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Yu S, Wang S, Wang X, Xu X. The axis of tumor-associated macrophages, extracellular matrix proteins, and cancer-associated fibroblasts in oncogenesis. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:335. [PMID: 39375726 PMCID: PMC11459962 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03518-8] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex, dynamic network of multiple macromolecules that serve as a crucial structural and physical scaffold for neighboring cells. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), ECM proteins play a significant role in mediating cellular communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Revealing the ECM modification of the TME necessitates the intricate signaling cascades that transpire among diverse cell populations and ECM proteins. The advent of single-cell sequencing has enabled the identification and refinement of specific cellular subpopulations, which has substantially enhanced our comprehension of the intricate milieu and given us a high-resolution perspective on the diversity of ECM proteins. However, it is essential to integrate single-cell data and establish a coherent framework. In this regard, we present a comprehensive review of the relationships among ECM, TAMs, and CAFs. This encompasses insights into the ECM proteins released by TAMs and CAFs, signaling integration in the TAM-ECM-CAF axis, and the potential applications and limitations of targeted therapies for CAFs. This review serves as a reliable resource for focused therapeutic strategies while highlighting the crucial role of ECM proteins as intermediates in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Yu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xuanyu Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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2
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Li X, González-Maroto C, Tavassoli M. Crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells in head and neck cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:303. [PMID: 38926351 PMCID: PMC11208506 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02053-9] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are amongst the most aggressive, complex, and heterogeneous malignancies. The standard of care treatments for HNC patients include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or their combination. However, around 50% do not benefit while suffering severe toxic side effects, costing the individuals and society. Decades have been spent to improve HNSCC treatment outcomes with only limited success. Much of the research in HNSCC treatment has focused on understanding the genetics of the HNSCC malignant cells, but it has become clear that tumour microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the progression as well as treatment response in HNSCC. Understanding the crosstalk between cancer cells and TME is crucial for inhibiting progression and treatment resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the predominant component of stroma in HNSCC, serve as the primary source of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and various pro-tumoral composites in TME. The activation of CAFs in HNSCC is primarily driven by cancer cell-secreted molecules, which in turn induce phenotypic changes, elevated secretive status, and altered ECM production profile. Concurrently, CAFs play a pivotal role in modulating the cell cycle, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to targeted and chemoradiotherapy in HNSCC cells. This modulation occurs through interactions with secreted molecules or direct contact with the ECM or CAF. Co-culture and 3D models of tumour cells and other TME cell types allows to mimic the HNSCC tumour milieu and enable modulating tumour hypoxia and reprograming cancer stem cells (CSC). This review aims to provide an update on the development of HNSCC tumour models comprising CAFs to obtain better understanding of the interaction between CAFs and tumour cells, and for providing preclinical testing platforms of current and combination with emerging therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Celia González-Maroto
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mahvash Tavassoli
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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3
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Tahsin S, Sane NS, Cernyar B, Jiang L, Zohar Y, Lee BR, Miranti CK. AR loss in prostate cancer stroma mediated by NF-κB and p38-MAPK signaling disrupts stromal morphogen production. Oncogene 2024; 43:2092-2103. [PMID: 38769192 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Androgen Receptor (AR) activity in prostate stroma is required to maintain prostate homeostasis. This is mediated through androgen-dependent induction and secretion of morphogenic factors that drive epithelial cell differentiation. However, stromal AR expression is lost in aggressive prostate cancer. The mechanisms leading to stromal AR loss and morphogen production are unknown. We identified TGFβ1 and TNFα as tumor-secreted factors capable of suppressing AR mRNA and protein expression in prostate stromal fibroblasts. Pharmacological and RNAi approaches identified NF-κB as the major signaling pathway involved in suppressing AR expression by TNFα. In addition, p38α- and p38δ-MAPK were identified as suppressors of AR expression independent of TNFα. Two regions of the AR promoter were responsible for AR suppression through TNFα. FGF10 and Wnt16 were identified as androgen-induced morphogens, whose expression was lost upon TNFα treatment and enhanced upon p38-MAPK inhibition. Wnt16, through non-canonical Jnk signaling, was required for prostate basal epithelial cell survival. These findings indicate that stromal AR loss is mediated by secreted factors within the TME. We identified TNFα/TGFβ as two possible factors, with TNFα mediating its effects through NF-κB or p38-MAPK to suppress AR mRNA transcription. This leads to loss of androgen-regulated stromal morphogens necessary to maintain normal epithelial homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekha Tahsin
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Neha S Sane
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Brent Cernyar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Linan Jiang
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Yitshak Zohar
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Benjamin R Lee
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Cindy K Miranti
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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4
