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Wang H, Zhang L, Hu C, Li H, Jiang M. Wnt signaling and tumors (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 21:45. [PMID: 38798312 PMCID: PMC11117032 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2743] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is a highly conserved evolutionary pathway that plays a key role in regulation of embryonic development, as well as tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Abnormalities in Wnt signaling are associated with tumorigenesis and development, leading to poor prognosis in patients with cancer. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanisms underlying Wnt signaling and its inhibition in cancer treatment remain unclear. In addition, potential side effects of inhibiting this process are not well understood. Therefore, the present review outlines the role of Wnt signaling in tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, cancer stem cells, radiotherapy resistance and tumor immunity. The present review further identifies inhibitors that target Wnt signaling to provide a potential novel direction for cancer treatment. This may facilitate early application of safe and effective drugs targeting Wnt signaling in clinical settings. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying inhibition of Wnt signaling may improve the prognosis of patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaishi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Lihai Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Chao Hu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Mingyan Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
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2
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Li L, Zhao L, Yang J, Zhou L. Multifaceted effects of LRP6 in cancer: exploring tumor development, immune modulation and targeted therapies. Med Oncol 2024; 41:180. [PMID: 38898247 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02399-1] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-related protein 6 (LRP6), a member of the LDLR superfamily of cell surface receptors, is most widely known as a crucial co-receptor in the activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This signaling pathway is implicated in multiple biological processes, such as lipoprotein metabolism, protease regulation, cell differentiation, and migration. LRP6 is frequently overexpressed in a variety of tumors, including liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer, and is generally considered an oncogene that promotes tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, there are exceptions; some studies have reported that LRP6 inhibits lung metastasis of breast cancer through its ectodomain (LRP6N), and patients with low LRP6 expression tend to have a poor prognosis. Thus, the role of LRP6 in tumors remains controversial. Although limited studies have shown that LRP6 is associated with the expression and roles of a variety of immune cells in tumors, the interaction of LRP6 with the tumor microenvironment (TME) is not fully understood. Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge that LRP6 can engage with alternative pathways, including the mTORC1, CXCL12/CXCR4, and KRAS signaling pathways mentioned earlier, resulting in the regulation of biological functions independent of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Due to the potential of LRP6 as a molecular target for cancer therapy, various treatment modalities have been developed to directly or indirectly inhibit LRP6 function, demonstrating promising anti-cancer effects across multiple cancer types. This review will concentrate on exploring the expression, function, and potential therapeutic applications of LRP6 in different cancer types, along with its influence on the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhao
- Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Cytogenetics and Immunology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Genetic Study of Hematopathy, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jincai Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lanxia Zhou
- Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Cytogenetics and Immunology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Genetic Study of Hematopathy, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
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3
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He F, Wu Z, Liu C, Zhu Y, Zhou Y, Tian E, Rosin-Arbesfeld R, Yang D, Wang MW, Zhu D. Targeting BCL9/BCL9L enhances antigen presentation by promoting conventional type 1 dendritic cell (cDC1) activation and tumor infiltration. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:139. [PMID: 38811552 PMCID: PMC11137111 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01838-9] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) are the essential antigen-presenting DC subset in antitumor immunity. Suppressing B-cell lymphoma 9 and B-cell lymphoma 9-like (BCL9/BCL9L) inhibits tumor growth and boosts immune responses against cancer. However, whether oncogenic BCL9/BCL9L impairs antigen presentation in tumors is still not completely understood. Here, we show that targeting BCL9/BCL9L enhanced antigen presentation by stimulating cDC1 activation and infiltration into tumor. Pharmacological inhibition of BCL9/BCL9L with a novel inhibitor hsBCL9z96 or Bcl9/Bcl9l knockout mice markedly delayed tumor growth and promoted antitumor CD8+ T cell responses. Mechanistically, targeting BCL9/BCL9L promoted antigen presentation in tumors. This is due to the increase of cDC1 activation and tumor infiltration by the XCL1-XCR1 axis. Importantly, using single-cell transcriptomics analysis, we found that Bcl9/Bcl9l deficient cDC1 were superior to wild-type (WT) cDC1 at activation and antigen presentation via NF-κB/IRF1 signaling. Together, we demonstrate that targeting BCL9/BCL9L plays a crucial role in cDC1-modulated antigen presentation of tumor-derived antigens, as well as CD8+ T cell activation and tumor infiltration. Targeting BCL9/BCL9L to regulate cDC1 function and directly orchestrate a positive feedback loop necessary for optimal antitumor immunity could serve as a potential strategy to counter immune suppression and enhance cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglian He
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhongen Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- The National Center for Drug Screening and the CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Enming Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, Minhang Hospital, and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Rina Rosin-Arbesfeld
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dehua Yang
- The National Center for Drug Screening and the CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Research Center for Deepsea Bioresources, Sanya, China.
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Engineering Research Center of Tropical Medicine Innovation and Transformation of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, China.
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4
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Wixler V, Boergeling Y, Leite Dantas R, Varga G, Ludwig S. Conversion of dendritic cells into tolerogenic or inflammatory cells depends on the activation threshold and kinetics of the mTOR signaling pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:281. [PMID: 38773618 PMCID: PMC11106905 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01655-1] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restoring impaired peripheral immune tolerance is the primary challenge in treating autoimmune diseases. Our previous research demonstrated the effectiveness of small spleen peptides (SSPs), a fraction of low molecular weight proteins, in inhibiting the progression of psoriatic arthritis, even in the presence of high levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα in the bloodstream. When specifically targeting dendritic cells (DCs), SSPs transform them into tolerogenic cells, which efficiently induce the development of regulatory Foxp3+ Treg cells. In this study, we provide further insights into the mechanism of action of SSPs. RESULTS We found that SSPs stimulate the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway in dendritic cells, albeit in a different manner than the classical immunogenic stimulus LPS. While LPS-induced activation is rapid, strong, and sustained, the activity induced by SSPs is delayed, less intense, yet still significant. These distinct patterns of activation, as measured by phosphorylation of key components of the pathway are also observed in response to other immunogenic and tolerogenic stimuli such as GM-CSF + IL-4 or IL-10 and TGFβ. The disparity in mTOR activation between immunogenic and tolerogenic stimuli is quantitative rather than qualitative. In both cases, mTOR activation primarily occurs through the PI3K/Akt signaling axis and involves ERK and GSK3β kinases, with minimal involvement of AMPK or NF-kB pathways. Furthermore, in the case of SSPs, mTOR activation seems to involve adenosine receptors. Additionally, we observed that DCs treated with SSPs exhibit an energy metabolism with high plasticity, which is typical of tolerogenic cells rather than immunogenic cells. CONCLUSION Hence, the decision whether dendritic cells enter an inflammatory or tolerogenic state seems to rely on varying activation thresholds and kinetics of the mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Wixler
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms- University, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, 48149, Muenster, Germany.
