1
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Jiang J, Liu Y, Qin J, Chen J, Wu J, Pizzi MP, Lazcano R, Yamashita K, Xu Z, Pei G, Cho KS, Chu Y, Sinjab A, Peng F, Yan X, Han G, Wang R, Dai E, Dai Y, Czerniak BA, Futreal A, Maitra A, Lazar A, Kadara H, Jazaeri AA, Cheng X, Ajani J, Gao J, Hu J, Wang L. METI: deep profiling of tumor ecosystems by integrating cell morphology and spatial transcriptomics. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7312. [PMID: 39181865 PMCID: PMC11344794 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in spatial transcriptomics (ST) techniques provide valuable insights into cellular interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, most analytical tools lack consideration of histological features and rely on matched single-cell RNA sequencing data, limiting their effectiveness in TME studies. To address this, we introduce the Morphology-Enhanced Spatial Transcriptome Analysis Integrator (METI), an end-to-end framework that maps cancer cells and TME components, stratifies cell types and states, and analyzes cell co-localization. By integrating spatial transcriptomics, cell morphology, and curated gene signatures, METI enhances our understanding of the molecular landscape and cellular interactions within the tissue. We evaluate the performance of METI on ST data generated from various tumor tissues, including gastric, lung, and bladder cancers, as well as premalignant tissues. We also conduct a quantitative comparison of METI with existing clustering and cell deconvolution tools, demonstrating METI's robust and consistent performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Jiang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yunhe Liu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiangjiang Qin
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Melissa P Pizzi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rossana Lazcano
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kohei Yamashita
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangsheng Pei
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kyung Serk Cho
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yanshuo Chu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ansam Sinjab
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fuduan Peng
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xinmiao Yan
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Guangchun Han
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ruiping Wang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Enyu Dai
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yibo Dai
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bogdan A Czerniak
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Lazar
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Humam Kadara
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amir A Jazaeri
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiangdong Cheng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jaffer Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Linghua Wang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS), Houston, TX, USA.
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2
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Bidan N, Dunsmore G, Ugrinic M, Bied M, Moreira M, Deloménie C, Ginhoux F, Blériot C, de la Fuente M, Mura S. Multicellular tumor spheroid model to study the multifaceted role of tumor-associated macrophages in PDAC. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:2085-2099. [PMID: 38062286 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01479-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
While considerable efforts have been made to develop new therapies, progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer has so far fallen short of patients' expectations. This is due in part to the lack of predictive in vitro models capable of accounting for the heterogeneity of this tumor and its low immunogenicity. To address this point, we have established and characterized a 3D spheroid model of pancreatic cancer composed of tumor cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and blood-derived monocytes. The fate of the latter has been followed from their recruitment into the tumor spheroid to their polarization into a tumor-associated macrophage (TAM)-like population, providing evidence for the formation of an immunosuppressive microenvironment.This 3D model well reproduced the multiple roles of TAMs and their influence on drug sensitivity and cell migration. Furthermore, we observed that lipid-based nanosystems consisting of sphingomyelin and vitamin E could affect the phenotype of macrophages, causing a reduction of characteristic markers of TAMs. Overall, this optimized triple coculture model gives a valuable tool that could find useful application for a more comprehensive understanding of TAM plasticity as well as for more predictive drug screening. This could increase the relevance of preclinical studies and help identify effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Bidan
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | | | - Martina Ugrinic
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | - Mathilde Bied
- Inserm U1015, Gustave Roussy, 94800, Villejuif, France
| | - Marco Moreira
- Inserm U1015, Gustave Roussy, 94800, Villejuif, France
| | - Claudine Deloménie
- Inserm US31, CNRS UAR3679, Ingénierie Et Plateformes Au Service de L'Innovation Thérapeutique (UMS-IPSIT), Université Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France
| | | | - Camille Blériot
- Inserm U1015, Gustave Roussy, 94800, Villejuif, France
- CNRS UMR8253, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Maria de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela SERGAS, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center On Oncology (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- DIVERSA Technologies SL, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Simona Mura
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut Galien Paris-Saclay, 91400, Orsay, France.
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3
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Abal-Sanisidro M, De Luca M, Roma S, Ceraolo MG, de la Fuente M, De Monte L, Protti MP. Anakinra-Loaded Sphingomyelin Nanosystems Modulate In Vitro IL-1-Dependent Pro-Tumor Inflammation in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8085. [PMID: 39125655 PMCID: PMC11312284 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive disease with a dismal prognosis. The tumor microenvironment exerts immunosuppressive activities through the secretion of several cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1. The IL-1/IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) axis is a key regulator in tumor-promoting T helper (Th)2- and Th17-type inflammation. Th2 cells are differentiated by dendritic cells endowed with Th2-polarizing capability by the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) that is secreted by IL-1-activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Th17 cells are differentiated in the presence of IL-1 and other IL-1-regulated cytokines. In pancreatic cancer, the use of a recombinant IL-1R antagonist (IL1RA, anakinra, ANK) in in vitro and in vivo models has shown efficacy in targeting the IL-1/IL-1R pathway. In this study, we have developed sphingomyelin nanosystems (SNs) loaded with ANK (ANK-SNs) to compare their ability to inhibit Th2- and Th17-type inflammation with that of the free drug in vitro. We found that ANK-SNs inhibited TSLP and other pro-tumor cytokines released by CAFs at levels similar to ANK. Importantly, inhibition of IL-17 secretion by Th17 cells, but not of interferon-γ, was significantly higher, and at lower concentrations, with ANK-SNs compared to ANK. Collectively, the use of ANK-SNs might be beneficial in reducing the effective dose of the drug and its toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelina Abal-Sanisidro
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Michele De Luca
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Roma
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ceraolo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
- University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center on Oncology (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., Edificio Emprendia, Campus Sur, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Lucia De Monte
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Protti
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.R.); (M.G.C.); (L.D.M.)
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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4
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Shahraz A, Penney M, Candido J, Opoku-Ansah G, Neubauer M, Eyles J, Ojo O, Liu N, Luheshi NM, Phipps A, Vishwanathan K. A mechanistic PK/PD model of AZD0171 (anti-LIF) to support Phase II dose selection. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39041713 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
AZD0171 (INN: Falbikitug) is being developed as a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb), immunoglobulin G subclass 1 (IgG1), which binds specifically to the immunosuppressive human cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and inhibits downstream signaling by blocking recruitment of glycoprotein 130 (gp130) to the LIF receptor (LIFR) subunit (gp190) and the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and is intended to treat adult participants with advanced solid tumors. LIF is a pleiotropic cytokine (and a member of the IL-6 family of cytokines) involved in many physiological and pathological processes and is highly expressed in a subset of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colon, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. The aim of this work was to develop a mechanistic PK/PD model to investigate the effect of AZD0171 on tumor LIF levels, predict the level of downstream signaling complex (LIF:LIFR:gp130) inhibition, and examine the dose-response relationship to support dose selection for a Phase II clinical study. Modeling results show that tumor LIF is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with >90% inhibition for 95% of patients at the Phase II clinical dose of 1500 mg Q2W.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azar Shahraz
- Clinical Pharmacology & Quantitative Pharmacology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Penney
- Early Oncology DMPK, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Jim Eyles
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Nelson Liu
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Alex Phipps
- Clinical Pharmacology & Quantitative Pharmacology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Karthick Vishwanathan
- Clinical Pharmacology & Quantitative Pharmacology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Eskandari-Malayeri F, Rezeai M, Narimani T, Esmaeil N, Azizi M. Investigating the effect of Fusobacterium nucleatum on the aggressive behavior of cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:292. [PMID: 39030445 PMCID: PMC11264641 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01156-0] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Fusobacterium nucleatum, (F. nucleatum) as a known factor in inducing oncogenic, invasive, and inflammatory responses, can lead to an increase in the incidence and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are also one of the key components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which lead to resistance to treatment, metastasis, and disease recurrence with their markers, secretions, and functions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of F. nucleatum on the invasive phenotype and function of fibroblast cells isolated from normal and cancerous colorectal tissue. F. nucleatum bacteria were isolated from deep periodontal pockets and confirmed by various tests. CAF cells from tumor tissue and normal fibroblasts (NF) from a distance of 10 cm of tumor tissue were isolated from 5 patients by the explant method and were exposed to secretions and ghosts of F. nucleatum. The expression level of two markers, fibroblast activation protein (FAP), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and the amount of production of two cytokines TGF-β and IL-6 from fibroblast cells were measured by flow cytometry and ELISA test, respectively before and after exposure to different bacterial components. The expression of the FAP marker was significantly higher in CAF cells compared to NF cells (P < 0.05). Also, the expression of IL-6 in CAF cells was higher than that of NF cells. In investigating the effect of bacterial components on the function of fibroblastic cells, after comparing the amount of IL-6 produced between the normal tissue of each patient and his tumoral tissue under 4 treated conditions, it was found that the amount of IL-6 production from the CAF cells of patients in the control group, treated with heat-killed ghosts and treated with paraformaldehyde-fixed ghosts had a significant increase compared to NF cells (P < 0.05). Due to the significant increase in FAP marker expression in fibroblast cells of tumor tissue compared to normal tissue, it seems that FAP can be used as a very good therapeutic marker, especially in patients with high levels of CAF cells. Various components of F. nucleatum could affect fibroblast cells differentially and at least part of the effect of this bacterium in the TME is mediated by CAF cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marzieh Rezeai
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Tahmineh Narimani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Azizi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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6