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Røgenes H, Finne K, Winge I, Akslen LA, Östman A, Milosevic V. Development of 42 marker panel for in-depth study of cancer associated fibroblast niches in breast cancer using imaging mass cytometry. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1325191. [PMID: 38711512 PMCID: PMC11070582 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1325191] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) is a novel, and formidable high multiplexing imaging method emerging as a promising tool for in-depth studying of tissue architecture and intercellular communications. Several studies have reported various IMC antibody panels mainly focused on studying the immunological landscape of the tumor microenvironment (TME). With this paper, we wanted to address cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a component of the TME very often underrepresented and not emphasized enough in present IMC studies. Therefore, we focused on the development of a comprehensive IMC panel that can be used for a thorough description of the CAF composition of breast cancer TME and for an in-depth study of different CAF niches in relation to both immune and breast cancer cell communication. We established and validated a 42 marker panel using a variety of control tissues and rigorous quantification methods. The final panel contained 6 CAF-associated markers (aSMA, FAP, PDGFRa, PDGFRb, YAP1, pSMAD2). Breast cancer tissues (4 cases of luminal, 5 cases of triple negative breast cancer) and a modified CELESTA pipeline were used to demonstrate the utility of our IMC panel for detailed profiling of different CAF, immune and cancer cell phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Røgenes
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kenneth Finne
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingeborg Winge
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars A. Akslen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Arne Östman
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Vladan Milosevic
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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5
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Yang W, Liu S, Mao M, Gong Y, Li X, Lei T, Liu C, Wu S, Hu Q. T-cell infiltration and its regulatory mechanisms in cancers: insights at single-cell resolution. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:38. [PMID: 38303018 PMCID: PMC10835979 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02960-w] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating T cells recognize, attack, and clear tumor cells, playing a central role in antitumor immune response. However, certain immune cells can impair this response and help tumor immune escape. Therefore, exploring the factors that influence T-cell infiltration is crucial to understand tumor immunity and improve therapeutic effect of cancer immunotherapy. The use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allows the high-resolution analysis of the precise composition of immune cells with different phenotypes and other microenvironmental factors, including non-immune stromal cells and the related molecules in the tumor microenvironment of various cancer types. In this review, we summarized the research progress on T-cell infiltration and the crosstalk of other stromal cells and cytokines during T-cell infiltration using scRNA-seq to provide insights into the mechanisms regulating T-cell infiltration and contribute new perspectives on tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Yang
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Shimao Liu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Mengyun Mao
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yandong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Senior Department of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Tianyu Lei
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Shikai Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Qinyong Hu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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Zhou H, Zhong J, Peng S, Liu Y, Tang P, Cai Z, Wang L, Xu H, Hu K. Synthesis and preclinical evaluation of novel 18F-labeled fibroblast activation protein tracers for positron emission tomography imaging of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115993. [PMID: 38039792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115993] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts in more than 90% of epithelial tumors. Several radiotracers targeting FAPs have been used in clinical settings in recent years. However, the number of 18F-labeled FAP tracers is still limited. Herein, we aimed to develop 18F-labeled FAP tracers with optimized pharmacokinetics. Labeling precursors (NOTA-DD-FAPI and NOTA-PD-FAPI) were synthesized and labeled with fluorine-18. The precursors NOTA-DD-FAPI (IC50 = 0.21 ± 0.06 nM) and NOTA -PD-FAPI (IC50 = 0.13 ± 0.07 nM) showed a higher affinity for FAP compared to NOTA-FAPI-42 (IC50 = 0.66 ± 0.19 nM). Novel 18F-labeled FAP tracers showed a specific uptake, high internalized fraction, and low cellular efflux in vitro. Compared to the clinically used tracer [18F]AlF-FAPI-42, both the novel 18F-labeled FAP tracers, and especially the [18F]AlF-PD-FAPI tracer with a higher tumor-to-background ratio demonstrated rapid renal excretion and higher tumor uptake during preclinical evaluation, resulting in images with higher contrast. Thus, [18F]AlF-PD-FAPI shows promise for use as a FAP-targeting tracer for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jiawei Zhong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Department of Chemistry, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Simin Peng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Peipei Tang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhikai Cai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Kongzhen Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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7
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Mohseninia N, Zamani-Siahkali N, Harsini S, Divband G, Pirich C, Beheshti M. Bone Metastasis in Prostate Cancer: Bone Scan Versus PET Imaging. Semin Nucl Med 2024; 54:97-118. [PMID: 37596138 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of malignancy among men, with bone metastasis being a significant source of morbidity and mortality in advanced cases. Detecting and treating bone metastasis at an early stage is crucial to improve the quality of life and survival of prostate cancer patients. This objective strongly relies on imaging studies. While CT and MRI have their specific utilities, they also possess certain drawbacks. Bone scintigraphy, although cost-effective and widely available, presents high false-positive rates. The emergence of PET/CT and PET/MRI, with their ability to overcome the limitations of standard imaging methods, offers promising alternatives for the detection of bone metastasis. Various radiotracers targeting cell division activity or cancer-specific membrane proteins, as well as bone seeking agents, have been developed and tested. The use of positron-emitting isotopes such as fluorine-18 and gallium-68 for labeling allows for a reduced radiation dose and unaffected biological properties. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics techniques in medical imaging has shown significant advancements in reducing interobserver variability, improving accuracy, and saving time. This article provides an overview of the advantages and limitations of bone scan using SPECT and SPECT/CT and PET imaging methods with different radiopharmaceuticals and highlights recent developments in hybrid scanners, AI, and radiomics for the identification of prostate cancer bone metastasis using molecular imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasibeh Mohseninia
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nazanin Zamani-Siahkali
