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Rauth S, Malafa M, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Emerging Trends in Gastrointestinal Cancer Targeted Therapies: Harnessing Tumor Microenvironment, Immune Factors, and Metabolomics Insights. Gastroenterology 2024:S0016-5085(24)04917-5. [PMID: 38759843 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the leading cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths worldwide. The treatment strategies for patients with GI tumors have focused on oncogenic molecular profiles associated with tumor cells. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the tumor cell functions are modulated by its microenvironment, compromising fibroblasts, extracellular matrices, microbiome, immune cells, and the enteric nervous system. Along with the tumor microenvironment components, alterations in key metabolic pathways have emerged as a hallmark of tumor cells. From these perspectives, this review will highlight the functions of different cellular components of the GI tumor microenvironment and their implications for treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the major metabolic reprogramming in GI tumor cells and how understanding metabolic rewiring could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Finally, we briefly summarize the targeted agents currently being studied in GI cancers. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors during tumor progression is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
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2
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA, Bello IO. From complexity to clarity: unravelling tumor heterogeneity through the lens of tumor microenvironment for innovative cancer therapy. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 161:299-323. [PMID: 38189822 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02258-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite the tremendous clinical successes recorded in the landscape of cancer therapy, tumor heterogeneity remains a formidable challenge to successful cancer treatment. In recent years, the emergence of high-throughput technologies has advanced our understanding of the variables influencing tumor heterogeneity beyond intrinsic tumor characteristics. Emerging knowledge shows that drivers of tumor heterogeneity are not only intrinsic to cancer cells but can also emanate from their microenvironment, which significantly favors tumor progression and impairs therapeutic response. Although much has been explored to understand the fundamentals of the influence of innate tumor factors on cancer diversity, the roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are often undervalued. It is therefore imperative that a clear understanding of the interactions between the TME and other tumor intrinsic factors underlying the plastic molecular behaviors of cancers be identified to develop patient-specific treatment strategies. This review highlights the roles of the TME as an emerging factor in tumor heterogeneity. More particularly, we discuss the role of the TME in the context of tumor heterogeneity and explore the cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that could be used to resolve this recurring clinical conundrum. We conclude by speculating on exciting research questions that can advance our understanding of tumor heterogeneity with the goal of developing customized therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O Imodoye
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Kamoru A Adedokun
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Ibrahim O Bello
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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3
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Xu N, Wu J, Wang W, Sun S, Sun M, Bian Y, Zhang H, Liu S, Yu G. Anti-tumor therapy of glycyrrhetinic acid targeted liposome co-delivery of doxorubicin and berberine for hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-023-01512-7. [PMID: 38236508 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01512-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
During the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic stellate cells undergo activation and transform into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) due to the influence of tumor cells. The interaction between CAFs and tumor cells can compromise the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and promote tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This study explores the potential of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-modified liposomes (lip-GA) as a strategy for co-delivery of berberine (Ber) and doxorubicin (Dox) to treat HCC. The characterizations of liposomes, including particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, stability and in vitro drug release, were investigated. The study evaluated the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of Dox&Ber@lip-GA on the Huh-7 + LX-2 cell model were through MTT and wound-healing assays. Additionally, the in vivo drug distribution and anti-tumor efficacy were investigated using the H22 + NIH-3T3-bearing mouse model. The results indicated that Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited a nanoscale particle size, accumulated specifically in the tumor region, and was efficiently taken up by tumor cells. Compared to other groups, Dox&Ber@lip-GA demonstrated higher cytotoxicity and lower migration rates. Additionally, it significantly reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inhibited tumor angiogenesis, thereby suppressing tumor growth. In conclusion, Dox&Ber@lip-GA exhibited superior anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for combating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Jingliang Wu
- School of Nursing, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, China.
| | - Weihao Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
| | - Shujie Sun
- School of Nursing, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, China
| | - Mengmeng Sun
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Yandong Bian
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
| | - Huien Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
| | - Shuzhen Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Guohua Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medicine University, Weifang, China.
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College: Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China.
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4
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Al-Bzour NN, Al-Bzour AN, Ababneh OE, Al-Jezawi MM, Saeed A, Saeed A. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Unveiling Their Dynamic Roles in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16505. [PMID: 38003695 PMCID: PMC10671196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are highly aggressive malignancies with significant mortality rates. Recent research emphasizes the critical role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in these cancers, which includes cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a key component of the TME that have diverse origins, including fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and endothelial cells. Several markers, such as α-SMA and FAP, have been identified to label CAFs, and some specific markers may serve as potential therapeutic targets. In this review article, we summarize the literature on the multifaceted role of CAFs in tumor progression, including their effects on angiogenesis, immune suppression, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, we highlight the use of single-cell transcriptomics to understand CAF heterogeneity and their interactions within the TME. Moreover, we discuss the dynamic interplay between CAFs and the immune system, which contributes to immunosuppression in the TME, and the potential for CAF-targeted therapies and combination approaches with immunotherapy to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor N. Al-Bzour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (N.N.A.-B.); (A.N.A.-B.)
| | - Ayah N. Al-Bzour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (N.N.A.-B.); (A.N.A.-B.)
| | - Obada E. Ababneh
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (O.E.A.); (M.M.A.-J.)
| | - Moayad M. Al-Jezawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (O.E.A.); (M.M.A.-J.)
| | - Azhar Saeed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT 05401, USA;
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (N.N.A.-B.); (A.N.A.-B.)
