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Chang J, Campbell-Hanson KR, Vanneste M, Yevdash J, Bartschat NI, Jiang J, Bhinu A, Helverson A, Henry MD, Steingrímsson E, Weigel RJ, Cornell RA, Kenny C. An MITF- and mTOR-dependent FLCN pathway suppresses TFE3-driven metastasis in melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.11.603140. [PMID: 39026725 PMCID: PMC11257520 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.11.603140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells have remarkable plasticity allowing them to acquire many biological states. Melanoma cells have the ability to switch from a proliferative melanocytic state to an invasive mesenchymal state and back again resulting in intratumoral heterogeneity. While microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) promotes the melanocytic phenotype, it is unclear what transcription factors drive the mesenchymal phenotype, and what mechanisms regulate the switch from the proliferative state to the mesenchymal state. We show that nuclear localization of the MITF paralog TFE3 correlates positively with metastatic potential in melanoma cell lines and tumors, and that deletion of TFE3 in MITF-low melanoma cell lines eliminates migration and metastatic ability. Further, we find that MITF suppresses the mesenchymal phenotype by activating expression of FNIP2, which encodes a component of an mTORC1-stimulated pathway promoting cytoplasmic retention and lysosomal degradation of TFE3. These findings point to the mTOR pathway and TFE3 as key regulators of melanoma plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Chang
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | | | - Marion Vanneste
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Julius Yevdash
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Nicholas I. Bartschat
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Jiarui Jiang
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Ardith Bhinu
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Annika Helverson
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Henry
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Eiríkur Steingrímsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BioMedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ronald J. Weigel
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Robert A. Cornell
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Colin Kenny
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States of America
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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2
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Ma C, Gurkan-Cavusoglu E. A comprehensive review of computational cell cycle models in guiding cancer treatment strategies. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:71. [PMID: 38969664 PMCID: PMC11226463 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00397-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the current knowledge and recent advancements in computational modeling of the cell cycle. It offers a comparative analysis of various modeling paradigms, highlighting their unique strengths, limitations, and applications. Specifically, the article compares deterministic and stochastic models, single-cell versus population models, and mechanistic versus abstract models. This detailed analysis helps determine the most suitable modeling framework for various research needs. Additionally, the discussion extends to the utilization of these computational models to illuminate cell cycle dynamics, with a particular focus on cell cycle viability, crosstalk with signaling pathways, tumor microenvironment, DNA replication, and repair mechanisms, underscoring their critical roles in tumor progression and the optimization of cancer therapies. By applying these models to crucial aspects of cancer therapy planning for better outcomes, including drug efficacy quantification, drug discovery, drug resistance analysis, and dose optimization, the review highlights the significant potential of computational insights in enhancing the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatments. This emphasis on the intricate relationship between computational modeling and therapeutic strategy development underscores the pivotal role of advanced modeling techniques in navigating the complexities of cell cycle dynamics and their implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhui Ma
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Evren Gurkan-Cavusoglu
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Systems Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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3
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Fatma H, Siddique HR. Cancer cell plasticity, stem cell factors, and therapy resistance: how are they linked? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:423-440. [PMID: 37796391 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10144-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity can occur naturally in an organism and is considered an adapting mechanism during the developmental stage. However, abnormal cellular plasticity is observed in different diseased conditions, including cancer. Cancer cell plasticity triggers the stimuli of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), abnormal epigenetic changes, expression of stem cell factors and implicated signaling pathways, etc., and helps in the maintenance of CSC phenotype. Conversely, CSC maintains the cancer cell plasticity, EMT, and epigenetic plasticity. EMT contributes to increased cell migration and greater diversity within tumors, while epigenetic changes, stem cell factors (OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2), and various signaling pathways allow cancer cells to maintain various phenotypes, giving rise to intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. The intricate relationships between cancer cell plasticity and stem cell factors help the tumor cells adopt drug-tolerant states, evade senescence, and successfully acquire drug resistance with treatment dismissal. Inhibiting molecules/signaling pathways involved in promoting CSCs, cellular plasticity, EMT, and epigenetic plasticity might be helpful for successful cancer therapy management. This review discussed the role of cellular plasticity, EMT, and stem cell factors in tumor initiation, progression, reprogramming, and therapy resistance. Finally, we discussed how the intervention in this axis will help better manage cancers and improve patient survivability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Fatma
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India.
