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Sergio I, Varricchio C, Patel SK, Del Gaizo M, Russo E, Orlando A, Peruzzi G, Ferrandino F, Tsaouli G, Coni S, Peluso D, Besharat ZM, Campolo F, Venneri MA, Del Bufalo D, Lai S, Indraccolo S, Minuzzo S, La Starza R, Bernardini G, Screpanti I, Campese AF, Felli MP. Notch3-regulated microRNAs impair CXCR4-dependent maturation of thymocytes allowing maintenance and progression of T-ALL. Oncogene 2024; 43:2535-2547. [PMID: 38907003 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03079-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Malignant transformation of T-cell progenitors causes T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), an aggressive childhood lymphoproliferative disorder. Activating mutations of Notch, Notch1 and Notch3, have been detected in T-ALL patients. In this study, we aimed to deeply characterize hyperactive Notch3-related pathways involved in T-cell dynamics within the thymus and bone marrow to propose these processes as an important step in facilitating the progression of T-ALL. We previously generated a transgenic T-ALL mouse model (N3-ICtg) demonstrating that aberrant Notch3 signaling affects early thymocyte maturation programs and leads to bone marrow infiltration by CD4+CD8+ (DP) T cells that are notably, Notch3highCXCR4high. Newly, our in vivo results suggest that an anomalous immature thymocyte subpopulation, such as CD4-CD8- (DN) over-expressing CD3ɛ, but with low CXCR4 expression, dominates N3-ICtg thymus-resident DN subset in T-ALL progression. MicroRNAs might be of significance in T-ALL pathobiology, however, whether required for leukemia maintenance is not fully understood. The selection of specific DN subsets demonstrates the inverse correlation between CXCR4 expression and a panel of Notch3-deregulated miRNAs. Interestingly, we found that within DN thymocyte subset hyperactive Notch3 inhibits CXCR4 expression through the cooperative effects of miR-139-5p and miR-150-5p, thus impinging on thymocyte differentiation with accumulation of DNCD3ɛ+CXCR4- cells. These data point out that deregulation of Notch3 in T-ALL, besides its role in sustaining dissemination of abnormal DP T cells, as we previously demonstrated, could play a role in selecting specific DN immature T cells within the thymus, thus impeding T cell development, to facilitate T-ALL progression inside the bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Sergio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Varricchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Martina Del Gaizo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Orlando
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York NY, USA
| | | | | | - Georgia Tsaouli
- Department of Medical-Surgical Science and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Coni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Peluso
- Ph.D School of Applied Medical-Surgical Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federica Campolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Lai
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Indraccolo
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Basic and Translational Oncology Unit, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sonia Minuzzo
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Roberta La Starza
- Hematology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, and S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital Perugia, CREO, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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2
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Pathania AS. Immune Microenvironment in Childhood Cancers: Characteristics and Therapeutic Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2201. [PMID: 38927907 PMCID: PMC11201451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122201] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment is pivotal in cancer initiation, advancement, and regulation. Its molecular and cellular composition is critical throughout the disease, as it can influence the balance between suppressive and cytotoxic immune responses within the tumor's vicinity. Studies on the tumor immune microenvironment have enriched our understanding of the intricate interplay between tumors and their immunological surroundings in various human cancers. These studies illuminate the role of significant components of the immune microenvironment, which have not been extensively explored in pediatric tumors before and may influence the responsiveness or resistance to therapeutic agents. Our deepening understanding of the pediatric tumor immune microenvironment is helping to overcome challenges related to the effectiveness of existing therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapies. Although in the early stages, targeted therapies that modulate the tumor immune microenvironment of pediatric solid tumors hold promise for improved outcomes. Focusing on various aspects of tumor immune biology in pediatric patients presents a therapeutic opportunity that could improve treatment outcomes. This review offers a comprehensive examination of recent literature concerning profiling the immune microenvironment in various pediatric tumors. It seeks to condense research findings on characterizing the immune microenvironment in pediatric tumors and its impact on tumor development, metastasis, and response to therapeutic modalities. It covers the immune microenvironment's role in tumor development, interactions with tumor cells, and its impact on the tumor's response to immunotherapy. The review also discusses challenges targeting the immune microenvironment for pediatric cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Singh Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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3