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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5
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Su AL, Tian CQ, Ou YJ, Bao XB, Huan XJ, Miao ZH, Wang YQ. Proteasome inhibitors reduce CD73 expression partly via decreasing p-ERK in NSCLC cells. Life Sci 2023; 332:122129. [PMID: 37769804 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73), encoded by the NT5E gene, mediates tumor immunosuppression and has been targeted for the development of new anticancer drugs. Proteasome inhibitors impair protein degradation by inhibiting proteasome and have been used in the clinic for cancer therapy. Here we report that proteasome inhibitors reduce the protein and mRNA levels of CD73. Among 127 tested small-molecule drugs, proteasome inhibitors were found to consistently decrease the protein and mRNA levels of CD73 in NSCLC NCI-H1299 cells. This effect was further confirmed in different NSCLC cells exposed to different proteasome inhibitors. In those treated cells, the protein levels of ERK and its active form p-ERK, the vital components in the MAPK pathway, were reduced. Consistently, inhibitors of MEK and ERK, another two members of the MAPK pathway, also lowered the protein and mRNA levels of CD73. Correspondingly, treatments with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), an activator of the MAPK pathway, enhanced the levels of p-ERK and partly rescued the proteasome inhibitor-driven reduction of CD73 mRNA and protein in NSCLC cells. However, exogenous CD73 overexpression in murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells was not lowered either in vitro or in vivo, by the treatments with proteasome inhibitors and basically, did not affect their in vitro proliferative inhibition either. In contrast, CD73 overexpression dramatically reduced the in vivo anticancer activity of Bortezomib in immunocompetent mice, with tumor growth inhibition rates from 52.18 % for LLC/vector down to 8.75 % for LLC/NT5E homografts. These findings give new insights into the anticancer mechanisms of proteasome inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ling Su
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chang-Qing Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying-Jie Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xu-Bin Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xia-Juan Huan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ze-Hong Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Ying-Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.
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Cauli E, Polidoro MA, Marzorati S, Bernardi C, Rasponi M, Lleo A. Cancer-on-chip: a 3D model for the study of the tumor microenvironment. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:53. [PMID: 37592292 PMCID: PMC10436436 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The approval of anticancer therapeutic strategies is still slowed down by the lack of models able to faithfully reproduce in vivo cancer physiology. On one hand, the conventional in vitro models fail to recapitulate the organ and tissue structures, the fluid flows, and the mechanical stimuli characterizing the human body compartments. On the other hand, in vivo animal models cannot reproduce the typical human tumor microenvironment, essential to study cancer behavior and progression. This study reviews the cancer-on-chips as one of the most promising tools to model and investigate the tumor microenvironment and metastasis. We also described how cancer-on-chip devices have been developed and implemented to study the most common primary cancers and their metastatic sites. Pros and cons of this technology are then discussed highlighting the future challenges to close the gap between the pre-clinical and clinical studies and accelerate the approval of new anticancer therapies in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cauli
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Accelera Srl, Nerviano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Marzorati
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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7
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Chen S, Du Y, Guan XY, Yan Q. The current status of tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells in sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204513. [PMID: 37576900 PMCID: PMC10412930 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204513] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous and aggressive liver cancer that presents limited treatment options. Despite being the standard therapy for advanced HCC, sorafenib frequently encounters resistance, emphasizing the need to uncover the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatments. This comprehensive review highlights the crucial interplay between the tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the context of sorafenib resistance. The tumor microenvironment, encompassing hypoxia, immune cells, stromal cells, and exosomes, exerts a significant impact on HCC progression and therapy response. Hypoxic conditions and immune cell infiltration create an immunosuppressive milieu, shielding tumor cells from immune surveillance and hindering therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the presence of CSCs emerges as a prominent contributor to sorafenib resistance, with CD133+ CSCs implicated in drug resistance and tumor initiation. Moreover, CSCs undergo EMT, a process intimately linked to tumor progression, CSC activation, and further promotion of sorafenib resistance, metastasis, and tumor-initiating capacity. Elucidating the correlation between the tumor microenvironment, CSCs, and sorafenib resistance holds paramount importance in the quest to develop reliable biomarkers capable of predicting therapeutic response. Novel therapeutic strategies must consider the influence of the tumor microenvironment and CSC activation to effectively overcome sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqing Du
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceuticals, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Wei S, Wei F, Li M, Yang Y, Zhang J, Li C, Wang J. Target immune components to circumvent sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114798. [PMID: 37121146 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, has been approved for cancer treatment for decades, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although sorafenib produced substantial clinical benefits in the initial stage, a large proportion of cancer patients acquired drug resistance in subsequent treatment, which always disturbs clinical physicians. Cumulative evidence unraveled the underlying mechanism of sorafenib, but few reports focused on the role of immune subpopulations, since the immunological rationale of sorafenib resistance has not yet been defined. Here, we reviewed the immunoregulatory effects of sorafenib on the tumor microenvironment and emphasized the potential immunological mechanisms of therapeutic resistance to sorafenib. Moreover, we also summarized the clinical outcomes and ongoing trials in combination of sorafenib with immunotherapy, highlighted the immunotherapeutic strategies to improve sorafenib efficacy, and put forward several prospective questions aimed at guiding future research in overcoming sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Fenghua Wei
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- R & D Management Department, China National Biotec Group, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, PR China.
