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Yu Y, Lyu C, Li X, Yang L, Wang J, Li H, Xin Z, Xu X, Ren C, Yang G. Remodeling of tumor microenvironment by extracellular matrix protein 1a differentially regulates ovarian cancer metastasis. Cancer Lett 2024; 596:217022. [PMID: 38849014 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217022] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
We previously reported that extracellular matrix protein 1 isoform a (ECM1a) promotes epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) through autocrine signaling by binding to cell surface receptors αXβ2. However, the role of ECM1a as a secretory molecule in the tumor microenvironment is rarely reported. In this study, we constructed murine Ecm1-knockout mice and human ECM1a-knockin mice and further generated orthotopic or peritoneal xenograft tumor models to mimic the different metastatic stages of EOC. We show that ECM1a induces oncogenic metastasis of orthotopic xenograft tumors, but inhibits early-metastasis of peritoneal xenograft tumors. ECM1a remodels extracellular matrices (ECM) and promotes remote metastases by recruiting and transforming bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ+) cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and facilitating the secretion of angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2). Competing with ECM1a, ANGPTL2 also binds to integrin αX through the P1/P2 peptides, resulting in negative effects on BMSC differentiation. Collectively, this study reveals the dual functions of ECM1a in remodeling of TME during tumor progression, emphasizing the complexity of EOC phenotypic heterogeneity and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjue Yu
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China; Department of Radiotherapy, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Cuiting Lyu
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China
| | - Lina Yang
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China
| | - Jingshu Wang
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China
| | - Hui Li
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China
| | - Zhaochen Xin
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China
| | - Xinyi Xu
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China; Department of Pathology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China
| | - Chunxia Ren
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Gong Yang
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200140, China; Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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2
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Baluška F, Miller WB, Reber AS. Sentient cells as basic units of tissues, organs and organismal physiology. J Physiol 2024; 602:2491-2501. [PMID: 37847422 DOI: 10.1113/jp284419] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells evolved some 4 billion years ago, and since then the integrity of the structural and functional continuity of cellular life has been maintained via highly conserved and ancient processes of cell reproduction and division. The plasma membrane as well as all the cytoplasmic structures are reproduced and inherited uninterruptedly by each of the two daughter cells resulting from every cell division. Although our understanding of the evolutionary emergence of the very first cells is obscured by the extremely long timeline since that revolutionary event, the generally accepted position is that the de novo formation of cells is not possible; all present cells are products of other prior cells. This essential biological principle was first discovered by Robert Remak and then effectively coined as Omnis Cellula e Cellula (every cell of the cell) by Rudolf Virchow: all currently living cells have direct structural and functional connections to the very first cells. Based on our previous theoretical analysis, all cells are endowed with individual sentient cognition that guides their individual agency, behaviour and evolution. There is a vital consequence of this new sentient and cognitive view of cells: when cells assemble as functional tissue ecologies and organs within multicellular organisms, including plants, animals and humans, these cellular aggregates display derivative versions of aggregate tissue- and organ-specific sentience and consciousness. This innovative view of the evolution and physiology of all currently living organisms supports a singular principle: all organismal physiology is based on cellular physiology that extends from unicellular roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- František Baluška
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Botany, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - William B Miller
- Banner Health Systems - Medicine, Paradise Valley, Phoneix, Arizona, USA
| | - Arthur S Reber
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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3
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Martinez-Morga M, Garrigos D, Rodriguez-Montero E, Pombero A, Garcia-Lopez R, Martinez S. Pericytes Are Immunoregulatory Cells in Glioma Genesis and Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5072. [PMID: 38791110 PMCID: PMC11120873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105072] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular co-option is a consequence of the direct interaction between perivascular cells, known as pericytes (PCs), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells (GBMcs). This process is essential for inducing changes in the pericytes' anti-tumoral and immunoreactive phenotypes. Starting from the initial stages of carcinogenesis in GBM, PCs conditioned by GBMcs undergo proliferation, acquire a pro-tumoral and immunosuppressive phenotype by expressing and secreting immunosuppressive molecules, and significantly hinder the activation of T cells, thereby facilitating tumor growth. Inhibiting the pericyte (PC) conditioning mechanisms in the GBM tumor microenvironment (TME) results in immunological activation and tumor disappearance. This underscores the pivotal role of PCs as a key cell in the TME, responsible for tumor-induced immunosuppression and enabling GBM cells to evade the immune system. Other cells within the TME, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and microglia, have also been identified as contributors to this immunomodulation. In this paper, we will review the role of these three cell types in the immunosuppressive properties of the TME. Our conclusion is that the cellular heterogeneity of immunocompetent cells within the TME may lead to the misinterpretation of cellular lineage identification due to different reactive stages and the identification of PCs as TAMs. Consequently, novel therapies could be developed to disrupt GBM-PC interactions and/or PC conditioning through vascular co-option, thereby exposing GBMcs to the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Martinez-Morga
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández–CSIC, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa, Campus de San Juan, Avda. Ramón y Cajal sn, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (M.M.-M.); (D.G.); (E.R.-M.); (A.P.); (R.G.-L.)