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Research center for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Harsini
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Christian Pirich
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mohsen Beheshti
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
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8
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Craig A, Kogler J, Laube M, Ullrich M, Donat CK, Wodtke R, Kopka K, Stadlbauer S. Preparation of 18F-Labeled Tracers Targeting Fibroblast Activation Protein via Sulfur [ 18F]Fluoride Exchange Reaction. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2749. [PMID: 38140090 PMCID: PMC10747913 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Early detection and treatment of cancers can significantly increase patient prognosis and enhance the quality of life of affected patients. The emerging significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a new frontier for cancer diagnosis and therapy may be exploited by radiolabeled tracers for diagnostic imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the TME are identified by biomarkers such as fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα), which are expressed on their surfaces. Targeting FAPα using small-molecule 18F-labeled inhibitors (FAPIs) has recently garnered significant attention for non-invasive tumor visualization using PET. Herein, two potent aryl-fluorosulfate-based FAPIs, 12 and 13, were synthetically prepared, and their inhibition potency was determined using a fluorimetric FAP assay to be IC50 9.63 and 4.17 nM, respectively. Radiofluorination was performed via the sulfur [18F]fluoride exchange ([18F]SuFEx) reaction to furnish [18F]12 and [18F]13 in high activity yields (AY) of 39-56% and molar activities (Am) between 20-55 GBq/µmol. In vitro experiments focused on the stability of the radiolabeled FAPIs after incubation with human serum, liver microsomes and liver cytosol. Preliminary PET studies of the radioligands were performed in healthy mice to investigate the in vivo biodistribution and 18F defluorination rate. Fast pharmacokinetics for the FAP-targeting tracers were retained and considerable bone uptake, caused by either 18F defluorination or radioligand accumulation, was observed. In summary, our findings demonstrate the efficiency of [18F]SuFEx as a radiolabeling method as well as its advantages and limitations with respect to PET tracer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Craig
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.C.)
| | - Jürgen Kogler
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.C.)
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Laube
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.C.)
| | - Martin Ullrich
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.C.)
| | - Cornelius K. Donat
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.C.)
| | - Robert Wodtke
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.C.)
| | - Klaus Kopka
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.C.)
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sven Stadlbauer
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Bautzner Landstraße 400, D-01328 Dresden, Germany; (A.C.)
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, D-01062 Dresden, Germany
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9
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Yang X, Li G, Ruan C, Hu K, Tang G. Formulation and Preclinical Testing of Tc-99m-Labeled HYNIC-Glc-FAPT as a FAP-Targeting Tumor Radiotracer. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:2133-2143. [PMID: 37874952 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Molecular imaging and targeted radiotherapy with radiolabeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) targeting peptide probes hold great potential for enhancing the clinical management of patients with FAP-expressing cancers. However, the high cost of PET probes has prompted us to search for new FAP-targeting single-photon imaging agents. In this study, HYNIC-Glc-FAPT is synthesized and radiolabeled with technetium-99m using tricine/EDDA or dimer tricine as coligands to produce [99mTc]Tc-tricine/EDDA-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT and [99mTc]Tc-tricine(2)-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT. Both [99mTc]Tc-tricine/EDDA-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT and [99mTc]Tc-tricine(2)-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT were effectively synthesized with an excellent radiochemistry yield (both >97%, n = 6) in a single-step technique, and their stability in PBS and human serum was satisfactory. Compared to [99mTc]Tc-tricine(2)-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT, [99mTc]Tc-tricine/EDDA-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT exhibited a more hydrophilic nature with a log P of -3.53 ± 0.12. In vitro cellular uptake and blocking assays, internalization, efflux experiments, and affinity experiments all suggested a mechanism with high FAP-specificity and affinity. SPECT imaging and biodistribution of [99mTc]Tc-tricine/EDDA-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT demonstrated sustained high tumor uptake in BALB/c nude mice bearing U87MG tumors for 6 h. It demonstrated a long-range retention characteristic and more rapid clearance ability from nontarget organs. Collectively, we successfully synthesized [99mTc]Tc-tricine/EDDA-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT and [99mTc]Tc-tricine(2)-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT, and the excellent targeting properties of [99mTc]Tc-tricine/EDDA-HYNIC-Glc-FAPT suggest a potential diagnostic value in future clinical studies for advanced-stage FAP-expressing malignancies, especially in prognostic evaluation of tumors for it low price and convenient source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Yang
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, PET Center and Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Guiping Li
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, PET Center and Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chuyin Ruan
- Department of Radiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Kongzhen Hu
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, PET Center and Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ganghua Tang
- GDMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals, PET Center and Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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10