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Eun JW, Yoon JH, Ahn HR, Kim S, Kim YB, Lim SB, Park W, Kang TW, Baek GO, Yoon MG, Son JA, Weon JH, Kim SS, Cho HJ, Cheong JY. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived secreted phosphoprotein 1 contributes to resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib and lenvatinib. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:455-479. [PMID: 36919193 PMCID: PMC10091107 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the induction of chemo-resistance. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism underlying CAF-mediated resistance to two tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), sorafenib and lenvatinib, and to identify a novel therapeutic target for overcoming TKI resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS We performed a systematic integrative analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets and whole-transcriptome sequencing data from 9 pairs of CAFs and para-cancer fibroblasts isolated from human HCC and para-tumor tissues, respectively, to identify key molecules that might induce resistance to TKIs. We then performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate selected targets and related mechanisms. The associations of plasma secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) expression levels before sorafenib/lenvatinib treatment with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 54 patients with advanced HCC were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Bioinformatic analysis identified CAF-derived SPP1 as a candidate molecule driving TKI resistance. SPP1 inhibitors reversed CAF-induced TKI resistance in vitro and in vivo. CAF-derived SPP1 activated rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) through the integrin-protein kinase C-alpha (PKCα) signaling pathway and promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A high plasma SPP1 level before TKI treatment was identified as an independent predictor of poor PFS (P = 0.026) and OS (P = 0.047) in patients with advanced HCC after TKI treatment. CONCLUSIONS CAF-derived SPP1 enhances TKI resistance in HCC via bypass activation of oncogenic signals and EMT promotion. Its inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy against TKI resistance in HCC. Moreover, plasma SPP1 level before TKI treatment represents a potential biomarker for treatment response prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Woo Eun
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Jung Hwan Yoon
- Department of PathologyCollege of MedicineThe Catholic University of KoreaSeoulSouth Korea
| | - Hye Ri Ahn
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Seokhwi Kim
- Department of PathologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Young Bae Kim
- Department of PathologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Su Bin Lim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Won Park
- The Moagen, IncDaejeonSouth Korea
| | | | - Geum Ok Baek
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Moon Gyeong Yoon
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Ju A Son
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Ji Hyang Weon
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
- Department of Biomedical SciencesAjou University Graduate School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Department of GastroenterologyAjou University School of MedicineSuwonSouth Korea
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10
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Ying F, Chan MSM, Lee TKW. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:985-999. [PMID: 36708970 PMCID: PMC10040968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) includes hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with poor prognosis. PLC is characterized by an abundant stromal reaction in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major stromal components. Solid evidence has demonstrated the crucial role of CAFs in tumor progression, and CAF abundance is often correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Although CAFs are regarded as an attractive and promising target for PLC treatment, a poor understanding of CAF origins and heterogeneity and a lack of specific CAF markers are the major hurdles to efficient CAF-specific therapy. In this review, we examine recent advances in the understanding of CAF diversity in the context of biomarkers, subtypes, and functions in PLC. The regulatory roles of CAFs in extracellular matrix remodeling, metastasis, cancer stemness, and therapeutic resistance are summarized. With an increasing link between CAF abundance and reduced antitumor immune responses, we provide updated knowledge on the crosstalk between CAFs and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, which leads to immune resistance. In addition, we present current CAF-targeted therapies and describe some future perspectives. A better understanding of CAF biology will shed light on a novel therapeutic strategy against PLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Ying
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Mandy Sze Man Chan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong.
