The role of RHAMM in cancer: Exposing novel therapeutic vulnerabilities

Decellularized extracellular matrix-based bioengineered 3D breast cancer scaffolds for personalized therapy and drug screening

Breast cancer (BC) is the second deadliest cancer after lung cancer. Similar to all cancers, it is also driven by a 3D microenvironment. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential component of the 3D tumor micro-environment, wherein it functions as a scaffold for cells and provides metabolic support. BC is characterized by alterations in the ECM. Various studies have attempted to mimic BC-specific ECMs using artificial materials, such as Matrigel. Nevertheless, research has proven that naturally derived decellularized extracellular matrices (dECMs) are superior in providing the essential in vivo-like cues needed to mimic a cancer-like environment. Developing in vitro 3-D BC models is not straightforward and requires extensive analysis of the data established by researchers. For the benefit of researchers, in this review, we have tried to highlight all developmental studies that have been conducted by various scientists so far. The analysis of the conclusions drawn from these studies is also discussed. The advantages and drawbacks of the decellularization methods employed for generating BC scaffolds will be covered, and the review will shed light on how dECM scaffolds help develop a BC environment. The later stages of the article will also focus on immunogenicity issues arising from decellularization and the origin of the tissue. Finally, this review will also discuss the biofabrication of matrices, which is the core part of the bioengineering process.

Biomimetic Hyaluronan Binding Biomaterials to Capture the Complex Regulation of Hyaluronan in Tissue Development and Function

Within native ECM, Hyaluronan (HA) undergoes remarkable structural remodeling through its binding receptors and proteins called hyaladherins. Hyaladherins contain a group of tandem repeat sequences, such as LINK domains, BxB7 homologous sequences, or 20-50 amino acid long short peptide sequences that have high affinity towards side chains of HA. The HA binding sequences are critical players in HA distribution and regulation within tissues and potentially attractive therapeutic targets to regulate HA synthesis and organization. While HA is a versatile and successful biopolymer, most HA-based therapeutics have major differences from a native HA molecule, such as molecular weight discrepancies, crosslinking state, and remodeling with other HA binding proteins. Recent studies showed the promise of HA binding domains being used as therapeutic biomaterials for osteoarthritic, ocular, or cardiovascular therapeutic products. However, we propose that there is a significant potential for HA binding materials to reveal the physiological functions of HA in a more realistic setting. This review is focused on giving a comprehensive overview of the connections between HA's role in the body and the potential of HA binding material applications in therapeutics and regenerative medicine. We begin with an introduction to HA then discuss HA binding molecules and the process of HA binding. Finally, we discuss HA binding materials anf the future prospects of potential HA binding biomaterials systems in the field of biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Breaking Boundaries: Immunotherapy for Myeloid Malignancies

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of myeloid oncologic diseases, particularly for patients resistant to chemotherapy or ineligible for allogeneic stem cell transplantation due to age or fitness constraints. As our understanding of the immunopathogenesis of myeloid malignancies expands, so too do the treatment options available to patients. Immunotherapy in myeloid malignancies, however, faces numerous challenges due to the dynamic nature of the disease, immune dysregulation, and the development of immune evasion mechanisms. This review outlines the progress made in the field of immunotherapy for myeloid malignancies, addresses its challenges, and provides insights into future directions in the field.

A biological guide to glycosaminoglycans: current perspectives and pending questions

Mammalian glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), except hyaluronan (HA), are sulfated polysaccharides that are covalently attached to core proteins to form proteoglycans (PGs). This article summarizes key biological findings for the most widespread GAGs, namely HA, chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS), keratan sulfate (KS), and heparan sulfate (HS). It focuses on the major processes that remain to be deciphered to get a comprehensive view of the mechanisms mediating GAG biological functions. They include the regulation of GAG biosynthesis and postsynthetic modifications in heparin (HP) and HS, the composition, heterogeneity, and function of the tetrasaccharide linkage region and its role in disease, the functional characterization of the new PGs recently identified by glycoproteomics, the selectivity of interactions mediated by GAG chains, the display of GAG chains and PGs at the cell surface and their impact on the availability and activity of soluble ligands, and on their move through the glycocalyx layer to reach their receptors, the human GAG profile in health and disease, the roles of GAGs and particular PGs (syndecans, decorin, and biglycan) involved in cancer, inflammation, and fibrosis, the possible use of GAGs and PGs as disease biomarkers, and the design of inhibitors targeting GAG biosynthetic enzymes and GAG-protein interactions to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

Corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles in vitro

Purpose

After stromal injury to the cornea, the release of growth factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines promotes the activation of quiescent keratocytes into a migratory fibroblast and/or fibrotic myofibroblast phenotype. Persistence of the myofibroblast phenotype can lead to corneal fibrosis and scarring, which are leading causes of blindness worldwide. This study aims to establish comprehensive transcriptional profiles for cultured corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts to gain insights into the mechanisms through which these phenotypic changes occur.

Methods

Primary rabbit corneal keratocytes were cultured in either defined serum-free media (SF), fetal bovine serum (FBS) containing media, or in the presence of TGF-β1 to induce keratocyte, fibroblast, or myofibroblast phenotypes, respectively. Bulk RNA sequencing followed by bioinformatic analyses was performed to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched biological pathways for each phenotype.

Results

Genes commonly associated with keratocytes, fibroblasts, or myofibroblasts showed high relative expression in SF, FBS, or TGF-β1 culture conditions, respectively. Differential expression and functional analyses revealed novel DEGs for each cell type, as well as enriched pathways indicative of differences in proliferation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, cell-ECM interactions, cytokine signaling, and cell mechanics.

Conclusions

Overall, these data demonstrate distinct transcriptional differences among cultured corneal keratocytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts. We have identified genes and signaling pathways that may play important roles in keratocyte differentiation, including many related to mechanotransduction and ECM biology. Our findings have revealed novel molecular markers for each cell type, as well as possible targets for modulating cell behavior and promoting physiological corneal wound healing.

CD44 and RHAMM Are Microenvironmental Sensors with Dual Metastasis Promoter and Suppressor Functions

The progression of primary tumors to metastases remains a significant roadblock to the treatment of most cancers. Emerging evidence has identified genes that specifically affect metastasis and are potential therapeutic targets for managing tumor progression. However, these genes can have dual tumor promoter and suppressor functions that are contextual in manifestation, and that complicate their development as targeted therapies. CD44 and RHAMM/HMMR are examples of multifunctional proteins that can either promote or suppress metastases, as demonstrated in experimental models. These two proteins can be viewed as microenvironmental sensors and this minireview addresses the known mechanistic underpinnings that may determine their metastasis suppressor versus promoter functions. Leveraging this mechanistic knowledge for CD44, RHAMM, and other multifunctional proteins is predicted to improve the precision of therapeutic targeting to achieve more effective management of metastasis.

Hyaluronic Acid Interacting Molecules Mediated Crosstalk between Cancer Cells and Microenvironment from Primary Tumour to Distant Metastasis

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a prominent component of the extracellular matrix, and its interactions with HA-interacting molecules (HAIMs) play a critical role in cancer development and disease progression. This review explores the multifaceted role of HAIMs in the context of cancer, focusing on their influence on disease progression by dissecting relevant cellular and molecular mechanisms in tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment. Cancer progression can be profoundly affected by the interactions between HA and HAIMs. They modulate critical processes such as cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and proliferation. The TME serves as a dynamic platform in which HAIMs contribute to the formation of a unique niche. The resulting changes in HA composition profoundly influence the biophysical properties of the TME. These modifications in the TME, in conjunction with HAIMs, impact angiogenesis, immune cell recruitment, and immune evasion. Therefore, understanding the intricate interplay between HAIMs and HA within the cancer context is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting these interactions offers promising avenues for cancer treatment, as they hold the potential to disrupt critical aspects of disease progression and the TME. Further research in this field is imperative for advancing our knowledge and the treatment of cancer.

