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Ghazi B, El Ghanmi A, Kandoussi S, Ghouzlani A, Badou A. CAR T-cells for colorectal cancer immunotherapy: Ready to go? Front Immunol 2022; 13:978195. [PMID: 36458008 PMCID: PMC9705989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.978195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells represent a new genetically engineered cell-based immunotherapy tool against cancer. The use of CAR T-cells has revolutionized the therapeutic approach for hematological malignancies. Unfortunately, there is a long way to go before this treatment can be developed for solid tumors, including colorectal cancer. CAR T-cell therapy for colorectal cancer is still in its early stages, and clinical data are scarce. Major limitations of this therapy include high toxicity, relapses, and an impermeable tumor microenvironment for CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer. In this review, we summarize current knowledge, highlight challenges, and discuss perspectives regarding CAR T-cell therapy in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouchra Ghazi
- Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Adil El Ghanmi
- Mohammed VI International University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mohammed VI University of Health Sciences (UM6SS), Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sarah Kandoussi
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Amina Ghouzlani
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdallah Badou
- Immuno-Genetics and Human Pathology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
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Abstract
Western blotting (WB), also known as immunoblotting, is a well-known molecular biology method that biologists often use to investigate many features of the protein, ranging from basic protein analysis to disease detection. WB is simple, unique, rapid, widely used routine tool with easy interpretation and definite results. It is being used in various fields of science, research and development, diagnostic labs and hospitals. The principle of WB is to accomplish the separation of proteins based on molecular weight and charge. This review addresses in detail the individual steps involved in the WB technique, its troubleshooting, internal loading controls, total protein staining and its diverse applications in scientific research and clinical settings, along with its future perspectives.
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Kalantari E, Razmi M, Tajik F, Asadi-Lari M, Ghods R, Madjd Z. Oncogenic functions and clinical significances of DCLK1 isoforms in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:217. [PMID: 35717205 PMCID: PMC9206744 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02632-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The oncogenic role of doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) as a putative cancer stem cell (CSC) marker has been clarified in colorectal cancer (CRC). Isoform-specific functions of DCLK1 have shed new light on different functions of DCLK1 short (DCLK1-S) and DCLK1 long (DCLK1-L) isoforms in tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review the available in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence on the oncogenic roles and clinical significance of DCLK1 isoforms in colorectal cancer. Methods The literature databases of PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Embase were searched to identify eligible articles. The description characteristics of in vitro and pre-clinical studies were extracted from identified reports. In addition, hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were recorded to determine the relationships between DCLK1-L and DCLK1-S expression and prognostic outcomes in patients with CRC. Results Both in vitro and in vivo evidence have emphasized the potential oncogenic functions of DCLK1 in tumor initiation, self-renewal ability, tumor invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis. However, the anti-DCLK1 antibodies generally utilized in these studies could detect sequence homology epitopes of both isoforms. Recent limited isoform-specific evidence has strongly supported the significant positive expression and rather oncogenic efficacy of DCLK1-S in tumorigenesis, EMT, and invasion compared with DCLK1-L in human CRC cell lines. Our meta-analysis findings of limited clinical studies indicated that only overexpression of DCLK1-S is associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 7.930, 95% CI 2.252–27.924, p = 0.001). Increased expression of both DCLK1-S (HR = 1.610, 95% CI 1.020–2.541, p = 0.041) and DCLK1-L (HR = 5.890, 95% CI 1.219–28.453, p = 0.027) isoforms was closely associated with worse DSS/CSS in CRC patients. Furthermore, the high expression of DCLK1-S was found to be associated with poor DFS/RFS/PFS (HR = 1.913, 95% CI 1.230–2.973, p = 0.004). Conclusions The current findings strongly supported that the DCLK1-S isoform may play a crucial role in the invasion, aggressive tumor behavior, and worsened survival outcomes of CRC patients. However, further critical investigations related to the potential preclinical and clinical utilities of DCLK1-S as a specific CRC-CSC marker are warranted. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02632-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Kalantari
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Razmi
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tajik
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Asadi-Lari
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ghods
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran.