| | - Daniel Garrigos
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández–CSIC, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa, Campus de San Juan, Avda. Ramón y Cajal sn, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (M.M.-M.); (D.G.); (E.R.-M.); (A.P.); (R.G.-L.)
| | - Elena Rodriguez-Montero
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández–CSIC, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa, Campus de San Juan, Avda. Ramón y Cajal sn, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (M.M.-M.); (D.G.); (E.R.-M.); (A.P.); (R.G.-L.)
| | - Ana Pombero
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández–CSIC, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa, Campus de San Juan, Avda. Ramón y Cajal sn, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (M.M.-M.); (D.G.); (E.R.-M.); (A.P.); (R.G.-L.)
| | - Raquel Garcia-Lopez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández–CSIC, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa, Campus de San Juan, Avda. Ramón y Cajal sn, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (M.M.-M.); (D.G.); (E.R.-M.); (A.P.); (R.G.-L.)
| | - Salvador Martinez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández–CSIC, Excellence Center Severo Ochoa, Campus de San Juan, Avda. Ramón y Cajal sn, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (M.M.-M.); (D.G.); (E.R.-M.); (A.P.); (R.G.-L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental, CIBERSAM-ISCIII, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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4
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Hussein RR, Garib BT. CD3 and CD20 Expressions and Infiltrating Patterns in Salivary Gland Tumors. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:959. [PMID: 38732373 PMCID: PMC11082958 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14090959] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) represent a subset of immunological constituents within the tumor microenvironment that can influence cancer growth. We retrospectively evaluate the density and pattern of CD3 and CD20 expression in salivary gland tumors and their relation to clinical pathologic parameters. A total of 44 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks of salivary gland tumors were included. These tumors were stained immunohistochemically with CD3 and CD20. The chi-square test was used to relate immune scoring, intensity, and clinical pathological parameters to different salivary tumors. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The intra-tumoral CD3 infiltrating count was high and diffused in (71.4%) of pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) followed by mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) (66.7%). At the same time, adenoid cystic carcinomas (AdCCs) exhibited significantly low infiltration (71.4%) (p = 0.046). The three types of tumors exhibited high tumor-infiltrating counts diffused in peripheral areas with significant differences between malignant tumors (p = 0.047). The intra-tumoral CD20 infiltrating count significantly differed among the tumors (p = 0.002); it was low in all PAs and AdCCs, while MECs showed an equal percentage of expression. However, in the peripheral area, PAs and MECs exhibited significantly (p = 0.007) high infiltrating counts (69.2% and 84.6), and the lowest infiltrating count was predominantly found for AdCCs. The two markers had a significant positive correlation between the mean of CD3 in the intra-tumoral and peripheral regions and CD20 in the peripheral zone across the total samples. In conclusion, the density of CD3 expression is notably higher than CD20 across tumor types. PAs and MECs showed high-density scores, while AdCCs were characterized by low scores. TIL expression was found to be significantly associated with patients' outcomes in the intra-tumoral area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukhsar R. Hussein
- Department of Oral Pathology, College of Dentistry, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq;
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James CD, Lewis RL, Fakunmoju AL, Witt AJ, Youssef AH, Wang X, Rais NM, Prabhakar AT, Otoa R, Bristol ML. Fibroblast Stromal Support Model for Predicting Human Papillomavirus-Associated Cancer Drug Responses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588680. [PMID: 38644998 PMCID: PMC11030318 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Currently, there are no specific antiviral therapeutic approaches targeting Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which cause around 5% of all human cancers. Specific antiviral reagents are particularly needed for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers (HPV+OPCs) whose incidence is increasing and for which there are no early diagnostic tools available. We and others have demonstrated that the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is overexpressed in HPV+OPCs, compared to HPV-negative cancers in this region, and that these elevated levels are associated with an improved disease outcome. Utilizing this HPV+ specific overexpression profile, we previously demonstrated that estrogen attenuates the growth and cell viability of HPV+ keratinocytes and HPV+ cancer cells in vitro. Expansion of this work in vivo failed to replicate this sensitization. The role of stromal support from the tumor microenvironment (TME) has previously been tied to both the HPV lifecycle and in vivo therapeutic responses. Our investigations revealed that in vitro co-culture with fibroblasts attenuated HPV+ specific estrogen growth responses. Continuing to monopolize on the HPV+ specific overexpression of ERα, our co-culture models then assessed the suitability of the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), raloxifene and tamoxifen, and showed growth attenuation in a variety of our models to one or both of these drugs in vitro. Utilization of these SERMs in vivo closely resembled the sensitization predicted by our co-culture models. Therefore, the in vitro fibroblast co-culture model better predicts in vivo responses. We propose that utilization of our co-culture in vitro model can accelerate cancer therapeutic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire D. James
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Rachel L. Lewis
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Alexis L. Fakunmoju
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Austin J. Witt
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Aya H. Youssef
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nabiha M. Rais
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Apurva Tadimari Prabhakar
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Raymonde Otoa
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Molly L. Bristol
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, Virginia, USA
- VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Dhamdhere MR, Spiegelman VS. Extracellular vesicles in neuroblastoma: role in progression, resistance to therapy and diagnostics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385875. [PMID: 38660306 PMCID: PMC11041043 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid pediatric cancer, and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in children. Despite the current multi-modal treatment regimens, majority of patients with advanced-stage NBs develop therapeutic resistance and relapse, leading to poor disease outcomes. There is a large body of knowledge on pathophysiological role of small extracellular vesicles (EVs) in progression and metastasis of multiple cancer types, however, the importance of EVs in NB was until recently not well understood. Studies emerging in the last few years have demonstrated the involvement of EVs in various aspects of NB pathogenesis. In this review we summarize these recent findings and advances on the role EVs play in NB progression, such as tumor growth, metastasis and therapeutic resistance, that could be helpful for future investigations in NB EV research. We also discuss different strategies for therapeutic targeting of NB-EVs as well as utilization of NB-EVs as potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vladimir S. Spiegelman
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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Wang M, Shu H, Cheng X, Xiao H, Jin Z, Yao N, Mao S, Zong Z. Exosome as a crucial communicator between tumor microenvironment and gastric cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:28. [PMID: 38240092 PMCID: PMC10836496 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5616] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies and has relatively high morbidity and mortality rates. Exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles that originate from a diverse array of cells and may be found throughout various bodily fluids. These vesicles are endogenous nanocarriers in their natural state with the unique ability to transport lipids, proteins, DNA and RNA. Exosomes contain DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and other bioactive components that have crucial roles in the transmission of information and regulation of cell activities in gastric cancer. This paper begins with an exploration of the composition, formation and release mechanisms of exosomes. Subsequently, the role of exosomes in the tumor microenvironment is reviewed in terms of the immune cell population, nonimmune cell population and other factors. Finally, the current status and challenges of exosome‑based research on the progression, diagnosis and therapeutic methods of gastric cancer are summarized. This holistic review offers insight that may guide future research directions for exosomes and potentially pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions in the management of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghui Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
- HuanKui Academy, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hongxin Shu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xifu Cheng
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Hong Xiao
- Queen Marry College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhenhua Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Nan Yao
- Queen Marry College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Shengxun Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Zong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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Pellegrino M, Secli V, D’Amico S, Petrilli LL, Caforio M, Folgiero V, Tumino N, Vacca P, Vinci M, Fruci D, de Billy E. Manipulating the tumor immune microenvironment to improve cancer immunotherapy: IGF1R, a promising target. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356321. [PMID: 38420122 PMCID: PMC10899349 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356321] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has made impressive advances in improving the outcome of patients affected by malignant diseases. Nonetheless, some limitations still need to be tackled to more efficiently and safely treat patients, in particular for those affected by solid tumors. One of the limitations is related to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which impairs anti-tumor immunity. Efforts to identify targets able to turn the TME into a milieu more auspicious to current immuno-oncotherapy is a real challenge due to the high redundancy of the mechanisms involved. However, the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), an attractive drug target for cancer therapy, is emerging as an important immunomodulator and regulator of key immune cell functions. Here, after briefly summarizing the IGF1R signaling pathway in cancer, we review its role in regulating immune cells function and activity, and discuss IGF1R as a promising target to improve anti-cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha Pellegrino
- Oncohematology and Pharmaceutical Factory Research Area, Pediatric Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Secli
- Oncohematology and Pharmaceutical Factory Research Area, Pediatric Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia D’Amico
- Oncohematology and Pharmaceutical Factory Research Area, Pediatric Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Lisa Petrilli
- Oncohematology and Pharmaceutical Factory Research Area, Pediatric Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Caforio
- Oncohematology and Pharmaceutical Factory Research Area, Pediatric Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Folgiero
- Oncohematology and Pharmaceutical Factory Research Area, Pediatric Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vinci
- Oncohematology and Pharmaceutical Factory Research Area, Pediatric Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Oncohematology and Pharmaceutical Factory Research Area, Pediatric Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emmanuel de Billy
- Oncohematology and Pharmaceutical Factory Research Area, Pediatric Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Valdivia A, Cowan M, Cardenas H, Isac AM, Zhao G, Huang H, Matei D. E2F1 mediates competition, proliferation and response to cisplatin in cohabitating resistant and sensitive ovarian cancer cells. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1304691. [PMID: 38344207 PMCID: PMC10853425 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1304691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor heterogeneity is one of the key factors leading to chemo-resistance relapse. It remains unknown how resistant cancer cells influence sensitive cells during cohabitation and growth within a heterogenous tumors. The goal of our study was to identify driving factors that mediate the interactions between resistant and sensitive cancer cells and to determine the effects of cohabitation on both phenotypes. Methods We used isogenic ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines pairs, sensitive and resistant to platinum: OVCAR5 vs. OVCAR5 CisR and PE01 vs. PE04, respectively, to perform long term direct culture and to study the phenotypical changes of the interaction of these cells. Results Long term direct co-culture of sensitive and resistant OC cells promoted proliferation (p < 0.001) of sensitive cells and increased the proportion of cells in the G1 and S cell cycle phase in both PE01 and OVCAR5 cells. Direct co-culture led to a decrease in the IC50 to platinum in the cisplatin-sensitive cells (5.92 µM to 2.79 µM for PE01, and from 2.05 µM to 1.51 µM for OVCAR5). RNAseq analysis of co-cultured cells showed enrichment of Cell Cycle Control, Cyclins and Cell Cycle Regulation pathways. The transcription factor E2F1 was predicted as the main effector responsible for the transcriptomic changes in sensitive cells. Western blot and qRT-PCR confirmed upregulation of E2F1 in co-cultured vs monoculture. Furthermore, an E2F1 inhibitor reverted the increase in proliferation rate induced by co-culture to baseline levels. Conclusion Our data suggest that long term cohabitation of chemo-sensitive and -resistant cancer cells drive sensitive cells to a higher proliferative state, more responsive to platinum. Our results reveal an unexpected effect caused by direct interactions between cancer cells with different proliferative rates and levels of platinum resistance, modelling competition between cells in heterogeneous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Valdivia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Matthew Cowan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Horacio Cardenas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ana Maria Isac