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Qin S, Xie B, Wang Q, Yang R, Sun J, Hu C, Liu S, Tao Y, Xiao D. New insights into immune cells in cancer immunotherapy: from epigenetic modification, metabolic modulation to cell communication. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e551. [PMID: 38783893 PMCID: PMC11112485 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and more effective ways of attacking cancer are being sought. Cancer immunotherapy is a new and effective therapeutic method after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Cancer immunotherapy aims to kill tumor cells by stimulating or rebuilding the body's immune system, with specific efficiency and high safety. However, only few tumor patients respond to immunotherapy and due to the complex and variable characters of cancer immune escape, the behavior and regulatory mechanisms of immune cells need to be deeply explored from more dimensions. Epigenetic modifications, metabolic modulation, and cell-to-cell communication are key factors in immune cell adaptation and response to the complex tumor microenvironment. They collectively determine the state and function of immune cells through modulating gene expression, changing in energy and nutrient demands. In addition, immune cells engage in complex communication networks with other immune components, which are mediated by exosomes, cytokines, and chemokines, and are pivotal in shaping the tumor progression and therapeutic response. Understanding the interactions and combined effects of such multidimensions mechanisms in immune cell modulation is important for revealing the mechanisms of immunotherapy failure and developing new therapeutic targets and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Qin
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Bin Xie
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Qingyi Wang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Jingyue Sun
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Chaotao Hu
- Regenerative Medicine, Medical SchoolUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of OncologyInstitute of Medical SciencesNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha, Hunan, China. UniversityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of CarcinogenesisCancer Research Institute and School of Basic MedicineCentral South universityChangshaHunanChina
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of PathologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
- Department of PathologySchool of Basic Medical ScienceXiangya School of MedicineCentral South UniversityChangshaHunanChina
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4
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Wang M, Yu F, Zhang Y, Li P. Novel insights into Notch signaling in tumor immunity: potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352484. [PMID: 38444855 PMCID: PMC10912471 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling pathway is a highly conserved system of cell-to-cell communication that participates in various biological processes, such as stem cell maintenance, cell fate decision, cell proliferation and death during homeostasis and development. Dysregulation of Notch signaling has been associated with many aspects of cancer biology, such as maintenance of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), cancer cell metabolism, angiogenesis and tumor immunity. Particularly, Notch signaling can regulate antitumor or pro-tumor immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, Notch signaling has drawn significant attention in the therapeutic development of cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on the role of Notch signaling pathway in remodeling tumor immune microenvironment. We describe the impact of Notch signaling on the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, we summarize the results of relevant preclinical and clinical trials of Notch-targeted therapeutics and discuss the challenges in their clinical application in cancer therapy. An improved understanding of the involvement of Notch signaling in tumor immunity will open the door to new options in cancer immunotherapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | | | | | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Feng M, Zhang B, Li G, Yang Y, Liu J, Zhang Z, Zhou B, Zhang H. BACH2-mediated CD28 and CD40LG axes contribute to pathogenesis and progression of T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:59. [PMID: 38233409 PMCID: PMC10794190 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive subtype of ALL characterized by its high heterogeneity and unfavorable clinical features. Despite improved insights in genetic and epigenetic landscapes of T-ALL, the molecular mechanisms that drive malignant T-cell development remain unclear. BTB and CNC homology 2 (BACH2) is a lymphoid-specific transcription repressor recognized as a tumor suppressor in B-cell malignancies, but little is known about its function and regulatory network in T-ALL. Here we found extremely low levels of BACH2 in T-ALL clinical samples and cell lines compared to normal T cells. Overexpression of BACH2 in T-ALL cells not only induced cell growth retardation but also inhibited cancer progression and infiltration in xenografts. Further RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis revealed significant alterations in regulation of defense and immune responses in T-ALL cells upon BACH2 overexpression. Strikingly, CD28 and CD40LG, two essential stimulatory molecules on T cells, were for the first time identified as novel downstream targets repressed by BACH2 in T-ALL cells. Interestingly, both CD28 and CD40LG were indispensable for T-ALL survival, since largely or completely silencing CD28 and CD40LG led to rapid cell death, whereas partial knockdown of them resulted in cell-cycle arrest and enhanced apoptosis. More importantly, BACH2-mediated CD28 and CD40LG signals contributed to cell migration and dissemination of T-ALL cells to the bone marrow, thus adding a new layer to the BACH2-mediated tumor immunoregulation in T-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Feng
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China
| | - Bailing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guilan Li
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China
| | - Jiangyuan Liu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China
| | - Ziting Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China
| | - Bing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, Yunnan, 650118, China.
