1
|
Marques P, Korbonits M. Tumour microenvironment and pituitary tumour behaviour. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:1047-1063. [PMID: 37060402 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02089-1] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The pituitary tumour microenvironment encompasses a spectrum of non-tumoural cells, such as immune, stromal or endothelial cells, as well as enzymes and signalling peptides like cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, which surround the tumour cells and may influence pituitary tumour behaviour and tumourigenic mechanisms. Recently, there has been intensive research activity in this field describing various pituitary tumour-infiltrating immune and stromal cell subpopulations, and immune- and microenvironment-related pathways. Key changes in oncological therapeutic avenues resulted in the recognition of pituitary as a target of adverse events for patients treated with immune checkpoint regulators. However, these phenomena can be turned into therapeutic advantage in severe cases of pituitary tumours. Therefore, unravelling the pituitary tumour microenvironment will allow a better understanding of the biology and behaviour of pituitary tumours and may provide further developments in terms of diagnosis and management of patients with aggressively growing or recurrent pituitary tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Marques
- Pituitary Tumor Unit, Endocrinology Department, Hospital CUF Descobertas, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - M Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Marques P, Silva AL, López-Presa D, Faria C, Bugalho MJ. The microenvironment of pituitary adenomas: biological, clinical and therapeutical implications. Pituitary 2022; 25:363-382. [PMID: 35194709 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-022-01211-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The microenvironment of pituitary adenomas (PAs) includes a range of non-tumoral cells, such as immune and stromal cells, as well as cell signaling molecules such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, which surround pituitary tumor cells and may modulate tumor initiation, progression, invasion, angiogenesis and other tumorigenic processes. The microenvironment of PAs has been actively investigated over the last years, with several immune and stromal cell populations, as well as different cytokines, chemokines and growth factors being recently characterized in PAs. Moreover, key microenvironment-related genes as well as immune-related molecules and pathways have been investigated, with immune check point regulators emerging as promising targets for immunotherapy. Understanding the microenvironment of PAs will contribute to a deeper knowledge of the complex biology of PAs, as well as will provide developments in terms of diagnosis, clinical management and ultimately treatment of patients with aggressive and/or refractory PAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ana Luísa Silva
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dolores López-Presa
- Pathology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Faria
- Neurosurgery Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Bugalho
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marques P, Grossman AB, Korbonits M. The tumour microenvironment of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 58:100852. [PMID: 32553750 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) includes a variety of non-neoplastic cells and non-cellular elements such as cytokines, growth factors and enzymes surrounding tumour cells. The TME emerged as a key modulator of tumour initiation, progression and invasion, with extensive data available in many cancers, but little is known in pituitary tumours. However, the understanding of the TME of pituitary tumours has advanced thanks to active research in this field over the last decade. Different immune and stromal cell subpopulations, and several cytokines, growth factors and matrix remodelling enzymes, have been characterised in pituitary tumours. Studying the TME in pituitary tumours may lead to a better understanding of tumourigenic mechanisms, identification of biomarkers useful to predict aggressive disease, and development of novel therapies. This review summarises the current knowledge on the different TME cellular/non-cellular elements in pituitary tumours and provides an overview of their role in tumourigenesis, biological behaviour and clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Marques
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xiong Z, Li X, Yang Q. PTTG has a Dual Role of Promotion-Inhibition in the Development of Pituitary Adenomas. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:800-818. [PMID: 37020362 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190722145449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary Tumor Transforming Gene (PTTG) of human is known as a checkpoint gene in the middle and late stages of mitosis, and is also a proto-oncogene that promotes cell cycle progression. In the nucleus, PTTG works as securin in controlling the mid-term segregation of sister chromatids. Overexpression of PTTG, entering the nucleus with the help of PBF in pituitary adenomas, participates in the regulation of cell cycle, interferes with DNA repair, induces genetic instability, transactivates FGF-2 and VEGF and promotes angiogenesis and tumor invasion. Simultaneously, overexpression of PTTG induces tumor cell senescence through the DNA damage pathway, making pituitary adenoma possessing the potential self-limiting ability. To elucidate the mechanism of PTTG in the regulation of pituitary adenomas, we focus on both the positive and negative function of PTTG and find out key factors interacted with PTTG in pituitary