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Wang F, Li Z, Xu T, Zhang Q, Ma T, Li S, Wang X. A comprehensive multi-omics analysis identifies a robust scoring system for cancer-associated fibroblasts and intervention targets in colorectal cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:124. [PMID: 38478111 PMCID: PMC10937804 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05548-7] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a critical role in promoting tumor growth, metastasis, and immune evasion. While numerous studies have investigated CAF, there remains a paucity of research on their clinical application in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS In this study, we collected differentially expressed genes between CAF and normal fibroblasts (NF) from previous CRC studies, and utilized machine learning analysis to differentiate two distinct subtypes of CAF in CRC. To enable practical application, a CAF-related genes (CAFGs) scoring system was developed based on multivariate Cox regression. We then conducted functional enrichment analysis, Kaplan-Meier plot, consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) classification, and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm to investigate the relationship between the CAFGs scoring system and various biological mechanisms, prognostic value, tumor microenvironment, and response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Moreover, single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics analyses have been employed to validate the significance of scoring system-related molecules in the identity and function of CAF. RESULTS We unveiled significant distinctions in tumor immune status and prognosis not only between the CAF clusters, but also across high and low CAFGs groups. Specifically, patients in CAF cluster 2 or with high CAFGs scores exhibited higher CAF markers and were enriched for CAF-related biological pathways such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis. In addition, CAFGs score was identified as a risk index and correlated with poor overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS). High CAFGs scores were observed in patients with advanced stages, CMS4, as well as lymphatic invasion. Furthermore, elevated CAFG scores in patients signified a suppressive tumor microenvironment characterized by the upregulation of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), T-cell dysfunction, exclusion, and TIDE score. And high CAFGs scores can differentiate patients with lower response rates and poor prognosis under ICB therapy. Notably, single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics analyses identified several molecules related to CAF identity and function, such as FSTL1, IGFBP7, and FBN1. CONCLUSION We constructed a robust CAFGs score system with clinical significance using multiple CRC cohorts. In addition, we identified several molecules related to CAF identity and function that could be potential intervention targets for CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Department of Surgical Clinical, School of Heze Medical College, Heze, China
| | - Tianlei Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sijia Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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2
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Yarahmadi A, Afkhami H. The role of microbiomes in gastrointestinal cancers: new insights. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1344328. [PMID: 38361500 PMCID: PMC10867565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1344328] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers constitute more than 33% of new cancer cases worldwide and pose a considerable burden on public health. There exists a growing body of evidence that has systematically recorded an upward trajectory in GI malignancies within the last 5 to 10 years, thus presenting a formidable menace to the health of the human population. The perturbations in GI microbiota may have a noteworthy influence on the advancement of GI cancers; however, the precise mechanisms behind this association are still not comprehensively understood. Some bacteria have been observed to support cancer development, while others seem to provide a safeguard against it. Recent studies have indicated that alterations in the composition and abundance of microbiomes could be associated with the progression of various GI cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, hepatic, and esophageal cancers. Within this comprehensive analysis, we examine the significance of microbiomes, particularly those located in the intestines, in GI cancers. Furthermore, we explore the impact of microbiomes on various treatment modalities for GI cancer, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Additionally, we delve into the intricate mechanisms through which intestinal microbes influence the efficacy of GI cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Yarahmadi
- Department of Biology, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Kim J, Pena JV, McQueen HP, Kong L, Michael D, Lomashvili EM, Cook PR. Downstream STING pathways IRF3 and NF-κB differentially regulate CCL22 in response to cytosolic dsDNA. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:28-42. [PMID: 37990062 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00678-z] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells is abnormal and typically indicates the presence of pathogens or mislocalized self-DNA. Multiple sensors detect cytosolic dsDNA and trigger robust immune responses via activation of type I interferons. Several cancer immunotherapy treatments also activate cytosolic nucleic acid sensing pathways, including oncolytic viruses, nucleic acid-based cancer vaccines, and pharmacological agonists. We report here that cytosolic dsDNA introduced into malignant cells can robustly upregulate expression of CCL22, a chemokine responsible for the recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs in the tumor microenvironment are thought to repress anti-tumor immune responses and contribute to tumor immune evasion. Surprisingly, we found that CCL22 upregulation by dsDNA was mediated primarily by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), a key transcription factor that activates type I interferons. This finding was unexpected given previous reports that type I interferon alpha (IFN-α) inhibits CCL22 and that IRF3 is associated with strong anti-tumor immune responses, not Treg recruitment. We also found that CCL22 upregulation by dsDNA occurred concurrently with type I interferon beta (IFN-β) upregulation. IRF3 is one of two transcription factors downstream of the STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING), a hub adaptor protein through which multiple dsDNA sensors transmit their signals. The other transcription factor downstream of STING, NF-κB, has been reported to regulate CCL22 expression in other contexts, and NF-κB has also been associated with multiple pro-tumor functions, including Treg recruitment. However, we found that NF-κB in the context of activation by cytosolic dsDNA contributed minimally to CCL22 upregulation compared with IRF3. Lastly, we observed that two strains of the same cell line differed profoundly in their capacity to upregulate CCL22 and IFN-β in response to dsDNA, despite apparent STING activation in both cell lines. This finding suggests that during tumor evolution, cells can acquire, or lose, the ability to upregulate CCL22. This study adds to our understanding of factors that may modulate immune activation in response to cytosolic DNA and has implications for immunotherapy strategies that activate DNA sensing pathways in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Jocelyn V Pena
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Hannah P McQueen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Lingwei Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Dina Michael
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Elmira M Lomashvili
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Pamela R Cook
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA, USA.