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6
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Lu L, Jin Y, Tong Y, Xiao L, Hou Y, Liu Z, Dou H. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells promote the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms through the IL-3-ICOSL-ICOS axis. BBA ADVANCES 2023; 4:100103. [PMID: 37705722 PMCID: PMC10495679 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2023.100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Th17 cells are powerful inflammation promoters in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) can promote the differentiation of Th17 cells in chronic inflammatory autoimmune injury. Here, we aim to examine whether MDSCs regulate the differentiation of Th17 cells to participate in the development of AAA. We demonstrated an abnormal accumulation of MDSCs in AAA patients, which was positively associated with Th17 cells. We established angiotensin II-induced apolipoprotein E knockout mice and found the impaired immunosuppressive function of M-MDSCs. After systemic injection of anti-Gr-1 antibody in AAA mice to deplete circulating MDSCs, AAA formation and the differentiation of Th17 cells were abolished, and the overexpression of inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) on Th17 cells was reversed accordingly. Regulating the expression of ICOS ligand (ICOSL) on MDSCs affects the differentiation of Th17 cells. The adoptive transfer of ICOSLlowMDSCs in AAA mice inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells and the development of AAA. Meanwhile, rIL-3 promoted the survival and immunosuppressive dysfunction of MDSCs, upregulated ICOSL expression on MDSCs by inhibiting activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and regulated MDSCs to promote the differentiation of Th17 cells via the ICOSL-ICOS axis. An increase in serum IL-3, ICOSL+MDSCs, and ICOS+Th17 cells was detected in AAA patients, and IL-3 levels were positively correlated with the proportion of ICOSL+MDSC cells. In conclusion, we uncovered a pivotal role of MDSCs in promoting the differentiation of Th17 cells through the IL-3-ICOSL-ICOS axis during AAA, providing an important theoretical basis for understanding the pathogenesis of AAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Jin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanhao Tong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lun Xiao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yayi Hou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Dou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Immunology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing, China
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7
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Wang S, Zhao X, Wu S, Cui D, Xu Z. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: key immunosuppressive regulators and therapeutic targets in hematological malignancies. Biomark Res 2023; 11:34. [PMID: 36978204 PMCID: PMC10049909 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) supports the development of tumors and limits tumor immunotherapy, including hematological malignancies. Hematological malignancies remain a major public health issue with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. As an important component of immunosuppressive regulators, the phenotypic characteristics and prognostic value of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have received much attention. A variety of MDSC-targeting therapeutic approaches have produced encouraging outcomes. However, the use of various MDSC-targeted treatment strategies in hematologic malignancies is still difficult due to the heterogeneity of hematologic malignancies and the complexity of the immune system. In this review, we summarize the biological functions of MDSCs and further provide a summary of the phenotypes and suppressive mechanisms of MDSC populations expanded in various types of hematological malignancy contexts. Moreover, we discussed the clinical correlation between MDSCs and the diagnosis of malignant hematological disease, as well as the drugs targeting MDSCs, and focused on summarizing the therapeutic strategies in combination with other immunotherapies, such as various immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), that are under active investigation. We highlight the new direction of targeting MDSCs to improve the therapeutic efficacy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifen Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingyun Zhao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siwen Wu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dawei Cui
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Zhenshu Xu
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China.
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8
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The role of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathway in cancer. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:44. [PMID: 36517618 PMCID: PMC9751255 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch and Hedgehog signaling are involved in cancer biology and pathology, including the maintenance of tumor cell proliferation, cancer stem-like cells, and the tumor microenvironment. Given the complexity of Notch signaling in tumors, its role as both a tumor promoter and suppressor, and the crosstalk between pathways, the goal of developing clinically safe, effective, tumor-specific Notch-targeted drugs has remained intractable. Drugs developed against the Hedgehog signaling pathway have affirmed definitive therapeutic effects in basal cell carcinoma; however, in some contexts, the challenges of tumor resistance and recurrence leap to the forefront. The efficacy is very limited for other tumor types. In recent years, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the investigation and recognition of the critical roles of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways in cancers, and the crosstalk between these pathways has vast space and value to explore. A series of clinical trials targeting signaling have been launched continually. In this review, we introduce current advances in the understanding of Notch and Hedgehog signaling and the crosstalk between pathways in specific tumor cell populations and microenvironments. Moreover, we also discuss the potential of targeting Notch and Hedgehog for cancer therapy, intending to promote the leap from bench to bedside.
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Zhdanovskaya N, Lazzari S, Caprioglio D, Firrincieli M, Maioli C, Pace E, Imperio D, Talora C, Bellavia D, Checquolo S, Mori M, Screpanti I, Minassi A, Palermo R. Identification of a Novel Curcumin Derivative Influencing Notch Pathway and DNA Damage as a Potential Therapeutic Agent in T-ALL. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235772. [PMID: 36497257 PMCID: PMC9736653 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235772] [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: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy considered curable by modern clinical management. Nevertheless, the prognosis for T-ALL high-risk cases or patients with relapsed and refractory disease is still dismal. Therefore, there is a keen interest in developing more efficient and less toxic therapeutic approaches. T-ALL pathogenesis is associated with Notch signaling alterations, making this pathway a highly promising target in the fight against T-ALL. Here, by exploring the anti-leukemic capacity of the natural polyphenol curcumin and its derivatives, we found that curcumin exposure impacts T-ALL cell line viability and decreases Notch signaling in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. However, our findings indicated that curcumin-mediated cell outcomes did not depend exclusively on Notch signaling inhibition, but might be mainly related to compound-induced DNA-damage-associated cell death. Furthermore, we identified a novel curcumin-based compound named CD2066, endowed with potentiated anti-proliferative activity in T-ALL compared to the parent molecule curcumin. At nanomolar concentrations, CD2066 antagonized Notch signaling, favored DNA damage, and acted synergistically with the CDK1 inhibitor Ro3306 in T-ALL cells, thus representing a promising novel candidate for developing therapeutic agents against Notch-dependent T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Caprioglio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Maioli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Imperio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnology, Sapienza Università di Roma, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Minassi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (R.P.)