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11
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Zulaziz N, Chai SJ, Lim KP. The origins, roles and therapies of cancer associated fibroblast in liver cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1151373. [PMID: 37035187 PMCID: PMC10076538 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1151373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer. It is often preceded by chronic inflammation such as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Different cell types are believed to give rise to liver-specific cancer associated fibroblast (CAF), these include resident fibroblast, hepatic stellate cell, liver cancer cell, hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cell and mesenchymal stromal cell. The abundance of fibroblasts has contributed to the cancer progression, immune modulation and treatment resistance in HCC. In this review, we discussed the origins, subtypes and roles of cancer associated fibroblasts in HCC. Their specific roles in shaping the tumor microenvironment, facilitating cancer growth, and modulating different immune cell types to confer a permissive environment for cancer growth. CAF is now an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment, however specific therapeutic development in HCC is still lacking. Hence, we have included preclinical and clinical development of CAF-specific interventions for other cancer types in this review. However, most CAF-specific therapies have resulted in disappointing clinical outcomes, likely due to the difficulties in differentiating CAF from normal fibroblast. A thorough understanding of the characteristics and functionalities of CAF is warranted to further improve the therapeutic efficacy of anti-CAF therapies.
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Nallasamy P, Nimmakayala RK, Parte S, Are AC, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. Tumor microenvironment enriches the stemness features: the architectural event of therapy resistance and metastasis. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:225. [PMID: 36550571 PMCID: PMC9773588 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01682-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer divergence has many facets other than being considered a genetic term. It is a tremendous challenge to understand the metastasis and therapy response in cancer biology; however, it postulates the opportunity to explore the possible mechanism in the surrounding tumor environment. Most deadly solid malignancies are distinctly characterized by their tumor microenvironment (TME). TME consists of stromal components such as immune, inflammatory, endothelial, adipocytes, and fibroblast cells. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer stem-like cells are a small sub-set of the population within cancer cells believed to be a responsible player in the self-renewal, metastasis, and therapy response of cancer cells. The correlation between TME and CSCs remains an enigma in understanding the events of metastasis and therapy resistance in cancer biology. Recent evidence suggests that TME dictates the CSCs maintenance to arbitrate cancer progression and metastasis. The immune, inflammatory, endothelial, adipocyte, and fibroblast cells in the TME release growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, microRNAs, and exosomes that provide cues for the gain and maintenance of CSC features. These intricate cross-talks are fueled to evolve into aggressive, invasive, migratory phenotypes for cancer development. In this review, we have abridged the recent developments in the role of the TME factors in CSC maintenance and how these events influence the transition of tumor progression to further translate into metastasis and therapy resistance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Seema Parte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Abhirup C Are
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5870, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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13
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Fang Z, Meng Q, Xu J, Wang W, Zhang B, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Zhao Y, Yu X, Shi S. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts: recent advances and future perspectives. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 43:3-41. [PMID: 36424360 PMCID: PMC9859735 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Well-known signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, Wnt, Hippo, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, as well as transcription factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), P53, Snail, and Twist, constitute complex regulatory networks in the TME to modulate the formation, activation, heterogeneity, metabolic characteristics and malignant phenotype of CAFs. Activated CAFs remodel the TME and influence the malignant biological processes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptional and secretory characteristics, and this modulation partially depends on the regulation of signaling cascades. The results of preclinical and clinical trials indicated that therapies targeting signaling pathways in CAFs demonstrated promising efficacy but were also accompanied by some failures (e.g., NCT01130142 and NCT01064622). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling cascades in CAFs might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the development of more efficient and safer stroma-targeted cancer therapies. Here, we review recent advances in studies of signaling pathways in CAFs and briefly discuss some future perspectives on CAF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Yingjun Zhao
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghai200032P. R. China,Department of OncologyShanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer InstituteShanghai200032P. R. China,Pancreatic Cancer InstituteFudan UniversityShanghai200032P. R. China
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14
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Zhang J, Han H, Wang L, Wang W, Yang M, Qin Y. Overcoming the therapeutic resistance of hepatomas by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988956. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Multifactorial drug resistance is regarded as the major cause of treatment failure in HCC. Accumulating evidence shows that the constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor vasculature, immune cells, physical factors, cytokines, and exosomes may explain the therapeutic resistance mechanisms in HCC. In recent years, anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in HCC patients. However, due to enhanced communication between the tumor and TME, the effect of heterogeneity of the microenvironment on therapeutic resistance is particularly complicated, which suggests a more challenging research direction. In addition, it has been reported that the three-dimensional (3D) organoid model derived from patient biopsies is more intuitive to fully understand the role of the TME in acquired resistance. Therefore, in this review, we have focused not only on the mechanisms and targets of therapeutic resistance related to the contents of the TME in HCC but also provide a comprehensive description of 3D models and how they contribute to the exploration of HCC therapies.