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4
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Mondal P, Meeran SM. The emerging role of the gut microbiome in cancer cell plasticity and therapeutic resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:135-154. [PMID: 37707749 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10138-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to therapeutic agents is one of the major challenges in cancer therapy. Generally, the focus is given to the genetic driver, especially the genetic mutation behind the therapeutic resistance. However, non-mutational mechanisms, such as epigenetic modifications, and TME alteration, which is mainly driven by cancer cell plasticity, are also involved in therapeutic resistance. The concept of plasticity mainly relies on the conversion of non-cancer stem cells (CSCs) to CSCs or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via different mechanisms and various signaling pathways. Cancer plasticity plays a crucial role in therapeutic resistance as cancer cells are able to escape from therapeutics by shifting the phenotype and thereby enhancing tumor progression. New evidence suggests that gut microbiota can change cancer cell characteristics by impacting the mechanisms involved in cancer plasticity. Interestingly, gut microbiota can also influence the therapeutic efficacy of anticancer drugs by modulating the mechanisms involved in cancer cell plasticity. The gut microbiota has been shown to reduce the toxicity of certain clinical drugs. Here, we have documented the critical role of the gut microbiota on the therapeutic efficacy of existing anticancer drugs by altering the cancer plasticity. Hence, the extended knowledge of the emerging role of gut microbiota in cancer cell plasticity can help to develop gut microbiota-based novel therapeutics to overcome the resistance or reduce the toxicity of existing drugs. Furthermore, to improve the effectiveness of therapy, it is necessary to conduct more clinical and preclinical research to fully comprehend the mechanisms of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Mondal
- Laboratory of Nutritional Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Syed Musthapa Meeran
- Laboratory of Nutritional Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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5
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Liu X, Zhang G, Li S, Liu Y, Ma K, Wang L. Identification of gut microbes-related molecular subtypes and their biomarkers in colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:2249-2272. [PMID: 38289597 PMCID: PMC10911361 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The role of gut microbes (GM) and their metabolites in colorectal cancer (CRC) development has attracted increasing attention. Several studies have identified specific microorganisms that are closely associated with CRC occurrence and progression, as well as key genes associated with gut microorganisms. However, the extent to which gut microbes-related genes can serve as biomarkers for CRC progression or prognosis is still poorly understood. This study used a bioinformatics-based approach to synthetically analyze the large amount of available data stored in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Through this analysis, this study identified two distinct CRC molecular subtypes associated with GM, as well as CRC markers related to GM. In addition, these new subtypes exhibit significantly different survival outcomes and are characterized by distinct immune landscapes and biological functions. Gut microbes-related biomarkers (GMRBs), IL7 and BCL10, were identified and found to have independent prognostic value and predictability for immunotherapeutic response in CRC patients. In addition, a systematic collection and review of prior research literature on GM and CRC provided additional evidence to support these findings. In conclusion, this paper provides new insights into the underlying pathological mechanisms by which GM promotes the development of CRC and suggests potentially viable solutions for individualized prevention, screening, and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuliang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Guolin Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shiyao Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuechuan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Kexin Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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6
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Byroju VV, Nadukkandy AS, Cordani M, Kumar LD. Retinoblastoma: present scenario and future challenges. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:226. [PMID: 37667345 PMCID: PMC10478474 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01223-z] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With an average incidence of 1 in every 18,000 live births, retinoblastoma is a rare type of intraocular tumour found to affect patients during their early childhood. It is curable if diagnosed at earlier stages but can become life-threateningly malignant if not treated timely. With no racial or gender predisposition, or even environmental factors known to have been involved in the incidence of the disease, retinoblastoma is often considered a clinical success story in pediatric oncology. The survival rate in highly developed countries is higher than 95% and they have achieved this because of the advancement in the development of diagnostics and treatment techniques. This includes developing the already existing techniques like chemotherapy and embarking on new strategies like enucleation, thermotherapy, cryotherapy, etc. Early diagnosis, studies on the etiopathogenesis and genetics of the disease are the need of the hour for improving the survival rates. According to the Knudson hypothesis, also known as the two hit hypothesis, two hits on the retinoblastoma susceptibility (RB) gene is often considered as the initiating event in the development of the disease. Studies on the molecular basis of the disease have also led to deciphering the downstream events and thus in the discovery of biomarkers and related targeted therapies. Furthermore, improvements in molecular biology techniques enhanced the development of efficient methods for early diagnosis, genetic counseling, and prevention of the disease. In this review, we discuss the genetic and molecular features of retinoblastoma with a special emphasis on the mutation leading to the dysregulation of key signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, DNA repair, and cellular plasticity. Also, we describe the classification, clinical and epidemiological relevance of the disease, with an emphasis on both the traditional and innovative treatments to tackle retinoblastoma. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Vardhan Byroju
- Department of Biochemistry, American International Medical University, Gros Islet, St. Lucia, USA
| | | | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, and Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Lekha Dinesh Kumar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Habsiguda, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, India.
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7
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Barachini S, Ghelardoni S, Madonna R. Vascular Progenitor Cells: From Cancer to Tissue Repair. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062399. [PMID: 36983398 PMCID: PMC10059009 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062399] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular progenitor cells are activated to repair and form a neointima following vascular damage such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, trauma, hypoxia, primary cancerous lesions and metastases as well as catheter interventions. They play a key role not only in the resolution of the vascular lesion but also in the adult neovascularization and angiogenesis sprouting (i.e., the growth of new capillaries from pre-existing ones), often associated with carcinogenesis, favoring the formation of metastases, survival and progression of tumors. In this review, we discuss the biology, cellular plasticity and pathophysiology of different vascular progenitor cells, including their origins (sources), stimuli and activated pathways that induce differentiation, isolation and characterization. We focus on their role in tumor-induced vascular injury and discuss their implications in promoting tumor angiogenesis during cancer proliferation and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Barachini
- Laboratory for Cell Therapy, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sandra Ghelardoni
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Pathology, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Department of Pathology, Cardiology Division, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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8
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Shi ZD, Pang K, Wu ZX, Dong Y, Hao L, Qin JX, Wang W, Chen ZS, Han CH. Tumor cell plasticity in targeted therapy-induced resistance: mechanisms and new strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:113. [PMID: 36906600 PMCID: PMC10008648 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment, therapy-induced resistance remains a major obstacle to a complete cure. Tumor cells evade treatments and relapse via phenotypic switching driven by intrinsic or induced cell plasticity. Several reversible mechanisms have been proposed to circumvent tumor cell plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, regulation of transcription factors, activation or suppression of key signaling pathways, as well as modification of the tumor environment. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor cell and cancer stem cell formation also serve as roads towards tumor cell plasticity. Corresponding treatment strategies have recently been developed that either target plasticity-related mechanisms or employ combination treatments. In this review, we delineate the formation of tumor cell plasticity and its manipulation of tumor evasion from targeted therapy. We discuss the non-genetic mechanisms of targeted drug-induced tumor cell plasticity in various types of tumors and provide insights into the contribution of tumor cell plasticity to acquired drug resistance. New therapeutic strategies such as inhibition or reversal of tumor cell plasticity are also presented. We also discuss the multitude of clinical trials that are ongoing worldwide with the intention of improving clinical outcomes. These advances provide a direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies and combination therapy regimens that target tumor cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Hao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Xin Qin
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China.