| | - Yvonne Boergeling
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms- University, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Rafael Leite Dantas
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms- University, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, 48149, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Mental Health, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Georg Varga
- Pediatric Rheumatology and Immunology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Westfaelische Wilhelms- University, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, 48149, Muenster, Germany
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5
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Kumar SS, Fathima A, Srihari P, Jamma T. Host-gut microbiota derived secondary metabolite mediated regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway: a potential therapeutic axis in IBD and CRC. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1392565. [PMID: 38706602 PMCID: PMC11066261 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1392565] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal tract encompasses one of the largest mucosal surfaces with a well-structured layer of intestinal epithelial cells supported by a network of underlying lamina propria immune cells maintaining barrier integrity. The commensal microflora in this environment is a major contributor to such functional outcomes due to its prominent role in the production of secondary metabolites. Of the several known metabolites of gut microbial origin, such as Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), amino acid derivatives, etc., secondary bile acids (BAs) are also shown to exhibit pleiotropic effects maintaining gut homeostasis in addition to their canonical role in dietary lipid digestion. However, dysbiosis in the intestine causes an imbalance in microbial diversity, resulting in alterations in the functionally effective concentration of these secondary metabolites, including BAs. This often leads to aberrant activation of the underlying lamina propria immune cells and associated signaling pathways, causing intestinal inflammation. Sustained activation of these signaling pathways drives unregulated cell proliferation and, when coupled with genotoxic stress, promotes tumorigenesis. Here, we aimed to discuss the role of secondary metabolites along with BAs in maintaining immune-gut homeostasis and regulation of inflammation-driven tumorigenesis with emphasis on the classical Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Trinath Jamma
- Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
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Akinsipe T, Mohamedelhassan R, Akinpelu A, Pondugula SR, Mistriotis P, Avila LA, Suryawanshi A. Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302587. [PMID: 38533507 PMCID: PMC10963559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L. Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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Kleszcz R, Paluszczak J, Belka M, Krajka-Kuźniak V. PRI-724 and IWP-O1 Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitors Modulate the Expression of Glycolytic Enzymes in Tongue Cancer Cell Lines. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9579-9592. [PMID: 38132445 PMCID: PMC10742556 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120599] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of energetic metabolism is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Indeed, the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells depends heavily on glycolytic activity, which can be considered a potential therapeutic target. Wnt signaling is one of the pathways that undergoes upregulation in HNSCC. Our previous studies have shown that Wnt signaling inhibitors-PRI-724 and IWP-O1-attenuate tongue SCC survival and reduce glucose uptake and lactate release. The aim of this research was to further evaluate the possible mechanisms of the previously observed effects. We assessed the effect of PRI-724 and IWP-O1 on the expression of selected glycolytic enzymes: phosphofructokinase M, pyruvate kinase M2, and lactate dehydrogenase. Relative transcript expression was assessed by real-time PCR, and protein levels by Western blot. Moreover, clinical data concerning mRNA and protein expression, gene promoter methylation, and HNSCC patients' survival time were analyzed by the UALCAN tool, and protein-protein interaction was assessed using the STRING database. Experimental and bioinformatic data confirmed the relation between Wnt signaling and glycolytic enzymes in tongue cancer cells and HNSCC clinical samples. Overall, the inhibition of glucose metabolism by Wnt signaling inhibitors is a promising mode of action against tongue cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kleszcz
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznań, Poland; (J.P.); (M.B.); (V.K.-K.)
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8
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van Wigcheren GF, Cuenca-Escalona J, Stelloo S, Brake J, Peeters E, Horrevorts SK, Frölich S, Ramos-Tomillero I, Wesseling-Rozendaal Y, van Herpen CML, van de Stolpe A, Vermeulen M, de Vries IJM, Figdor CG, Flórez-Grau G. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tolerogenic dendritic cells are distinctively induced by PI3K and Wnt signaling pathways. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105276. [PMID: 37739035 PMCID: PMC10628850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Imbalanced immune responses are a prominent hallmark of cancer and autoimmunity. Myeloid cells can be overly suppressive, inhibiting protective immune responses or inactive not controlling autoreactive immune cells. Understanding the mechanisms that induce suppressive myeloid cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and tolerogenic dendritic cells (TolDCs), can facilitate the development of immune-restoring therapeutic approaches. MDSCs are a major barrier for effective cancer immunotherapy by suppressing antitumor immune responses in cancer patients. TolDCs are administered to patients to promote immune tolerance with the intent to control autoimmune disease. Here, we investigated the development and suppressive/tolerogenic activity of human MDSCs and TolDCs to gain insight into signaling pathways that drive immunosuppression in these different myeloid subsets. Moreover, monocyte-derived MDSCs (M-MDSCs) generated in vitro were compared to M-MDSCs isolated from head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. PI3K-AKT signaling was identified as being crucial for the induction of human M-MDSCs. PI3K inhibition prevented the downregulation of HLA-DR and the upregulation of reactive oxygen species and MerTK. In addition, we show that the suppressive activity of dexamethasone-induced TolDCs is induced by β-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling. The identification of PI3K-AKT and Wnt signal transduction pathways as respective inducers of the immunomodulatory capacity of M-MDSCs and TolDCs provides opportunities to overcome suppressive myeloid cells in cancer patients and optimize therapeutic application of TolDCs. Lastly, the observed similarities between generated- and patient-derived M-MDSCs support the use of in vitro-generated M-MDSCs as powerful model to investigate the functionality of human MDSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn F van Wigcheren
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
| | - Jorge Cuenca-Escalona
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan Stelloo
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands; Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Julia Brake
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eline Peeters
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie K Horrevorts
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Siebren Frölich
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Iván Ramos-Tomillero
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands; Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - I Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Carl G Figdor
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
| | - Georgina Flórez-Grau
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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9
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Catalano T, Selvaggi F, Esposito DL, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Infectious Agents Induce Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway Deregulation in Primary Liver Cancers. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1632. [PMID: 37512809 PMCID: PMC10386003 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071632] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction between infectious agents and liver tissue, as well as repeated and extreme biological events beyond adaptive capacities, may result in pathological conditions predisposing people to development of primary liver cancers (PLCs). In adults, PLCs mainly comprise hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Various infectious agents in the hepatic microenvironment can destabilize normal liver cell functions by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components. Among them, hepatotropic viruses B, C, and D are involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling dysregulation. Other microbial agents, including oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV), bacteria, e.g., Mycoplasma hyorhinis and Salmonella Typhi, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the fungus Aspergillus flavus, and liver flukes such as Clonorchissinensis or Opisthorchis viverrini, may induce malignant transformation in hepatocytes or in target cells of the biliary tract through aberrant Wnt signaling activation. This review focuses on new insights into infectious agents implicated in the deregulation of Wnt signaling and PLC development. Since the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a driver of cancer following viral and bacterial infections, molecules inhibiting the complex axis of Wnt signaling could represent novel therapeutic approaches in PLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federico Selvaggi
- Unit of General Surgery, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Diana Liberata Esposito
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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10