Matrix-Bound Hyaluronan Molecular Weight as a Regulator of Dendritic Cell Immune Potency

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix with immunoregulatory properties depending on its molecular weight (MW). However, the impact of matrix-bound HA on dendritic cells (DCs) remains unclear due to varying distribution of HA MW under different physiological conditions. To investigate DCs in defined biosystems, 3D collagen matrices modified with HA of specific MW with similar microstructure and HA levels are used. It is found that HA MW influences cytokine binding to matrix, suggesting modulation of cytokine availability by the different HA MWs. These studies on DC immune potency reveal that low MW HA (8-15 kDa) enhances immature DC differentiation and antigen uptake, while medium (MMW-HA; 500-750 kDa) and high MW HA (HMW-HA; 1250-1500 kDa) increase cytokine secretion in mature DCs. The effect on DC phenotype and cytokine secretion by different MWs of HA is independent of CD44. However, blocking the CD44 receptor reveals its potential role in regulating acute inflammation through increased secretion of CCL2, CXCL8, and IL-6. Additionally, MMW- and HMW-HA matrices reduce migratory capacity of DCs, dependent on CD44. Overall, these findings provide insights into MW-dependent effects of matrix-bound HA on DCs, opening avenues for the design of DC-modulating materials to enhance DC-based therapy.

Hyaluronic acid in Dentoalveolar regeneration: Biological rationale and clinical applications

Background

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is found in different locations in the periodontium, including mineralized tissues (i.e., cementum and alveolar bone) and non-mineralized tissues (i.e., gingiva and periodontal ligament). In addition, it seems to play an essential part in regulating the underlying mechanisms involved in tissue inflammatory reactions and wound healing. HA has the potential to regulate periodontal tissue regeneration and treat periodontal disease.

Aim

The current review of the literature was conducted to assess how HA plays its part in periodontal therapy and examine the contemporary literature's viewpoint on its use in periodontal regeneration.

Conclusion

HA has a multifunctional character in periodontal regeneration, and healing and appears to provide promising outcomes in different periodontal regenerative applications.

Vaccines: a promising therapy for myelodysplastic syndrome

Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) define clonal hematopoietic malignancies characterized by heterogeneous mutational and clinical spectra typically seen in the elderly. Curative treatment entails allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, which is often not a feasible option due to older age and significant comorbidities. Immunotherapy has the cytotoxic capacity to elicit tumor-specific killing with long-term immunological memory. While a number of platforms have emerged, therapeutic vaccination presents as an appealing strategy for MDS given its promising safety profile and amenability for commercialization. Several preclinical and clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of vaccines in MDS; these include peptide vaccines targeting tumor antigens, whole cell-based vaccines and dendritic cell-based vaccines. These therapeutic vaccines have shown acceptable safety profiles, but consistent clinical responses remain elusive despite robust immunological reactions. Combining vaccines with immunotherapeutic agents holds promise and requires further investigation. Herein, we highlight therapeutic vaccine trials while reviewing challenges and future directions of successful vaccination strategies in MDS.

Modulation of Methacrylated Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels Enables Their Use as 3D Cultured Model

Bioengineered hydrogels represent physiologically relevant platforms for cell behaviour studies in the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields, as well as in in vitro disease models. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an ideal platform since it is a natural biocompatible polymer that is widely used to study cellular crosstalk, cell adhesion and cell proliferation, and is one of the major components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We synthesised chemically modified HA with photo-crosslinkable methacrylated groups (HA-MA) in aqueous solutions and in strictly monitored pH and temperature conditions to obtain hydrogels with controlled bulk properties. The physical and chemical properties of the different HA-MA hydrogels were investigated via rheological studies, mechanical testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, which allowed us to determine the optimal biomechanical properties and develop a biocompatible scaffold. The morphological evolution processes and proliferation rates of glioblastoma cells (U251-MG) cultured on HA-MA surfaces were evaluated by comparing 2D structures with 3D structures, showing that the change in dimensionality impacted cell functions and interactions. The cell viability assays and evaluation of mitochondrial metabolism showed that the hydrogels did not interfere with cell survival. In addition, morphological studies provided evidence of cell-matrix interactions that promoted cell budding from the spheroids and the invasiveness in the surrounding environment.