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Li W, Jiang Z, Cui N, Li J, Cheng L, Liu W, Li J, Wang K. Superiority of FAPI-PET/CT for examining multiple malignant tumors: a retrospective study. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4547-4559. [PMID: 37970338 PMCID: PMC10636689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To compare the diagnostic value of [18F]-AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT and [18F]-FDG PET/CT for primary and metastatic lesions in different types of tumors. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 51 patients with 11 different types of tumors. Among them, 20 patients underwent PET/CT, and 31 patients underwent restaging. The patients were diagnosed using [18F]-AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT and [18F]-FDG PET/CT scan techniques, and adverse reactions were recorded. Thickness of primary lesions, metastasis, and lymph node involvement were analyzed and confirmed by histological analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of [18F]-AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT and [18F]-FDG PET/CT were calculated. Neither [18F]-AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT nor [18F]-FDG PET/CT scan techniques caused adverse reactions in the patients. [18F]-AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT performed well in detecting recurrence, with a positive rate of 100%, higher than 71.0% of [18F]-FDG PET/CT. Compared with [18F]-FDG PET/CT, [18F]-AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT identified 6 types of malignant tumors more clearly, and could improve the detection rate of primary and metastatic tumors (97.0% vs. 84.8%, P<0.001). [18F]-AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT exhibited a higher sensitivity for detecting lymph node (81.8% vs. 50.0%, P<0.05) than [18F]-FDG PET/CT. Additionally, [18F]-AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT demonstrated higher diagnostic sensitivity (67.39% vs. 58.7%, P=0.387) and accuracy (82.14% vs. 60.71%, P=0.377) for detecting metastatic lesions compared to [18F]-FDG PET/CT. [18F]-AlF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT outperforms [18F]-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing primary and metastatic lesions across various types of tumors, especially in identifying lymph node, visceral, and peritoneal metastases. It can improve diagnostic efficiency and accuracy, thereby positively influencing clinical decision-making for optimal patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of PET-CT/MRI, Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhiyun Jiang
- Department of PET-CT/MRI, Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Nan Cui
- Department of PET-CT/MRI, Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiatong Li
- Department of PET-CT/MRI, Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of PET-CT/MRI, Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of PET-CT/MRI, Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of PET-CT/MRI, Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kezheng Wang
- Department of PET-CT/MRI, Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China
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Xu K, Huang Y, Wu M, Yin J, Wei P. 3D bioprinting of multi-cellular tumor microenvironment for prostate cancer metastasis. Biofabrication 2023; 15:035020. [PMID: 37236173 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acd960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most lethal cancers in men worldwide. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in PCa development, which consists of tumor cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM). Hyaluronic acid (HA) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major components in the TME and are correlated with PCa proliferation and metastasis, while the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood due to the lack of biomimetic ECM components and coculture models. In this study, gelatin methacryloyl/chondroitin sulfate-based hydrogels were physically crosslinked with HA to develop a novel bioink for the three-dimensional bioprinting of a coculture model that can be used to investigate the effect of HA on PCa behaviors and the mechanism underlying PCa-fibroblasts interaction. PCa cells demonstrated distinct transcriptional profiles under HA stimulation, where cytokine secretion, angiogenesis, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition were significantly upregulated. Further coculture of PCa with normal fibroblasts activated CAF transformation, which could be induced by the upregulated cytokine secretion of PCa cells. These results suggested HA could not only promote PCa metastasis individually but also induce PCa cells to activate CAF transformation and form HA-CAF coupling effects to further promote PCa drug resistance and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailei Xu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315010, People's Republic of China
- Center for Medical and Engineering Innovation, Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Atherosclerotic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo 315010, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuye Huang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315010, People's Republic of China
- Center for Medical and Engineering Innovation, Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaoben Wu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yin
- The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315010, People's Republic of China
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12
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Tao Y, Tian X, Luo J, Zhu H, Chu Y, Pei L. Mangiferin inhibits chronic stress-induced tumor growth in colorectal liver metastases via WAVE2 signaling pathway. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13753. [PMID: 36873506 PMCID: PMC9981907 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13753] [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: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence indicates that chronic stress promotes progression of colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Mangiferin is the active chemical constituent of the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge. Mangiferin (MGF) exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, anti-fibrotic and antioxidant effects in a variety of cancers. Its mechanism in chronic stress and tumor growth is still poorly understood. Methods To investigate the effects of MGF on the CLM and tumor-associated depression, activated hepatic stellate cells (a-HSCs), HT-29 CRC cells, were used in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) of tumor-bearing models. Potential antidepressant activity was determined by FST, TST, SIT and serum cytokine (IL-6, IL-18 and TNF-α) examination. Downstream signaling molecules were detected by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Results CUMS induced depression behavior and depression-related cytokines and promoted tumor growth in CLM. MGF-treated mice significantly improved chronic stress behaviors by reducing depression-related cytokines. In addition, MGF treatment inhibits WAVE2 signaling pathway, leading to TGF-β1 induced HSC inhibition, thereby reducing depressive behavior and tumor growth in CLM. Conclusion MGF can alleviate CUMS induced tumor growth and the treatment of CLM patients with MGF may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Xuefei Tian
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Hongyi Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410011, China
- Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yi Chu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410011, China
- Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Lei Pei
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410011, China
- Corresponding author. Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 139 Renmin Road, 410011, Changsha, China.