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Guangyuan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
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10
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Rahimi A, Malakoutikhah Z, Rahimmanesh I, Ferns GA, Nedaeinia R, Ishaghi SMM, Dana N, Haghjooy Javanmard S. The nexus of natural killer cells and melanoma tumor microenvironment: crosstalk, chemotherapeutic potential, and innovative NK cell-based therapeutic strategies. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:312. [PMID: 38057843 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03134-y] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The metastasis of melanoma cells to regional lymph nodes and distant sites is an important contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality among patients with melanoma. This intricate process entails dynamic interactions involving tumor cells, cellular constituents, and non-cellular elements within the microenvironment. Moreover, both microenvironmental and systemic factors regulate the metastatic progression. Central to immunosurveillance for tumor cells are natural killer (NK) cells, prominent effectors of the innate immune system with potent antitumor and antimetastatic capabilities. Recognizing their pivotal role, contemporary immunotherapeutic strategies are actively integrating NK cells to combat metastatic tumors. Thus, a meticulous exploration of the interplay between metastatic melanoma and NK cells along the metastatic cascade is important. Given the critical involvement of NK cells within the melanoma tumor microenvironment, this comprehensive review illuminates the intricate relationship between components of the melanoma tumor microenvironment and NK cells, delineating their multifaceted roles. By shedding light on these critical aspects, this review advocates for a deeper understanding of NK cell dynamics within the melanoma context, driving forward transformative strategies to combat this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Rahimi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Malakoutikhah
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ilnaz Rahimmanesh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex, BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Reza Nedaeinia
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Nasim Dana
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Basak U, Sarkar T, Mukherjee S, Chakraborty S, Dutta A, Dutta S, Nayak D, Kaushik S, Das T, Sa G. Tumor-associated macrophages: an effective player of the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295257. [PMID: 38035101 PMCID: PMC10687432 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer progression is primarily caused by interactions between transformed cells and the components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages) make up the majority of the invading immune components, which are further categorized as anti-tumor M1 and pro-tumor M2 subtypes. While M1 is known to have anti-cancer properties, M2 is recognized to extend a protective role to the tumor. As a result, the tumor manipulates the TME in such a way that it induces macrophage infiltration and M1 to M2 switching bias to secure its survival. This M2-TAM bias in the TME promotes cancer cell proliferation, neoangiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, matrix remodeling for metastatic support, and TME manipulation to an immunosuppressive state. TAMs additionally promote the emergence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are known for their ability to originate, metastasize, and relapse into tumors. CSCs also help M2-TAM by revealing immune escape and survival strategies during the initiation and relapse phases. This review describes the reasons for immunotherapy failure and, thereby, devises better strategies to impair the tumor-TAM crosstalk. This study will shed light on the understudied TAM-mediated tumor progression and address the much-needed holistic approach to anti-cancer therapy, which encompasses targeting cancer cells, CSCs, and TAMs all at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udit Basak
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Tania Sarkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Sumon Mukherjee
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | | | - Apratim Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Saikat Dutta
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Debadatta Nayak
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Subhash Kaushik
- Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, India
| | - Tanya Das
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Gaurisankar Sa
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
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12
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Eliason J, Rao A. Investigating Ecological Interactions in the Tumor Microenvironment using Joint Species Distribution Models for Point Patterns. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.567108. [PMID: 38014073 PMCID: PMC10680696 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.567108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic ecosystem that involves interactions between different cell types, such as cancer cells, immune cells, and stromal cells. These interactions can promote or inhibit tumor growth and affect response to therapy. Multitype Gibbs point process (MGPP) models are statistical models used to study the spatial distribution and interaction of different types of objects, such as the distribution of cell types in a tissue sample. Such models are potentially useful for investigating the spatial relationships between different cell types in the tumor microenvironment, but so far studies of the TME using cell-resolution imaging have been largely limited to spatial descriptive statistics. However, MGPP models have many advantages over descriptive statistics, such as uncertainty quantification, incorporation of multiple covariates and the ability to make predictions. In this paper, we describe and apply a previously developed MGPP method, the saturated pairwise interaction Gibbs point process model , to a publicly available multiplexed imaging dataset obtained from colorectal cancer patients. Importantly, we show how these methods can be used as joint species distribution models (JSDMs) to precisely frame and answer many relevant questions related to the ecology of the tumor microenvironment.