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4
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Wang S, Xu B, Zhang Y, Chen G, Zhao P, Gao Q, Yuan L. The role of intestinal flora on tumorigenesis, progression, and the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in colorectal cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0376. [PMID: 38148328 PMCID: PMC10875280 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0376] [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: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal flora affects the maturation of the host immune system, serves as a biomarker and efficacy predictor in the immunotherapy of several cancers, and has an important role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have shown satisfactory results in MSI-H/dMMR CRC but performed poorly in patients with MSS/pMMR CRC. In recent years an increasing number of studies have shown that intestinal flora has an important impact on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy in CRC patients. Preclinical and clinical evidence have suggested that anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy can be improved by altering the composition of the intestinal flora in CRC. Herein, we summarize the studies related to the influence of intestinal flora on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody efficacy in CRC and discuss the potential underlying mechanism(s). We have focused on the impact of the intestinal flora on the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in CRC and how to better utilize the intestinal flora as an adjuvant to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. In addition, we have provided a basis for the potential of the intestinal flora as a new treatment modality and indicator for determining patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Benling Xu
- Department of Immunotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Department of Immunotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Quanli Gao
- Department of Immunotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Long Yuan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
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5
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Xu X, Gong C, Wang Y, Yin Z, Wang X, Hu Y, Fang Z. Bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation identified HMGA2/microRNA-200c-3p/LSAMP/Wnt axis as an immunological factor of patients with colorectal cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:3898-3920. [PMID: 37818072 PMCID: PMC10560921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in tumor progression and affects the prognosis of CRC patients. However, the TME has been poorly characterized and studies aiming to identify the biomarkers or combined risk scores of CRC patients are limited. Here, we overlapped differentially expressed genes and stromal/immune-score-related modules to identify immune- and stromal-related genes in CRC patients. These genes were fed into the LASSO-Cox regression analysis for dimensionality reduction to establish a TME-associated risk model. A high TME-associated risk score was identified as an unfavorable prognostic factor in The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets, as well as in a subgroup analysis, stratified by gender, age, microsatellite instability, and tumor lymph node metastasis stage. Ten genes were mutated more frequently in the high TME-associated risk score group; these mutations may be related to changes in the TME and the response to immunotherapy. Thus, a lower TME-associated risk score may indicate a better response to immunotherapy and longer overall survival. Experimental validation demonstrated that LSAMP, a novel TME-associated-risk-score-related gene, increased sensitivity of CRC to CD8+-T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. A mechanistic investigation showed that the HMGA2/microRNA-200c-3p/LSAMP/Wnt axis was an immunological factor in CRC patients. To conclusion, we demonstrated that the TME-associated risk score model could be a reliable prognostic biomarker for CRC patients and highlighted the significance of the HMGA2/microRNA-200c-3p/LSAMP/Wnt axis in the oncoimmunology of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xu
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoju Gong
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Xuzhou Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical UniversityXuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunfeng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhidong Yin
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanyan Hu
- Central Laboratory, Sanmen People’s HospitalSanmen 317100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zejun Fang
- Central Laboratory, Sanmen People’s HospitalSanmen 317100, Zhejiang, China
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6
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Kong X, Zhang Y, Xiang L, You Y, Duan Y, Zhao Y, Li S, Wu R, Zhang J, Zhou L, Duan L. Fusobacterium nucleatum-triggered neutrophil extracellular traps facilitate colorectal carcinoma progression. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:236. [PMID: 37684625 PMCID: PMC10492297 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02817-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) acts as a procarcinogenic bacterium in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) by regulating the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which can be generated by persistent inflammation, have been recently considered to be significant contributors in promoting cancer progression. However, whether NETs are implicated in Fn-related carcinogenesis is still poorly characterized. Here, we explored the role of NETs in Fn-related CRC as well as their potential clinical significance. METHODS Fn was measured in tissue specimens and feces samples from CRC patients. The expression of NET markers were also detected in tissue specimens, freshly isolated neutrophils and blood serum from CRC patients, and the correlation of circulating NETs levels with Fn was evaluated. Cell-based experiments were conducted to investigate the mechanism by which Fn modulates NETs formation. In addition, we clarified the functional mechanism of Fn-induced NETs on the growth and metastasis of CRC in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS Tissue and blood samples from CRC patients, particularly those from Fn-infected CRC patients, exhibited greater neutrophil infiltration and higher NETs levels. Fn infection induced abundant NETs production in in vitro studies. Subsequently, we demonstrated that Fn-induced NETs indirectly accelerated malignant tumor growth through angiopoiesis, and facilitated tumor metastasis, as manifested by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related cell migration, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated basement membrane protein degradation, and trapping of CRC cells. Mechanistically, the Toll-like receptor (TLR4)-reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor (NOD1/2)-dependent signaling were responsible for Fn-stimulated NETs formation. More importantly, circulating NETs combined with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) could predict CRC occurrence and metastasis, with areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.92 and 0.85, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that Fn-induced NETs abundance by activating TLR4-ROS and NOD1/2 signalings in neutrophils facilitated CRC progression. The combination of circulating NETs and CEA was identified as a novel screening strategy for predicting CRC occurrence and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehua Kong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 of Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.74 Linjiang Road, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.74 Linjiang Road, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Linwei Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 of Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.74 Linjiang Road, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yan You
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yaqian Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.74 Linjiang Road, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yuqing Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 of Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Shue Li
- Department of Academic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chonqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jiangbo Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 of Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Liang Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No.74 Linjiang Road, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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7
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Huang YC, Hou MF, Tsai YM, Pan YC, Tsai PH, Lin YS, Chang CY, Tsai EM, Hsu YL. Involvement of ACACA (acetyl-CoA carboxylase α) in the lung pre-metastatic niche formation in breast cancer by senescence phenotypic conversion in fibroblasts. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:643-660. [PMID: 36607556 PMCID: PMC10205862 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00767-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reprogramming of metabolism is strongly associated with the development of cancer. However, the role of metabolic reprogramming in the remodeling of pre-metastatic niche (PMN), a key step in metastasis, is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the metabolic alternation during lung PMN formation in breast cancer. METHODS We assessed the transcriptomes and lipidomics of lung of MMTV-PyVT mice by microarray and liquid chromatography-tandem mass mass spectrometry before lung metastasis. The validation of gene or protein expressions was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or immunoblot and immunohistochemistry respectively. The lung fibroblasts were isolated from mice and then co-cultured with breast cancer to identify the influence of cancer on the change of lung fibroblasts in PMN. RESULTS We demonstrated changes in the lipid profile and several lipid metabolism genes in the lungs of breast cancer-bearing MMTV-PyVT mice before cancer spreading. The expression of ACACA (acetyl-CoA carboxylase α) was downregulated in the lung fibroblasts, which contributed to changes in acetylation of protein's lysine residues and the synthesis of fatty acid. The downregulation of ACACA in lung fibroblasts triggered a senescent and inflammatory phenotypic shift of lung fibroblasts in both in vivo and in vitro models. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype of lung fibroblasts enabled the recruitment of immunosuppressive granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells into the lungs through the production of CXCL1 in the lungs. Knock-in of ACACA prevented lung metastasis in the MMTV-PyVT mouse model, further supporting that ACACA was involved in the remodeling of the lung PMN. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these data revealed a mechanism by which ACACA downregulation directed the formation of an immunosuppressive lung PMN in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Chi Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environment Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ming Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Pan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsun Tsai
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shiuan Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yuan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Department of Anatomy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ling Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, 912, Taiwan.