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Wang Y, Ding W, Hao W, Gong L, Peng Y, Zhang J, Qian Z, Xu K, Cai W, Gao Y. CXCL3/TGF-β-mediated crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells augments RCC progression and sunitinib resistance. iScience 2024; 27:110224. [PMID: 39040058 PMCID: PMC11261419 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a significant role in tumor development and treatment failure, yet the precise mechanisms underlying their contribution to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains underexplored. This study explored the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells, and related mechanisms. CAFs isolated from tumor tissues promoted the tumor progression and drugs resistance both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) 3 secreted from CAFs mediated its effects. CXCL3 activated its receptor CXCR2 to active the downstream ERK1/2 signaling pathway, subsequently promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cell stemness. Blocking the crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells by CXCR2 inhibitor SB225002 attenuated the functions of CAFs. Furthermore, Renca cells facilitated the transformation of normal interstitial fibroblasts (NFs) into CAFs and the expression of CXCL3 through TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway. In turn, transformed NFs promoted the tumor progression and drug resistance of RCC. These findings may constitute potential therapeutic strategies for RCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Weihong Ding
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Wenjing Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Luyao Gong
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yeheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhiyu Qian
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Weimin Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
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7
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. CircRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer: New Tools for Target Identification and Therapeutic Intervention. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2024; 21:327-349. [PMID: 38944427 PMCID: PMC11215428 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We have reviewed the literature for circular RNAs (circRNAs) with efficacy in preclinical pancreatic-cancer related in vivo models. The identified circRNAs target chemoresistance mechanisms (n=5), secreted proteins and transmembrane receptors (n=15), transcription factors (n=9), components of the signaling- (n=11), ubiquitination- (n=2), autophagy-system (n=2), and others (n=9). In addition to identifying targets for therapeutic intervention, circRNAs are potential new entities for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Up-regulated circRNAs can be inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) or clustered regularly interspaced short-palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein (CRISPR-CAS)-based intervention. The function of down-regulated circRNAs can be reconstituted by replacement therapy using plasmids or virus-based vector systems. Target validation experiments and the development of improved delivery systems for corresponding agents were examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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8
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Henon C, Vibert J, Eychenne T, Gruel N, Colmet-Daage L, Ngo C, Garrido M, Dorvault N, Marques Da Costa ME, Marty V, Signolle N, Marchais A, Herbel N, Kawai-Kawachi A, Lenormand M, Astier C, Chabanon R, Verret B, Bahleda R, Le Cesne A, Mechta-Grigoriou F, Faron M, Honoré C, Delattre O, Waterfall JJ, Watson S, Postel-Vinay S. Single-cell multiomics profiling reveals heterogeneous transcriptional programs and microenvironment in DSRCTs. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101582. [PMID: 38781959 PMCID: PMC11228554 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101582] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, aggressive sarcoma driven by the EWSR1::WT1 chimeric transcription factor. Despite this unique oncogenic driver, DSRCT displays a polyphenotypic differentiation of unknown causality. Using single-cell multi-omics on 12 samples from five patients, we find that DSRCT tumor cells cluster into consistent subpopulations with partially overlapping lineage- and metabolism-related transcriptional programs. In vitro modeling shows that high EWSR1::WT1 DNA-binding activity associates with most lineage-related states, in contrast to glycolytic and profibrotic states. Single-cell chromatin accessibility analysis suggests that EWSR1::WT1 binding site variability may drive distinct lineage-related transcriptional programs, supporting some level of cell-intrinsic plasticity. Spatial transcriptomics reveals that glycolytic and profibrotic states specifically localize within hypoxic niches at the periphery of tumor cell islets, suggesting an additional role of tumor cell-extrinsic microenvironmental cues. We finally identify a single-cell transcriptomics-derived epithelial signature associated with improved patient survival, highlighting the clinical relevance of our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Henon
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Drug Development Department, DITEP, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Julien Vibert
- INSERM U830, Équipe labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; INSERM U830, Integrative Functional Genomics of Cancer Lab, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Eychenne
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Nadège Gruel
- INSERM U830, Équipe labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Léo Colmet-Daage
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Carine Ngo
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Department of Pathology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Marlène Garrido
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Dorvault
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Maria Eugenia Marques Da Costa
- INSERM U1015, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Virginie Marty
- Experimental and Translational Pathology Platform (PETRA), AMMICa, INSERM US23/UAR3655, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Signolle
- Experimental and Translational Pathology Platform (PETRA), AMMICa, INSERM US23/UAR3655, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Antonin Marchais
- INSERM U1015, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Noé Herbel
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Asuka Kawai-Kawachi
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Madison Lenormand
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Clémence Astier
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Roman Chabanon
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Benjamin Verret
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Breast Cancer Translational Research Group, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Rastislav Bahleda
- Drug Development Department, DITEP, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Axel Le Cesne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; International Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- INSERM U830, Equipe labellisée LNCC, Stress et Cancer, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Olivier Delattre
- INSERM U830, Équipe labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Joshua J Waterfall
- INSERM U830, Integrative Functional Genomics of Cancer Lab, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Watson
- INSERM U830, Équipe labellisée LNCC, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Translational Research, PSL Research University, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Postel-Vinay
- ATIP-Avenir INSERM and ERC StG Group, Equipe labellisée ARC Recherche Fondamentale, INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Paris Saclay University, Villejuif, France; Drug Development Department, DITEP, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; University College of London, Cancer Institute, London, UK.
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9
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Zhu J, Zhang K, Chen Y, Ge X, Wu J, Xu P, Yao J. Progress of single-cell RNA sequencing combined with spatial transcriptomics in tumour microenvironment and treatment of pancreatic cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:563. [PMID: 38867230 PMCID: PMC11167806 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, single-cell analyses have revealed the heterogeneity of the tumour microenvironment (TME) at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels, further improving our understanding of the mechanisms of tumour development. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology allow analysis of the transcriptome at the single-cell level and have unprecedented potential for exploration of the characteristics involved in tumour development and progression. These techniques allow analysis of transcript sequences at higher resolution, thereby increasing our understanding of the diversity of cells found in the tumour microenvironment and how these cells interact in complex tumour tissue. Although scRNA-seq has emerged as an important tool for studying the tumour microenvironment in recent years, it cannot be used to analyse spatial information for cells. In this regard, spatial transcriptomics (ST) approaches allow researchers to understand the functions of individual cells in complex multicellular organisms by understanding their physical location in tissue sections. In particular, in related research on tumour heterogeneity, ST is an excellent complementary approach to scRNA-seq, constituting a new method for further exploration of tumour heterogeneity, and this approach can also provide unprecedented insight into the development of treatments for pancreatic cancer (PC). In this review, based on the methods of scRNA-seq and ST analyses, research progress on the tumour microenvironment and treatment of pancreatic cancer is further explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xinyu Ge
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junqing Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated Yangzhou University, Jiangsu Province, China.
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10
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Wu J, Lu Q, Zhao J, Wu W, Wang Z, Yu G, Tian G, Gao Z, Wang Q. Enhancing the Inhibition of Breast Cancer Growth Through Synergistic Modulation of the Tumor Microenvironment Using Combined Nano-Delivery Systems. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5125-5138. [PMID: 38855730 PMCID: PMC11162247 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s460874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, and malignancy is closely linked to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we prepared mixed nano-sized formulations composed of pH-sensitive liposomes (Ber/Ru486@CLPs) and small-sized nano-micelles (Dox@CLGs). These liposomes and nano-micelles were modified by chondroitin sulfate (CS) to selectively target breast cancer cells. Methods Ber/Ru486@CLPs and Dox@CLGs were prepared by thin-film dispersion and ethanol injection, respectively. To mimic actual TME, the in vitro "condition medium of fibroblasts + MCF-7" cell model and in vivo "4T1/NIH-3T3" co-implantation mice model were established to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of drugs. Results The physicochemical properties showed that Dox@CLGs and Ber/Ru486@CLPs were 28 nm and 100 nm in particle size, respectively. In vitro experiments showed that the mixed formulations significantly improved drug uptake and inhibited cell proliferation and migration. The in vivo anti-tumor studies further confirmed the enhanced anti-tumor capabilities of Dox@CLGs + Ber/Ru486@CLPs, including smaller tumor volumes, weak collagen deposition, and low expression levels of α-SMA and CD31 proteins, leading to a superior anti-tumor effect. Conclusion In brief, this combination therapy based on Dox@CLGs and Ber/Ru486@CLPs could effectively inhibit tumor development, which provides a promising approach for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingliang Wu
- School of Medicine, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiao Lu
- School of Medicine, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People’s Republic of China
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jialin Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wendi Wu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- School of Medicine, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, 262700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guohua Yu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guixiang Tian
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqin Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, 261000, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Bots STF, Harryvan TJ, Groeneveldt C, Kinderman P, Kemp V, van Montfoort N, Hoeben RC. Preclinical evaluation of the gorilla-derived HAdV-B AdV-lumc007 oncolytic adenovirus 'GoraVir' for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1245-1258. [PMID: 38037840 PMCID: PMC11076997 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy which shows unparalleled therapeutic resistance due to its genetic and cellular heterogeneity, dense stromal tissue, and immune-suppressive tumour microenvironment. Oncolytic virotherapy has emerged as a new treatment modality which uses tumour-specific viruses to eliminate cancerous cells. Non-human primate adenoviruses of the human adenovirus B (HAdV-B) species have demonstrated considerable lytic potential in human cancer cells as well as limited preexisting neutralizing immunity in humans. Previously, we have generated a new oncolytic derivative of the gorilla-derived HAdV-B AdV-lumc007 named 'GoraVir'. Here, we show that GoraVir displays oncolytic efficacy in pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic-cancer-associated fibroblasts. Moreover, it retains its lytic potential in monoculture and co-culture spheroids. In addition, we established the ubiquitously expressed complement receptor CD46 as the main entry receptor for GoraVir. Finally, a single intratumoural dose of GoraVir was shown to delay tumour growth in a BxPC-3 xenograft model at 10 days post-treatment. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the new gorilla-derived oncolytic adenovirus is a potent oncolytic vector candidate that targets both pancreatic cancer cells and tumour-adjacent stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selas T. F. Bots