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13
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Szymanowska A, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Lopez-Berestein G, Amero P. Non-Coding RNAs: Foes or Friends for Targeting Tumor Microenvironment. Noncoding RNA 2023; 9:52. [PMID: 37736898 PMCID: PMC10514839 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna9050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a group of molecules critical for cell development and growth regulation. They are key regulators of important cellular pathways in the tumor microenvironment. To analyze ncRNAs in the tumor microenvironment, the use of RNA sequencing technology has revolutionized the field. The advancement of this technique has broadened our understanding of the molecular biology of cancer, presenting abundant possibilities for the exploration of novel biomarkers for cancer treatment. In this review, we will summarize recent achievements in understanding the complex role of ncRNA in the tumor microenvironment, we will report the latest studies on the tumor microenvironment using RNA sequencing, and we will discuss the potential use of ncRNAs as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szymanowska
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (A.S.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (A.S.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (A.S.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA; (A.S.); (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.)
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14
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Pontoriero A, Critelli P, Chillari F, Ferrantelli G, Sciacca M, Brogna A, Parisi S, Pergolizzi S. Modulation of Radiation Doses and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells: A Promising New Weapon in Solid Tumors-A Narrative Review. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1261. [PMID: 37623511 PMCID: PMC10455986 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor behavior is determined by its interaction with the tumor microenvironment (TME). Chimeric antigen receptor (CART) cell therapy represents a new form of cellular immunotherapy (IT). Immune cells present a different sensitivity to radiation therapy (RT). RT can affect tumor cells both modifying the TME and inducing DNA damage, with different effects depending on the low and high doses delivered, and can favor the expression of CART cells. CART cells are patients' T cells genetically engineered to recognize surface structure and to eradicate cancer cells. High-dose radiation therapy (HDRT, >10-20 Gy/fractions) converts immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" ones by inducing necrosis and massive inflammation and death. LDRT (low-dose radiation therapy, >5-10 Gy/fractions) increases the expansion of CART cells and leads to non-immunogenetic death. An innovative approach, defined as the LATTICE technique, combines a high dose in higher FDG- uptake areas and a low dose to the tumor periphery. The association of RT and immune checkpoint inhibitors increases tumor immunogenicity and immune response both in irradiated and non-irradiated sites. The aim of this narrative review is to clarify the knowledge, to date, on CART cell therapy and its possible association with radiation therapy in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pontoriero
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Paola Critelli
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Federico Chillari
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Giacomo Ferrantelli
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Miriam Sciacca
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Anna Brogna
- Radiotherapy Unit, Medical Physics Unit, A.O.U. “G. Martino”, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Silvana Parisi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefano Pergolizzi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.P.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (S.P.)