adenomas. Furthermore, we discuss other possible mechanisms correlate with PTTG in pituitary adenoma initiation and development and the potential value of PTTG in clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zujian Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Min HS, Lee SJ, Kim SK, Park SH. Pituitary adenoma with rich folliculo-stellate cells and mucin-producing epithelia arising in a 2-year-old girl. Pathol Int 2007; 57:600-5. [PMID: 17685932 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2007.02145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenoma is a rare neoplasm in childhood, with prolactin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting adenomas predominating in this age group. Herein is reported a case of an ACTH-producing macroadenoma with an unusual histology that occurred in a 2-year-old girl. Because of the patient's age and the macroadenoma's suprasellar location and large size (up to 4 cm in diameter), radical surgery was performed under the suspicion of craniopharyngioma or germ-cell tumor. Pathologically, it was a unique pituitary adenoma composed of monotonous ACTH-producing cells, smaller folliculo-stellate cells (FSC), and mucin-producing cells. The FSC, non-hormone-secreting pituitary cells of uncertain function, were confirmed by their S-100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein and cytokeratin expression immunoprofiles. The abrupt transition between the prominent gland-forming mucin-producing epithelia and the FSC component suggested that the mucin-producing epithelia might be derived from the FSC. This association might represent so-called 'retrodifferentiation' of adenoma cells to the FSC and the precursor cells of Rathke's pouch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye Sook Min
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Chongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Steusloff K, Röcken C, Saeger W. Basement membrane proteins and apolipoprotein E in growth hormone secreting adenomas and their correlation to amyloid: an immunoelectron microscopic study. Endocr Pathol 2000; 11:49-56. [PMID: 15304839 DOI: 10.1385/ep:11:1:49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Having previously demonstrated the association of basement membrane components (BMC), as well as apolipoprotein E and amyloid in growth hormone (GH)-producing pituitary adenomas, the aim of this study was to further analyze this relationship at the ultrastructural level. Ultrathin sections from four amyloidotic sparsely granulated monohormonal GH-producing adenomas previously investigated light microscopically were selected. Immunoelectron microscopy was performed, using a single labeling postembedding on-grid Protein-A gold method with antisera directed against laminin, fibronectin and apolipoprotein E. In all four adenomas, anti-laminin, anti-fibronectin, and anti-apolipoprotein E reacted with amyloid fibrils. No BMC were demonstrated between amyloid deposits, making it likely that synthesis and deposition of BMC may be secondary to the deposition of amyloid. The intimate spatial relationship between BMC as well as apolipoprotein E and amyloid fibrils may indicate morphological evidence of a particular arrangement of amyloid components in GH-secreting adenoma amyloid and a pathophysiological link.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Steusloff
- Institute of Pathology, Marienkrankenhaus, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marin F, Kovacs K, Stefaneanu L, Horvath E, Cheng Z. S-100 protein immunopositivity in human nontumorous hypophyses and pituitary adenomas. Endocr Pathol 1992; 3:28-38. [PMID: 32357630 DOI: 10.1007/bf02921341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The presence, distribution, and morphological appearance of S-100 protein-immunoreactive cells in the human hypophysis were studied by immunocytochemistry. One hundred and twelve nonadenomatous pituitaries from fetuses to adults and pituitaries affected by several lesions including metastases, acute infarcts, and lymphocytic hypophysitis, as well as 115 pituitary adenomas were examined.S-100 protein immunoreactivity was detected in neurohy-pophyseal pituicytes and stellate cells of the pars distalis from 5 months following birth. In adults, S-100 protein-immunopositive cells displayed a preferential topographical association with growth hormone-, follicle-stimulating hormone-, luteinizing hormone-, and alpha-sub-unit-immunoreactive cells and with capillary walls. Colloid-containing follicles were mainly lined by hormone-containing cells, although scattered S-100 protein-immunoreactive processes or cell bodies were also observed forming their walls.No major changes in S-100 protein-immunoreactive cells were observed in the pituitary parenchyma bordering metastatic, inflammatory, necrotic, or adenomatous tissues. Eighteen of 115 pituitary adenomas contained a variable number of S-100 protein-immunoreactive cells. No preferential association of these cells with any type of pituitary adenoma was found.We propose that S-100 protein expression in the nontumorous adenohypophysis and pituitary adenomas may constitute a dynamic process and that S-100 protein-positive cells may constitute a heterogeneous cell population composed of pure, fully differentiated stellate cells and of transdifferentiated follicular cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Marin
- Department of Pathology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kalman Kovacs
- Department of Pathology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucia Stefaneanu
- Department of Pathology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eva Horvath
- Department of Pathology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zi Cheng
- Department of Pathology, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|