- Department of Cell and Chemical BiologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Tom J. Harryvan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | | | - Priscilla Kinderman
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Vera Kemp
- Department of Cell and Chemical BiologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Rob C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical BiologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
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12
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Numakura S, Kato M, Uozaki H. Discovery of YS-1 as a cell line of gastric inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:542. [PMID: 38642200 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09442-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) was first identified by co-culture of pancreatic stellate cells and tumor organoids. The key feature of iCAFs is IL-6high/αSMAlow. We examine this phenomenon in gastric cancer using two cell lines of gastric fibroblasts (HGF and YS-1). METHODS AND RESULTS HGF or YS-1 were co-cultured with MKN7 (a gastric adenocarcinoma cell line) in Matrigel. IL-6 protein levels in the culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. The increased production of IL-6 was not observed in any of the combinations. Instead, the supernatant of YS-1 exhibited the higher levels of IL-6. YS-1 showed IL-6high/αSMA (ACTA2)low in real-time PCR, mRNA-seq and immunohistochemistry. In mRNA-seq, iCAFs-associated genes and signaling pathways were up-regulated in YS-1. No transition to myofibroblastic phenotype was observed by monolayer culture, or the exposure to sonic hedgehog (SHH) or TGF-β. YS-1 conditioned medium induced changes of morphology and stem-ness/differentiation in NUGC-3 (a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line) and UBE6T-15 (a human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell line). CONCLUSIONS YS-1 is a stable cell line of gastric iCAFs. This discovery will promote further research on iCAFs for many researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoe Numakura
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Kato
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uozaki
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
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13
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Gou Z, Li J, Liu J, Yang N. The hidden messengers: cancer associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal miRNAs as key regulators of cancer malignancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1378302. [PMID: 38694824 PMCID: PMC11061421 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1378302] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a class of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a key role in controlling cancer cell invasion and metastasis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy. CAFs mediate their activities by secreting soluble chemicals, releasing exosomes, and altering the extracellular matrix (ECM). Exosomes contain various biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. microRNA (miRNA), a 22-26 nucleotide non-coding RNA, can regulate the cellular transcription processes. Studies have shown that miRNA-loaded exosomes secreted by CAFs engage in various regulatory communication networks with other TME constituents. This study focused on the roles of CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs in generating cancer malignant characteristics, including immune modulation, tumor growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and treatment resistance. This study thoroughly examines miRNA's dual regulatory roles in promoting and suppressing cancer. Thus, changes in the CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients, and their specificity can be used to develop newer therapies. This review also discusses the pressing problems that require immediate attention, aiming to inspire researchers to explore more novel avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Gou
- Bethune First Clinical School of Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianming Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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14
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Wedig J, Jasani S, Mukherjee D, Lathrop H, Matreja P, Pfau T, D'Alesio L, Guenther A, Fenn L, Kaiser M, Torok MA, McGue J, Sizemore GM, Noonan AM, Dillhoff ME, Blaser BW, Frankel TL, Culp S, Hart PA, Cruz-Monserrate Z, Mace TA. CD200 is overexpressed in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and predictive of overall survival. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:96. [PMID: 38619621 PMCID: PMC11018596 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03678-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive disease with a 5 year survival rate of 13%. This poor survival is attributed, in part, to limited and ineffective treatments for patients with metastatic disease, highlighting a need to identify molecular drivers of pancreatic cancer to target for more effective treatment. CD200 is a glycoprotein that interacts with the receptor CD200R and elicits an immunosuppressive response. Overexpression of CD200 has been associated with differential outcomes, depending on the tumor type. In the context of pancreatic cancer, we have previously reported that CD200 is expressed in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME), and that targeting CD200 in murine tumor models reduces tumor burden. We hypothesized that CD200 is overexpressed on tumor and stromal populations in the pancreatic TME and that circulating levels of soluble CD200 (sCD200) have prognostic value for overall survival. We discovered that CD200 was overexpressed on immune, stromal, and tumor populations in the pancreatic TME. Particularly, single-cell RNA-sequencing indicated that CD200 was upregulated on inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts. Cytometry by time of flight analysis of PBMCs indicated that CD200 was overexpressed on innate immune populations, including monocytes, dendritic cells, and monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. High sCD200 levels in plasma correlated with significantly worse overall and progression-free survival. Additionally, sCD200 correlated with the ratio of circulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 3 and MMP11/TIMP3. This study highlights the importance of CD200 expression in pancreatic cancer and provides the rationale for designing novel therapeutic strategies that target this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wedig
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Shrina Jasani
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Debasmita Mukherjee
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Hannah Lathrop
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Priya Matreja
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Timothy Pfau
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Liliana D'Alesio
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Abigail Guenther
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Lexie Fenn
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Morgan Kaiser
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Molly A Torok
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Jake McGue
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Gina M Sizemore
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Anne M Noonan
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Mary E Dillhoff
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Bradley W Blaser
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
| | - Timothy L Frankel
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Stacey Culp
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Phil A Hart
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 420 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 420 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Thomas A Mace
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 420 W. 12th Ave., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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15
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Zhang X, Xiao Q, Zhang C, Zhou Q, Xu T. Construction of a prognostic model with CAFs for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of lung squamous cell carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18262. [PMID: 38520221 PMCID: PMC10960179 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18262] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is one of the subtypes of lung cancer (LC) that contributes to approximately 25%-30% of its prevalence. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key cellular components of the TME, and the large number of CAFs in tumour tissues creates a favourable environment for tumour development. However, the function of CAFs in the LUSC is complex and uncertain. First, we processed the scRNA-seq data and classified distinct types of CAFs. We also identified prognostic CAFRGs using univariate Cox analysis and conducted survival analysis. Additionally, we assessed immune cell infiltration in CAF clusters using ssGSEA. We developed a model with a significant prognostic correlation and verified the prognostic model. Furthermore, we explored the immune landscape of LUSC and further investigated the correlation between malignant features and LUSC. We identified CAFs and classified them into three categories: iCAFs, mCAFs and apCAFs. The survival analysis showed a significant correlation between apCAFs and iCAFs and LUSC patient prognosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in CAF cluster C showed a better survival probability compared to clusters A and B. In addition, we identified nine significant prognostic CAFRGs (CLDN1, TMX4, ALPL, PTX3, BHLHE40, TNFRSF12A, VKORC1, CST3 and ADD3) and subsequently employed multivariate Cox analysis to develop a signature and validate the model. Lastly, the correlation between CAFRG and malignant features indicates the potential role of CAFRG in promoting tumour angiogenesis, EMT and cell cycle alterations. We constructed a CAF prognostic signature for identifying potential prognostic CAFRGs and predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response for LUSC. Our study may provide a more accurate prognostic assessment and immunotherapy targeting strategies for LUSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Lung cancer center, West China hospitalSichuan universityChengduChina
| | - Qingqing Xiao
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Thoracic surgeryChengdu Seventh People's Hospital (Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Chengdu Medical College)ChengduChina
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung cancer center, West China hospitalSichuan universityChengduChina
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
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16
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Song X, Nihashi Y, Imai Y, Mori N, Kagaya N, Suenaga H, Shin-ya K, Yamamoto M, Setoyama D, Kunisaki Y, Kida YS. Collagen Lattice Model, Populated with Heterogeneous Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts, Facilitates Advanced Reconstruction of Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3740. [PMID: 38612551 PMCID: PMC11011612 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a solid-tumor malignancy. To enhance the treatment landscape of PDAC, a 3D model optimized for rigorous drug screening is essential. Within the PDAC tumor microenvironment, a dense stroma comprising a large extracellular matrix and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is well-known for its vital role in modulating tumor growth, cellular heterogeneity, bidirectional paracrine signaling, and chemoresistance. In this study, we employed a fibroblast-populated collagen lattice (FPCL) modeling approach that has the ability to replicate fibroblast contractility in the collagenous matrix to build dense stroma. This FPCL model allows CAF differentiation by facilitating multifaceted cell-cell interactions between cancer cells and CAFs, with the differentiation further influenced by mechanical forces and hypoxia carried within the 3D structure. Our FPCL models displayed hallmark features, including ductal gland structures and differentiated CAFs with spindle shapes. Through morphological explorations alongside in-depth transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling, we identified substantial molecular shifts from the nascent to mature model stages and potential metabolic biomarkers, such as proline. The initial pharmacological assays highlighted the effectiveness of our FPCL model in screening for improved therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, our PDAC modeling platform mirrors complex tumor microenvironmental dynamics and offers an unparalleled perspective for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Song
- Tsukuba Life Science Innovation Program (T-LSI), School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan;
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Yuma Nihashi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Yukiko Imai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan;
| | - Nobuhito Mori
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Noritaka Kagaya
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Hikaru Suenaga
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Kazuo Shin-ya
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
| | - Masamichi Yamamoto
- Department of Research Promotion and Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Ki-shibe-Shimmachi, Suita 564-8565, Japan;
| | - Daiki Setoyama
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Yuya Kunisaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan;
| | - Yasuyuki S. Kida
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan; (Y.N.); (N.M.); (N.K.); (H.S.); (K.S.-y.)