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Farhana A, Alsrhani A, Khan YS, Rasheed Z. Cancer Bioenergetics and Tumor Microenvironments-Enhancing Chemotherapeutics and Targeting Resistant Niches through Nanosystems. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3836. [PMID: 37568652 PMCID: PMC10416858 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is an impending bottleneck in the advanced scientific workflow to achieve diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic success. Most cancers are refractory to conventional diagnostic and chemotherapeutics due to their limited targetability, specificity, solubility, and side effects. The inherent ability of each cancer to evolve through various genetic and epigenetic transformations and metabolic reprogramming underlies therapeutic limitations. Though tumor microenvironments (TMEs) are quite well understood in some cancers, each microenvironment differs from the other in internal perturbations and metabolic skew thereby impeding the development of appropriate diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and therapies. Cancer associated bioenergetics modulations regulate TME, angiogenesis, immune evasion, generation of resistant niches and tumor progression, and a thorough understanding is crucial to the development of metabolic therapies. However, this remains a missing element in cancer theranostics, necessitating the development of modalities that can be adapted for targetability, diagnostics and therapeutics. In this challenging scenario, nanomaterials are modular platforms for understanding TME and achieving successful theranostics. Several nanoscale particles have been successfully researched in animal models, quite a few have reached clinical trials, and some have achieved clinical success. Nanoparticles exhibit an intrinsic capability to interact with diverse biomolecules and modulate their functions. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be functionalized with receptors, modulators, and drugs to facilitate specific targeting with reduced toxicity. This review discusses the current understanding of different theranostic nanosystems, their synthesis, functionalization, and targetability for therapeutic modulation of bioenergetics, and metabolic reprogramming of the cancer microenvironment. We highlight the potential of nanosystems for enhanced chemotherapeutic success emphasizing the questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Farhana
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alsrhani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusuf Saleem Khan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zafar Rasheed
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, P.O. Box 6655, Buraidah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Liţescu M, Marincaş AM, Mitroi G, Pleşea IE, Strâmbu VDE, Grigorean VT, Prunoiu VM, Pleşea RM, Gherghiceanu F. Preliminary study of some of the main intratumor stroma components in gastric carcinomas. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2023; 64:363-378. [PMID: 37867354 PMCID: PMC10720943 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.64.3.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM The relationship between stromal compartment and tumor behavior in gastric carcinomas is still poorly understood and defined. Therefore, the authors started, with this preliminary study, an analysis of stromal compartment morphology and behavior in tumors arising from gastric mucosa epithelium. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group included 75 patients operated for gastric carcinoma. Five parameters describing tumor morphology and behavior and eight parameters describing tumor stroma (TS) morphology were assessed. Histopathological examination included six serial sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissue samples, stained with three classical stains and three antibodies to reveal the different parameters. For data comparison, Pearson's correlation test and the chi-squared (χ²) correlation test were used. RESULTS Studied tumors were, usually, infiltrating, undifferentiated∕diffuse type, invasive in subserous spaces and with a Ki67 index higher than 20%. Collagen fibers dominated the stromal components, with a predominance of mature type and an average fibrillary index of 2.7. The whole amount of stromal components accounted for around one quarter of the tumor area. Mature collagen fibers were in opposite correlation with their immature counterpart, and both were in opposite correlation with smooth muscle fibers and expressed an opposite trend of correlation with components of vascular compartment. The whole amount of stromal components had divergent behavior with the components of vascular compartment. The latter expressed generally an opposite trend of correlation with individual fibrillary stromal components. We found only isolated relationships statistically significant between stromal components and tumor characteristics. CONCLUSIONS TS is in a continuous remodeling process in relation to the evolution of tumor parenchyma, tumors less differentiated proving to have an immature stroma, with newly formed collagen fibers and higher vascular density. Further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mircea Liţescu
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Surgery, Sf. Ioan Emergency Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Augustin Marian Marincaş
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Ist Department of Surgical Oncology, Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu Oncology Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - George Mitroi
- Department of Urology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Iancu Emil Pleşea
- Doctoral School, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Bagdasar–Arseni Emergency Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victor Dan Eugen Strâmbu
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Surgery, Dr. Carol Davila Clinical Hospital of Nephrology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Valentin Titus Grigorean
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Surgery, Bagdasar–Arseni Emergency Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Virgiliu Mihail Prunoiu
- Department of Surgery, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Ist Department of Surgical Oncology, Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu Oncology Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Răzvan Mihail Pleşea
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Florentina Gherghiceanu
- Department of Marketing and Medical Technology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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17
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Ponomarev AS, Gilazieva ZE, Solovyova VV, Rizvanov AA. Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Cell Stemness Modulation during Formation of Spheroids. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:979-994. [PMID: 37751868 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923070106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), their properties and interaction with microenvironment are of interest in modern medicine and biology. There are many studies on the emergence of CSCs and their involvement in tumor pathogenesis. The most important property inherent to CSCs is their stemness. Stemness combines ability of the cell to maintain its pluripotency, give rise to differentiated cells, and interact with environment to maintain a balance between dormancy, proliferation, and regeneration. While adult stem cells exhibit these properties by participating in tissue homeostasis, CSCs behave as their malignant equivalents. High tumor resistance to therapy, ability to differentiate, activate angiogenesis and metastasis arise precisely due to the stemness of CSCs. These cells can be used as a target for therapy of different types of cancer. Laboratory models are needed to study cancer biology and find new therapeutic strategies. A promising direction is three-dimensional tumor models or spheroids. Such models exhibit properties resembling stemness in a natural tumor. By modifying spheroids, it becomes possible to investigate the effect of therapy on CSCs, thus contributing to the development of anti-tumor drug test systems. The review examines the niche of CSCs, the possibility of their study using three-dimensional spheroids, and existing markers for assessing stemness of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei S Ponomarev
- Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, 420008, Russia
| | - Zarema E Gilazieva
- Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, 420008, Russia
| | - Valeriya V Solovyova
- Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, 420008, Russia
| | - Albert A Rizvanov
- Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, 420008, Russia.