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Lorenzo N, Sabina DM, Guido C, Ilaria Grazia Z, Samira S, Valeria A, Daniele C, Diletta O, Antonella G, Marco M, Daniela B, Valerio DP, Andrea O, Agostino Maria DR, Fabio M, Maria Consiglia B, Jessica F, Sara M, Gian Luca G, Pierluigi Benedetti P, Paquale Bartomeo B, Felice G, Vincenzo C, Pietro I, Giuseppina C, Eugenio G, Domenico A. DCLK1, a Putative Stem Cell Marker in Human Cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2021; 73:144-159. [PMID: 32978808 PMCID: PMC8243252 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a very aggressive cancer showing the presence of high cancer stem cells (CSCs). Doublecortin-like kinase1 (DCLK1) has been demonstrated as a CSC marker in different gastroenterological solid tumors. Our aim was to evaluate in vitro the expression and the biological function of DCLK1 in intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) and perihilar CCA (pCCA). APPROACH AND RESULTS Specimens surgically resected of human CCA were enzymatically digested, submitted to immunosorting for specific CSC markers (LGR5 [leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor], CD [clusters of differentiation] 90, EpCAM [epithelial cell adhesion molecule], CD133, and CD13), and primary cell cultures were prepared. DCLK1 expression was analyzed in CCA cell cultures by real-time quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Functional studies have been performed by evaluating the effects of selective DCLK1 inhibitor (LRRK2-IN-1) on cell proliferation (MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] assay, cell population doubling time), apoptosis, and colony formation capacity. DCLK1 was investigated in situ by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR. DCLK1 serum concentration was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We describe DCLK1 in CCA with an increased gene and protein DCLK1 expression in pCCALGR5+ and in iCCACD133+ cells compared with unsorted cells. LRRK2-IN-1 showed an anti-proliferative effect in a dose-dependent manner. LRRK2-IN-1 markedly impaired cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and decreased colony formation capacity and colony size in both iCCA and pCCA compared with the untreated cells. In situ analysis confirmed that DCLK1 is present only in tumors, and not in healthy tissue. Interestingly, DCLK1 was detected in the human serum samples of patients with iCCA (high), pCCA (high), HCC (low), and cirrhosis (low), but it was almost undetectable in healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS DCLK1 characterizes a specific CSC subpopulation of iCCACD133+ and pCCALGR5+ , and its inhibition exerts anti-neoplastic effects in primary CCA cell cultures. Human DCLK1 serum might represent a serum biomarker for the early CCA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevi Lorenzo
- Department of BiosciencesUniversity of MilanMilanItaly,Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Di Matteo Sabina
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly,Department of ImmunologyBambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Carpino Guido
- Department of MovementHuman and Health SciencesUniversity of Rome “Foro Italico”RomeItaly
| | | | - Safarikia Samira
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Ambrosino Valeria
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Costantini Daniele
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Overi Diletta
- Department of AnatomicalHistological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Giancotti Antonella
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urologic SciencesUmberto I HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Monti Marco
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urologic SciencesUmberto I HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Bosco Daniela
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and CytodiagnosticSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - De Peppo Valerio
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery IRCCSRegina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - Oddi Andrea
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery IRCCSRegina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - De Rose Agostino Maria
- Surgery, Hepatobiliary UnitCatholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine and SurgeryRomeItaly
| | - Melandro Fabio
- Department of General Surgery and Organ TransplantationSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | - Faccioli Jessica
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and BiotechnologiesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Massironi Sara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver DiseasesDepartment of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan‐BicoccaMonzaItaly,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE‐LIVER)San Gerardo HospitalMonzaItaly
| | - Grazi Gian Luca
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery IRCCSRegina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - Panici Pierluigi Benedetti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urologic SciencesUmberto I HospitalSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | - Giuliante Felice
- Surgery, Hepatobiliary UnitCatholic University of the Sacred Heart School of Medicine and SurgeryRomeItaly
| | - Cardinale Vincenzo