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9
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Tímár J, Honn KV, Hendrix MJC, Marko-Varga G, Jalkanen S. Newly identified form of phenotypic plasticity of cancer: immunogenic mimicry. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:323-334. [PMID: 36754910 PMCID: PMC10014767 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer plasticity is now a recognized new hallmark of cancer which is due to disturbances of cell differentiation programs. It is manifested not only in various forms like the best-known epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) but also in vasculogenic and megakaryocytic mimicries regulated by EMT-specific or less-specific transcription factors such as HIF1a or STAT1/2. Studies in the past decades provided ample data that cancer plasticity can be manifested also in the expression of a vast array of immune cell genes; best-known examples are PDL1/CD274, CD47, or IDO, and we termed it immunogenic mimicry (IGM). However, unlike other types of plasticities which are epigenetically regulated, expression of IGM genes are frequently due to gene amplifications. It is important that the majority of the IGM genes are regulated by interferons (IFNs) suggesting that their protein expressions are regulated by the immune microenvironment. Most of the IGM genes have been shown to be involved in immune escape of cancers broadening the repertoire of these mechanisms and offering novel targets for immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Tímár
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Department of Biology, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV, USA
| | - György Marko-Varga
- Clinical Protein Science and Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sirpa Jalkanen
- Medicity Research Laboratories, Turku, Finland.,InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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10
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Innocenti L, Ortenzi V, Scarpitta R, Montemurro N, Pasqualetti F, Asseri R, Lazzi S, Szumera-Cieckiewicz A, De Ieso K, Perrini P, Naccarato AG, Scatena C, Fanelli GN. The Prognostic Impact of Gender, Therapeutic Strategies, Molecular Background, and Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Glioblastoma: A Still Unsolved Jigsaw. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:501. [PMID: 36833428 PMCID: PMC9956148 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020501] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the adoption of novel therapeutical approaches, the outcomes for glioblastoma (GBM) patients remain poor. In the present study, we investigated the prognostic impact of several clinico-pathological and molecular features as well as the role of the cellular immune response in a series of 59 GBM. CD4+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were digitally assessed on tissue microarray cores and their prognostic role was investigated. Moreover, the impact of other clinico-pathological features was evaluated. The number of CD4+ and CD8+ is higher in GBM tissue compared to normal brain tissue (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0005 respectively). A positive correlation between CD4+ and CD8+ in GBM is present (rs = 0.417-p = 0.001). CD4+ TILs are inversely related to overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.1-3.1, p = 0.035). The presence of low CD4+ TILs combined with low CD8+ TILs is an independent predictor of longer OS (HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.79, p = 0.014). Female sex is independently related to longer OS (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22-0.77, p = 0.006). Adjuvant treatment, methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation, and age remain important prognostic factors but are influenced by other features. Adaptive cell-mediated immunity can affect the outcomes of GBM patients. Further studies are needed to elucidate the commitment of the CD4+ cells and the effects of different TILs subpopulations in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Innocenti
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valerio Ortenzi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosa Scarpitta
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Montemurro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Pasqualetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Oncology, Oxford University, Oxford OX1 4BH, UK
| | - Roberta Asseri
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Lazzi
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Szumera-Cieckiewicz
- Department of Pathology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Diagnostic Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katia De Ieso
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Perrini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristian Scatena
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Nicolò Fanelli
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
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11
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Identity matters: cancer stem cells and tumour plasticity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Rev Mol Med 2023; 25:e8. [PMID: 36740973 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2023.4] [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: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents frequent yet aggressive tumours that encompass complex ecosystems of stromal and neoplastic components including a dynamic population of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recently, research in the field of CSCs has gained increased momentum owing in part to their role in tumourigenicity, metastasis, therapy resistance and relapse. We provide herein a comprehensive assessment of the latest progress in comprehending CSC plasticity, including newly discovered influencing factors and their possible application in HNSCC. We further discuss the dynamic interplay of CSCs within tumour microenvironment considering our evolving appreciation of the contribution of oral microbiota and the pressing need for relevant models depicting their features. In sum, CSCs and tumour plasticity represent an exciting and expanding battleground with great implications for cancer therapy that are only beginning to be appreciated in head and neck oncology.
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12
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Spatio-temporal modelling of phenotypic heterogeneity in tumour tissues and its impact on radiotherapy treatment. J Theor Biol 2023; 556:111248. [PMID: 36150537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We present a mathematical model that describes how tumour heterogeneity evolves in a tissue slice that is oxygenated by a single blood vessel. Phenotype is identified with the stemness level of a cell and determines its proliferative capacity, apoptosis propensity and response to treatment. Our study is based on numerical bifurcation analysis and dynamical simulations of a system of coupled, non-local (in phenotypic "space") partial differential equations that link the phenotypic evolution of the tumour cells to local tissue oxygen levels. In our formulation, we consider a 1D geometry where oxygen is supplied by a blood vessel located on the domain boundary and consumed by the tumour cells as it diffuses through the tissue. For biologically relevant parameter values, the system exhibits multiple steady states; in particular, depending on the initial conditions, the tumour is either eliminated ("tumour-extinction") or it persists ("tumour-invasion"). We conclude by using the model to investigate tumour responses to radiotherapy, and focus on identifying radiotherapy strategies which can eliminate the tumour. Numerical simulations reveal how phenotypic heterogeneity evolves during treatment and highlight the critical role of tissue oxygen levels on the efficacy of radiation protocols that are commonly used in the clinic.