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18
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Bosoteanu M, Deacu M, Aschie M, Vamesu S, Cozaru GC, Mitroi AF, Voda RI, Orasanu CI, Vlad SE, Penciu RC, Chirila SI. The Role of Pathogenesis Associated with the Tumor Microclimate in the Differential Diagnosis of Uterine Myocytic Tumors. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4161. [PMID: 37373854 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocytic tumors of the uterus present vast morphological heterogeneity, which makes differential diagnosis between the different entities necessary. This study aims to enrich the existing data and highlight new potential therapeutic targets regarding aspects related to the pathogenic process and the tumor microenvironment in order to improve the quality of life of women. We performed a 5-year retrospective study, including particular cases of uterine myocyte tumors. Immunohistochemical analyses of pathogenic pathways (p53, RB1, and PTEN) and tumor microclimate using markers (CD8, PD-L1, and CD105), as well as genetic testing of the PTEN gene, were performed. The data were statistically analyzed using the appropriate parameters. In cases of atypical leiomyoma, a significant association was observed between PTEN deletion and an increased number of PD-L1+ T lymphocytes. For malignant lesions and STUMP, PTEN deletion was associated with the advanced disease stage. Advanced cases were also associated with an increased mean CD8+ T cell count. An increased number of lymphocytes was associated with an increased percentage of RB1+ nuclei. The study corroborated clinical and histogenetic data, highlighting the importance of the differential diagnosis of these tumors to improve the management of patients and increase their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Bosoteanu
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Department of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, "Ovidius" University of Constanţa, 900527 Constanta, Romania
| | - Mariana Deacu
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Department of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, "Ovidius" University of Constanţa, 900527 Constanta, Romania
| | - Mariana Aschie
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Department of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, "Ovidius" University of Constanţa, 900527 Constanta, Romania
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Romania, 030171 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorin Vamesu
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Department of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Georgeta Camelia Cozaru
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology-CEDMOG, "Ovidius" University of Constanţa, 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Department of Genetics, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Anca Florentina Mitroi
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology-CEDMOG, "Ovidius" University of Constanţa, 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Department of Genetics, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Raluca Ioana Voda
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Department of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology-CEDMOG, "Ovidius" University of Constanţa, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Cristian Ionut Orasanu
- Clinical Service of Pathology, Department of Pathology, "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency County Hospital, 900591 Constanta, Romania
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology-CEDMOG, "Ovidius" University of Constanţa, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Sabina Elena Vlad
- Center for Research and Development of the Morphological and Genetic Studies of Malignant Pathology-CEDMOG, "Ovidius" University of Constanţa, 900591 Constanta, Romania
| | - Roxana Cleopatra Penciu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, "Ovidius" University of Constanţa, 900527 Constanta, Romania
| | - Sergiu Ioachim Chirila
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University, 900527 Constanta, Romania
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Wang J, Ge H, Tian Z. Immunotherapy Plus Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Sarcomas: Is There a Potential for Synergism? Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:385-397. [PMID: 37313391 PMCID: PMC10258041 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s410693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a highly heterogeneous malignant tumor derived from mesenchymal tissue. Advanced STS has a poor response to the current anti-cancer therapeutic options, with a median overall survival of less than two years. Thus, new and more effective treatment methods for STS are needed. Increasing evidence has shown that immunotherapy and radiotherapy have synergistic therapeutic effects against malignant tumors. In addition, immunoradiotherapy has yielded positive results in clinical trials for various cancers. In this review, we discuss the synergistic mechanism of immunoradiotherapy in cancer treatment and the application of this combined regimen for the treatment of several cancers. In addition, we summarize the existing evidence on the use of immunoradiotherapy for the treatment of STS and the relevant clinical trials that are currently ongoing. Furthermore, we identify challenges in the use of immunoradiotherapy for the treatment of sarcomas and propose methods and precautions for overcoming these challenges. Lastly, we propose clinical research strategies and future research directions to help in the research and treatment of STS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiang Wang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Ge
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhichao Tian
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue, the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450008, People’s Republic of China
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20
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Srivastava RM, Thounaojam M, Marincola FM, Shanker A. Editorial: Lymphocyte functional crosstalk and regulation, volume II. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1214843. [PMID: 37266417 PMCID: PMC10231030 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1214843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raghvendra M. Srivastava
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Menaka Thounaojam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | | | - Anil Shanker
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
- Host-Tumor Interactions Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
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21
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Gupta R, Kadhim MM, Turki Jalil A, Qasim Alasheqi M, Alsaikhan F, Khalimovna Mukhamedova N, Alexis Ramírez-Coronel A, Hassan Jawhar Z, Ramaiah P, Najafi M. The interactions of docetaxel with tumor microenvironment. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110214. [PMID: 37126985 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
There are several interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that affect the response of cancer cells to therapy. There are also a large number of cells and secretions in TME that increase resistance to therapy. Following the release of immunosuppressive, pro-angiogenic, and metastatic molecules by certain cells such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and cancer cells, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis may be induced. However, natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic CD8 + T lymphocytes (CTLs) can responsively release anticancer molecules. In addition, anticancer drugs can modulate these cells and their interactions in favor of either cancer resistance or therapy. Docetaxel belongs to taxanes, a class of anti-tumor drugs, which acts through the polymerization of tubulin and the induction of cell cycle arrest. Also, it has been revealed that taxanes including docetaxel affect cancer cells and the other cells within TME through some other mechanisms such as modulation of immune system responses, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In this paper, we explain the basic mechanisms of docetaxel interactions with malignant cells. Besides, we review the diverse effects of docetaxel on TME and cancer cells in consequence. Lastly, the modulatory effects of docetaxel alone or in conjunction with other anticancer agents on anti-tumor immunity, cancer cell resistance, angiogenesis, and metastasis will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reena Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, District-Mathura, 281406 U. P., India
| | - Mustafa M Kadhim
- Department of Dentistry, Kut University College, Kut, Wasit 52001, Iraq; Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad 10022, Iraq
| | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Hilla 51001, Iraq.