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15
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Chen XM, Liu YY, Tao BY, Xue XM, Zhang XX, Wang LL, Zhong H, Zhang J, Yang SM, Jiang QQ. NT5E upregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A novel biomarker on cancer-associated fibroblasts for predicting immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:975847. [PMID: 36091055 PMCID: PMC9458906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.975847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress made in the diagnosis and managements, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) remains a global medical dilemma with dismal clinical prognosis and high mortality. Gene NT5E encodes the ecto-5’-nucleotidase (CD73), which facilitates the formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) permissive for tumor progression in various malignancies. Nevertheless, the cell subsets NT5E expressed on and the potential function of NT5E in the TME of HNSC remain virgin lands in HNSC. In this study, we comprehensively performed integrated prognostic analysis and elucidated that NT5E was an independent prognostic indicator for HNSC, for which a high NT5E level predicted poor overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS) and progression-free interval (PFI) in HNSC patients (p<0.05). Enrichment analyses revealed the close correlation between NT5E and ECM remodeling, and the latent function of NT5E may involve in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis during HNSC progression. HNSC-related immune infiltration analysis and single-cell type analysis demonstrated that NT5E expression was significantly positively associated with cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in HNSC (p<0.01). NT5E-related TME analysis revealed that NT5E-high group are characterized by low neoantigen loads (NAL, p<0.001) and tumor mutation burden (TMB, p<0.01), indicating high-NT5E-expression HNSC patients may be recalcitrant to immunotherapy. In-situ multicolor immunofluorescence staining was later conducted and the results further verified our findings. Taken together, NT5E could be a novel biomarker in HNSC. Predominantly expressed on CAFs, the upregulation of NT5E might predict an immunosuppressive TME for HNSC patients who may benefit little from immunotherapy. Targeting CAFs with high NT5E expression might be a novel therapeutic strategy for HNSC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-min Chen
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-yang Liu
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing-yan Tao
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-miao Xue
- Medical School of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-xin Zhang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Lin-lin Wang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qing-qing Jiang, ; Shi-ming Yang, ; Jun Zhang,
| | - Shi-ming Yang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qing-qing Jiang, ; Shi-ming Yang, ; Jun Zhang,
| | - Qing-qing Jiang
- Senior Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Otolaryngologic Diseases, State Key Lab of Hearing Science, Beijing Key Lab of Hearing Impairment Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Qing-qing Jiang, ; Shi-ming Yang, ; Jun Zhang,
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16
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Tian X, Yan T, Liu F, Liu Q, Zhao J, Xiong H, Jiang S. Link of sorafenib resistance with the tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: Mechanistic insights. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:991052. [PMID: 36071839 PMCID: PMC9441942 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.991052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic properties, is the first-line treatment for patients with late-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the therapeutic effect remains limited due to sorafenib resistance. Only about 30% of HCC patients respond well to the treatment, and the resistance almost inevitably happens within 6 months. Thus, it is critical to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and identify effective approaches to improve the therapeutic outcome. According to recent studies, tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune escape play critical roles in tumor occurrence, metastasis and anti-cancer drug resistance. The relevant mechanisms were focusing on hypoxia, tumor-associated immune-suppressive cells, and immunosuppressive molecules. In this review, we focus on sorafenib resistance and its relationship with liver cancer immune microenvironment, highlighting the importance of breaking sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinchen Tian
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tinghao Yan
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qingbin Liu
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Basic Medical School, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Huabao Xiong, ; Shulong Jiang,
| | - Shulong Jiang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Clinical Medical Laboratory Center, Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Huabao Xiong, ; Shulong Jiang,
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17
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Peng H, Zhu E, Zhang Y. Advances of cancer-associated fibroblasts in liver cancer. Biomark Res 2022; 10:59. [PMID: 35971182 PMCID: PMC9380339 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00406-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, it is ranked sixth in incidence and fourth in mortality. According to the distinct origin of malignant tumor cells, liver cancer is mainly divided into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Since most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, the prognosis of liver cancer is poor. Tumor growth depends on the dynamic interaction of various cellular components in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As the most abundant components of tumor stroma, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been involved in the progression of liver cancer. The interplay between CAFs and tumor cells, immune cells, or vascular endothelial cells in the TME through direct cell-to-cell contact or indirect paracrine interaction, affects the initiation and development of tumors. Additionally, CAFs are not a homogeneous cell population in liver cancer. Recently, single-cell sequencing technology has been used to help better understand the diversity of CAFs in liver cancer. In this review, we mainly update the knowledge of CAFs both in HCC and CCA, including their cell origins, chemoresistance, tumor stemness induction, tumor immune microenvironment formation, and the role of tumor cells on CAFs. Understanding the context-dependent role of different CAFs subsets provides new strategies for precise liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Peng
- Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Erwei Zhu
- The Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang (The Oncology Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang, 222006, China
| | - Yewei Zhang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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18
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The Effects of CD73 on Gastrointestinal Cancer Progression and Treatment. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:4330329. [PMID: 35620732 PMCID: PMC9130010 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4330329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is a common and deadly malignant tumor. CD73, a cell-surface protein, acts as a switch of the adenosine-related signaling pathway that can cause significant immunosuppression. Recent evidence has emerged that CD73 is a promising immunotherapy target for regaining immune cell function and restraining tumorigenesis, and a growing stream of research indicates that combining immunotherapy with other therapies can effectively improve the prognosis and survival of GI cancer patients. Several immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for use in GI cancer recently; however, they have demonstrated limited efficacy. Solving the problem of immunosuppression in GI cancer is the key to developing an effective therapeutic option and the modulation of CD73 expression may provide an answer. In this review, we discuss current research on CD73 in gastric, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer to evaluate its therapeutic potential as an immunotherapy target in GI cancers.