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Castaneda M, den Hollander P, Kuburich NA, Rosen JM, Mani SA. Mechanisms of cancer metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:17-31. [PMID: 36354098 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer is almost always terminal, and more than 90% of cancer deaths result from metastatic disease. Combating cancer metastasis and post-therapeutic recurrence successfully requires understanding each step of metastatic progression. This review describes the current state of knowledge of the etiology and mechanism of cancer progression from primary tumor growth to the formation of new tumors in other parts of the body. Open questions, avenues for future research, and therapeutic approaches with the potential to prevent or inhibit metastasis through personalization to each patient's mutation and/or immune profile are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Castaneda
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Petra den Hollander
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Legoretta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 021912, USA
| | - Nick A Kuburich
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Legoretta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 021912, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Rosen
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Legoretta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 021912, USA.
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14
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Glioma Stem Cells: Novel Data Obtained by Single-Cell Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214224. [PMID: 36430704 PMCID: PMC9694247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common type of primary CNS tumor, composed of cells that resemble normal glial cells. Recent genetic studies have provided insight into the inter-tumoral heterogeneity of gliomas, resulting in the updated 2021 WHO classification of gliomas. Thorough understanding of inter-tumoral heterogeneity has already improved the prognosis and treatment outcomes of some types of gliomas. Currently, the challenge for researchers is to study the intratumoral cell heterogeneity of newly defined glioma subtypes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) present in gliomas and many other tumors are an example of intratumoral heterogeneity of great importance. In this review, we discuss the modern concept of glioma stem cells and recent single-cell sequencing-driven progress in the research of intratumoral glioma cell heterogeneity. The particular emphasis was placed on the recently revealed variations of the cell composition of the subtypes of the adult-type diffuse gliomas, including astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma. The novel data explain the inconsistencies in earlier glioma stem cell research and also provide insight into the development of more effective targeted therapy and the cell-based immunotherapy of gliomas. Separate sections are devoted to the description of single-cell sequencing approach and its role in the development of cell-based immunotherapies for glioma.
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Potential Role of the Circadian Clock in the Regulation of Cancer Stem Cells and Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214181. [PMID: 36430659 PMCID: PMC9698777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214181] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms, including sleep/wake cycles as well as hormonal, immune, metabolic, and cell proliferation rhythms, are fundamental biological processes driven by a cellular time-keeping system called the circadian clock. Disruptions in these rhythms due to genetic alterations or irregular lifestyles cause fundamental changes in physiology, from metabolism to cellular proliferation and differentiation, resulting in pathological consequences including cancer. Cancer cells are not uniform and static but exist as different subtypes with phenotypic and functional differences in the tumor microenvironment. At the top of the heterogeneous tumor cell hierarchy, cancer stem cells (CSCs), a self-renewing and multi-potent cancer cell type, are most responsible for tumor recurrence and metastasis, chemoresistance, and mortality. Phenotypically, CSCs are associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which confers cancer cells with increased motility and invasion ability that is characteristic of malignant and drug-resistant stem cells. Recently, emerging studies of different cancer types, such as glioblastoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, suggest that the circadian clock plays an important role in the maintenance of CSC/EMT characteristics. In this review, we describe recent discoveries regarding how tumor intrinsic and extrinsic circadian clock-regulating factors affect CSC evolution, highlighting the possibility of developing novel chronotherapeutic strategies that could be used against CSCs to fight cancer.
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16
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Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Renal Cell Carcinoma: The New Era of Precision Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184359. [PMID: 36139519 PMCID: PMC9497114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Early diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is challenging and typically incidental. Currently, several therapeutic strategies are used for the treatment; however, no established predictive biomarker has been established yet, and the optimal treatment choice and sequence of use remain unclear. Moreover, the recurrence occurs in about one-third of patients after tumor resection. Although several prognostic classification systems have been proposed, most of them showed only limited potential in recurrence prediction. Therefore, identifying simple, reliable, and easily accessible biomarkers to anticipate the diagnosis, effectively evaluate the risk of relapse, and predict the response to the therapeutic regimens is an unmet clinical need. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), released from cancer cells into the bloodstream, was shown to be a non-invasive, viable, inexpensive method to diagnose and monitor several solid malignancies, designed as a potential blood RCC biomarker. This review aims to summarize the state of the art of the current genetic and epigenetic techniques of plasma and serum cfDNA detection and outline the potential application of liquid biopsy in RCC. Abstract Tumor biopsy is still the gold standard for diagnosing and prognosis renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, its invasiveness, costs, and inability to accurately picture tumor heterogeneity represent major limitations to this procedure. Analysis of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a non-invasive cost-effective technique that has the potential to ease cancer detection and prognosis. In particular, a growing body of evidence suggests that cfDNA could be a complementary tool to identify and prognosticate RCC while providing contemporary mutational profiling of the tumor. Further, recent research highlighted the role of cfDNA methylation profiling as a novel method for cancer detection and tissue-origin identification. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive applications of cfDNA in RCC, with a specific focus on the potential role of cell-free methylated DNA (cfMeDNA).