- School of Integrative & Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
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17
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Linehan A, O’Reilly M, McDermott R, O’Kane GM. Targeting KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer: opportunities for future strategies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1369136. [PMID: 38576709 PMCID: PMC10991798 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1369136] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the RAS pathway remains the holy grail of precision oncology. In the case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), 90-92% harbor mutations in the oncogene KRAS, triggering canonical MAPK signaling. The smooth structure of the altered KRAS protein without a binding pocket and its affinity for GTP have, in the past, hampered drug development. The emergence of KRASG12C covalent inhibitors has provided renewed enthusiasm for targeting KRAS. The numerous pathways implicated in RAS activation do, however, lead to the development of early resistance. In addition, the dense stromal niche and immunosuppressive microenvironment dictated by oncogenic KRAS can influence treatment responses, highlighting the need for a combination-based approach. Given that mutations in KRAS occur early in PDAC tumorigenesis, an understanding of its pleiotropic effects is key to progress in this disease. Herein, we review current perspectives on targeting KRAS with a focus on PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Linehan
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary O’Reilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ray McDermott
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grainne M. O’Kane
- Department of Medical Oncology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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18
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Ko J, Song J, Choi N, Kim HN. Patient-Derived Microphysiological Systems for Precision Medicine. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303161. [PMID: 38010253 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Patient-derived microphysiological systems (P-MPS) have emerged as powerful tools in precision medicine that provide valuable insight into individual patient characteristics. This review discusses the development of P-MPS as an integration of patient-derived samples, including patient-derived cells, organoids, and induced pluripotent stem cells, into well-defined MPSs. Emphasizing the necessity of P-MPS development, its significance as a nonclinical assessment approach that bridges the gap between traditional in vitro models and clinical outcomes is highlighted. Additionally, guidance is provided for engineering approaches to develop microfluidic devices and high-content analysis for P-MPSs, enabling high biological relevance and high-throughput experimentation. The practical implications of the P-MPS are further examined by exploring the clinically relevant outcomes obtained from various types of patient-derived samples. The construction and analysis of these diverse samples within the P-MPS have resulted in physiologically relevant data, paving the way for the development of personalized treatment strategies. This study describes the significance of the P-MPS in precision medicine, as well as its unique capacity to offer valuable insights into individual patient characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Ko
- Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Song
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Nakwon Choi
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Nam Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei-KIST Convergence Research Institute, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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19
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Sosa J, Glathar A, Sinha S. Architecture of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumor microenvironment revealed: can tertiary lymphoid structures predict post-surgery recurrence? Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:484-489. [PMID: 38482424 PMCID: PMC10928623 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Sosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra Glathar
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Satrajit Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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20
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Delle Cave D. Emerging Therapeutic Options in Pancreatic Cancer Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1929. [PMID: 38339207 PMCID: PMC10855952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of <8% [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
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21
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Wang D, Li L, Zhang Y, Ye K. Lipopolysaccharide-Educated Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Facilitate Malignant Progression of Ovarian Cancer Cells via the NF-kB/IL-6/JAK2 Signal Transduction. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01055-3. [PMID: 38305842 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01055-3] [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] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria increase in ovarian cancer (OC) tissues, but its association with OC progression remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate whether and how cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) pretreated by the main components of bacterial outer membrane lipopolysaccharide (LPS) influence the malignancy of OC cells. Specifically, the culture medium of LPS-preconditioned CAFs (LPS-CM) further accelerated cell proliferation, colony formation and tumorigenesis of OC cells SKOV3 and HEY A8, compared with culture medium of CAFs. Next, we found that LPS pretreatment activated the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) pathway in CAFs to secret cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), etc. Neutralization of IL-6 in LPS-CM abolished the promoting effect of LPS-CM on cell proliferation, survival and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in SKOV3 and HEY A8 cells. Mechanistically, LPS-CM activated the Janus kinases 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, while application with JAK2 inhibitor also reversed the promoting effect of LPS-CM on malignancy of OC cells. In summary, LPS-pretreated CAFs IL-6-dependently accelerate OC progression via activating the JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway, which enriches our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovaries-colonized gram-negative bacteria in OC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No. 157, Jinbi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, 650032, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Lingchuan Li
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No. 157, Jinbi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, 650032, China
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No. 157, Jinbi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, 650032, China.
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032, China.
| | - Kefan Ye
- Department of Gynecology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, No. 157, Jinbi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, 650032, China.
- The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650032, China.
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22
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Lee CM, Hwang Y, Jeong JW, Kim M, Lee J, Bae SJ, Ahn SG, Fang S. BRCA1 mutation promotes sprouting angiogenesis in inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblast of triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:5. [PMID: 38182557 PMCID: PMC10770063 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01768-5] [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] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with inferior outcomes owing to its low treatment response and high invasiveness. Based on abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and frequent mutation of breast cancer-associated 1 (BRCA1) in TNBC, the characteristics of CAFs in TNBC patients with BRCA1 mutation compared to wild-type were investigated using single-cell analysis. Intriguingly, we observed that characteristics of inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) were enriched in patients with BRCA1 mutation compared to the wild-type. iCAFs in patients with BRCA1 mutation exhibited outgoing signals to endothelial cells (ECs) clusters, including chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). During CXCL signaling, the atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1) mainly interacts with CXCL family members in tumor endothelial cells (TECs). ACKR1-high TECs also showed high expression levels of angiogenesis-related genes, such as ANGPT2, MMP1, and SELE, which might lead to EC migration. Furthermore, iCAFs showed VEGF signals for FLT1 and KDR in TECs, which showed high co-expression with tip cell marker genes, including ZEB1 and MAFF, involved in sprouting angiogenesis. Moreover, BRCA1 mutation patients with relatively abundant iCAFs and tip cell gene expression exhibited a limited response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including cisplatin and bevacizumab. Importantly, our study observed the intricate link between iCAFs-mediated angiogenesis and chemoresistance in TNBC with BRCA1 mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae Min Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeseong Hwang
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Woong Jeong
- Department of Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Minki Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Janghee Lee
- Department of Surgery, Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, Dongtan, 18450, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medicine, Yonsei University Graduate School, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Soong June Bae
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06273, Republic of Korea
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06273, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Gwe Ahn
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06273, Republic of Korea.
- Institute for Breast Cancer Precision Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06273, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sungsoon Fang
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Chronic Intractable Disease for Systems Medicine Research Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Severance Institute for Vascular and Metabolic Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Peng C, Xu Y, Wu J, Wu D, Zhou L, Xia X. TME-Related Biomimetic Strategies Against Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:109-135. [PMID: 38192633 PMCID: PMC10773252 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s441135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in various stages of tumor generation, metastasis, and evasion of immune monitoring and treatment. TME targeted therapy is based on TME components, related pathways or active molecules as therapeutic targets. Therefore, TME targeted therapy based on environmental differences between TME and normal cells has been widely studied. Biomimetic nanocarriers with low clearance, low immunogenicity, and high targeting have enormous potential in tumor treatment. This review introduces the composition and characteristics of TME, including cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), tumor blood vessels, non-tumor cells, and the latest research progress of biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) based on TME. It also discusses the opportunities and challenges of clinical transformation of biomimetic nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yilin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Donghai Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinhua Xia
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, People’s Republic of China
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24
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Hu X, Peng X, Zhang Y, Fan S, Liu X, Song Y, Ren S, Chen L, Chen Y, Wang R, Peng J, Shen X, Chen Y. Shikonin reverses cancer-associated fibroblast-induced gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells by suppressing monocarboxylate transporter 4-mediated reverse Warburg effect. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155214. [PMID: 38134861 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gemcitabine is a first-line chemotherapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer (PC); however, most patients who receive adjuvant gemcitabine rapidly develop resistance and recurrence. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a crucial component of the tumor stroma that contribute to gemcitabine-resistance. There is thus an urgent need to find a novel therapeutic strategy to improve the efficacy of gemcitabine in PC cells under CAF-stimulation. PURPOSE To investigate if shikonin potentiates the therapeutic effects of gemcitabine in PC cells with CAF-induced drug resistance. METHODS PC cell-stimulated fibroblasts or primary CAFs derived from PC tissue were co-cultured with PC cells to evaluate the ability of shikonin to improve the chemotherapeutic effects of gemcitabine in vitro and in vivo. Glucose uptake assay, ATP content analysis, lactate measurement, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and plasmid transfection were used to investigate the underlying mechanism. RESULTS CAFs were innately resistant to gemcitabine, but shikonin suppressed the PC cell-induced transactivation and proliferation of CAFs, reversed CAF-induced resistance, and restored the therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine in the co-culture system. In addition, CAFs underwent a reverse Warburg effect when co-cultured with PC cells, represented by enhanced aerobic glycolytic metabolism, while shikonin reduced aerobic glycolysis in CAFs by reducing their glucose uptake, ATP concentration, lactate production and secretion, and glycolytic protein expression. Regarding the mechanism underlying these sensitizing effects, shikonin suppressed monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) expression and cellular membrane translocation to inhibit aerobic glycolysis in CAFs. Overexpression of MCT4 accordingly reversed the inhibitory effects of shikonin on PC cell-induced transactivation and aerobic glycolysis in CAFs, and reduced its sensitizing effects. Furthermore, shikonin promoted the effects of gemcitabine in reducing the growth of tumors derived from PC cells and CAF co-inoculation in BALB/C mice, with no significant systemic toxicity. CONCLUSION These results indicate that shikonin reduced MCT4 expression and activation, resulting in inhibition of aerobic glycolysis in CAFs and overcoming CAF-induced gemcitabine resistance in PC. Shikonin is a promising chemosensitizing phytochemical agent when used in combination with gemcitabine for PC treatment. The results suggest that disrupting the metabolic coupling between cancer cells and stromal cells might provide an attractive strategy for improving gemcitabine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Hu
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Peng
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Shuangqin Fan
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Xing Liu
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Shuang Ren
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Lin Chen
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Yi Chen
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Rong Wang
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Jianqing Peng
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiangchun Shen
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- The High Efficacy Application of Natural Medicinal Resources Engineering Center of Guizhou Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Union Key Laboratory of Guiyang City-Guizhou Medical University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Optimal Utilization of Natural Medicine Resources, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, University Town, Guian New District, 550025, Guizhou, China.
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25
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Berlin C, Mauerer B, Cauchy P, Luenstedt J, Sankowski R, Marx L, Feuerstein R, Schaefer L, Greten FR, Pesic M, Groß O, Prinz M, Ruehl N, Miketiuk L, Jauch D, Laessle C, Jud A, Biesel EA, Neeff H, Fichtner-Feigl S, Holzner PA, Kesselring R. Single-cell deconvolution reveals high lineage- and location-dependent heterogeneity in mesenchymal multivisceral stage 4 colorectal cancer. J Clin Invest 2023; 134:e169576. [PMID: 38153787 PMCID: PMC10904044 DOI: 10.1172/jci169576] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasized colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with a poor prognosis and rapid disease progression. Besides hepatic metastasis, peritoneal carcinomatosis is the major cause of death in Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage IV CRC patients. Insights into differential site-specific reconstitution of tumor cells and the corresponding tumor microenvironment are still missing. Here, we analyzed the transcriptome of single cells derived from murine multivisceral CRC and delineated the intermetastatic cellular heterogeneity regarding tumor epithelium, stroma, and immune cells. Interestingly, we found an intercellular site-specific network of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor epithelium during peritoneal metastasis as well as an autologous feed-forward loop in cancer stem cells. We furthermore deciphered a metastatic dysfunctional adaptive immunity by a loss of B cell-dependent antigen presentation and consecutive effector T cell exhaustion. Furthermore, we demonstrated major similarities of this murine metastatic CRC model with human disease and - based on the results of our analysis - provided an auspicious site-specific immunomodulatory treatment approach for stage IV CRC by intraperitoneal checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Berlin
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IMM-PACT Clinician Scientist Program
| | - Bernhard Mauerer
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pierre Cauchy
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jost Luenstedt
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- IMM-PACT Clinician Scientist Program
| | - Roman Sankowski
- Institute of Neuropathology
- Single-Cell Omics Platform Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Marx
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhild Feuerstein
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Luisa Schaefer
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian R. Greten
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Marina Pesic
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg-Speyer-Haus, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Olaf Groß
- Institute of Neuropathology
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, and
| | - Naomi Ruehl
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laura Miketiuk
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Jauch
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Laessle
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- EXCEL Excellent Clinician Scientist Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Jud
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Esther A. Biesel
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hannes Neeff
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Fichtner-Feigl
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp A. Holzner
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Kesselring
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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26
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Zhao J, Lin E, Bai Z, Jia Y, Wang B, Dai Y, Zhuo W, Zeng G, Liu X, Cai C, Li P, Zou B, Li J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts induce sorafenib resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through CXCL12/FOLR1. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1198. [PMID: 38057830 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11613-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the high drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib has limited efficacy in the treatment of advanced HCC. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important regulatory role in the induction of chemoresistance. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism underlying CAF-mediated resistance to sorafenib in HCC. METHODS Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that the activation of CAFs was enhanced in HCC tissues. CAFs and paracancerous normal fibroblasts (NFs) were isolated from the cancer and paracancerous tissues of HCC, respectively. Cell cloning assays, ELISAs, and flow cytometry were used to detect whether CAFs induced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells via CXCL12. Western blotting and qPCR showed that CXCL12 induces sorafenib resistance in HCC cells by upregulating FOLR1. We investigated whether FOLR1 was the target molecule of CAFs regulating sorafenib resistance in HCC cells by querying gene expression data for human HCC specimens from the GEO database. RESULTS High levels of activated CAFs were present in HCC tissues but not in paracancerous tissues. CAFs decreased the sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib. We found that CAFs secrete CXCL12, which upregulates FOLR1 in HCC cells to induce sorafenib resistance. CONCLUSIONS CAFs induce sorafenib resistance in HCC cells through CXCL12/FOLR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
| | - En Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Zirui Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingbin Jia
- Department of Urology Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yihua Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenfeng Zhuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Guifang Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xialei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaonong Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Peiping Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Baojia Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.