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and BiotechnologiesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Invernizzi Pietro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver DiseasesDepartment of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan‐BicoccaMonzaItaly,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE‐LIVER)San Gerardo HospitalMonzaItaly
| | | | - Gaudio Eugenio
- Department of AnatomicalHistological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Alvaro Domenico
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
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Liu J, Feng Y, Zeng X, He M, Gong Y, Liu Y. Extracellular vesicles-encapsulated let-7i shed from bone mesenchymal stem cells suppress lung cancer via KDM3A/DCLK1/FXYD3 axis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 25:1911-1926. [PMID: 33350586 PMCID: PMC7882949 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in lung cancer treatment. Thus, we aimed to investigate the modulatory role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-EV-derived let-7i and their molecular mechanism in lung cancer progression. Microarray-based analysis was applied to predict lung cancer-related miRNAs and their downstream genes. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to determine Let-7i, lysine demethylase 3A (KDM3A), doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) and FXYD domain-containing ion transport regulator 3 (FXYD3) expressions, after which dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and ChIP assay were used to identify the relationship among them. After loss- and gain-of-function assays, the effects of let-7i, KDM3A, DCLK1 and FXYD3 on the biological characteristics of lung cancer cells were assessed. Finally, tumour growth in nude mice was assessed by xenograft tumours in nude mice. Bioinformatics analysis screened out the let-7i and its downstream gene, that is KDM3A. The findings showed the presence of a high expression of KDM3A and DCLK1 and reduced expression of let-7i and FXYD3 in lung cancer. KDM3A elevated DCLK1 by removing the methylation of H3K9me2. Moreover, DCLK1 suppressed the FXYD3 expression. BMSC-EV-derived let-7i resulted in the down-regulation of KDM3A expression and reversed its promoting role in lung cancer development. Consistently, in vivo experiments in nude mice also confirmed that tumour growth was suppressed by the BMSC-EV-derived let-7i. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the BMSC-EV-derived let-7i possesses an inhibitory role in lung cancer progression through the KDM3A/DCLK1/FXYD3 axis, suggesting a new molecular target for lung cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiefeng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Changsha, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuhua Feng
- Department of Oncology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinyu Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Changsha, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Miao He
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Changsha, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yujing Gong
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Changsha, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Tuft and Cancer Stem Cell Marker DCLK1: A New Target to Enhance Anti-Tumor Immunity in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123801. [PMID: 33348546 PMCID: PMC7766931 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a tumor stem cell marker in colon, pancreatic, and potentially other cancers that has received wide attention recently. Aside from its role as a tuft cell marker in normal tissue and as a tumor stem cell marker in cancer, previous studies have demonstrated that silencing DCLK1 functionally reduces stemness, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumorigenesis in cancers. More recently, DCLK1′s role in regulating the inflammatory, pre-cancer, and tumor microenvironment including its ability to modulate immune cell mechanisms has started to come into focus. Importantly, clinically viable therapeutic means of targeting DCLK1 have finally become available in the form of kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T). Herein, we comprehensively review the mechanistic role of DCLK1 in the tumor microenvironment, assess the potential for targeting DCLK1 in colon, pancreatic and renal cancer. Abstract Microtubule-associated doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is an accepted marker of tuft cells (TCs) and several kinds of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and emerging evidence suggests that DCLK1-positive TCs participate in the initiation and formation of inflammation-associated cancer. DCLK1-expressing CSCs regulate multiple biological processes in cancer, promote resistance to therapy, and are associated with metastasis. In solid tumor cancers, tumor epithelia, immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells and blood vessels, extracellular matrix, and hypoxia all support a CSC phenotype characterized by drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Recently, studies have shown that DCLK1-positive CSCs are associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and immune checkpoint. Emerging data concerning targeting DCLK1 with small molecular inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells shows promising effects on inhibiting tumor growth and regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Overall, DCLK1 is reaching maturity as an anti-cancer target and therapies directed against it may have potential against CSCs directly, in remodeling the tumor microenvironment, and as immunotherapies.