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17
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Zheng H, Liu H, Li H, Dou W, Wang J, Zhang J, Liu T, Wu Y, Liu Y, Wang X. Characterization of stem cell landscape and identification of stemness-relevant prognostic gene signature to aid immunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:244. [PMID: 35681225 PMCID: PMC9185878 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02913-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is generally accepted that colorectal cancer (CRC) originates from cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are responsible for CRC progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. The high heterogeneity of CSCs has precluded clinical application of CSC-targeting therapy. Here, we aimed to characterize the stemness landscapes and screen for certain patients more responsive to immunotherapy. Methods Twenty-six stem cell gene sets were acquired from StemChecker database. Consensus clustering algorithm was applied for stemness subtypes identification on 1,467 CRC samples from TCGA and GEO databases. The differences in prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME) components, therapy responses were evaluated among subtypes. Then, the stemness-risk model was constructed by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), Cox regression and random survival forest analyses, and the most important marker was experimentally verified. Results Based on single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) enrichments scores, CRC patients were classified into three subtypes (C1, C2 and C3). C3 subtype exhibited the worst prognosis, highest macrophages M0 and M2 infiltrations, immune and stromal scores, and minimum sensitivity to immunotherapies, but was more sensitive to drugs like Bosutinib, Docetaxel, Elesclomol, Gefitinib, Lenalidomide, Methotrexate and Sunitinib. The turquoise module was identified by WGCNA that it was most positively correlated with C3 but most negatively with C2, and five hub genes in turquoise module were identified for stemness model construction. CRC patients with higher stemness scores exhibited worse prognosis, more immunosuppressive components in TME and lower immunotherapeutic responses. Additionally, the model’s immunotherapeutic prediction efficacy was further confirmed from two immunotherapy cohorts (anti-PD-L1 in IMvigor210 cohort and anti-PD-1 in GSE78220 cohort). Mechanistically, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) results revealed high stemness score group was enriched in interferon gamma response, interferon alpha response, P53 pathway, coagulation, apoptosis, KRAS signaling upregulation, complement, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and IL6-mediated JAK-STAT signaling gene sets. Conclusions Our study characterized three stemness-related subtypes with distinct prognosis and TME patterns in CRC patients, and a 5-gene stemness-risk model was constructed by comprehensive bioinformatic analyses. We suggest our stemness model has prospective clinical implications for prognosis evaluation and might facilitate physicians selecting prospective responders for preferential use of current immune checkpoint inhibitors. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02913-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Heshu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huayu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Weidong Dou
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingui Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junling Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingchao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yucun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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Picca A, Guyon D, Santonocito OS, Baldini C, Idbaih A, Carpentier A, Naccarato AG, Caccese M, Lombardi G, Di Stefano AL. Innovating Strategies and Tailored Approaches in Neuro-Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1124. [PMID: 35267432 PMCID: PMC8909701 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051124] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse gliomas, the most frequent and aggressive primary central nervous system neoplasms, currently lack effective curative treatments, particularly for cases lacking the favorable prognostic marker IDH mutation. Nonetheless, advances in molecular biology allowed to identify several druggable alterations in a subset of IDH wild-type gliomas, such as NTRK and FGFR-TACC fusions, and BRAF hotspot mutations. Multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as regorafenib, also showed efficacy in the setting of recurrent glioblastoma. IDH inhibitors are currently in the advanced phase of clinical evaluation for patients with IDH-mutant gliomas. Several immunotherapeutic approaches, such as tumor vaccines or checkpoint inhibitors, failed to improve patients' outcomes. Even so, they may be still beneficial in a subset of them. New methods, such as using pulsed ultrasound to disrupt the blood-brain barrier, gene therapy, and oncolytic virotherapy, are well tolerated and may be included in the therapeutic armamentarium soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Picca
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital Universitaire La Pitié Salpêtrière, DMU Neurosciences, 75013 Paris, France; (A.P.); (A.I.)
| | - David Guyon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy University Hospital, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Orazio Santo Santonocito
- Division of Neurosurgery, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno—USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 57124 Livorno, Italy;
| | - Capucine Baldini
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy University Hospital, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Ahmed Idbaih
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, AP-HP, Hôpital Universitaire La Pitié Salpêtrière, DMU Neurosciences, 75013 Paris, France; (A.P.); (A.I.)
| | - Alexandre Carpentier
- Service de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital Universitaire La Pitié Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France;
| | - Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Division of Pathology, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
- Anatomia Patologica 1, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Caccese
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Lombardi
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (G.L.)
| | - Anna Luisa Di Stefano
- Division of Neurosurgery, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno—USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 57124 Livorno, Italy;
- Department of Neurology, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
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19
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Chakraborty S, Carnazza M, Jarboe T, DeSouza N, Li XM, Moscatello A, Geliebter J, Tiwari RK. Disruption of Cell-Cell Communication in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer as an Immunotherapeutic Opportunity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1350:33-66. [PMID: 34888843 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83282-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing at an alarming rate, almost tripling every decade. About 44,280 new cases of thyroid cancer (12,150 in men and 32,130 in women) are estimated to be diagnosed in 2021, with an estimated death toll of around 2200. Although most thyroid tumors are treatable and associated with a favorable outcome, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is extremely aggressive with a grim prognosis of 6-9 months post-diagnosis. A large contributing factor to this aggressive nature is that ATC is completely refractory to mainstream therapies. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) associated with ATC can relay insight to the pathological realm that encompasses tumors and aids in cancer progression and proliferation. The TME is defined as a complex niche that surrounds a tumor and involves a plethora of cellular components whose secretions can modulate the environment in order to favor tumor progression. The cellular heterogeneity of the TME contributes to its dynamic function due to the presence of both immune and nonimmune resident, infiltrating, and interacting cell types. Associated immune cells discussed in this chapter include macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Nonimmune cells also play a role in the establishment and proliferation of the TME, including neuroendocrine (NE) cells, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and fibroblasts. The dynamic nature of the TME contributes greatly to cancer progression.Recent work has found ATC tissues to be defined by a T cell-inflamed "hot" tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) as evidenced by presence of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells. These tumor types are amenable to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. This therapeutic avenue, as of 2021, has remained unexplored in ATC. New studies should seek to explore the therapeutic feasibility of a combination therapy, through the use of a small molecule inhibitor with ICB in ATC. Screening of in vitro model systems representative of papillary, anaplastic, and follicular thyroid cancer explored the expression of 29 immune checkpoint molecules. There are higher expressions of HVEM, BTLA, and CD160 in ATC cell lines when compared to the other TC subtypes. The expression level of HVEM was more than 30-fold higher in ATC compared to the others, on average. HVEM is a member of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily, which acts as a bidirectional switch through interaction with BTLA, CD160, and LIGHT, in a cis or trans manner. Given the T cell-inflamed hot TIME in ATC, expression of HVEM on tumor cells was suggestive of a possibility for complex crosstalk of HVEM with inflammatory cytokines. Altogether, there is emerging evidence of a T cell-inflamed TIME in ATC along with the expression of immune checkpoint proteins HVEM, BTLA, and CD160 in ATC. This can open doors for combination therapies using small molecule inhibitors targeting downstream effectors of MAPK pathway and antagonistic antibodies targeting the HVEM/BTLA axis as a potentially viable therapeutic avenue for ATC patients. With this being stated, the development of adaptive resistance to targeted therapies is inevitable; therefore, using a combination therapy that targets the TIME can serve as a preemptive tactic against the characteristic therapeutic resistance that is seen in ATC. The dynamic nature of the TME, including the immune cells, nonimmune cells, and acellular components, can serve as viable targets for combination therapy in ATC. Understanding the complex interactions of these associated cells and the paradigm in which their secretions and components can serve as immunomodulators are critical points of understanding when trying to develop therapeutics specifically tailored for the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Carnazza
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Tara Jarboe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Nicole DeSouza
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | | | - Jan Geliebter
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Raj K Tiwari
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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20
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Fanelli GN, Scarpitta R, Cinacchi P, Fuochi B, Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, De Ieso K, Ferrari P, Fontana A, Miccoli M, Naccarato AG, Scatena C. Immunohistochemistry for Thymidine Kinase-1 (TK1): A Potential Tool for the Prognostic Stratification of Breast Cancer Patients. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10225416. [PMID: 34830698 PMCID: PMC8623797 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent non-cutaneous malignancy in women. Histological grade, expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PgR), overexpression/amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) oncogene, and proliferative activity measured with ki-67 provide important information on the biological features of BC and guide treatment choices. However, a biomarker that allows a more accurate prognostic stratification is still lacking. Thymidine kinase-1 (TK1), a ubiquitous enzyme involved in the pyrimidine nucleotide recovery pathway, is a cell-proliferation marker with potential prognostic and predictive impacts in BC. Eighty (80) cases of invasive BC with a long-term follow-up were retrospectively selected, and clinicopathological data were collected for each patient. TK1 tissue expression was evaluated immunohistochemically. Data suggested that TK1 expression levels are positively correlated with ER and PgR expression, and negatively correlated with HER2 status and the impact on patients’ distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS): in detail, among patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy, lower TK1 levels are correlated with better DRFS. Therefore, these results contribute to furthering the knowledge of TK1, suggesting a possible and important role of this enzyme as a biomarker in the stratification of BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Nicolò Fanelli
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.N.F.); (R.S.); (B.F.); (A.G.N.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Rosa Scarpitta
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.N.F.); (R.S.); (B.F.); (A.G.N.)
| | - Paola Cinacchi
- Unit of Oncology 1, Department of Medical and Oncological Area, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.C.); (P.F.)
- Unit of Oncology 2, Department of Medical and Oncological Area, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Fuochi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.N.F.); (R.S.); (B.F.); (A.G.N.)
| | - Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Diagnostics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Diagnostic Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katia De Ieso
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Unit of Oncology 1, Department of Medical and Oncological Area, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.C.); (P.F.)
| | - Andrea Fontana
- Unit of Oncology 2, Department of Medical and Oncological Area, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Mario Miccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Antonio Giuseppe Naccarato
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.N.F.); (R.S.); (B.F.); (A.G.N.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Cristian Scatena
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.N.F.); (R.S.); (B.F.); (A.G.N.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, 56126 Pisa, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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21
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Tumor Heterogeneity and Consequences for Bladder Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215297. [PMID: 34771460 PMCID: PMC8582570 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bladder cancer is a heterogeneous disease that is composed of epithelia with varying transcriptional, mutational and lineage signatures. The epithelia of bladder tumors can also undergo pronounced changes in transcriptional and phenotypical qualities in response to progression, treatment related stresses and cues from the tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesize that changes in epithelial tumor heterogeneity (EpTH) occur due to the evolving content of epithelial subpopulations through both Darwinian and Lamarckian-like natural selection processes. We further conjecture that lineage-defined subpopulations can change through nongenomic and genomic cellular mechanisms that include cellular plasticity and acquired driver mutations, respectively. We propose that such processes are dynamic and contribute towards clinical treatment challenges including progression to drug resistance. In this article, we assess mechanisms that may support dynamic tumor heterogeneity with the overall goal of emphasizing the application of these concepts to the clinical setting. Abstract Acquired therapeutic resistance remains a major challenge in cancer management and associates with poor oncological outcomes in most solid tumor types. A major contributor is tumor heterogeneity (TH) which can be influenced by the stromal; immune and epithelial tumor compartments. We hypothesize that heterogeneity in tumor epithelial subpopulations—whether de novo or newly acquired—closely regulate the clinical course of bladder cancer. Changes in these subpopulations impact the tumor microenvironment including the extent of immune cell infiltration and response to immunotherapeutics. Mechanisms driving epithelial tumor heterogeneity (EpTH) can be broadly categorized as mutational and non-mutational. Mechanisms regulating lineage plasticity; acquired cellular mutations and changes in lineage-defined subpopulations regulate stress responses to clinical therapies. If tumor heterogeneity is a dynamic process; an increased understanding of how EpTH is regulated is critical in order for clinical therapies to be more sustained and durable. In this review and analysis, we assess the importance and regulatory mechanisms governing EpTH in bladder cancer and the impact on treatment response.