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27
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Ma B, Li F, Ma B. Down-regulation of COL1A1 inhibits tumor-associated fibroblast activation and mediates matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220776. [PMID: 38045487 PMCID: PMC10693014 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0776] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) on tumor-associated fibroblast activation and matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer. Cells were divided into the blank control, negative control, and siRNA-COL1A1 groups, or HKF control, HKF + exosomes (EXO), HKF + siRNA negative control-EXO, and HKF + siRNA-COL1A1-EXO co-culture groups. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR detected gene expressions. COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, and TGF-β1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that compared with blank and negative control groups, COL1A1 expression and the secretion of exosomes by breast cancer cells were inhibited in the siRNA-COL1A1 group. Compared with the HKF control group, the COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) were increased, while the E-cadherin and CAV-1 were decreased in the HKF + EXO, HKF + siRNA negative control-EXO, and HKF + siRNA-COL1A1-EXO co-culture groups. Compared with HKF + EXO and HKF + siRNA negative control-EXO co-culture groups, the COL Ⅰ, COL Ⅲ, TGF-β1, α-SMA, and FAP were decreased, and the E-cadherin and CAV-1 were increased in the HKF + siRNA-COL1A1-EXO co-culture group. Collectively, COL1A1 down-regulation may inhibit exosome secretion possibly via inhibiting COL Ⅰ and upregulating CAV-1, thereby inhibiting tumor-associated fibroblast activation and matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ma
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi830011, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Thyriod and Breast Surgery, West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Binlin Ma
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 789 Suzhou East Street, Urumqi830011, Xinjiang, China
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28
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Jang BY, Shin MK, Han DH, Sung JS. Curcumin Disrupts a Positive Feedback Loop between ADMSCs and Cancer Cells in the Breast Tumor Microenvironment via the CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2627. [PMID: 38004606 PMCID: PMC10675183 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose tissue has a significant impact on breast cancer initiation and progression owing to its substantial proportion in the breast. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are major players in the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) as they interact with cancer cells. The intricate interaction between ADMSCs and cancer cells not only drives the differentiation of ADMSCs into cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) but also the metastasis of cancer cells, which is attributed to the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. We investigated the effects of curcumin, a flavonoid known for CXCL12/CXCR4 axis inhibition, on breast TME by analyzing whether it can disrupt the ADMSC-cancer positive loop. Using MCF7 breast cancer cell-derived conditioned medium (MCF7-CM), we induced ADMSC transformation and verified that curcumin diminished the phenotypic change, inhibiting CAF marker expression. Additionally, curcumin suppressed the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and its downstream signaling both in ADMSCs and MCF7 cells. The CM from ADMSCs, whose ADMSC-to-CAF transformation was repressed by the curcumin treatment, inhibited the positive feedback loop between ADMSCs and MCF7 as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition in MCF7. Our study showed that curcumin is a potent anti-cancer agent that can remodel the breast TME, thereby restricting the ADMSC-cancer positive feedback loop associated with the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jung-Suk Sung
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (B.-Y.J.); (M.K.S.); (D.-H.H.)
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29
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Cheng NC, Vonderheide RH. Immune vulnerabilities of mutant KRAS in pancreatic cancer. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:928-936. [PMID: 37524642 PMCID: PMC10592263 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The 40-year desire to target the mutant Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) gene (mKRAS) therapeutically is being realized with more and more broadly applicable and tumor-specific small-molecule inhibitors. Immunologically, mKRAS has equal desirability as a target. Tumor KRAS signaling plays a large role in shaping the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment, especially in pancreatic cancer, leaving mKRAS inhibitors with potentially powerful immune modulatory capabilities that could be exploited in immunological-oncological combinations. mKRAS is itself an immunological antigen, a 'shared neoepitope' linked to the oncogenic process, validated biochemically and immunologically. Novel approaches in the clinic are taking advantage of the fact that mKRAS peptides are naturally processed and presented in tumors by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah C Cheng
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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30
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Liu T, Long K, Zhu Z, Song Y, Chen C, Xu G, Ke X. Roles of circRNAs in regulating the tumor microenvironment. Med Oncol 2023; 40:329. [PMID: 37819576 PMCID: PMC10567871 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
CircRNAs, a type of non-coding RNA widely present in eukaryotic cells, have emerged as a prominent focus in tumor research. However, the functions of most circRNAs remain largely unexplored. Known circRNAs exert their regulatory roles through various mechanisms, including acting as microRNA sponges, binding to RNA-binding proteins, and functioning as transcription factors to modulate protein translation and coding. Tumor growth is not solely driven by gene mutations but also influenced by diverse constituent cells and growth factors within the tumor microenvironment (TME). As crucial regulators within the TME, circRNAs are involved in governing tumor growth and metastasis. This review highlights the role of circRNAs in regulating angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, and immunosuppression within the TME. Additionally, we discuss current research on hypoxia-induced circRNAs production and commensal microorganisms' impact on the TME to elucidate how circRNAs influence tumor growth while emphasizing the significance of modulating the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Kaijun Long
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhengfeng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Yongxiang Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xixian Ke
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, 149 Dalian Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
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31
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Tirado-Garibay AC, Falcón-Ruiz EA, Ochoa-Zarzosa A, López-Meza JE. GPER: An Estrogen Receptor Key in Metastasis and Tumoral Microenvironments. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14993. [PMID: 37834441 PMCID: PMC10573234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens and their role in cancer are well-studied, and some cancer types are classified in terms of their response to them. In recent years, a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been described with relevance in cancer. GPER is a pleiotropic receptor with tissue-specific activity; in normal tissues, its activation is related to correct development and homeostasis, while in cancer cells, it can be pro- or anti-tumorigenic. Also, GPER replaces estrogen responsiveness in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-lacking cancer cell lines. One of the most outstanding activities of GPER is its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is relevant for metastasis development. In addition, the presence of this receptor in tumor microenvironment cells contributes to the phenotypic plasticity required for the dissemination and maintenance of tumors. These characteristics suggest that GPER could be a promising therapeutic target for regulating cancer development. This review focuses on the role of GPER in EMT in tumorigenic and associated cells, highlighting its role in relation to the main hallmarks of cancer and possible therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joel E. López-Meza
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología—FMVZ, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia 58893, Mexico; (A.C.T.-G.); (E.A.F.-R.); (A.O.-Z.)
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32
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Sato H, Hara T, Meng S, Tsuji Y, Arao Y, Saito Y, Sasaki K, Kobayashi S, Doki Y, Eguchi H, Ishii H. Multifaced roles of desmoplastic reaction and fibrosis in pancreatic cancer progression: Current understanding and future directions. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:3487-3495. [PMID: 37480223 PMCID: PMC10475783 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic reaction is a fibrosis reaction that is characterized by a large amount of dense extracellular matrix (ECM) and dense fibrous stroma. Fibrotic stroma around the tumor has several different components, including myofibroblasts, collagen, and other ECM molecules. This stromal reaction is a natural response to the tissue injury process, and fibrosis formation is a key factor in pancreatic cancer development. The fibrotic stroma of pancreatic cancer is associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Reportedly, multiple processes are involved in fibrosis, which is largely associated with the upregulation of various cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and other growth factors that promote tumor growth and metastasis. Fibrosis is also associated with immunosuppressive cell recruitment, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) with suppressing function to antitumor immunity. Further, dense fibrosis restricts the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the tumor cells, which can contribute to drug resistance. Furthermore, the dense collagen matrix can act as a physical barrier to block the entry of drugs into the tumor, thereby further contributing to drug resistance. Thus, understanding the mechanism of desmoplastic reaction and fibrosis in pancreatic cancer will open an avenue to innovative medicine and improve the prognosis of patients suffering from this disease.