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Antony F, Kang X, Pundkar C, Wang C, Mishra A, Chen P, Babu RJ, Suryawanshi A. Targeting β-catenin using XAV939 nanoparticle promotes immunogenic cell death and suppresses conjunctival melanoma progression. Int J Pharm 2023; 640:123043. [PMID: 37172631 PMCID: PMC10399699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123043] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Many tumors dysregulate Wnt/β-catenin pathway to promote stem-cell-like phenotype, tumorigenesis, immunosuppression, and resistance to targeted cancer immunotherapies. Therefore, targeting this pathway is a promising therapeutic approach to suppress tumor progression and elicit robust anti-tumor immunity. In this study, using a nanoparticle formulation for XAV939 (XAV-Np), a tankyrase inhibitor that promotes β-catenin degradation, we investigated the effect of β-catenin inhibition on melanoma cell viability, migration, and tumor progression using a mouse model of conjunctival melanoma. XAV-Nps were uniform and displayed near-spherical morphology with size stability for upto 5 days. We show that XAV-Np treatment of mouse melanoma cells significantly suppresses cell viability, tumor cell migration, and tumor spheroid formation compared to control nanoparticle (Con-Np) or free XAV939-treated groups. Further, we demonstrate that XAV-Np promotes immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells with a significant extracellular release or expression of ICD molecules, including high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), calreticulin (CRT), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Finally, we show that local intra-tumoral delivery of XAV-Nps during conjunctival melanoma progression significantly suppresses tumor size and conjunctival melanoma progression compared to Con-Nps-treated animals. Collectively, our data suggest that selective inhibition of β-catenin in tumor cells using nanoparticle-based targeted delivery represents a novel approach to suppress tumor progression through increased tumor cell ICD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferrin Antony
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Xuejia Kang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Chetan Pundkar
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Chuanyu Wang
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Amarjit Mishra
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - R Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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11
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Pundkar C, Antony F, Kang X, Mishra A, Babu RJ, Chen P, Li F, Suryawanshi A. Targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling using XAV939 nanoparticles in tumor microenvironment-conditioned macrophages promote immunogenicity. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16688. [PMID: 37313143 PMCID: PMC10258387 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) promotes malignant transformation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to cancer treatments. The increased Wnt ligand expression in TME activates β-catenin signaling in antigen (Ag)-presenting cells (APCs) and regulates anti-tumor immunity. Previously, we showed that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in dendritic cells (DCs) promotes induction of regulatory T cell responses over anti-tumor CD4+ and CD8+ effector T cell responses and promotes tumor progression. In addition to DCs, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) also serve as APCs and regulate anti-tumor immunity. However, the role of β-catenin activation and its effect on TAM immunogenicity in TME is largely undefined. In this study, we investigated whether inhibiting β-catenin in TME-conditioned macrophages promotes immunogenicity. Using nanoparticle formulation of XAV939 (XAV-Np), a tankyrase inhibitor that promotes β-catenin degradation, we performed in vitro macrophage co-culture assays with melanoma cells (MC) or melanoma cell supernatants (MCS) to investigate the effect on macrophage immunogenicity. We show that XAV-Np-treatment of macrophages conditioned with MC or MCS significantly upregulates the cell surface expression of CD80 and CD86 and suppresses the expression of PD-L1 and CD206 compared to MC or MCS-conditioned macrophages treated with control nanoparticle (Con-Np). Further, XAV-Np-treated macrophages conditioned with MC or MCS significantly increased IL-6 and TNF-α production, with reduced IL-10 production compared to Con-Np-treated macrophages. Moreover, the co-culture of MC and XAV-Np-treated macrophages with T cells resulted in increased CD8+ T cell proliferation compared to Con-Np-treated macrophages. These data suggest that targeted β-catenin inhibition in TAMs represents a promising therapeutic approach to promote anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan Pundkar
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Ferrin Antony
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Xuejia Kang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Amarjit Mishra
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - R. Jayachandra Babu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Pengyu Chen
- Materials Research and Education Center, Materials Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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12
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Cao W, Liu J, Jiang Z, Tao Y, Wang H, Li J, Ni J, Wu X. Tumor Suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Sustains Dendritic Cell Tolerance through IL-10 in a β-Catenin-Dependent Manner. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:1589-1597. [PMID: 37000474 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) play important roles in balancing immunity and tolerance, in which β-catenin signaling plays an important role, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the functions of the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), also a key component of the β-catenin upstream destruction complex in DC. APC depletion in DC does not alter DC and T cell homeostasis under resting conditions. However, APC deficiency in DC leads to attenuated antitumor immunity in mice, which exhibit fewer CD8+ T cells and more Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in tumor and draining lymph nodes. Loss of APC in DC does not affect the expression levels of costimulatory molecules. However, APC-deficient DC produce more IL-10 and exhibit a higher ability of inducing regulatory T cells but a lower ability of priming CD8+ T cells, both of which can be reversed by IL-10 inhibition. Lastly, β-catenin depletion in APC-deficient DC rescues their antitumor immunity and reverses elevated IL-10 production. Taken together, our results identify that APC drives DC tolerance via the β-catenin/IL-10 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiamin Liu
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyan Jiang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuexiao Tao
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huizi Wang
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Li
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Ni
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefeng Wu
- Center for Immune-Related Diseases at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; and Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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13
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Pandey P, Khan F, Seifeldin SA, Alshaghdali K, Siddiqui S, Abdelwadoud ME, Vyas M, Saeed M, Mazumder A, Saeed A. Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway by Flavonoids: Implication for Cancer Therapeutics. Nutrients 2023; 15:2088. [PMID: 37432240 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092088] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt pathway has been recognized for its crucial role in human development and homeostasis, but its dysregulation has also been linked to several disorders, including cancer. Wnt signaling is crucial for the development and metastasis of several kinds of cancer. Moreover, members of the Wnt pathway have been proven to be effective biomarkers and promising cancer therapeutic targets. Abnormal stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway has been linked to the initiation and advancement of cancer in both clinical research and in vitro investigations. A reduction in cancer incidence rate and an improvement in survival may result from targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. As a result, blocking this pathway has been the focus of cancer research, and several candidates that can be targeted are currently being developed. Flavonoids derived from plants exhibit growth inhibitory, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-migratory effects against various malignancies. Moreover, flavonoids influence different signaling pathways, including Wnt, to exert their anticancer effects. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate the influence of flavonoids on cancer development and metastasis by focusing on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and we provide evidence of their impact on a number of molecular targets. Overall, this review will enhance our understanding of these natural products as Wnt pathway modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Sara A Seifeldin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alshaghdali
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samra Siddiqui
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Elfatih Abdelwadoud
- Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Khartoum 11115, Sudan
| | - Manish Vyas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Hail, Ha'il 34464, Saudi Arabia
| | - Avijit Mazumder
- Department of Pharmacology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Amir Saeed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Khartoum 11115, Sudan
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14
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Katanaev VL, Baldin A, Denisenko TV, Silachev DN, Ivanova AE, Sukhikh GT, Jia L, Ashrafyan LA. Cells of the tumor microenvironment speak the Wnt language. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:468-480. [PMID: 37045723 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays numerous functions in cancer, from primary transformation and tumor growth to metastasis. In addition to these cancer cell-intrinsic functions, Wnt signaling emerges to critically control cross-communication among cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we summarize the evidence that not only multiple cancer cell types, but also cells constituting the TME 'speak the Wnt language'. Fibroblasts, macrophages, endothelia, and lymphocytes all use the Wnt language to convey messages to and from cancer cells and among themselves; these messages are important for tumor progression and fate. Decoding this language will advance our understanding of tumor biology and unveil novel therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir L Katanaev
- Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690090 Vladivostok, Russia; College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China.