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22
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Stem Cell Theory of Cancer: Origin of Tumor Heterogeneity and Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164006. [PMID: 34439162 PMCID: PMC8394880 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In many respects, heterogeneity is one of the most striking revelations and common manifestations of a stem cell origin of cancer. We observe heterogeneity in myriad mixed tumors including testicular, lung, and breast cancers. We recognize heterogeneity in diverse tumor subtypes in prostate and kidney cancers. From this perspective, we illustrate that one of the main stem-ness characteristics, i.e., the ability to differentiate into diverse and multiple lineages, is central to tumor heterogeneity. We postulate that cancer subtypes can be meaningless and useless without a proper theory about cancer's stem cell versus genetic origin and nature. We propose a unified theory of cancer in which the same genetic abnormalities, epigenetic defects, and microenvironmental aberrations cause different effects and lead to different outcomes in a progenitor stem cell versus a mature progeny cell. We need to recognize that an all-encompassing genetic theory of cancer may be incomplete and obsolete. A stem cell theory of cancer provides greater universality, interconnectivity, and utility. Although genetic defects are pivotal, cellular context is paramount. When it concerns tumor heterogeneity, perhaps we need to revisit the conventional wisdom of precision medicine and revise our current practice of targeted therapy in cancer care.
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23
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Celora GL, Byrne HM, Zois CE, Kevrekidis PG. Phenotypic variation modulates the growth dynamics and response to radiotherapy of solid tumours under normoxia and hypoxia. J Theor Biol 2021; 527:110792. [PMID: 34087269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In cancer, treatment failure and disease recurrence have been associated with small subpopulations of cancer cells with a stem-like phenotype. In this paper, we develop and investigate a phenotype-structured model of solid tumour growth in which cells are structured by a stemness level, which varies continuously between stem-like and terminally differentiated behaviours. Cell evolution is driven by proliferation and death, as well as advection and diffusion with respect to the stemness structure variable. Here, the magnitude and sign of the advective flux are allowed to vary with the oxygen level. We use the model to investigate how the environment, in particular oxygen levels, affects the tumour's population dynamics and composition, and its response to radiotherapy. We use a combination of numerical and analytical techniques to quantify how under physiological oxygen levels the cells evolve to a differentiated phenotype and under low oxygen level (i.e., hypoxia) they de-differentiate. Under normoxia, the proportion of cancer stem cells is typically negligible and the tumour may ultimately become extinct whereas under hypoxia cancer stem cells comprise a dominant proportion of the tumour volume, enhancing radio-resistance and favouring the tumour's long-term survival. We then investigate how such phenotypic heterogeneity impacts the tumour's response to treatment with radiotherapy under normoxia and hypoxia. Of particular interest is establishing how the presence of radio-resistant cancer stem cells can facilitate a tumour's regrowth following radiotherapy. We also use the model to show how radiation-induced changes in tumour oxygen levels can give rise to complex re-growth dynamics. For example, transient periods of hypoxia induced by damage to tumour blood vessels may rescue the cancer cell population from extinction and drive secondary regrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia L Celora
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Helen M Byrne
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christos E Zois
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, Oxford University, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, School of Health, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - P G Kevrekidis
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA
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24
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Decipher the Glioblastoma Microenvironment: The First Milestone for New Groundbreaking Therapeutic Strategies. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030445. [PMID: 33804731 PMCID: PMC8003887 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour in adults. Despite the combination of novel therapeutical approaches, it remains a deadly malignancy with an abysmal prognosis. GBM is a polymorphic tumour from both molecular and histological points of view. It consists of different malignant cells and various stromal cells, contributing to tumour initiation, progression, and treatment response. GBM’s microenvironment is multifaceted and is made up of soluble factors, extracellular matrix components, tissue-resident cell types (e.g., neurons, astrocytes, endothelial cells, pericytes, and fibroblasts) together with resident (e.g., microglia) or recruited (e.g., bone marrow-derived macrophages) immune cells. These latter constitute the so-called immune microenvironment, accounting for a substantial GBM’s tumour volume. Despite the abundance of immune cells, an intense state of tumour immunosuppression is promoted and developed; this represents the significant challenge for cancer cells’ immune-mediated destruction. Though literature data suggest that distinct GBM’s subtypes harbour differences in their microenvironment, its role in treatment response remains obscure. However, an in-depth investigation of GBM’s microenvironment may lead to novel therapeutic opportunities to improve patients’ outcomes. This review will elucidate the GBM’s microenvironment composition, highlighting the current state of the art in immunotherapy approaches. We will focus on novel strategies of active and passive immunotherapies, including vaccination, gene therapy, checkpoint blockade, and adoptive T-cell therapies.