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Kang XL, He LR, Chen YL, Wang SB. Role of doublecortin-like kinase 1 and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 in patients with stage II/III colorectal cancer: Cancer progression and prognosis. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:6853-6866. [PMID: 33268966 PMCID: PMC7684452 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i43.6853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells with the potential of self-renewal and differentiation. CSCs play critical roles in tumorigenesis, recurrence, metastasis, radiation tolerance and chemoresistance.
AIM To assess the expression patterns and clinical potential of doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), as prognostic CSC markers of colorectal cancer (CRC).
METHODS The expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5 in CRC tissue sections from 92 patients was determined by immunohistochemistry. Each case was evaluated using a combined scoring method based on signal intensity staining (scored 0-3) and the proportion of positively stained cancer cells (scored 0-3). The final staining score was calculated as the intensity score multiplied by the proportion score. Low expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5 was defined as a score of 0-3; high expression of DCLK1 and Lgr5 was defined as a score of ≥ 4. Specimens were categorized as either high or low expression, and the correlation between the expression of DCLK1 or Lgr5 and clinicopathological factors was investigated.
RESULTS DCLK1 and Lgr5 expression levels were significantly positively correlated. CRC patients with high DCLK1, Lgr5 and DCLK1/Lgr5 expressions had poorer progression-free survival and overall survival. Moreover, high expression of DCLK1 was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence and overall survival in patients with CRC by multivariate analysis (P = 0.026 and P = 0.049, respectively).
CONCLUSION DCLK1 may be a potential CSC marker for the recurrence and survival of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ling Kang
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Rui He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yao-Li Chen
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shu-Bin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research, China Cancer Institute of Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
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8
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Gzil A, Zarębska I, Jaworski D, Antosik P, Durślewicz J, Maciejewska J, Domanowska E, Skoczylas-Makowska N, Ahmadi N, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. The prognostic value of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein (Lgr5) and its impact on clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:2547-2557. [PMID: 32671503 PMCID: PMC7467967 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes one of the most prevalent malignancies in the world. Recent research suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for tumor cell’s malignant behavior in CRC. This study has been designed to determinate clinical implications of CSC markers: CD44, DCLK1, Lgr5, and ANXA2 in CRC. Materials and methods The study was performed on tissue samples which were collected from 89 patients undergoing colectomy. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks with representative tumor areas were identified and corded. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-CD44, anti-LGR5, anti-ANXA2, and anti-DCLK1 antibodies. The H-score system was utilized to determine the immunointensity of CRC cells. Results The lower expression of Lgr5 was significantly correlated with the presence of lymph-node metastases (p = 0.011), while high expression of Lgr5 was statistically significant in vascular invasion in examined cancer tissue samples (p = 0.027). Moreover, a high H-score value of Lgr5 expression was significantly related to a reduced overall survival rate (p = 0.043). Conclusion Our results suggest a strong relationship between CSC marker Lgr5 and vascular invasion, presence of lymph-node metastasis, and overall poor survival. The presence of Lgr5 might be an unfavorable prognostic factor, and its high level in cancer tissue is related to an aggressive course. This marker could also be used to access the effectiveness of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Gzil
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland. .,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Izabela Zarębska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Damian Jaworski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Paulina Antosik
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Justyna Durślewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Joanna Maciejewska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Ewa Domanowska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Natalia Skoczylas-Makowska
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Navid Ahmadi