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Zhou Y, Tang W, Zhuo H, Zhu D, Rong D, Sun J, Song J. Cancer-associated fibroblast exosomes promote chemoresistance to cisplatin in hepatocellular carcinoma through circZFR targeting signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT3)/ nuclear factor -kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:4786-4797. [PMID: 35139763 PMCID: PMC8973934 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2032972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been found to be influenced by exosomal transport of circRNAs. However, the role of circZFR in HCC chemoresistance still remains unclear. In the present study, circZFR was highly expressed in cisplatin (DDP)-resistant HCC cell lines and could regulate DDP resistance of the HCC cells. Also, circZFR was highly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) and the exosome of CAFs. In addition, supplementation of CAFs in culture medium could promote DDP resistance of HCC cells. In vivo tumor xenograft experiments showed that knockdown of circZFR inhibited tumor growth and weakened DDP resistance, while CAFs-derived exosomes incubation increased the expression of circZFR, inhibited the STAT3/NF-κB pathway, promoted tumor growth, and enhanced DDP resistance. In general, CAFs-derived exosomes deliver circZFR to HCC cells, inhibit the STAT3/NF-κB pathway, and promote HCC development and chemoresistance. The results provided a new sight for the prevention and treatment of chemoresistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhou
- Department of Ultrasonography, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Nhc Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliary Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Nhc Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliary Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Deming Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Nhc Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliary Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dawei Rong
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Nhc Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliary Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhua Song
- Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Nhc Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Hepatobiliary Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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20
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Hao X, Sun G, Zhang Y, Kong X, Rong D, Song J, Tang W, Wang X. Targeting Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of HCC: New Opportunities and Challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:775462. [PMID: 34869376 PMCID: PMC8633569 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.775462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune associated cells in the microenvironment have a significant impact on the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and have received more and more attention. Different types of immune-associated cells play different roles, including promoting/inhibiting HCC and several different types that are controversial. It is well known that immune escape of HCC has become a difficult problem in tumor therapy. Therefore, in recent years, a large number of studies have focused on the immune microenvironment of HCC, explored many mechanisms worth identifying tumor immunosuppression, and developed a variety of immunotherapy methods as targets, laying the foundation for the final victory in the fight against HCC. This paper reviews recent studies on the immune microenvironment of HCC that are more reliable and important, and provides a more comprehensive view of the investigation of the immune microenvironment of HCC and the development of more immunotherapeutic approaches based on the relevant summaries of different immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopei Hao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangshun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyi Kong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dawei Rong
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhua Song
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Tang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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21
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Jia W, Liang S, Cheng B, Ling C. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Value of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763519. [PMID: 34868982 PMCID: PMC8636329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis are the main reasons for the high mortality of liver cancer, which involve the interaction of tumor stromal cells and malignant cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major constituents of tumor stromal cells affecting tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The heterogeneous properties and sources of CAFs make both tumor-supporting and tumor-suppression effects possible. The mechanisms for CAFs in supporting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression can be categorized into upregulated aggressiveness and stemness, transformed metabolism toward glycolysis and glutamine reductive carboxylation, polarized tumor immunity toward immune escape of HCC cells, and increased angiogenesis. The tumor-suppressive effect of fibroblasts highlights the functional heterogenicity of CAF populations and provides new insights into tumor–stromal interplay mechanisms. In this review, we introduced several key inflammatory signaling pathways in the transformation of CAFs from normal stromal cells and the heterogeneous biofunctions of activated CAFs. In view of the pleiotropic regulation properties of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and heterogeneous effects of CAFs, we also introduced the application and values of TCM in the treatment of HCC through targeting CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changquan Ling