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25
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Karinen S, Juurikka K, Hujanen R, Wahbi W, Hadler-Olsen E, Svineng G, Eklund KK, Salo T, Åström P, Salem A. Tumour cells express functional lymphatic endothelium-specific hyaluronan receptor in vitro and in vivo: Lymphatic mimicry promotes oral oncogenesis? Oncogenesis 2021; 10:23. [PMID: 33674563 PMCID: PMC7977063 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00312-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic metastasis represents the main route of tumour cell dissemination in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Yet, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics targeting cancer-related lymphangiogenesis to date. The lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor 1 (LYVE-1), a specific lymphatic marker, is associated with poor survival in OSCC patients. In this study, we present a potential novel mechanism of lymphatic metastasis in OSCC-lymphatic mimicry (LM), a process whereby tumour cells form cytokeratin+/LYVE-1+, but podoplanin-negative, mosaic endothelial-like vessels. LM was detected in one-third (20/57; 35.08%) of randomly selected OSCC patients. The LM-positive patients had shorter overall survival (OS) compared to LM-negative group albeit not statistically significant. Highly-metastatic tumour cells formed distinct LM structures in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of LYVE-1 not only impaired tumour cell migration but also blunted their capacity to form LM-vessels in vitro and reduced tumour metastasis in vivo. Together, our findings uncovered, to our knowledge, a previously unknown expression and function of LYVE-1 in OSCC, whereby tumour cells could induce LM formation and promote lymphatic metastasis. Finally, more detailed studies on LM are warranted to better define this phenomenon in the future. These studies could benefit the development of targeted therapeutics for blocking tumour-related lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sini Karinen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Krista Juurikka
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220, Oulu, Finland
| | - Roosa Hujanen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Wafa Wahbi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elin Hadler-Olsen
- Department of medical biology, Faculty of Health sciences, Arctic university of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway.,The Public Dental Health Competence Center of Northern Norway, 9271, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gunbjørg Svineng
- Department of medical biology, Faculty of Health sciences, Arctic university of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kari K Eklund
- Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit (RPU), University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Rheumatology, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, and Orton Orthopedic Hospital and Research Institute, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220, Oulu, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit (RPU), University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirjo Åström
- The Research Unit of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Abdelhakim Salem
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland. .,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit (RPU), University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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26
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Sajjadi E, Venetis K, Scatena C, Fusco N. Biomarkers for precision immunotherapy in the metastatic setting: hope or reality? Ecancermedicalscience 2020; 14:1150. [PMID: 33574895 PMCID: PMC7864694 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.1150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision immunotherapy is a crucial approach to improve the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments, particularly in the metastatic setting. In this respect, accurate patient selection takes advantage of the multidimensional integration of patients' clinical information and tumour-specific biomarkers status. Among these biomarkers, programmed death-ligand 1, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair and tumour mutational burden have been widely investigated. However, novel tumour-specific biomarkers and testing methods will further improve patients' outcomes. Here, we discuss the currently available strategies for the implementation of a precision immunotherapy approach in the clinical management of metastatic solid tumours and highlight future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Sajjadi
- Divison of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, University of Milan, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Venetis
- Divison of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, University of Milan, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristian Scatena
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Via Roma 57, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Divison of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, University of Milan, Via Giuseppe Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milan, Italy
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27
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If Artificial In Vitro Microenvironment Can Influence Tumor Drug Resistance Network via Modulation of lncRNA Expression?-Comparative Analysis of Glioblastoma-Derived Cell Culture Models and Initial Tumors In Vivo. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 42:1005-1020. [PMID: 33245508 PMCID: PMC8942942 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00991-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The tumor resistance of glioblastoma cells in vivo is thought to be enhanced by their heterogeneity and plasticity, which are extremely difficult to curb in vitro. The external microenvironment shapes the molecular profile of tumor culture models, thus influencing potential therapy response. Our study examines the expression profile of selected lncRNAs involved in tumor resistance network in three different glioblastoma-derived models commonly utilized for testing drug response in vitro. Differential expression analysis revealed significant divergence in lncRNA profile between parental tumors and tumor-derived cell cultures in vitro, including the following particles: MALAT1, CASC2, H19, TUSC7, XIST, RP11-838N2.4, DLX6-AS1, GLIDR, MIR210HG, SOX2-OT. The examined lncRNAs influence the phenomenon of tumor resistance via their downstream target genes through a variety of processes: multi-drug resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, autophagy, cell proliferation and viability, and DNA repair. A comparison of in vivo and in vitro expression identified differences in the levels of potential lncRNA targets, with the highest discrepancies detected for the MDR1, LRP1, BCRP and MRP1 genes. Co-expression analyses confirmed the following interrelations: MALAT1-TYMS, MALAT1-MRP5, H19-ZEB1, CASC2-VIM, CASC2-N-CAD; they additionally suggest the possibility of MALAT1-BCRP, MALAT1-mTOR and TUSC7-PTEN interconnections in glioblastoma. Although our results clearly demonstrate that the artificial ex vivo microenvironment changes the profile of lncRNAs related to tumor resistance, it is difficult to anticipate the final phenotypic effect, since this phenomenon is a complex one that involves a network of molecular interactions underlying a variety of cellular processes.
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28
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Ponterio E, De Maria R, Haas TL. Identification of Targets to Redirect CAR T Cells in Glioblastoma and Colorectal Cancer: An Arduous Venture. Front Immunol 2020; 11:565631. [PMID: 33101285 PMCID: PMC7555836 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.565631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is an artificial molecule engineered to induce cytolytic T cell reactions in tumors. Generally, this molecule combines an extracellular single-chain variable fragment (scFv) able to recognize tumor-associated epitopes together with the intracellular signaling domains that are required for T cell activation. When expressed by T cells, the CAR enables the recognition and subsequent destruction of cancer cells expressing the complementary antigen on their surface. Although the clinical application for CAR T cells is currently limited to some hematological malignancies, researchers are trying to develop CAR T cell-based therapies for the treatment of solid tumors. However, while in the case of CD19, or other targets restricted to the hematopoietic compartment, the toxicity is limited and manageable, the scarcity of specific antigens expressed by solid tumors and not by healthy cells from vital organs makes the clinical development of CAR T cells in this context particularly challenging. Here we summarize relevant research and clinical trials conducted to redirect CAR T cells to surface antigens in solid tumors and cancer stem cells with a focus on colorectal cancer and glioblastoma. Finally, we will discuss current knowledge of altered glycosylation of CSCs and cancer cells and how these novel epitopes may help to target CAR T cell-based immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Ponterio
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" -Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" -Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tobias Longin Haas
- Istituto di Patologia Generale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Rome, Rome, Italy.,IIGM-Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia-Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy
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