| | - Alexey Baldin
- Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Denisenko
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Denis N Silachev
- Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia; Department of Functional Biochemistry of Biopolymers, A.N. Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna E Ivanova
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Gennadiy T Sukhikh
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Lee Jia
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China
| | - Lev A Ashrafyan
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, 4 Akademika Oparina Str., Moscow 117997, Russia
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15
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Guizhen Z, Weiwei Z, Yun W, Guangying C, Yize Z, Zujiang Y. An anoikis-based signature for predicting prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma with machine learning. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1096472. [PMID: 36686684 PMCID: PMC9846167 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1096472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with high mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment in recent years, there is still an urgent unmet need to explore the underlying mechanisms and novel prognostic markers. Anoikis has received considerable attention because of its involvement in the progression of human malignancies. However, the potential mechanism of anoikis-related genes (ANRGs) involvement in HCC progression remains unclear. Methods: We use comprehensive bioinformatics analyses to determine the expression profile of ANRGs and their prognostic implications in HCC. Next, a risk score model was established by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) Cox regression analysis. Then, the prognostic value of the risk score in HCC and its correlation with clinical characteristics of HCC patients were further explored. Additionally, machine learning was utilized to identify the outstanding ANRGs to the risk score. Finally, the protein expression of DAP3 was examined on a tissue microarray (TMA), and the potential mechanisms of DAP3 in HCC was explored. Results: ANRGs were dysregulated in HCC, with a low frequency of somatic mutations and associated with prognosis of HCC patients. Then, nine ANRGs were selected to construct a risk score signature based on the LASSO model. The signature presented a strong ability of risk stratification and prediction for overall survival in HCC patients.Additionally, high risk scores were closely correlated with unfavorable clinical features such as advanced pathological stage, poor histological differentiation and vascular invasion. Moreover, The XGBoost algorithm verified that DAP3 was an important risk score contributor. Further immunohistochemistry determined the elevated expression of DAP3 in HCC tissues compared with nontumor tissues. Finally, functional analyses showed that DAP3 may promote HCC progression through multiple cancer-related pathways and suppress immune infiltration. Conclusion: In conclusion, the anoikis-based signature can be utilized as a novel prognostic biomarker for HCC, and DAP3 may play an important role in the development and progression of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Guizhen
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhu Weiwei
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wang Yun
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Zhang Yize
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yu Zujiang, ; Zhang Yize,
| | - Yu Zujiang
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yu Zujiang, ; Zhang Yize,
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16
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Tigue ML, Loberg MA, Goettel JA, Weiss WA, Lee E, Weiss VL. Wnt Signaling in the Phenotype and Function of Tumor-Associated Macrophages. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3-11. [PMID: 36214645 PMCID: PMC9812914 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1403] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play an important role in supporting tumor growth and suppressing antitumor immune responses, and TAM infiltration has been associated with poor patient prognosis in various cancers. TAMs can be classified as pro-inflammatory, M1-like, or anti-inflammatory, M2-like. While multiple factors within the tumor microenvironment affect the recruitment, polarization, and functions of TAMs, accumulating evidence suggests that Wnt signaling represents an important, targetable driver of an immunosuppressive, M2-like TAM phenotype. TAM production of Wnt ligands mediates TAM-tumor cross-talk to support cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Targeting TAM polarization and the protumorigenic functions of TAMs through inhibitors of Wnt signaling may prove a beneficial treatment strategy in cancers where macrophages are prevalent in the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Tigue
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Matthew A Loberg
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeremy A Goettel
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - William A Weiss
- Departments of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, Brain Tumor Research Center, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Ethan Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Vivian L Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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17
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Katopodi T, Petanidis S, Charalampidis C, Chatziprodromidou I, Eskitzis P, Tsavlis D, Zarogoulidis P, Kosmidis C, Matthaios D, Porpodis K. Tumor-Infiltrating Dendritic Cells: Decisive Roles in Cancer Immunosurveillance, Immunoediting, and Tumor T Cell Tolerance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203183. [PMID: 36291050 PMCID: PMC9600942 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays a key role in progression of tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. Accumulating data reveal that dendritic cells (DCs) appear to play a key role in the development and progression of metastatic neoplasia by driving immune system dysfunction and establishing immunosuppression, which is vital for tumor evasion of host immune response. Consequently, in this review, we will discuss the function of tumor-infiltrating DCs in immune cell signaling pathways that lead to treatment resistance, tumor recurrence, and immunosuppression. We will also review DC metabolism, differentiation, and plasticity, which are essential for metastasis and the development of lung tumors. Furthermore, we will take into account the interaction between myeloid cells and DCs in tumor-related immunosuppression. We will specifically look into the molecular immune-related mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment that result in reduced drug sensitivity and tumor relapse, as well as methods for combating drug resistance and focusing on immunosuppressive tumor networks. DCs play a crucial role in modulating the immune response. Especially, as cancer progresses, DCs may switch from playing an immunostimulatory to an inhibitory role. This article’s main emphasis is on tumor-infiltrating DCs. We address how they affect tumor growth and expansion, and we highlight innovative approaches for therapeutic modulation of these immunosuppressive DCs which is necessary for future personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Katopodi
- Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Savvas Petanidis
- Laboratory of Medical Biology and Genetics, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2310-999-205; Fax: +30-2310-999-208
| | | | | | - Panagiotis Eskitzis
- Department of Obstetrics, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Drosos Tsavlis
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paul Zarogoulidis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christoforos Kosmidis
- Third Department of Surgery, “AHEPA” University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 55236 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Porpodis
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, “G.Papanikolaou” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece
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18
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Molecular Classification of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Wnt-Hippo Signaling Pathway-Related Genes. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194580. [PMID: 36230503 PMCID: PMC9559216 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The characters of Taiwanese hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are different from other parts of the world. We characterized the molecular features of HCC using a newly developed classification system based on the expression of the Wnt–Hippo signaling pathway-related genes. We analyzed the data in terms of prognostic value, transcriptome features, immune infiltration, and clinical characteristics, and compared the resulting subclasses with previously published classifications. A new molecular classification method based on a 272 gene panel of Wnt–Hippo pathways that may provide a new target for the treatment. Abstract In Taiwan, a combination of hepatitis B and C infection, economic boom-related food and alcohol overconsumption, and Chinese medicine prescriptions has led to a high rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the causative factors and underlying tumor biology for this unique HCC environment have not been identified. Wnt and Hippo signaling pathways play an important regulatory role in HCC development, and their functions are generally considered as positive and negative regulators of cell proliferation, respectively. In this study, we characterized the molecular features of HCC using a newly developed classification system based on the expression of the Wnt–Hippo signaling pathway-related genes. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed on liver tumor tissues from 100 patients with liver cancer. RNA-Seq data for 272 previously characterized Wnt–Hippo signaling pathway-related genes were used for hierarchical clustering. We analyzed the data in terms of prognostic value, transcriptome features, immune infiltration, and clinical characteristics, and compared the resulting subclasses with previously published classifications. Four subclasses of HCC (HCCW1–4) were identified. Subclass HCCW1 displayed the highest PCDHB4 expression. Subclass HCCW2 displayed lower Edmondson–Steiner grades (I and II) and CTNNB1 mutation frequencies. Subclass HCCW3 was associated with a good prognosis, the highest PCDHGB7 expression, high CD8+ naïve T cells abundance, and relatively low TP53 mutation rates. Subclass HCCW4 was associated with a poor prognosis, the highest PCDHB2 and PCDHB6 expression, a relatively high abundance of Th1 cells, NKT and class-switched memory B cells, relatively low enrichment of cDC, iDC, and CD4+ memory T cells, and high Edmondson–Steiner grades (III and IV). We also identified Wnt–Hippo signaling pathway-related genes that may influence immune cell infiltration. We developed a panel of 272 Wnt–Hippo signaling pathway-related genes to classify HCC into four groups based on Taiwanese HCC and The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma datasets. This novel molecular classification system may aid the treatment of HCC.