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13
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Shi X, Yang J, Deng S, Xu H, Wu D, Zeng Q, Wang S, Hu T, Wu F, Zhou H. TGF-β signaling in the tumor metabolic microenvironment and targeted therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:135. [PMID: 36115986 PMCID: PMC9482317 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01349-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractTransforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling has a paradoxical role in cancer progression, and it acts as a tumor suppressor in the early stages but a tumor promoter in the late stages of cancer. Once cancer cells are generated, TGF-β signaling is responsible for the orchestration of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and supports cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, recurrence, and therapy resistance. These progressive behaviors are driven by an “engine” of the metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Recent studies have revealed that TGF-β signaling regulates cancer metabolic reprogramming and is a metabolic driver in the tumor metabolic microenvironment (TMME). Intriguingly, TGF-β ligands act as an “endocrine” cytokine and influence host metabolism. Therefore, having insight into the role of TGF-β signaling in the TMME is instrumental for acknowledging its wide range of effects and designing new cancer treatment strategies. Herein, we try to illustrate the concise definition of TMME based on the published literature. Then, we review the metabolic reprogramming in the TMME and elaborate on the contribution of TGF-β to metabolic rewiring at the cellular (intracellular), tissular (intercellular), and organismal (cancer-host) levels. Furthermore, we propose three potential applications of targeting TGF-β-dependent mechanism reprogramming, paving the way for TGF-β-related antitumor therapy from the perspective of metabolism.
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14
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Clinical summary of fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-based radiopharmaceuticals: cancer and beyond. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:2844-2868. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05706-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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15
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Delinassios JG, Hoffman RM. The cancer-inhibitory effects of proliferating tumor-residing fibroblasts. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1877:188673. [PMID: 34953931 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188673] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Initiation, local progression, and metastasis of cancer are associated with specific morphological, molecular, and functional changes in the extracellular matrix and the fibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the early stages of tumor development, fibroblasts are an obstacle that cancer cells must surpass or nullify to progress. Thus, in early tumor progression, specific signaling from cancer cells activates bio-pathways, which abolish the innate anticancer properties of fibroblasts and convert a high proportion of them to tumor-promoting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Following this initial event, a wide spectrum of gene expression changes gradually leads to the development of a stromal fibroblast population with complex heterogeneity, creating fibroblast subtypes with characteristic profiles, which may alternate between being tumor-promotive and tumor-suppressive, topologically and chronologically in the TME. These fibroblast subtypes form the tumor's histological landscape including areas of cancer growth, inflammation, angiogenesis, invasion fronts, proliferating and non-proliferating fibroblasts, cancer-cell apoptosis, fibroblast apoptosis, and necrosis. These features reflect general deregulation of tissue homeostasis within the TME. This review discusses fundamental and current knowledge that has established the existence of anticancer fibroblasts within the various interacting elements of the TME. It is proposed that the maintenance of fibroblast proliferation is an essential parameter for the activation of their anticancer capacity, similar to that by which normal fibroblasts would be activated in wound repair, thus maintaining tissue homeostasis. Encouragement of research in this direction may render new means of cancer therapy and a greater understanding of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Delinassios
- International Institute of Anticancer Research, 1(st) km Kapandritiou-Kalamou Rd., Kapandriti, 19014 Attica, Greece.
| | - Robert M Hoffman
- Department of Surgery, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; AntiCancer Inc., 7917 Ostrow St, San Diego, CA 92111, USA.