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10
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Fan R, De Beule N, Maes A, De Bruyne E, Menu E, Vanderkerken K, Maes K, Breckpot K, De Veirman K. The prognostic value and therapeutic targeting of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in hematological cancers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1016059. [PMID: 36304465 PMCID: PMC9592826 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1016059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of immunotherapeutic approaches in hematological cancers is partially hampered by the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are key components of this suppressive environment and are frequently associated with tumor cell survival and drug resistance. Based on their morphology and phenotype, MDSC are commonly subdivided into polymorphonuclear MDSC (PMN-MDSC or G-MDSC) and monocytic MDSC (M-MDSC), both characterized by their immunosuppressive function. The phenotype, function and prognostic value of MDSC in hematological cancers has been intensively studied; however, the therapeutic targeting of this cell population remains challenging and needs further investigation. In this review, we will summarize the prognostic value of MDSC and the different attempts to target MDSC (or subtypes of MDSC) in hematological cancers. We will discuss the benefits, challenges and opportunities of using MDSC-targeting approaches, aiming to enhance anti-tumor immune responses of currently used cellular and non-cellular immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Fan
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathan De Beule
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anke Maes
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ken Maes
- Center for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Kim De Veirman,
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11
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Sun X, Xin S, Li W, Zhang Y, Ye L. Discovery of Notch Pathway-Related Genes for Predicting Prognosis and Tumor Microenvironment Status in Bladder Cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:928778. [PMID: 35846128 PMCID: PMC9279929 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.928778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Notch signaling is a key regulator of immune cell differentiation and linked to autoimmune diseases, tumorigenesis and tumor-induced immunomodulation. An abnormally activated Notch signaling pathway contributes to almost all of the key features of cancer, including tumor angiogenesis, stemness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Consequently, we investigated Notch pathway-related genes for developing prognostic marker and assessing immune status in bladder cancer. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were utilized to analyze RNA-seq data for bladder cancer. Cluster subtypes were identified using the NMF algorithm. In order to establish a prognostic risk signature, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) and Cox regression analysis was utilized. GSEA was carried out to investigate the molecular mechanisms. Immune cell infiltration levels in bladder cancer were calculated using the CIBERSORT algorithm. External clinical tissue samples were used to validate the expression levels of signature genes. Results: Based on the NMF algorithm, bladder cancer samples were divided into two cluster subtypes and displayed different survival outcome and immune microenvironment. A six-gene risk signature (DTX3L, CNTN1, ENO1, GATA3, MAGEA1, and SORBS2) was independent for prognosis and showed good stability. The infiltration of immune cells and clinical variables were significantly different among the risk groups of patients. Response to immunotherapy also differed between different risk groups. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of the signature genes were verified in tissue samples by qRT-PCR. Conclusion: We established a 6-gene signature associated with Notch pathway in bladder cancer to effectively predict prognosis and reflect immune microenvironment status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianchao Sun
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyong Xin
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyi Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zhang, ; Lin Ye,
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zhang, ; Lin Ye,
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Roles of Notch Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116241. [PMID: 35682918 PMCID: PMC9181414 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway is an architecturally simple signaling mechanism, well known for its role in cell fate regulation during organ development and in tissue homeostasis. In keeping with its importance for normal development, dysregulation of Notch signaling is increasingly associated with different types of tumors, and proteins in the Notch signaling pathway can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, depending on the cellular context and tumor type. In addition to a role as a driver of tumor initiation and progression in the tumor cells carrying oncogenic mutations, it is an emerging realization that Notch signaling also plays a role in non-mutated cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we discuss how aberrant Notch signaling can affect three types of cells in the tumor stroma-cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular cells-and how this influences their interactions with the tumor cells. Insights into the roles of Notch in cells of the tumor environment and the impact on tumor-stroma interactions will lead to a deeper understanding of Notch signaling in cancer and inspire new strategies for Notch-based tumor therapy.
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