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19
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Manoharan I, Swafford D, Shanmugam A, Patel N, Prasad PD, Mohamed R, Wei Q, Dong Z, Thangaraju M, Manicassamy S. Genetic Deletion of LRP5 and LRP6 in Macrophages Exacerbates Colitis-Associated Systemic Inflammation and Kidney Injury in Response to Intestinal Commensal Microbiota. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:368-378. [PMID: 35760519 PMCID: PMC9387749 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Extraintestinal manifestations are common in inflammatory bowel disease and involve several organs, including the kidney. However, the mechanisms responsible for renal manifestation in inflammatory bowel disease are not known. In this study, we show that the Wnt-lipoprotein receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (LRP5/6) signaling pathway in macrophages plays a critical role in regulating colitis-associated systemic inflammation and renal injury in a murine dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis model. Conditional deletion of the Wnt coreceptors LRP5/6 in macrophages in mice results in enhanced susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate colitis-induced systemic inflammation and acute kidney injury (AKI). Furthermore, our studies show that aggravated colitis-associated systemic inflammation and AKI observed in LRP5/6LysM mice are due to increased bacterial translocation to extraintestinal sites and microbiota-dependent increased proinflammatory cytokine levels in the kidney. Conversely, depletion of the gut microbiota mitigated colitis-associated systemic inflammation and AKI in LRP5/6LysM mice. Mechanistically, LRP5/6-deficient macrophages were hyperresponsive to TLR ligands and produced higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which are associated with increased activation of MAPKs. These results reveal how the Wnt-LRP5/6 signaling in macrophages controls colitis-induced systemic inflammation and AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indumathi Manoharan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Daniel Swafford
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | | | - Nikhil Patel
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Puttur D Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Riyaz Mohamed
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Qingqing Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
- Research Department, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA; and
| | - Muthusamy Thangaraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Santhakumar Manicassamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA;
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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20
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Zhang Z, Xiahou Z, Wu W, Song Y. Nitrogen Metabolism Disorder Accelerates Occurrence and Development of Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Bioinformatic Analysis and In Vitro Experiments. Front Oncol 2022; 12:916777. [PMID: 35903696 PMCID: PMC9315097 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.916777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nitrogen metabolism (NM) plays a pivotal role in immune regulation and the occurrence and development of cancers. The aim of this study was to construct a prognostic model and nomogram using NM-related genes for the evaluation of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to NM were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Consistent clustering analysis was used to divide them into different modules, and differentially expressed genes and survival analysis were performed. The survival information of patients was combined with the expressing levels of NM-related genes that extracted from TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Subsequently, univariate Cox analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to build a prognostic model. GO and KEGG analysis were elaborated in relation with the mechanisms of NM disorder (NMD). Meanwhile, immune cells and immune functions related to NMD were discussed. A nomogram was built according to the univariate and multivariate Cox analysis to identify independent risk factors. Finally, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) and Western bolt (WB) were used to verify the expression level of hub genes. Results There were 138 differential NM-related genes that were divided into two gene modules. Sixteen NM-related genes were used to build a prognostic model and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the efficiency was reliable. GO and KEGG analysis suggested that NMD accelerated development of LUAD through the Wnt signaling pathway. The level of activated dendritic cells (aDCs) and type II interferon response in the low-risk group was higher than that of the high-risk group. A nomogram was constructed based on ABCC2, HMGA2, and TN stages, which was identified as four independent risk factors. Finally, RT-PCR and WB showed that CDH17, IGF2BP1, IGFBP1, ABCC2, and HMGA2 were differently expressed between human lung fibroblast (HLF) cells and cancer cells. Conclusions High NM levels were revealed as a poor prognosis of LUAD. NMD regulates immune system through affecting aDCs and type II interferon response. The prognostic model with NM-related genes could be used to effectively evaluate the outcomes of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexin Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhikai Xiahou
- China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenfeng Wu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yafeng Song
- China Institute of Sport and Health Science, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yafeng Song,
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21
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Xie J, Liao G, Feng Z, Liu B, Li X, Qiu M. ERO1L promotes the proliferation and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma via the Wnt2/β-catenin signaling pathway. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:897-909. [PMID: 35785492 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanism of action of Endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin-1 L (ERO1L) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS The Gene expression profiling interactive analysis database was used to analyze the expression of ERO1L in LUAD cases. The expression of ERO1L and Wnt2 in LUAD tissue was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. We also used western blotting to assess the expression of ERO1L or Wnt2 and the phosphorylation of β-catenin in LUAD cell lines. Plasmid transfection and small interfering RNA were used for overexpression and knockdown of ERO1L in LUAD cells, respectively. The proliferation, invasion and migration of LUAD cells were analyzed using cell viability, Transwell invasion and wound healing assays. The growth of LUAD tumors in animal models was assessed using tumor xenograft experiments. RESULTS This study revealed that elevated ERO1L expression was associated with a poor prognosis in LUAD patients. In addition, ERO1L expression was significantly associated with lymph-node metastasis, TNM stage and tumor size. The expression of Wnt2 was positively associated with ERO1L expression in LUAD tissue samples and cell lines. ERO1L overexpression upregulated the expression of Wnt2 and β-catenin phosphorylation in vitro. Additionally, ERO1L was essential for the ubiquitination of Wnt2. Last, ERO1L promoted the proliferation and metastasis of LUAD via the Wnt2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that ERO1L was highly expressed in LUAD tissue, and it promoted the proliferation and metastasis of LUAD by activating the Wnt2/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbao Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Guoliang Liao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhi Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Minglian Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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22
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Hadjigol S, Shah BA, O’Brien-Simpson NM. The ‘Danse Macabre’—Neutrophils the Interactive Partner Affecting Oral Cancer Outcomes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894021. [PMID: 35784290 PMCID: PMC9243430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few decades, tremendous advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer have taken place. However for head and neck cancers, including oral cancer, the overall survival rate is below 50% and they remain the seventh most common malignancy worldwide. These cancers are, commonly, aggressive, genetically complex, and difficult to treat and the delay, which often occurs between early recognition of symptoms and diagnosis, and the start of treatment of these cancers, is associated with poor prognosis. Cancer development and progression occurs in concert with alterations in the surrounding stroma, with the immune system being an essential element in this process. Despite neutrophils having major roles in the pathology of many diseases, they were thought to have little impact on cancer development and progression. Recent studies are now challenging this notion and placing neutrophils as central interactive players with other immune and tumor cells in affecting cancer pathology. This review focuses on how neutrophils and their sub-phenotypes, N1, N2, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, both directly and indirectly affect the anti-tumor and pro-tumor immune responses. Emphasis is placed on what is currently known about the interaction of neutrophils with myeloid innate immune cells (such as dendritic cells and macrophages), innate lymphoid cells, natural killer cells, and fibroblasts to affect the tumor microenvironment and progression of oral cancer. A better understanding of this dialog will allow for improved therapeutics that concurrently target several components of the tumor microenvironment, increasing the possibility of constructive and positive outcomes for oral cancer patients. For this review, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for manuscripts using keywords and combinations thereof of “oral cancer, OSCC, neutrophils, TANs, MDSC, immune cells, head and neck cancer, and tumor microenvironment” with a focus on publications from 2018 to 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hadjigol