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Grants
- 17cm0106414h0002 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP21lm0203007 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 18KK0251 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 19K2265 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 20H00541 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 21K19526 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 22H03146 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 22K19559 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- 16H06279 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Mitsubishi Foundation
- Mitsubishi Foundation
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Sato
- Department of Medical Data ScienceCenter of Medical Innovation and Translational ResearchOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Tomoaki Hara
- Department of Medical Data ScienceCenter of Medical Innovation and Translational ResearchOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Sikun Meng
- Department of Medical Data ScienceCenter of Medical Innovation and Translational ResearchOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yoshiko Tsuji
- Department of Medical Data ScienceCenter of Medical Innovation and Translational ResearchOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yasuko Arao
- Department of Medical Data ScienceCenter of Medical Innovation and Translational ResearchOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yoshiko Saito
- Department of Medical Data ScienceCenter of Medical Innovation and Translational ResearchOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Kazuki Sasaki
- Department of Medical Data ScienceCenter of Medical Innovation and Translational ResearchOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
| | - Hideshi Ishii
- Department of Medical Data ScienceCenter of Medical Innovation and Translational ResearchOsaka University Graduate School of MedicineOsakaJapan
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33
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Lintern N, Smith AM, Jayne DG, Khaled YS. Photodynamic Stromal Depletion in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4135. [PMID: 37627163 PMCID: PMC10453210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164135] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid malignancies, with a five-year survival of less than 10%. The resistance of the disease and the associated lack of therapeutic response is attributed primarily to its dense, fibrotic stroma, which acts as a barrier to drug perfusion and permits tumour survival and invasion. As clinical trials of chemotherapy (CT), radiotherapy (RT), and targeted agents have not been successful, improving the survival rate in unresectable PDAC remains an urgent clinical need. Photodynamic stromal depletion (PSD) is a recent approach that uses visible or near-infrared light to destroy the desmoplastic tissue. Preclinical evidence suggests this can resensitise tumour cells to subsequent therapies whilst averting the tumorigenic effects of tumour-stromal cell interactions. So far, the pre-clinical studies have suggested that PDT can successfully mediate the destruction of various stromal elements without increasing the aggressiveness of the tumour. However, the complexity of this interplay, including the combined tumour promoting and suppressing effects, poses unknowns for the clinical application of photodynamic stromal depletion in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Lintern
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Andrew M. Smith
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - David G. Jayne
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
| | - Yazan S. Khaled
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
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34
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De Grandis MC, Ascenti V, Lanza C, Di Paolo G, Galassi B, Ierardi AM, Carrafiello G, Facciorusso A, Ghidini M. Locoregional Therapies and Remodeling of Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12681. [PMID: 37628865 PMCID: PMC10454061 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the advances made in treatment, the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains dismal, even in the locoregional and locally advanced stages, with high relapse rates after surgery. PDAC exhibits a chemoresistant and immunosuppressive phenotype, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) surrounding cancer cells actively participates in creating a stromal barrier to chemotherapy and an immunosuppressive environment. Recently, there has been an increasing use of interventional radiology techniques for the treatment of PDAC, although they do not represent a standard of care and are not included in clinical guidelines. Local approaches such as radiation therapy, hyperthermia, microwave or radiofrequency ablation, irreversible electroporation and high-intensity focused ultrasound exert their action on the tumor tissue, altering the composition and structure of TME and potentially enhancing the action of chemotherapy. Moreover, their action can increase antigen release and presentation with T-cell activation and reduction tumor-induced immune suppression. This review summarizes the current evidence on locoregional therapies in PDAC and their effect on remodeling TME to make it more susceptible to the action of antitumor agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Velio Ascenti
- Postgraduate School of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (V.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Carolina Lanza
- Postgraduate School of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (V.A.); (C.L.)
| | - Giacomo Di Paolo
- Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.C.D.G.); (G.D.P.)
| | - Barbara Galassi
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (B.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Anna Maria Ierardi
- Radiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.M.I.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianpaolo Carrafiello
- Radiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.M.I.); (G.C.)
- Department of Oncology and Haemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Facciorusso
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (B.G.); (M.G.)
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35
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Bates ME, Libring S, Reinhart-King CA. Forces exerted and transduced by cancer-associated fibroblasts during cancer progression. Biol Cell 2023; 115:e2200104. [PMID: 37224184 PMCID: PMC10757454 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202200104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Although it is well-known that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in regulating tumor progression, the effects of mechanical tissue changes on CAFs are understudied. Myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), in particular, are known to alter tumor matrix architecture and composition, heavily influencing the mechanical forces in the tumor microenvironment (TME), but much less is known about how these mechanical changes initiate and maintain the myCAF phenotype. Additionally, recent studies have pointed to the existence of CAFs in circulating tumor cell clusters, indicating that CAFs may be subject to mechanical forces beyond the primary TME. Due to their pivotal role in cancer progression, targeting CAF mechanical regulation may provide therapeutic benefit. Here, we will discuss current knowledge and summarize existing gaps in how CAFs regulate and are regulated by matrix mechanics, including through stiffness, solid and fluid stresses, and fluid shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison E Bates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah Libring
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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36
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Morgan A, Griffin M, Kameni L, Wan DC, Longaker MT, Norton JA. Medical Biology of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1044. [PMID: 37626931 PMCID: PMC10451924 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer with one of the lowest 5-year survival rates of all cancer types. A defining characteristic of pancreatic cancer is the existence of dense desmoplastic stroma that, when exposed to stimuli such as cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines, generate a tumor-promoting environment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are activated during the progression of pancreatic cancer and are a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). CAFs are primarily pro-tumorigenic in their activated state and function as promoters of cancer invasion, proliferation, metastasis, and immune modulation. Aided by many signaling pathways, cytokines, and chemokines in the tumor microenvironment, CAFs can originate from many cell types including resident fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, pancreatic stellate cells, adipocytes, epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and other cell types. CAFs are a highly heterogeneous cell type expressing a variety of surface markers and performing a wide range of tumor promoting and inhibiting functions. Single-cell transcriptomic analyses have revealed a high degree of specialization among CAFs. Some examples of CAF subpopulations include myofibrotic CAFs (myCAFs), which exhibit a matrix-producing contractile phenotype; inflammatory CAFs (iCAF) that are classified by their immunomodulating, secretory phenotype; and antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs), which have antigen-presenting capabilities and express Major Histocompatibility Complex II (MHC II). Over the last several years, various attempts have been undertaken to describe the mechanisms of CAF-tumor cell interaction, as well as CAF-immune cell interaction, that contribute to tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Although our understanding of CAF biology in cancer has steadily increased, the extent of CAFs heterogeneity and their role in the pathobiology of pancreatic cancer remains elusive. In this regard, it becomes increasingly evident that further research on CAFs in pancreatic cancer is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annah Morgan
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
| | - Michelle Griffin
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lionel Kameni
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
| | - Derrick C. Wan
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael T. Longaker
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Norton
- Hagey Laboratory of Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.M.); (M.G.); (L.K.); (D.C.W.); (M.T.L.)
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Nihashi Y, Song X, Yamamoto M, Setoyama D, Kida YS. Decoding Metabolic Symbiosis between Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Using Cultured Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11015. [PMID: 37446193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis, largely due to its unique tumor microenvironment (TME) and dense fibrotic stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in promoting tumor growth and metastasis, contributing to the metabolic adaptation of PDAC cells. However, the metabolic interactions between PDAC cells and CAFs are not well-understood. In this study, an in vitro co-culture model was used to investigate these metabolic interactions. Metabolomic analysis was performed under monoculture conditions of Capan-1 PDAC cells and CAF precursor cells, as well as co-culture conditions of PDAC cells and differentiated inflammatory CAF (iCAF). Co-cultured Capan-1 cells displayed significant metabolic changes, such as increased 2-oxoglutaric acid and lauric acid and decreased amino acids. The metabolic profiles of co-cultured Capan-1 and CAFs revealed differences in intracellular metabolites. Analysis of extracellular metabolites in the culture supernatant showed distinct differences between Capan-1 and CAF precursors, with the co-culture supernatant exhibiting the most significant changes. A comparison of the culture supernatants of Capan-1 and CAF precursors revealed different metabolic processes while co-culturing the two cell types demonstrated potential metabolic interactions. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of metabolic interactions between cancer cells and CAFs in tumor progression and highlights the role of TME in metabolic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Nihashi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
- Tsukuba Life Science Innovation Program (T-LSI), School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
| | - Masamichi Yamamoto
- Department of Research Promotion and Management, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita 564-8565, Japan
| | - Daiki Setoyama
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki S Kida
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 305-8565, Japan
- School of Integrative & Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
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Shen K, Ke S, Chen B, Zhang T, Wang H, Lv J, Gao W. Identification and validation of biomarkers for epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related cells to estimate the prognosis and immune microenvironment in primary gastric cancer by the integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data. MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING : MBE 2023; 20:13798-13823. [PMID: 37679111 DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2023614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with gastric cancer (GC) progression and immune microenvironment. To better understand the heterogeneity underlying EMT, we integrated single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and bulk sequencing data from GC patients to evaluate the prognostic utility of biomarkers for EMT-related cells (ERCs), namely, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and epithelial cells (ECs). METHODS scRNA-seq data from primary GC tumor samples were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify ERC marker genes. Bulk GC datasets from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GEO were used as training and validation sets, respectively. Differentially expressed markers were identified from the TCGA database. Univariate Cox, least-absolute shrinkage, and selection operator regression analyses were performed to identify EMT-related cell-prognostic genes (ERCPGs). Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were adopted to evaluate the prognostic utility of the ERCPG signature. An ERCPG-based nomogram was constructed by integrating independent prognostic factors. Finally, we evaluated the correlations between the ERCPG signature and immune-cell infiltration and verified the expression of ERCPG prognostic signature genes by in vitro cellular assays. RESULTS The ERCPG signature was comprised of seven genes (COL4A1, F2R, MMP11, CAV1, VCAN, FKBP10, and APOD). Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the ERCPG risk scores. Patients in the high-risk group showed a poor prognosis. ROC and calibration curves suggested that the ERCPG signature and nomogram had a good prognostic utility. An immune cell-infiltration analysis suggested that the abnormal expression of ERCPGs induced the formation of an unfavorable tumor immune microenvironment. In vitro cellular assays showed that ERCPGs were more abundantly expressed in GC cell lines compared to normal gastric tissue cell lines. CONCLUSIONS We constructed and validated an ERCPG signature using scRNA-seq and bulk sequencing data from ERCs of GC patients. Our findings support the estimation of patient prognosis and tumor treatment in future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyu Shen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shuaiyi Ke
- Department of Internal Medicine, XianJu People's Hospital, XianJu 317399, China
| | - Binyu Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Hongtai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, XianJu People' Hospital, XianJu 317399, China
| | - Jianhui Lv
- Department of General Surgery, XianJu People' Hospital, XianJu 317399, China
| | - Wencang Gao
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310005, China
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Liu J, Xu X, Li Y, Xu J, Zhao R, Liu S, Wu J, Zhang L, Zhang B. Bortezomib-loaded mixed micelles realize a "three-in-one" effect for enhanced breast cancer treatment. Biomater Sci 2023. [PMID: 37306225 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00254c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensively regulating the TME is now regarded as a promising approach for cancer treatment. Herein, a novel "three-in-one" effect is presented for simultaneously killing tumor cells, inhibiting the EMT of CAFs, and improving immune responses. In this study, bortezomib (BTZ) is selected for the treatment of breast cancer; it has multiple pharmacological mechanisms for killing tumor cells through the NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibiting the activity of CAFs by activating caspase-3, and enhancing the function of CD8+ T cells by regulating the expression of immune-stimulating factors. To improve the druggability of BTZ in solid tumors, BTZ-loaded lipid/glycocholic acid mixed micelles (BTZ-LGs) were prepared to verify the "three-in-one" effect in killing tumor cells, inhibiting CAFs, and improving immune responses. In the present work, BTZ-LGs were verified to show enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity in both 4T1 cells and 4T1/NIH3T3 co-cultured cells, as well as a superior in vivo treatment effect in different tumor-bearing mouse models. Additionally, BTZ-LGs could regulate the expression of α-SMA, caspase-3, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin, indicating their good inhibiting ability on both tumor cells and CAFs. More importantly, immunological analysis revealed that BTZ-LGs promoted the expression of the immunostimulatory factor IL-2 in tumor tissues, activated anti-tumor T cells, and overcame tumor-induced CD8+ T cell dysfunction. All these findings suggest that BTZ-LGs can achieve a "three-in-one" effect in terms of killing tumor cells, suppressing CAFs, and improving immune responses. This simple and multi-effective therapeutic strategy offers a promising approach for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaoman Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China.