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Liu J, Yang C, Huang XM, Lv PP, Yang YK, Zhao JN, Zhao SY, Sun WJ. Knockdown of FBI-1 Inhibits the Warburg Effect and Enhances the Sensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Molecular Targeted Agents via miR-3692/HIF-1α. Front Oncol 2021; 11:796839. [PMID: 34869045 PMCID: PMC8633402 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.796839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription suppressor factor FBI-1 (the factor that binds to inducer of short transcripts-1) is an important regulator of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this work, the results showed that FBI-1 promoted the Warburg effect and enhances the resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to molecular targeted agents. Knockdown of FBI-1 via its small-interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the ATP level, lactate productions, glucose uptake or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activation of HCC cells. Transfection of siFBI-1 also decreased the expression of the Warburg-effect-related factors: hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), or GLUT1, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related factors, Vimentin or N-cadherin. The positive correlation between the expression of FBI-1 with HIF-1α, LDHA, or GLUT1 was confirmed in HCC tissues. Mechanistically, the miR-30c repressed the expression of HIF-1α by binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of HIF-1α in a sequence-specific manner, and FBI-1 enhanced the expression of HIF-1α and HIF-1α pathway's activation by repressing the expression of miR. By modulating the miR-30c/HIF-1α, FBI-1 promoted the Warburg effect or the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HCC cells and promoted the resistance of HCC cells to molecular targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- Department of Hematology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Hematology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Huang
- Department of Hematology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Pan-Pan Lv
- Department of Hematology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Kun Yang
- Department of Hematology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Na Zhao
- Department of Hematology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Huicheng Medical Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Jun Sun
- Department of Hematology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, China
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Review: Challenges of In Vitro CAF Modelling in Liver Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235914. [PMID: 34885024 PMCID: PMC8656609 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer and tumours spreading from other organs to the liver are associated with high death rates. Current treatments include surgical removal of the tumour and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, patients are often re-diagnosed with liver nodules in the years after cessation of the treatment. Therefore, scientists are looking for alternative treatment strategies, and these include targeting the tumour environment. The tumour environment includes the cancer-associated fibroblasts, which could be an interesting target for therapy in combination with current strategies. In this review paper we summarize the current models to investigate the effect of the tumour on the cancer-associated fibroblasts. Not many studies focus on the cancer-associated fibroblasts in non-animal models and this should improve in order to better understand the role of the cancer-associated fibroblasts and to evaluate the potential of cancer-associated fibroblast-directed therapies. Abstract Primary and secondary liver cancer are the third cause of death in the world, and as the incidence is increasing, liver cancer represents a global health burden. Current treatment strategies are insufficient to permanently cure patients from this devastating disease, and therefore other approaches are under investigation. The importance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumour microenvironment is evident, and many pre-clinical studies have shown increased tumour aggressiveness in the presence of CAFs. However, it remains unclear how hepatic stellate cells are triggered by the tumour to become CAFs and how the recently described CAF subtypes originate and orchestrate pro-tumoural effects. Specialized in vitro systems will be needed to address these questions. In this review, we present the currently used in vitro models to study CAFs in primary and secondary liver cancer and highlight the trend from using oversimplified 2D culture systems to more complex 3D models. Relatively few studies report on the impact of cancer (sub)types on CAFs and the tumour microenvironment, and most studies investigated the impact of secreted factors due to the nature of the models.
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The effect of COVID-19 derived cytokine storm on cancer cells progression: double-edged sword. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:605-615. [PMID: 34657251 PMCID: PMC8520341 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06800-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) was first detected in Wuhan, China in December, 2019. The emerging virus causes a respiratory illness, that can trigger a cytokine storm in the body. METHOD Cytokine storm in patient's body is associated with severe forms of disease. It is one of the main complications of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), in which immune cells play a major role. Studies have shown immune cells in the tumor environment can be effective to induce resistance to chemotherapy in cancer patients. RESULT Therefore, considering the role of immune cells to induce cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients, and their role to cause resistance to chemotherapy, they are effective on disease progression and creation of severe form of disease. CONCLUSION By examining the signaling pathways and inducing resistance to chemotherapy in tumor cells and the cells affect them, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of severe forms of the disease in cancer patients with COVID-19; it is applicable using target therapy and other subsequent treatment strategies.