- *Correspondence: Neil M. O’Brien-Simpson, ; Sara Hadjigol,
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23
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Khoramjoo SM, Kazemifard N, Baradaran Ghavami S, Farmani M, Shahrokh S, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Sherkat G, Zali MR. Overview of Three Proliferation Pathways (Wnt, Notch, and Hippo) in Intestine and Immune System and Their Role in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs). Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:865131. [PMID: 35677821 PMCID: PMC9170180 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.865131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disorder, which involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract consisting Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The etiology of this disease is not yet clear and, hence, there are numerous medications and treatments for patients with IBD, although a definite and permanent treatment is still missing. Therefore, finding novel therapeutic approaches are vital for curing patients with IBD. In the GI tract, there are various lineages of cells with different roles that their existence is necessary for the barrier function of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Therefore, signaling pathways, which manage the hemostasis of cell lineages in intestine, such as Wnt, Notch, and Hippo, could have crucial roles in regulation of barrier function in the intestine. Additionally, these signaling pathways function as a governor of cell growth, tissue homeostasis, and organ size. In patients with IBD, recent studies have revealed that these signaling pathways are dysregulated that it could result in depletion or excess of a cell lineage in the intestine. Moreover, dysregulation of these signaling pathways in different cell lineages of the immune system could lead to dysregulation of the immune system's responses in IBD. In this article, we summarized the components and signaling of Wnt, Notch, and Hippo pathways and their role in the intestine and immune system. Furthermore, we reviewed latest scientific literature on the crosstalk among these three signaling pathways in IBD. An overview of these three signaling pathways and their interactions in IBD could provide a novel insight for prospective study directions into finding efficient medications or treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mobin Khoramjoo
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nesa Kazemifard
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Shaghayegh Baradaran Ghavami
| | - Maryam Farmani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shabnam Shahrokh
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazal Sherkat
- Faculty of Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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24
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Selvaggi F, Catalano T, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways in Primary Liver Tumours: From Microenvironment Signaling to Therapeutic Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081912. [PMID: 35454818 PMCID: PMC9024538 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancers (PLCs) are steadily increasing in incidence and mortality in the world. They have a poor prognosis due to their silent nature, late discovery and resistance to common chemotherapy. At present, there are limited treatment alternatives, and the understanding of PLC molecular aspects is essential to develop more efficient drugs and therapeutic surgical and loco-regional strategies. A clear causal link with liver damage, inflammation, and regeneration has been found in the occurrence of PLC over the last few decades. Physiologically, Wingless/It (Wnt)-β-catenin signaling plays a key role in liver development, metabolic zonation and regeneration. Loss of functional homeostasis of this pathway appears to be a major driver of carcinogenesis in the liver parenchyma. In the hepatic microenvironment, molecular deregulations that exceed the Wnt signaling biological capacity can induce tumor initiation and progression. Indeed, somatic mutations are identified in key components of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling and in PLCs and precancerous lesions. In this review, the altered functions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling are considered in human PLCs, with emphasis on hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) and hepatoblastomas (HB). Based on recent literature, we also focused on liver cancerogenesis through Wnt deregulation. An overview of preclinical and clinical studies on approved and experimental drugs, targeting the Wnt/β-catenin cascade in PLCs, is proposed. In addition, the clinical implication of molecule inhibitors that have been shown to possess activity against the Wnt pathway in association with conventional surgical and loco-regional therapies are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Selvaggi
- Unit of General Surgery, Ospedale Floraspe Renzetti, 66034 Lanciano, Chieti, Italy;
| | - Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, 65013 Città Sant’Angelo, Pescara, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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25
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Wondergem NE, Nijenhuis DNLM, Poell JB, Leemans CR, Brakenhoff RH, van de Ven R. At the Crossroads of Molecular Biology and Immunology: Molecular Pathways for Immunological Targeting of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:647980. [PMID: 35047999 PMCID: PMC8757702 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.647980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent advances in immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have led to implementation of anti-programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy to standard of care for recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. However, the majority of tumors do not respond to these therapies, indicating that these tumors are not immunogenic or other immunosuppressive mechanisms might be at play. Aim: Given their role in carcinogenesis as well as in immune modulation, we discuss the relation between the STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt signaling pathways to identify potential targets to empower the immune response against HNSCC. Results: We focused on three pathways. First, STAT3 is often overactivated in HNSCC and induces the secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, thereby promoting recruitment of immune suppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME) while hampering the development of dendritic cells. Second, PI3K/AKT/mTOR mutational activation results in increased tumor proliferation but could also be important in HNSCC immune evasion due to the downregulation of components in the antigen-processing machinery. Third, canonical Wnt signaling is overactivated in >20% of HNSCC and could be an interesting pleotropic target since it is related to increased tumor cell proliferation and the development of an immunosuppressive HNSCC TME. Conclusion: The molecular pathology of HNSCC is complex and heterogeneous, varying between sites and disease etiology (i.e., HPV). The in HNSCC widely affected signaling pathways STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Wnt are implicated in some of the very mechanisms underlying immune evasion of HNSCC, thereby representing promising targets to possibly facilitate immunotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Wondergem
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dennis N L M Nijenhuis
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jos B Poell
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - C René Leemans
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ruud H Brakenhoff
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rieneke van de Ven
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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26
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Plant-Derived Chinese Medicine Monomers on Ovarian Cancer via the Wnt/ β-Catenin Signaling Pathway: Review of Mechanisms and Prospects. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:6852867. [PMID: 34912456 PMCID: PMC8668291 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6852867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system and has a high morbidity and mortality rate. The progression and metastasis of OC are complex and involve multiple signaling pathways. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is closely related to OC, and therefore blocking the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling directly or inhibiting related genes, and molecular targets is of great value in treating OC. Toxicities such as myelotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, genotoxicity, and vasospasm are the major side effects for common anticancer drugs and are well documented. There is, therefore, a need to develop new, effective, safer, and more affordable anticancer drugs from alternative sources. In recent years, plant-derived Chinese medicine monomers have drawn increasing attention due to their high safety, low toxicity, minimal side effects, and antitumor effects. Plant-derived Chinese medicine monomers are effective against multiple targets and can regulate the growth, proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of OC as well as reverse drug resistance by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize and provide mechanisms and prospects for the use of plant-derived Chinese medicines for the prevention and treatment of OC.
