platform. Furthermore, we used the comprehensive survival analysis platforms Kaplan-Meier plotter and PrognoScan to assess the prognostic value of TCF21 expression in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Finally, we concluded that decreased mRNA expression of TCF21 is a predictor for poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xiao
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Aibin Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Lu
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuya He
- Department of Biochemistry & Biology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Bixiu He
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Activin A stimulates migration of the fallopian tube epithelium, an origin of high-grade serous ovarian cancer, through non-canonical signaling. Cancer Lett 2017; 391:114-124. [PMID: 28115208 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Factors that stimulate the migration of fallopian tube epithelial (FTE)-derived high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) to the ovary are poorly elucidated. This study characterized the effect of the ovarian hormone, activin A, on normal FTE and HGSOC. Activin A and TGFβ1 induced an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in murine oviductal epithelial (MOE) cells, but only activin A increased migration. The migratory effect of activin A was independent of Smad2/3 and required phospho-AKT, phospho-ERK, and Rac1. Exogenous activin A stimulated migration of the HGSOC cell line OVCAR3 through a similar mechanism. Activin A signaling inhibitors, SB431542 and follistatin, reduced migration in OVCAR4 cells, which expressed activin A subunits (encoded by INHBA). Murine superovulation increased phospho-Smad2/3 immunostaining in the FTE. In Oncomine, transcripts for the activin A receptors (ACVR1B and ACVR2A) were higher in serous tumors relative to the normal ovary, while inhibitors of activin A signaling (INHA and TGFB3) were lower. High expression of both INHBA and ACVR2A, but not TGFβ receptors or co-receptors, was associated with shorter disease-free survival in serous cancer patients. These results suggest activin A stimulates migration of FTE-derived tumors to the ovary.
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Prognostic value of decreased GRK6 expression in lung adenocarcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2016; 142:2541-2549. [PMID: 27601164 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-016-2244-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) have been implicated in cancer metastasis through phosphorylation of the activated form of G protein-coupled receptors. However, little is known of GRK6 expression in lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) and its potential prognostic value in LADC. METHODS In this study, protein expression of GRK6 was determined in LADC tissues (n = 122) and normal lung tissues (n = 45) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis on tissue microarray (TMA). In addition, mRNA level of GRK6 in matched pairs of cancerous and non-cancerous fresh frozen tissues from 20 LADC patients was investigated using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Furthermore, protein expression level of GRK6 was evaluated in matched pairs of cancerous and non-cancerous fresh frozen tissues from another 18 LADC patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses based on Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to investigate the correlation between GRK6 expression and overall survival of LADC patients. RESULTS According to the IHC analysis on TMA, GRK6 expression was significantly down-regulated in LADC patients, but high in normal lung tissue (P < 0.001). Besides, our qPCR and western blot results confirmed GRK6 down-regulation in both mRNA and protein levels in LADC tissues as compared to matched adjacent non-cancerous tissues (all P < 0.001). Additionally, For TMA slides, protein expression of GRK6 was significantly associated with staging (P = 0.030), pathology grade (P = 0.036). Consistent with the associated poor clinicopathologic features, patients with GRK6 low expression tumors had a worse overall survival compared to patients with GRK6 high expression tumors. Further multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model revealed that GRK6 expression level (P = 0.004) was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. CONCLUSION These findings indicate for the first time that decreased expression of GRK6 may serve as an independent predictor of overall survival in LADC patients.
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Circulating activin A is a novel prognostic biomarker in malignant pleural mesothelioma – A multi-institutional study. Eur J Cancer 2016; 63:64-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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