| | - Yanying Li
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, P.R. China
| | - Jingxia Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China.
| | - Ruogang Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China.
| | - Siwei Liu
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, P.R. China
| | - Jingliang Wu
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China.
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China.
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Yu S, Luan Y, Tang S, Abazarikia A, Dong R, Caffrey TC, Hollingsworth MA, Oupicky D, Kim S. Uncovering Tumor-Promoting Roles of Activin A in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207010. [PMID: 37083240 PMCID: PMC10238186 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers with high incidence rates of metastasis and cachexia. High circulating activin A, a homodimer of inhibin βA subunits that are encoded by INHBA gene, predicts poor survival among PDAC patients. However, it still raises the question of whether activin A suppression renders favorable PDAC outcomes. Here, the authors demonstrate that activin A is abundantly detected in tumor and stromal cells on PDAC tissue microarray and mouse PDAC sections. In orthotopic male mice, activin A suppression, which is acquired by tumor-targeted Inhba siRNA using cholesterol-modified polymeric nanoparticles, retards tumor growth/metastasis and cachexia and improves survival when compared to scramble siRNA-treated group. Histologically, activin A suppression coincides with decreased expression of proliferation marker Ki67 but increased accumulation of α-SMAhigh fibroblasts and cytotoxic T cells in the tumors. In vitro data demonstrate that activin A promotes KPC cell proliferation and induces the downregulation of α-SMA and upregulation of IL-6 in pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) in the SMAD3-dependent mechanism. Moreover, conditioned media from activin A-stimulated PSC promoted KPC cell growth. Collectively, our data provide a mechanistic basis for tumor-promoting roles of activin A and support therapeutic potentials of tumor activin A suppression for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok‐Yeong Yu
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Yi Luan
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Siyuan Tang
- Center for Drug Delivery and NanomedicineDepartment of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Amirhossein Abazarikia
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Rosemary Dong
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Thomas C. Caffrey
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
- Fred & Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - Michael A. Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied DiseasesUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
- Fred & Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - David Oupicky
- Center for Drug Delivery and NanomedicineDepartment of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Fred & Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
| | - So‐Youn Kim
- Olson Center for Women's HealthDepartment of Obstetrics and GynecologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Center for Drug Delivery and NanomedicineDepartment of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
- Fred & Buffett Cancer CenterUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
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彭 译, 罗 香, 陈 婧. [Research Progress and New Immunotherapy Strategies of Tumor Microenvironment Metabolism]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2023; 54:505-509. [PMID: 37248575 PMCID: PMC10475410 DOI: 10.12182/20230560502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), the environment of tumorigenesis and tumor progression, incorporates multiple types of cells and non-cellular components. TME plays an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Due to the abnormal proliferation of tumors, the TME has a unique chemophysiology environment and complex metabolic patterns, which subsequently affects the role of immune cells. Understanding the metabolic patterns of TME can help us develop immunotherapy regimens that target TME. Microbial metabolism and lipid metabolism, the key metabolic processes of TME, have emerged as important foci of research. The metabolites released by the microbiome and the reprogramming of cellular lipid metabolism affect the subsistence of tumor and immune cells. In this review, we summarized the composition and metabolic characteristics of TME and discussed the latest research progress in microbial metabolism and lipid metabolism in TME. We also provided an update on relevant metabolic regulatory targets and immunotherapy strategies, stressing that identifying highly effective therapeutic targets, in spite of the apparent difficulty, is what future research should be focused on.
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Affiliation(s)
- 译漫 彭
- 四川大学华西医院 生物治疗国家重点实验室 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 香梦 罗
- 四川大学华西医院 生物治疗国家重点实验室 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - 婧瑶 陈
- 四川大学华西医院 生物治疗国家重点实验室 (成都 610041)State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Mijit M, Boner M, Cordova RA, Gampala S, Kpenu E, Klunk AJ, Zhang C, Kelley MR, Staschke KA, Fishel ML. Activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) pathways in response to Ref-1 inhibition in human pancreatic cancer and its tumor microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1146115. [PMID: 37181357 PMCID: PMC10174294 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1146115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer or pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a profound inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) with high heterogeneity, metastatic propensity, and extreme hypoxia. The integrated stress response (ISR) pathway features a family of protein kinases that phosphorylate eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) and regulate translation in response to diverse stress conditions, including hypoxia. We previously demonstrated that eIF2 signaling pathways were profoundly affected in response to Redox factor-1 (Ref-1) knockdown in human PDAC cells. Ref-1 is a dual function enzyme with activities of DNA repair and redox signaling, responds to cellular stress, and regulates survival pathways. The redox function of Ref-1 directly regulates multiple transcription factors including HIF-1α, STAT3, and NF-κB, which are highly active in the PDAC TME. However, the mechanistic details of the crosstalk between Ref-1 redox signaling and activation of ISR pathways are unclear. Following Ref-1 knockdown, induction of ISR was observed under normoxic conditions, while hypoxic conditions were sufficient to activate ISR irrespective of Ref-1 levels. Inhibition of Ref-1 redox activity increased expression of p-eIF2 and ATF4 transcriptional activity in a concentration-dependent manner in multiple human PDAC cell lines, and the effect on eIF2 phosphorylation was PERK-dependent. Treatment with PERK inhibitor, AMG-44 at high concentrations resulted in activation of the alternative ISR kinase, GCN2 and induced levels of p-eIF2 and ATF4 in both tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Combination treatment with inhibitors of Ref-1 and PERK enhanced cell killing effects in both human pancreatic cancer lines and CAFs in 3D co-culture, but only at high doses of PERK inhibitors. This effect was completely abrogated when Ref-1 inhibitors were used in combination with GCN2 inhibitor, GCN2iB. We demonstrate that targeting of Ref-1 redox signaling activates the ISR in multiple PDAC lines and that this activation of ISR is critical for inhibition of the growth of co-culture spheroids. Combination effects were only observed in physiologically relevant 3D co-cultures, suggesting that the model system utilized can greatly affect the outcome of these targeted agents. Inhibition of Ref-1 signaling induces cell death through ISR signaling pathways, and combination of Ref-1 redox signaling blockade with ISR activation could be a novel therapeutic strategy for PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmut Mijit
- Department of Pediatrics and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Megan Boner
- Department of Pediatrics and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ricardo A Cordova
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Silpa Gampala
- Department of Pediatrics and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Eyram Kpenu
- Department of Pediatrics and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Angela J Klunk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Chi Zhang
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of BioHealth Informatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - MarK R Kelley
- Department of Pediatrics and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kirk A Staschke
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Melissa L Fishel
- Department of Pediatrics and Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Ursino C, Mouric C, Gros L, Bonnefoy N, Faget J. Intrinsic features of the cancer cell as drivers of immune checkpoint blockade response and refractoriness. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1170321. [PMID: 37180110 PMCID: PMC10169604 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1170321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade represents the latest revolution in cancer treatment by substantially increasing patients' lifetime and quality of life in multiple neoplastic pathologies. However, this new avenue of cancer management appeared extremely beneficial in a minority of cancer types and the sub-population of patients that would benefit from such therapies remain difficult to predict. In this review of the literature, we have summarized important knowledge linking cancer cell characteristics with the response to immunotherapy. Mostly focused on lung cancer, our objective was to illustrate how cancer cell diversity inside a well-defined pathology might explain sensitivity and refractoriness to immunotherapies. We first discuss how genomic instability, epigenetics and innate immune signaling could explain differences in the response to immune checkpoint blockers. Then, in a second part we detailed important notions suggesting that altered cancer cell metabolism, specific oncogenic signaling, tumor suppressor loss as well as tight control of the cGAS/STING pathway in the cancer cells can be associated with resistance to immune checkpoint blockade. At the end, we discussed recent evidences that could suggest that immune checkpoint blockade as first line therapy might shape the cancer cell clones diversity and give rise to the appearance of novel resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Julien Faget
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Univ Montpellier, Institut du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Montpellier, France
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Rebelo R, Xavier CPR, Giovannetti E, Vasconcelos MH. Fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer: molecular and clinical perspectives. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:439-453. [PMID: 37100646 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are highly abundant cells in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME) that modulate desmoplasia. The formation of a dense stroma leads to immunosuppression and therapy resistance that are major causes of treatment failure in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recent evidence suggests that several subpopulations of CAFs in the TME can interconvert, explaining the dual roles (antitumorigenic and protumorigenic) of CAFs in PDAC and the contradictory results of CAF-targeted therapies in clinical trials. This highlights the need to clarify CAF heterogeneity and their interactions with PDAC cells. This review focuses on the communication between activated PSCs/CAFs and PDAC cells, as well as on the mechanisms underlying this crosstalk. CAF-focused therapies and emerging biomarkers are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rebelo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Cancer Drug Resistance Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal.