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16
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Liu M, Yang J, Xu B, Zhang X. Tumor metastasis: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:587-617. [PMID: 34977870 PMCID: PMC8706758 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In contrast to numerous discoveries that reveal the detailed mechanisms leading to the formation of the primary tumor, the biological underpinnings of the metastatic disease remain poorly understood. Cancer metastasis is a complex process in which cancer cells escape from the primary tumor, settle, and grow at other parts of the body. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and anoikis resistance of tumor cells are the main forces to promote metastasis, and multiple components in the tumor microenvironment and their complicated crosstalk with cancer cells are closely involved in distant metastasis. In addition to the three cornerstones of tumor treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, novel treatment approaches including targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been established in patients with metastatic cancer. Although the cancer survival rate has been greatly improved over the years, it is still far from satisfactory. In this review, we provided an overview of the metastasis process, summarized the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the dissemination and distant metastasis of cancer cells, and reviewed the important advances in interventions for cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Liu
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Oncology UnitState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Yang
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Oncology UnitState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Bushu Xu
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Oncology UnitState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
| | - Xing Zhang
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Medical Oncology UnitState Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouChina
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17
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Lindner T, Altmann A, Giesel F, Kratochwil C, Kleist C, Krämer S, Mier W, Cardinale J, Kauczor HU, Jäger D, Debus J, Haberkorn U. 18F-labeled tracers targeting fibroblast activation protein. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2021; 6:26. [PMID: 34417894 PMCID: PMC8380212 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-021-00144-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts are found in the stroma of epithelial tumors. They are characterized by overexpression of the fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a serine protease which was already proven as attractive target for chelator-based theranostics. Unfortunately, the value of gallium-68 labeled tracers is limited by their batch size and the short nuclide half-life. To overcome this drawback, radiolabeling with aluminum fluoride complexes and 6-fluoronicotinamide derivatives of the longer-lived nuclide fluorine-18 was established. The novel compounds were tested for their FAP-specific binding affinity. Uptake and binding competition were studied in vitro using FAP expressing HT-1080 cells. HEK cells transfected with the closely related dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (HEK-CD26) were used as negative control. Small animal positron emission tomography imaging and biodistribution experiments were performed in HT-1080-FAP xenografted nude mice. [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 was selected for PET/CT imaging in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient. Results In vitro, 18F-labeled FAPI-derivatives demonstrated high affinity (EC50 = < 1 nm to 4.2 nm) and binding of up to 80% to the FAP-expressing HT1080 cells while no binding to HEK-CD26 cells was observed. While small animal PET imaging revealed unfavorable biliary excretion of most of the 18F-labeled compounds, the NOTA bearing compounds [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 and -75 achieved good tumor-to-background ratios, as a result of their preferred renal excretion. These two compounds showed the highest tumor accumulation in PET imaging. The organ distribution values of [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 were in accordance with the small animal PET imaging results. Due to its less complex synthesis, fast clearance and low background values, [18F]AlF-FAPI-74 was chosen for clinical imaging. PET/CT of a patient with metastasized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), enabled visualization of the primary tumor and its metastases at the hepatic portal and in several bones. This was accompanied by a rapid clearance from the blood pool and low background in healthy organs. Conclusion [18F]AlF-labeled FAPI derivatives represent powerful tracers for PET. Owing to an excellent performance in PET imaging, FAPI-74 can be regarded as a promising precursor for [18F]AlF-based FAP-imaging. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41181-021-00144-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annette Altmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frederik Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Kratochwil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Kleist
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Krämer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter Mier
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Cardinale
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- Department of Radiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.
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TGF-β Signaling: From Tissue Fibrosis to Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147575. [PMID: 34299192 PMCID: PMC8303588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling triggers diverse biological actions in inflammatory diseases. In tissue fibrosis, it acts as a key pathogenic regulator for promoting immunoregulation via controlling the activation, proliferation, and apoptosis of immunocytes. In cancer, it plays a critical role in tumor microenvironment (TME) for accelerating invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. Increasing evidence suggest a pleiotropic nature of TGF-β signaling as a critical pathway for generating fibrotic TME, which contains numerous cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix proteins, and remodeling enzymes. Its pathogenic roles and working mechanisms in tumorigenesis are still largely unclear. Importantly, recent studies successfully demonstrated the clinical implications of fibrotic TME in cancer. This review systematically summarized the latest updates and discoveries of TGF-β signaling in the fibrotic TME.