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Dai X, Zhu K. Cold atmospheric plasma: Novel opportunities for tumor microenvironment targeting. Cancer Med 2023; 12:7189-7206. [PMID: 36762766 PMCID: PMC10067048 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5491] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
With mounting preclinical and clinical evidences on the prominent roles of the tumor microenvironment (TME) played during carcinogenesis, the TME has been recognized and used as an important onco-therapeutic target during the past decade. Delineating our current knowledge on TME components and their functionalities can help us recognize novel onco-therapeutic opportunities and establish treatment modalities towards desirable anti-cancer outcome. By identifying and focusing on primary cellular components in the TME, that is, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells, we decomposed their primary functionalities during carcinogenesis, categorized current therapeutic approaches utilizing traits of these components, and forecasted possible benefits that cold atmospheric plasma, a redox modulating tool with selectivity against cancer cells, may convey by targeting the TME. Our insights may open a novel therapeutic avenue for cancer control taking advantages of redox homeostasis and immunostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Dai
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Kaiyuan Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Chen R, Wang X, Fu J, Liang M, Xia T. High FLT3 expression indicates favorable prognosis and correlates with clinicopathological parameters and immune infiltration in breast cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:956869. [PMID: 36159964 PMCID: PMC9499177 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.956869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, seriously threatening female health worldwide and inducing higher mortalities. Few have the studies evaluated Fms-like TyrosineKinase-3 (FLT3) in prognostic risk, immunotherapy or any other treatment of breast cancer. Our study focused on investigating the function of FLT3 in breast cancer. Patients and methods: Based on transcriptome and methylation data mined from The Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA), we explored the clinical features of FLT3 expression in 1079 breast cancer samples. RT-qPCR in cell lines and tissue samples was used to verify the expression difference of FLT3. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and cox regression models were employed for screening of FLT3 with potential prognostic capacity. Subsequently, functional analysis of the co-expressed genes was conducted using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The correlation between FLT3 expression and tumor immune infiltration was jointly analyzed with estimate, ssGSEA, TIMER, and TISIDB. Then we employed checkpoint-related molecules, immunophenoscore (IPS), and tumor mutation burden (TMB) to assess the efficacy of immuno-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to exam the association between DNA methylation and FLT3 expression. Results: FLT3 displays an elevated expression in breast cancer than normal pairs and is significantly associated with multiple clinical characteristics like age, menopause status, histological type, pathological stage, and molecular subtype as well as increased overall survival (OS). Additionally, FLT3 is a favorable independent prognostic factor. GO, KEGG, and GSEA suggested that FLT3 was associated with diversified immune-related features. FLT3 expression is correlated with the abundance of various immune cells namely CD4+T cell, CD8+ T cell, myeloid dendritic cell, and neutrophil as well as immune inhibitors especially CTLA4, which is positively correlated with FLT3 expression. Moreover, TMB displayed a negative correlation with FLT3 expression while IPS showed adverse tendency. Ultimately, the methylation of FLT3 downregulates the gene expression and closely binds to a few clinical parameters. Conclusion: FLT3 can be used for prognostic prediction and is relevant to immune infiltration in breast cancer. FLT3 may pave the way for future novel immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinyang Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jingyue Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengdi Liang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiansong Xia
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Tiansong Xia,
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10
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Wang H, Li Z, Ou S, Song Y, Luo K, Guan Z, Zhao L, Huang R, Yu S. Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity-Based Score System Predicts Clinical Prognosis and Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Multiple Colorectal Cancer Cohorts. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:884839. [PMID: 35836930 PMCID: PMC9274205 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.884839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy contributed to significant advances in cancer therapy, only a small percentage of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) respond to it. Identification of these patients will facilitate ICB application in CRC. In this study, we integrated multiple CRC cohorts (2,078 samples) to construct tumor microenvironment (TME) subtypes using TME indices calculated by CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms. Furthermore, a surrogate quantitative indicator, a tumor microenvironment immune gene (TMEIG) score system, was established using the key immune genes between TME clusters 1 and 2. The subsequent analysis demonstrated that TME subtypes and the TMEIG score system correlated with clinical outcomes of patients in multiple CRC cohorts and exhibited distinct immune statuses. Furthermore, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis indicated that patients with low TMEIG scores were more likely to benefit from ICB therapy. A study on two ICB cohorts (GSE78220 and IMvigor210) also validated that patients with low TMEIG scores exhibited higher ICB response rates and better prognoses after ICB treatment. The biomarker evaluation module on the TIDE website revealed that the TMEIG score was a robust predictive biomarker. Moreover, differential expression analysis, immunohistochemistry, qPCR experiments, and gene set prioritization module on the TIDE website demonstrated that the five genes that constitute the TMEIG score system (SERPINE1, FABP4, SCG2, CALB2, and HOXC6) were closely associated with tumorigenesis, immune cells, and ICB response indices. Finally, TMEIG scores could accurately predict the prognosis and ICB response of patients with CRC. SERPINE1, FABP4, SCG2, CALB2, and HOXC6 might be potential targets related to ICB treatment. Furthermore, our study provided new insights into precision ICB therapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hufei Wang
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Suwen Ou
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanni Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Kangjia Luo
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zilong Guan
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Zhao, ; Rui Huang, ; Shan Yu,
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Zhao, ; Rui Huang, ; Shan Yu,
| | - Shan Yu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Zhao, ; Rui Huang, ; Shan Yu,
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