RHAMM regulates MMTV-PyMT-induced lung metastasis by connecting STING-dependent DNA damage sensing to interferon/STAT1 pro-apoptosis signaling

BACKGROUND

RHAMM is a multifunctional protein that is upregulated in breast tumors, and the presence of strongly RHAMM+ve cancer cell subsets associates with elevated risk of peripheral metastasis. Experimentally, RHAMM impacts cell cycle progression and cell migration. However, the RHAMM functions that contribute to breast cancer metastasis are poorly understood.

METHODS

We interrogated the metastatic functions of RHAMM using a loss-of-function approach by crossing the MMTV-PyMT mouse model of breast cancer susceptibility with Rhamm-/- mice. In vitro analyses of known RHAMM functions were performed using primary tumor cell cultures and MMTV-PyMT cell lines. Somatic mutations were identified using a mouse genotyping array. RNA-seq was performed to identify transcriptome changes resulting from Rhamm-loss, and SiRNA and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing was used to establish cause and effect of survival mechanisms in vitro.

RESULTS

Rhamm-loss does not alter initiation or growth of MMTV-PyMT-induced primary tumors but unexpectedly increases lung metastasis. Increased metastatic propensity with Rhamm-loss is not associated with obvious alterations in proliferation, epithelial plasticity, migration, invasion or genomic stability. SNV analyses identify positive selection of Rhamm-/- primary tumor clones that are enriched in lung metastases. Rhamm-/- tumor clones are characterized by an increased ability to survive with ROS-mediated DNA damage, which associates with blunted expression of interferon pathway and target genes, particularly those implicated in DNA damage-resistance. Mechanistic analyses show that ablating RHAMM expression in breast tumor cells by siRNA knockdown or CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing blunts interferon signaling activation by STING agonists and reduces STING agonist-induced apoptosis. The metastasis-specific effect of RHAMM expression-loss is linked to microenvironmental factors unique to tumor-bearing lung tissue, notably high ROS and TGFB levels. These factors promote STING-induced apoptosis of RHAMM+ve tumor cells to a significantly greater extent than RHAMM-ve comparators. As predicted by these results, colony size of Wildtype lung metastases is inversely related to RHAMM expression.

CONCLUSION

RHAMM expression-loss blunts STING-IFN signaling, which offers growth advantages under specific microenvironmental conditions of lung tissue. These results provide mechanistic insight into factors controlling clonal survival/expansion of metastatic colonies and has translational potential for RHAMM expression as a marker of sensitivity to interferon therapy.

Hyaluronan and Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling—Novel Cues from the Matrix?

Hyaluronan (HA) is a naturally occurring non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) localized to the cell surface and the tissue extracellular matrix (ECM). It is composed of disaccharides containing glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine, is synthesized by the HA synthase (HAS) enzymes and is degraded by hyaluronidase (HYAL) or reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) actions. HA is deposited as a high molecular weight (HMW) polymer and degraded to low molecular weight (LMW) fragments and oligosaccharides. HA affects biological functions by interacting with HA-binding proteins (hyaladherins). HMW HA is anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antiangiogenic, whereas LMW HA has pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenetic, and oncogenic effects. ROS/RNS naturally degrade HMW HA, albeit at enhanced levels during tissue injury and inflammatory processes. Thus, the degradation of endothelial glycocalyx HA by increased ROS challenges vascular integrity and can initiate several disease progressions. Conversely, HA exerts a vital role in wound healing through ROS-mediated HA modifications, which affect the innate immune system. The normal turnover of HA protects against matrix rigidification. Insufficient turnover leads to increased tissue rigidity, leading to tissue dysfunction. Both endogenous and exogenous HMW HA have a scavenging capacity against ROS. The interactions of ROS/RNS with HA are more complex than presently perceived and present an important research topic.