| | | | - Fahad Alsaikhan
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | - Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel
- Azogues Campus Nursing Career, Health and Behavior Research Group (HBR), Psychometry and Ethology Laboratory, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca 010107, Ecuador; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Group, CES University, Medillin 050001, Colombia; Educational Statistics Research Group (GIEE), National University of Education, Azogues 030102, Ecuador
| | - Zanko Hassan Jawhar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Erbil 44001, Iraq; Clinical Biochemistry Department, College of Health Sciences, Hawler Medical University, Erbil 44001, Iraq
| | | | - Masoud Najafi
- Medical Technology Research Center, Institute of Health Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran.
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22
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Targeting Tumor Microenvironment Akt Signaling Represents a Potential Therapeutic Strategy for Aggressive Thyroid Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065471. [PMID: 36982542 PMCID: PMC10049397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Effects of the tumor microenvironment (TME) stromal cells on progression in thyroid cancer are largely unexplored. Elucidating the effects and underlying mechanisms may facilitate the development of targeting therapy for aggressive cases of this disease. In this study, we investigated the impact of TME stromal cells on cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in patient-relevant contexts where applying in vitro assays and xenograft models uncovered contributions of TME stromal cells to thyroid cancer progression. We found that TME stromal cells can enhance CSC self-renewal and invasiveness mainly via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. The disruption of Akt signaling could diminish the impact of TME stromal cells on CSC aggressiveness in vitro and reduce CSC tumorigenesis and metastasis in xenografts. Notably, disrupting Akt signaling did not cause detectable alterations in tumor histology and gene expression of major stromal components while it produced therapeutic benefits. In addition, using a clinical cohort, we discovered that papillary thyroid carcinomas with lymph node metastasis are more likely to have elevated Akt signaling compared with the ones without metastasis, suggesting the relevance of Akt-targeting. Overall, our results identify PI3K/Akt pathway-engaged contributions of TME stromal cells to thyroid tumor disease progression, illuminating TME Akt signaling as a therapeutic target in aggressive thyroid cancer.
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23
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The Overview of Perspectives of Clinical Application of Liquid Biopsy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101640. [PMID: 36295075 PMCID: PMC9604747 DOI: 10.3390/life12101640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard diagnostics procedure for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) requires a pathological evaluation of tissue samples obtained by surgery or biopsy, which are considered invasive sampling procedures. Due to this fact, re-sampling of the primary tumor at the moment of progression is limited and depends on the patient’s condition, even if it could reveal a mechanism of resistance to applied therapy. Recently, many studies have indicated that liquid biopsy could be provided for the noninvasive management of NSCLC patients who receive molecularly targeted therapies or immunotherapy. The liquid biopsy of neoplastic patients harbors small fragments of circulating-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free RNA (cfRNA) secreted to the circulation from normal cells, as well as a subset of tumor-derived circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In NSCLC patients, a longitudinal assessment of genetic alterations in “druggable” genes in liquid biopsy might improve the follow-up of treatment efficacy and allow for the detection of an early progression before it is detectable in computed tomography or a clinical image. However, a liquid biopsy may be used to determine a variety of relevant molecular or genetic information for understanding tumor biology and its evolutionary trajectories. Thus, liquid biopsy is currently associated with greater hope for common diagnostic and clinical applications. In this review, we would like to highlight diagnostic challenges in the application of liquid biopsy into the clinical routine and indicate its implications on the metastatic spread of NSCLC or monitoring of personalized treatment regimens.
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