- Chair and Department of Oncologic Pathology and Prophylactics, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Sklodowskiej-Curie Str. 9, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland.,Department of Pathomorphology, Military Clinical Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland.,Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Center, Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Wu X, Qu D, Weygant N, Peng J, Houchen CW. Cancer Stem Cell Marker DCLK1 Correlates with Tumorigenic Immune Infiltrates in the Colon and Gastric Adenocarcinoma Microenvironments. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020274. [PMID: 31979136 PMCID: PMC7073156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy that has proven efficacy in several solid cancers plays a partial role in improving clinical outcomes of advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. There is an unmet need to find new immune-related therapeutic targets. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) marks tuft cells which are recognized as cancer-initiating cells and regulators of the type II immune response, and has been studied for its role in many cancers including colon and gastric cancers, but its role in tumor immunity remains unexplored. In the current study, we analyzed colon and gastric cancer RNA sequencing data from 283 and 415 patients, respectively, from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). High DCLK1 expression predicted the worse clinical outcomes in colon and gastric cancer patients and correlated with increased immune and stromal components. Further analysis indicated that DCLK1 was strongly linked to infiltration of multiple immune cell types, especially TAMs and Treg, and strongly correlated with increased CD8+ T cell inhibitors TGFB1 and CXCL12 and their receptors, suggesting it may contribute to TAM-mediated inhibition of CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, we found that DCLK1 was a prognostic biomarker in left-sided colon cancer, which has worse outcomes and demonstrates a reduced response to existing immunotherapies. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that DCLK1 is linked with functional regulation of the tumor microenvironment and may have potential as a prognostic biomarker and adjuvant target to promote immunotherapy sensitivity in colon and gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (X.W.); (D.Q.)
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China;
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (X.W.); (D.Q.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Nathaniel Weygant
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China;
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China;
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine in Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, China
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (C.W.H.); Tel.: +1-0591-2286-1303 (J.P.); +86-405-271-2175 (C.W.H.); Fax: +1-0591-2286-1157 (J.P.); +86-405-271-5450 (C.W.H.)
| | - Courtney W. Houchen
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (X.W.); (D.Q.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Correspondence: (J.P.); (C.W.H.); Tel.: +1-0591-2286-1303 (J.P.); +86-405-271-2175 (C.W.H.); Fax: +1-0591-2286-1157 (J.P.); +86-405-271-5450 (C.W.H.)
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Wang MY, Qiu YH, Cai ML, Zhang CH, Wang XW, Liu H, Chen Y, Zhao WL, Liu JB, Shao RG. Role and molecular mechanism of stem cells in colorectal cancer initiation. J Drug Target 2019; 28:1-10. [PMID: 31244351 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2019.1632317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the rate of colorectal cancer has sharply increased, especially in China, where it ranks second for the number of cancer fatalities. Currently, the treatment of colorectal cancer patients involves the combination of resection surgery and treatment with postoperative anticancer drugs such as 5-FU and oxaliplatin. However, recurrence and metastasis after treatment are still the dominant reasons for the low survival rate. Colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) are regarded as the key contributors to tumour recurrence and metastasis due to their resistance to chemotherapy drugs and their extremely high tumourigenicity. Once CSCs overcome chemotherapy treatment, they continue to survive and reinitiate proliferation to form tumours, leading to recurrence. The dominant reason for CSC resistance is that most anticancer drugs are aimed at inhibiting proliferative pathways in cancer cells that differ from those in CSCs. Therefore, studies on the characteristics of CSCs and their intracellular molecular pathways are essential for the exploration of CSC-targeted drugs. In this report, we review recent advances in the research of CSCs and, in particular, review the important intracellular molecular pathways, such as HOXA5-catenin, STRAP-NOTCH and YAP/TAZ, related to the maintenance and differentiation of stem cells to generate a theoretical basis for the exploration of CSC-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Han Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mei-Lian Cai
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cong-Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi- Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wu-Li Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Bo Liu
- Department of Urology, Dongzhimen Hospital Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong-Guang Shao
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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