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Palma AM, Vudatha V, Peixoto ML, Madan E. Tumor heterogeneity: An oncogenic driver of PDAC progression and therapy resistance under stress conditions. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:203-249. [PMID: 37268397 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a clinically challenging disease usually diagnosed at advanced or metastasized stage. By this year end, there are an expected increase in 62,210 new cases and 49,830 deaths in the United States, with 90% corresponding to PDAC subtype alone. Despite advances in cancer therapy, one of the major challenges combating PDAC remains tumor heterogeneity between PDAC patients and within the primary and metastatic lesions of the same patient. This review describes the PDAC subtypes based on the genomic, transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic signatures observed among patients and within individual tumors. Recent studies in tumor biology suggest PDAC heterogeneity as a major driver of disease progression under conditions of stress including hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, leading to metabolic reprogramming. We therefore advance our understanding in identifying the underlying mechanisms that interfere with the crosstalk between the extracellular matrix components and tumor cells that define the mechanics of tumor growth and metastasis. The bilateral interaction between the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment and PDAC cells serves as another important contributor that characterizes the tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing phenotypes providing an opportunity for an effective treatment regime. Furthermore, we highlight the dynamic reciprocating interplay between the stromal and immune cells that impact immune surveillance or immune evasion response and contribute towards a complex process of tumorigenesis. In summary, the review encapsulates the existing knowledge of the currently applied treatments for PDAC with emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, manifesting at multiple levels, impacting disease progression and therapy resistance under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vignesh Vudatha
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | | | - Esha Madan
- Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Joshi VB, Gutierrez Ruiz OL, Razidlo GL. The Cell Biology of Metastatic Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer: Updates and Mechanistic Insights. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072169. [PMID: 37046830 PMCID: PMC10093482 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This is largely due to the lack of routine screening protocols, an absence of symptoms in early-stage disease leading to late detection, and a paucity of effective treatment options. Critically, the majority of patients either present with metastatic disease or rapidly develop metastatic disease. Thus, there is an urgent need to deepen our understanding of metastasis in PDAC. During metastasis, tumor cells escape from the primary tumor, enter the circulation, and travel to a distant site to form a secondary tumor. In order to accomplish this relatively rare event, tumor cells develop an enhanced ability to detach from the primary tumor, migrate into the surrounding matrix, and invade across the basement membrane. In addition, cancer cells interact with the various cell types and matrix proteins that comprise the tumor microenvironment, with some of these factors working to promote metastasis and others working to suppress it. In PDAC, many of these processes are not well understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the cell biology of the early steps of the metastatic cascade in pancreatic cancer. Specifically, we will examine the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PDAC and its requirement for metastasis, summarize our understanding of how PDAC cells invade and degrade the surrounding matrix, and discuss how migration and adhesion dynamics are regulated in PDAC to optimize cancer cell motility. In addition, the role of the tumor microenvironment in PDAC will also be discussed for each of these invasive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidhu B Joshi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Omar L Gutierrez Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Gina L Razidlo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Hou Y, Li H, Song P, Yang Y, Hao Y, Liu H. Effect of tumor-stromal fibroblasts on the biological behavior of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma cells in vitro. HUA XI KOU QIANG YI XUE ZA ZHI = HUAXI KOUQIANG YIXUE ZAZHI = WEST CHINA JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY 2023; 41:149-156. [PMID: 37056180 PMCID: PMC10427247 DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2023.2022314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the effects of tumor-stromal fibroblasts (TSFs) on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (SPA) cells in vitro. METHODS Salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma cells (SPACs), TSFs, and peri-tumorous normal fibroblasts (NFs) were obtained by tissue primary culture and identified by immunocytochemical staining. The conditioned medium was obtained from TSF and NF in logarithmic phase. SPACs were cultured by conditioned medium and treated by TSF (group TSF-SPAC) and NF (group NF-SPAC). SPACs were used as the control group. The proliferation, invasion, and migration of the three groups of cells were detected by MTT, transwell, and scratch assays, respectively. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the three groups was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Immunocytochemical staining showed positive vimentin expression in NF and TSF. Results also indicated the weak positive expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in TSFs and the negative expression of α-SMA and FAP in NFs. MTT assay showed that cell proliferation in the TSF-SPAC group was significantly different from that in the NF-SPAC and SPAC groups (P<0.05). Cell proliferation was not different between the NF-SPAC and SPAC groups (P>0.05). Transwell and scratch assays showed no difference in cell invasion and migration among the groups (P>0.05). ELISA showed that no significant difference in VEGF expression among the three groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS TSFs may be involved in SPA biological behavior by promoting the proliferation of SPACs but has no effect on the invasion and migration of SPACs in vitro. Hence, TSF may be a new therapeutic target in SPA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Hou
- Dept. of Pathology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Hexiang Li
- Dept. of Pathology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Peng Song
- Dept. of Pathology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Yanxiao Yang
- Dept. of Pathology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Yali Hao
- Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hebei Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
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Geng X, Li L, Luo Y, Yang W, Hu J, Zhao Z, Cheng C, Zhang T, Zhang Y, Liu L, Xie Y, Li G, Liu D, Bai R, Bai X, Wang G, Chen H, Wang Y, Chen H, Sun B. Tumor Cell Derived Lnc-FSD2-31:1 Contributes to Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Activation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression through Extracellular Vesicles Cargo MiR-4736. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2203324. [PMID: 36727832 PMCID: PMC10074102 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents with high mortality and short overall survival. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) act as refuge for cancer cells in PDAC. Mechanisms of intracelluar communication between CAFs and cancer cells need to be explored. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the modulation of oncogenesis and tumor progression of PDAC; however, specific lncRNAs and their mechanism of action have not been clarified clearly in tumoral microenvironment. This work aims to identify novel lncRNAs involved in cellular interaction between cancer cells and CAFs in PDAC. To this end, differentially expressed lncRNAs between long-term and short-term survival PDAC patients are screened. Lnc-FSD2-31:1 is found to be significantly increased in long-term survival patients. This work then discovers that tumor-derived lnc-FSD2-31:1 restrains CAFs activation via miR-4736 transported by extracellular vesicles (EVs) in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, EVs-derived miR-4736 suppresses autophagy and contributes to CAFs activation by targeting ATG7. Furthermore, blocking miR-4736 suppresses tumor growth in genetically engineered KPC (LSL-KrasG12D/+, LSL-Trp53R172H/+, and Pdx-1-Cre) mouse model of PDAC. This study demonstrates that intratumoral lnc-FSD2-31:1 modulates autophagy in CAFs resulting in their activation through EVs-derived miR-4736. Targeting miR-4736 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglong Geng
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Le Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Wenbo Yang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Jisheng Hu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Zhongjie Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Chundong Cheng
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Liwei Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Yu Xie
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Guanqun Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Danxi Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Rui Bai
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Xuewei Bai
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Yongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Hongze Chen
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityKey Laboratory of Hepatosplenic SurgeryMinistry of EducationThe First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjiang150000China
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Song T, Zhang H, Luo Z, Shang L, Zhao Y. Primary Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells Cultivation in Microfluidic Hydrogel Microcapsules for Drug Evaluation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206004. [PMID: 36808707 PMCID: PMC10131826 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is an essential postoperative treatment for pancreatic cancer, while due to the lack of effective drug evaluation platforms, the therapeutic outcomes are hampered by tumor heterogeneity among individuals. Here, a novel microfluidic encapsulated and integrated primary pancreatic cancer cells platform is proposed for biomimetic tumor 3D cultivation and clinical drug evaluation. These primary cells are encapsulated into hydrogel microcapsules of carboxymethyl cellulose cores and alginate shells based on a microfluidic electrospray technique. Benefiting from the good monodispersity, stability, and precise dimensional controllability of the technology, the encapsulated cells can proliferate rapidly and spontaneously form 3D tumor spheroids with highly uniform size and good cell viability. By integrating these encapsulated tumor spheroids into a microfluidic chip with concentration gradient channels and culture chambers, dynamic and high-throughput drug evaluation of different chemotherapy regimens could be realized. It is demonstrated that different patient-derived tumor spheroids show different drug sensitivity on-chip, which is significantly consistent with the clinical follow-up study after the operation. The results demonstrate that the microfluidic encapsulated and integrated tumor spheroids platform has great application potential in clinical drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiyu Song
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyInstitute of Translational MedicineThe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing210002China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Zhiqiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Luoran Shang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyInstitute of Translational MedicineThe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing210002China
- Zhongshan‐Xuhui Hospital and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics the International Colaboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyInstitute of Translational MedicineThe Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing210002China
- State Key Laboratory of BioelectronicsSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation CenterNanjing UniversityNanjing210023China
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50
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Li Y, Xiang S, Pan W, Wang J, Zhan H, Liu S. Targeting tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: Current research and future perspective. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1166860. [PMID: 37064113 PMCID: PMC10090519 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1166860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant tumors with increased incidence rate. The effect of surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy on survival of patients is unsatisfactory. New treatment strategy such as immunotherapy need to be investigated. The accumulation of desmoplastic stroma, infiltration of immunosuppressive cells including myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs), as well as tumor associated cytokine such as TGF-β, IL-10, IL-35, CCL5 and CXCL12 construct an immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, which presents challenges for immunotherapy. In this review article, we explore the roles and mechanism of immunosuppressive cells and lymphocytes in establishing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. In addition, immunotherapy strategies for pancreatic cancer based on tumor microenvironment including immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeting extracellular matrix (ECM), interfering with stromal cells or cytokines in TME, cancer vaccines and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are also discussed. It is necessary to identify an approach of immunotherapy in combination with other modalities to produce a synergistic effect with increased response rates in pancreatic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuai Xiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenjun Pan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Operating Room, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hanxiang Zhan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Shanglong Liu, ; Hanxiang Zhan,
| | - Shanglong Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- *Correspondence: Shanglong Liu, ; Hanxiang Zhan,
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