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Zheng W, Zhu Y, Chen X, Zhao J. CD73 expression in myeloid-derived suppressor cells is correlated with clinical stages in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1148. [PMID: 34430589 PMCID: PMC8350661 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-2589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (cluster of differentiation 73/CD73) is an ectonucleotidase that is being evaluated as a biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of various types of cancer. However, the clinicopathological relationship between CD73 expression in monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) and polymorphonuclear MDSC (PMN-MDSCs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is not clear. Understanding the phenotypic and functional characteristics of human CD73+ MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment could help elucidate the roles of these cells in the ontogeny, spread, and treatment of solid cancer. Methods In the present study, we first analyzed the expression percentage of human M-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs subsets circulating in peripheral blood of patients with head and neck tumors originated in nasopharynx, oropharynx, oropharynx and larynx. To identify the correlation between phenotypic characteristics of MDSCs and clinical stages in HNSCC, we extended the study by analyzing the percentage, CD73 phenotype and immunosuppressive function of MDSCs and the correlation with the clinical parameters. Moreover, we compare the functions of both M-MDSCs and PMN-MDSCs blunts T-cell function in an ectonucleotidase-dependent manner. Results Our study revealed that PMN-MDSCs were significantly increased in HNSCC patients, contributing to MDSC-mediated T cell immune suppression. Our results indicated that PMN-MDSCs comprised the majority of MDSCs participating in anticancer immunosuppression. The increase in PMN-MDSCs was directly correlated with the clinical stages of HNSCC. Levels of CD73 were increased in PMN-MDSCs and were correlated with the clinical stages of HNSCC. The ectonucleotidase inhibitor adenosine 5'-(α,β-methylene)diphosphate (APCP) decreased its suppression towards T cell proliferation. Ectonucleotidase inhibitors are promising candidates for the treatment of HNSCC. Conclusions These studies demonstrate the expansion of PMN-MDSCs correlated with expression of CD73 and increasing clinical stages in HNSCC. These CD73+ PMN-MDSCs contributes to T cell immune suppression activity in HNSCC patients. Using ectonucleotidase inhibitors is a promising rationale for PMN-MDSCs in future clinical development of immunotherapy in human HNSCC cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihui Zheng
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- NanoDrug Platform, Zhejiang California International NanoSystems Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianqiang Zhao
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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26
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Fu J, Su X, Li Z, Deng L, Liu X, Feng X, Peng J. HGF/c-MET pathway in cancer: from molecular characterization to clinical evidence. Oncogene 2021; 40:4625-4651. [PMID: 34145400 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01863-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive landscape of HGF/c-MET (hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) /mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET)) signaling pathway in cancers. First, we generalize the compelling influence of HGF/c-MET pathway on multiple cellular processes. Then, we present the genomic characterization of HGF/c-MET pathway in carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we extensively illustrate the malignant biological behaviors of HGF/c-MET pathway in cancers, in which hyperactive HGF/c-MET signaling is considered as a hallmark. In addition, we investigate the current clinical trials of HGF/c-MET-targeted therapy in cancers. We find that although HGF/c-MET-targeted therapy has led to breakthroughs in certain cancers, monotherapy of targeting HGF/c-MET has failed to demonstrate significant clinical efficacy in most cancers. With the advantage of the combinations of HGF/c-MET-targeted therapy, the exploration of more options of combinational targeted therapy in cancers may be the major challenge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjiang Fu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorui Su
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Li
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Deng
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiawei Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuancheng Feng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Juan Peng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China.
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27
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Wu F, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Mu J, Zeng Q, Deng S, Zhou H. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts and targeted therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:218. [PMID: 34108441 PMCID: PMC8190181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To flourish, cancers greatly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME are critical for cancer occurrence and progression because of their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, maintenance of stemness, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, immune response, and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous stromal cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells is mediated by a complex and intricate signaling network consisting of transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hippo, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, etc., signaling pathways. These signals in CAFs exhibit their own special characteristics during the cancer progression and have the potential to be targeted for anticancer therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these signaling cascades in interactions between cancer cells and CAFs is necessary to fully realize the pivotal roles of CAFs in cancers. Herein, in this review, we will summarize the enormous amounts of findings on the signals mediating crosstalk of CAFs with cancer cells and its related targets or trials. Further, we hypothesize three potential targeting strategies, including, namely, epithelial-mesenchymal common targets, sequential target perturbation, and crosstalk-directed signaling targets, paving the way for CAF-directed or host cell-directed antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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28
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Zhang J, Gu C, Song Q, Zhu M, Xu Y, Xiao M, Zheng W. Identifying cancer-associated fibroblasts as emerging targets for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:127. [PMID: 33292459 PMCID: PMC7603733 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00488-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex multicellular functional compartment that includes fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM) elements. The microenvironment provides an optimum condition for the initiation, growth, and dissemination of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As one of the critical and abundant components in tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been implicated in the progression of HCC. Through secreting various growth factors and cytokines, CAFs contribute to the ECM remodeling, stem features, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM), which reinforce the initiation and development of HCC. In order to restrain the CAFs-initiated HCC progression, current strategies include targeting specific markers, engineering CAFs with tumor-suppressive phenotype, depleting CAFs’ precursors, and repressing the secretions or downstream signaling. In this review, we update the emerging understanding of CAFs in HCC, with particular emphasis on cellular origin, phenotypes, biological functions and targeted strategies. It provides insights into the targeting CAFs for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chaoyu Gu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qixiu Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, One Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Mengqi Zhu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqing Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingbing Xiao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 20 Xisi Road, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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