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27
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Tang X, Liu M, Luo X, Zhu M, Huang S, Pan X. The Prognostic Value of a Tumor Microenvironment-Based Immune Cell Infiltration Score Model in Colon Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:728842. [PMID: 34737949 PMCID: PMC8561118 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.728842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to construct a prognostic predictive model based on tumor microenvironment. CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms were used to reveal the immune cell infiltration (ICI) landscape of colon cancer. Patients were classified into three clusters by ConsensusClusterPlus algorithm. ICI scores of each patient were determined by principal component analysis. Patients were divided into high and low ICI score groups. Survival, gene expression, and somatic mutation of the two groups were compared. We found that patients with no lymph node invasion, no metastasis, T1–2 disease, and stage I–II had higher ICI scores. Calcium signaling pathway, leukocyte transendothelial migration pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, TGF β pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway were enriched in the high ICI score group. Immune-checkpoint and immune-activity associated genes were decreased in high ICI score patients. Patients in the high ICI score group had better survival. Prognostic value of ICI score was independent of tumor mutational burden (TMB). The ICI score model constructed in the current study may serve as an independent prognostic biomarker in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingkui Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minling Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xijun Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaofen Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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28
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Lutz MB, Backer RA, Clausen BE. Revisiting Current Concepts on the Tolerogenicity of Steady-State Dendritic Cell Subsets and Their Maturation Stages. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:1681-1689. [PMID: 33820829 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2001315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The original concept stated that immature dendritic cells (DC) act tolerogenically whereas mature DC behave strictly immunogenically. Meanwhile, it is also accepted that phenotypically mature stages of all conventional DC subsets can promote tolerance as steady-state migratory DC by transporting self-antigens to lymph nodes to exert unique functions on regulatory T cells. We propose that in vivo 1) there is little evidence for a tolerogenic function of immature DC during steady state such as CD4 T cell anergy induction, 2) all tolerance as steady-state migratory DC undergo common as well as subset-specific molecular changes, and 3) these changes differ by quantitative and qualitative markers from immunogenic DC, which allows one to clearly distinguish tolerogenic from immunogenic migratory DC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred B Lutz
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany; and
| | - Ronald A Backer
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany
| | - Björn E Clausen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55122 Mainz, Germany
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29
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Manoharan I, Swafford D, Shanmugam A, Patel N, Prasad PD, Thangaraju M, Manicassamy S. Activation of Transcription Factor 4 in Dendritic Cells Controls Th1/Th17 Responses and Autoimmune Neuroinflammation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:1428-1436. [PMID: 34348977 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional APCs that play a crucial role in initiating robust immune responses against invading pathogens while inducing regulatory responses to the body's tissues and commensal microorganisms. A breakdown of DC-mediated immunological tolerance leads to chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders. However, cell-intrinsic molecular regulators that are critical for programming DCs to a regulatory state rather than to an inflammatory state are not known. In this study, we show that the activation of the TCF4 transcription factor in DCs is critical for controlling the magnitude of inflammatory responses and limiting neuroinflammation. DC-specific deletion of TCF4 in mice increased Th1/Th17 responses and exacerbated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis pathology. Mechanistically, loss of TCF4 in DCs led to heightened activation of p38 MAPK and increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-23, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-12p40. Consistent with these findings, pharmacological blocking of p38 MAPK activation delayed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis onset and diminished CNS pathology in TCF4ΔDC mice. Thus, manipulation of the TCF4 pathway in DCs could provide novel opportunities for regulating chronic inflammation and represents a potential therapeutic approach to control autoimmune neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indumathi Manoharan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.,Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Daniel Swafford
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | | | - Nikhil Patel
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA; and
| | - Puttur D Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Muthusamy Thangaraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | - Santhakumar Manicassamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA; .,Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA.,Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA
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30
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Evaluation of β-Catenin Inhibition of Axitinib and Nitazoxanide in Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080949. [PMID: 34440153 PMCID: PMC8391762 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of β-catenin signaling has attractive therapeutic potential in cancer immunotherapy. Several studies have found that β-catenin can mediate immune evasion in cancer and promote anti-inflammatory features of antigen-presenting dendritic cells. Many small molecular compounds that inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling are currently in clinical development, but none have entered routine clinical use. New inhibitors of β-catenin signaling are consequently desirable. Here, we have tested, in monocyte-derived dendritic cells, the effects of two small molecular compounds, axitinib and nitazoxanide, that previously have been discovered to inhibit β-catenin signaling in colon cancer cells. Immature and lipopolysaccharide-matured dendritic cells prepared from healthy blood donor buffy coats were stimulated with 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (6-BIO) to boost basal β-catenin activity, and the effects of axitinib and nitazoxanide were compared with the commercial β-catenin inhibitor ICG-001. Assays, including genome-wide RNA-sequencing, indicated that neither axitinib nor nitazoxanide demonstrated considerable β-catenin inhibition. Both compounds were found to be less toxic to monocyte-derived dendritic cells than either 6-BIO or ICG-001. Axitinib stimulated several aspects of dendritic cell function, such as IL12-p70 secretion, and counteracted IL-10 secretion, according to the present study. However, neither axitinib nor nitazoxanide were found to be efficient β-catenin inhibitors in monocyte-derived dendritic cells.
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31
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Manoharan I, Prasad PD, Thangaraju M, Manicassamy S. Lactate-Dependent Regulation of Immune Responses by Dendritic Cells and Macrophages. Front Immunol 2021; 12:691134. [PMID: 34394085 PMCID: PMC8358770 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.691134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, lactate has been considered an innocuous bystander metabolite of cellular metabolism. However, emerging studies show that lactate acts as a complex immunomodulatory molecule that controls innate and adaptive immune cells’ effector functions. Thus, recent advances point to lactate as an essential and novel signaling molecule that shapes innate and adaptive immune responses in the intestine and systemic sites. Here, we review these recent advances in the context of the pleiotropic effects of lactate in regulating diverse functions of immune cells in the tissue microenvironment and under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indumathi Manoharan
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Puttur D Prasad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Muthusamy Thangaraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Santhakumar Manicassamy
- Georgia Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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32
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Luo Y, Yin S, Lu J, Zhou S, Shao Y, Bao X, Wang T, Qiu Y, Yu H. Tumor microenvironment: a prospective target of natural alkaloids for cancer treatment. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:386. [PMID: 34284780 PMCID: PMC8290600 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02085-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumor has become one of the major diseases that seriously endangers human health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely associated with patient prognosis. Tumor growth and progression are strongly dependent on its surrounding tumor microenvironment, because the optimal conditions originated from stromal elements are required for cancer cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis and drug resistance. The tumor microenvironment is an environment rich in immune/inflammatory cells and accompanied by a continuous, gradient of hypoxia and pH. Overcoming immunosuppressive environment and boosting anti-tumor immunity may be the key to the prevention and treatment of cancer. Most traditional Chinese medicine have been proved to have good anti-tumor activity, and they have the advantages of better therapeutic effect and few side effects in the treatment of malignant tumors. An increasing number of studies are giving evidence that alkaloids extracted from traditional Chinese medicine possess a significant anticancer efficiency via regulating a variety of tumor-related genes, pathways and other mechanisms. This paper reviews the anti-tumor effect of alkaloids targeting tumor microenvironment, and further reveals its anti-tumor mechanism through the effects of alkaloids on different components in tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Luo
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Shuangshuang Yin
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jia Lu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Shiyue Zhou
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yingying Shao
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Xiaomei Bao
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yuling Qiu
- School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
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33
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DeVito NC, Sturdivant M, Thievanthiran B, Xiao C, Plebanek MP, Salama AKS, Beasley GM, Holtzhausen A, Novotny-Diermayr V, Strickler JH, Hanks BA. Pharmacological Wnt ligand inhibition overcomes key tumor-mediated resistance pathways to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109071. [PMID: 33951424 PMCID: PMC8148423 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
While immune checkpoint blockade is associated with prolonged responses in multiple cancers, most patients still do not benefit from this therapeutic strategy. The Wnt-β-catenin pathway is associated with diminished T cell infiltration; however, activating mutations are rare, implicating a role for autocrine/paracrine Wnt ligand-driven signaling in immune evasion. In this study, we show that proximal mediators of the Wnt signaling pathway are associated with anti-PD-1 resistance, and pharmacologic inhibition of Wnt ligand signaling supports anti-PD-1 efficacy by reversing dendritic cell tolerization and the recruitment of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in autochthonous tumor models. We further demonstrate that the inhibition of Wnt signaling promotes the development of a tumor microenvironment that is more conducive to favorable responses to checkpoint blockade in cancer patients. These findings support a rationale for Wnt ligand-focused treatment approaches in future immunotherapy clinical trials and suggest a strategy for selecting those tumors more responsive to Wnt inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C DeVito
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michael Sturdivant
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Balamayooran Thievanthiran
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Christine Xiao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Michael P Plebanek
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - April K S Salama
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Georgia M Beasley
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Alisha Holtzhausen
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Veronica Novotny-Diermayr
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), A(∗)STAR, 10 Biopolis Road, #05-01 Chromos, Singapore 138670, Singapore
| | - John H Strickler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Brent A Hanks
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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34
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Yang ZJ, Wang BY, Wang TT, Wang FF, Guo YX, Hua RX, Shang HW, Lu X, Xu JD. Functions of Dendritic Cells and Its Association with Intestinal Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030583. [PMID: 33800865 PMCID: PMC7999753 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs), including conventional DCs (cDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), serve as the sentinel cells of the immune system and are responsible for presenting antigen information. Moreover, the role of DCs derived from monocytes (moDCs) in the development of inflammation has been emphasized. Several studies have shown that the function of DCs can be influenced by gut microbes including gut bacteria and viruses. Abnormal changes/reactions in intestinal DCs are potentially associated with diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal tumors, allowing DCs to be a new target for the treatment of these diseases. In this review, we summarized the physiological functions of DCs in the intestinal micro-environment, their regulatory relationship with intestinal microorganisms and their regulatory mechanism in intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Jun Yang
- Clinical Medicine of “5 + 3” Program, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Z.-J.Y.); (F.-F.W.); (R.-X.H.)