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Cancer: a mirrored room between tumor bulk and tumor microenvironment. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:217. [PMID: 34183054 PMCID: PMC8240272 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02022-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It has been well documented that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in the promotion of drug resistance, the support of tumor progression, invasiveness, metastasis, and even the maintenance of a cancer stem-like phenotype. Here, we reviewed TME formation presenting it as a reflection of a tumor’s own organization during the different stages of tumor development. Interestingly, functionally different groups of stromal cells seem to have specific spatial distributions within the TME that change as the tumor evolves into advanced stage progression which correlates with the fact that cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are located in the edges of solid tumor masses in advanced tumors. We also focus on the continuos feedback that is established between a tumor and its surroundings. The “talk” between tumor mass cells and TME stromal cells, marks the evolution of both interlocuting cell types. For instance, the metabolic and functional transformations that stromal cells undergo due to tumor corrupting activity. Moreover, the molecular basis of metastatic spread is also approached, making special emphasis on the site-specific pre-metastatic niche formation as another reflection of the primary tumor molecular signature. Finally, several therapeutic approaches targeting primary TME and pre-metastatic niche are suggested. For instance, a systematic analysis of the TME just adjacent to the tumor mass to establish the proportion of myofibroblasts-like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which may in turn correspond to stemness and metastases-promotion. Or the implementation of “re-education” therapies consisting of switching tumor-supportive stromal cells into tumor-suppressive ones. In summary, to improve our clinical management of cancer, it is crucial to understand and learn how to manage the close interaction between TME and metastasis.
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Wu F, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Mu J, Zeng Q, Deng S, Zhou H. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts and targeted therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:218. [PMID: 34108441 PMCID: PMC8190181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 96.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To flourish, cancers greatly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME are critical for cancer occurrence and progression because of their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, maintenance of stemness, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, immune response, and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous stromal cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells is mediated by a complex and intricate signaling network consisting of transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hippo, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, etc., signaling pathways. These signals in CAFs exhibit their own special characteristics during the cancer progression and have the potential to be targeted for anticancer therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these signaling cascades in interactions between cancer cells and CAFs is necessary to fully realize the pivotal roles of CAFs in cancers. Herein, in this review, we will summarize the enormous amounts of findings on the signals mediating crosstalk of CAFs with cancer cells and its related targets or trials. Further, we hypothesize three potential targeting strategies, including, namely, epithelial-mesenchymal common targets, sequential target perturbation, and crosstalk-directed signaling targets, paving the way for CAF-directed or host cell-directed antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Fibrotic Diseases and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121666. [PMID: 33322749 PMCID: PMC7763058 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is essential in embryo development and maintaining normal homeostasis. Extensive evidence shows that TGF-β activation acts on several cell types, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, to form a pro-fibrotic environment, ultimately leading to fibrotic diseases. TGF-β is stored in the matrix in a latent form; once activated, it promotes a fibroblast to myofibroblast transition and regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and remodeling in fibrosis. TGF-β signaling can also promote cancer progression through its effects on the tumor microenvironment. In cancer, TGF-β contributes to the generation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that have different molecular and cellular properties from activated or fibrotic fibroblasts. CAFs promote tumor progression and chronic tumor fibrosis via TGF-β signaling. Fibrosis and CAF-mediated cancer progression share several common traits and are closely related. In this review, we consider how TGF-β promotes fibrosis and CAF-mediated cancer progression. We also discuss recent evidence suggesting TGF-β inhibition as a defense against fibrotic disorders or CAF-mediated cancer progression to highlight the potential implications of TGF-β-targeted therapies for fibrosis and cancer.
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22
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Lee YT, Tan YJ, Falasca M, Oon CE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts: Epigenetic Regulation and Therapeutic Intervention in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2949. [PMID: 33066013 PMCID: PMC7600259 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a heterogeneous population of cells in the solid tumour microenvironment. These cells are positively linked to breast cancer progression. Breast CAFs can be categorised into distinct subtypes according to their roles in breast carcinogenesis. Epigenetic modifications change gene expression patterns as a consequence of altered chromatin configuration and DNA accessibility to transcriptional machinery, without affecting the primary structure of DNA. Epigenetic dysregulation in breast CAFs may enhance breast cancer cell survival and ultimately lead to therapeutic resistance. A growing body of evidence has described epigenetic modulators that target histones, DNA, and miRNA as a promising approach to treat cancer. This review aims to summarise the current findings on the mechanisms involved in the epigenetic regulation in breast CAFs and discusses the potential therapeutic strategies via targeting these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeuan Ting Lee
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Yi Jer Tan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Chern Ein Oon
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia; (Y.T.L.); (Y.J.T.)