| | - Bo-Ya Wang
- Undergraduate Student of 2018 Eight Years Program of Clinical Medicine, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Tian-Tian Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China;
| | - Fei-Fei Wang
- Clinical Medicine of “5 + 3” Program, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Z.-J.Y.); (F.-F.W.); (R.-X.H.)
| | - Yue-Xin Guo
- Oral Medicine of “5 + 3” Program, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China;
| | - Rong-Xuan Hua
- Clinical Medicine of “5 + 3” Program, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (Z.-J.Y.); (F.-F.W.); (R.-X.H.)
| | - Hong-Wei Shang
- Morphological Experiment Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (H.-W.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Xin Lu
- Morphological Experiment Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; (H.-W.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Jing-Dong Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China;
- Correspondence:
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35
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Martínez-Rey D, Carmona-Rodríguez L, Fernández-Aceñero MJ, Mira E, Mañes S. Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase, the Endothelial Basement Membrane, and the WNT Pathway: New Players in Vascular Normalization and Tumor Infiltration by T-Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:579552. [PMID: 33250894 PMCID: PMC7673374 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.579552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are major players in the immune-mediated control of cancer and the response to immunotherapy. In primary cancers, however, TILs are commonly absent, suggesting T-cell entry into the tumor microenvironment (TME) to be selectively restricted. Blood and lymph vessels are the first barriers that circulating T-cells must cross to reach the tumor parenchyma. Certainly, the crossing of the endothelial cell (EC) basement membrane (EC-BM)—an extracellular matrix underlying EC—is a limiting step in T-cell diapedesis. This review highlights new data suggesting the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase-3 (SOD3) to be a regulator of EC-BM composition in the tumor vasculature. In the EC, SOD3 induces vascular normalization and endows the EC-BM with the capacity for the extravasation of effector T-cells into the TME, which it achieves via the WNT signaling pathway. However, when activated in tumor cells, this same pathway is reported to exclude TILs. SOD3 also regulates TIL density in primary human colorectal cancers (CRC), thus affecting the relapse rate and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Martínez-Rey
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Jesús Fernández-Aceñero
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Fundación de Investigación Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilia Mira
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Santos Mañes
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB/CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Parackova Z, Zentsova I, Bloomfield M, Vrabcova P, Smetanova J, Klocperk A, Mesežnikov G, Casas Mendez LF, Vymazal T, Sediva A. Disharmonic Inflammatory Signatures in COVID-19: Augmented Neutrophils' but Impaired Monocytes' and Dendritic Cells' Responsiveness. Cells 2020; 9:E2206. [PMID: 33003471 PMCID: PMC7600406 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged as a pandemic disease posing a severe threat to global health. To date, sporadic studies have demonstrated that innate immune mechanisms, specifically neutrophilia, NETosis, and neutrophil-associated cytokine responses, are involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis; however, our understanding of the exact nature of this aspect of host-pathogen interaction is limited. Here, we present a detailed dissection of the features and functional profiles of neutrophils, dendritic cells, and monocytes in COVID-19. We portray the crucial role of neutrophils as drivers of hyperinflammation associated with COVID-19 disease via the shift towards their immature forms, enhanced degranulation, cytokine production, and augmented interferon responses. We demonstrate the impaired functionality of COVID-19 dendritic cells and monocytes, particularly their low expression of maturation markers, increased PD-L1 levels, and their inability to upregulate phenotype upon stimulation. In summary, our work highlights important data that prompt further research, as therapeutic targeting of neutrophils and their associated products may hold the potential to reduce the severity of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Parackova
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.Z.); (M.B.); (P.V.); (J.S.); (A.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Irena Zentsova
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.Z.); (M.B.); (P.V.); (J.S.); (A.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Marketa Bloomfield
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.Z.); (M.B.); (P.V.); (J.S.); (A.K.); (A.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Thomayer’s Hospital, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Vrabcova
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.Z.); (M.B.); (P.V.); (J.S.); (A.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Jitka Smetanova
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.Z.); (M.B.); (P.V.); (J.S.); (A.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Adam Klocperk
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.Z.); (M.B.); (P.V.); (J.S.); (A.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Grigorij Mesežnikov
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Luis Fernando Casas Mendez
- Department of Pneumology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Tomas Vymazal
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Anna Sediva
- Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, 15006 Prague, Czech Republic; (I.Z.); (M.B.); (P.V.); (J.S.); (A.K.); (A.S.)
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37
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Ruan Y, Kim HN, Ogana H, Kim YM. Wnt Signaling in Leukemia and Its Bone Marrow Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176247. [PMID: 32872365 PMCID: PMC7503842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is an aggressive hematologic neoplastic disease. Therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs) may contribute to the relapse of the disease. LSCs are thought to be protected in the leukemia microenvironment, mainly consisting of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), endothelial cells, and osteoblasts. Canonical and noncanonical Wnt pathways play a critical role in the maintenance of normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and LSCs. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of Wnt signaling in leukemia and its microenvironment and provide information on the currently available strategies for targeting Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.R.); (H.N.K.); (H.O.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hye Na Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.R.); (H.N.K.); (H.O.)
| | - Heather Ogana
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.R.); (H.N.K.); (H.O.)
| | - Yong-Mi Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.R.); (H.N.K.); (H.O.)
- Correspondence:
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