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The Primary Cilium of Adipose Progenitors Is Necessary for Their Differentiation into Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts that Promote Migration of Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro. Cells 2020; 9:cells9102251. [PMID: 33049976 PMCID: PMC7601294 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are central elements of the microenvironment that control tumor development. In breast cancer, CAFs can originate from adipose progenitors (APs). We, and others, have shown that the primary cilium, an antenna-shaped organelle, controls several aspects of APs’ biology. We studied the conversion of human APs into CAFs by breast cancer cell lines (BCCs). Deletion of the cilium of APs by a pharmacological inhibitor, or by siRNA, allow us to demonstrate that the cilium is necessary for the differentiation of APs into CAFs. BCCs increase production of TGF-β1 by APs, which is a known inducer of CAFs. Pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling in APs prevents their conversion into CAFs. Since we previously showed that deletion of the APs’ cilium inhibits TGF-β1 signaling, we propose that BCCs induce TGF-β1 production in Aps, which binds to the primary cilium of Aps and leads to their differentiation into CAFs. Inhibition of APs conversion into CAFs induces a loss in some of the biological effects of CAFs since deletion of the cilium of APs decreases their effect on the migration of BCCs. This is the first observation of a function of the cilium of APs in their conversion into CAFs, and its consequences on BCCs.
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Searching for Promoters to Drive Stable and Long-Term Transgene Expression in Fibroblasts for Syngeneic Mouse Tumor Models. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176098. [PMID: 32847094 PMCID: PMC7504129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor is a complex system of interactions between cancer cells and other cells of the tumor microenvironment. The cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of the tumor microenvironment remain in close contact with the cancer cells and play an important role in cancer progression. Genetically, CAFs are more stable than cancer cells, making them an attractive target for genetic modification in gene therapy. However, the efficiency of various promoters for transgene expression in fibroblasts is scarcely studied. We performed a comparative analysis of transgene long-term expression under the control of strong cytomegalovirus promoter (pCMV), constitutive cell promoter of the PCNA gene (pPCNA), and the potentially fibroblast-specific promoter of the IGFBP2 gene (pIGFBP2). In vitro expression of the transgene under the control of pCMV in fibroblasts was decreased soon after transduction, whereas the expression was more stable under the control of pIGFBP2 and pPCNA. The efficiency of transgene expression was higher under pPCNA than that under pIGFBP2. Additionally, in a mouse model, pPCNA provided more stable and increased transgene expression in fibroblasts as compared to that under pCMV. We conclude that PCNA promoter is the most efficient for long-term expression of transgenes in fibroblasts both in vitro and in vivo.
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25
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Lindner T, Altmann A, Krämer S, Kleist C, Loktev A, Kratochwil C, Giesel F, Mier W, Marme F, Debus J, Haberkorn U. Design and Development of 99mTc-Labeled FAPI Tracers for SPECT Imaging and 188Re Therapy. J Nucl Med 2020; 61:1507-1513. [PMID: 32169911 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.119.239731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Most epithelial tumors recruit fibroblasts and other nonmalignant cells and activate them into cancer-associated fibroblasts. This often leads to overexpression of the membrane serine protease fibroblast-activating protein (FAP). It has already been shown that DOTA-bearing FAP inhibitors (FAPIs) generate high-contrast images with PET/CT scans. Since SPECT is a lower-cost and more widely available alternative to PET, 99mTc-labeled FAPIs represent attractive tracers for imaging applications in a larger number of patients. Furthermore, the chemically homologous nuclide 188Re is available from generators, which allows FAP-targeted endoradiotherapy. Methods: For the preparation of 99mTc-tricarbonyl complexes, a chelator was selected whose carboxylic acids can easily be converted into various derivatives in the finished product, enabling a platform strategy based on the original tracer. The obtained 99mTc complexes were investigated in vitro by binding and competition experiments on FAP-transfected HT-1080 (HT-1080-FAP) or on mouse FAP-expressing (HEK-muFAP) and CD26-expressing (HEKCD26) HEK cells and characterized by planar scintigraphy and organ distribution studies in tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, a first-in-humans application was done on 2 patients with ovarian and pancreatic cancer, respectively. Results: 99mTc-FAPI-19 showed specific binding to recombinant FAP-expressing cells with high affinity. Unfortunately, liver accumulation, biliary excretion, and no tumor uptake were observed on planar scintigraphy for a HT-1080-FAP-xenotransplanted mouse. To improve the pharmacokinetic properties, hydrophilic amino acids were attached to the chelator moiety of the compound. The resulting 99mTc-labeled FAPI tracers revealed excellent binding properties (≤45% binding; >95% internalization), high affinity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, 6.4-12.7 nM), and significant tumor uptake (≤5.4% injected dose per gram of tissue) in biodistribution studies. The lead candidate 99mTc-FAPI-34 was applied for diagnostic scintigraphy and SPECT of patients with metastasized ovarian and pancreatic cancer for follow-up to therapy with 90Y-FAPI-46. 99mTc-FAPI-34 accumulated in the tumor lesions, as also shown on PET/CT imaging using 68Ga-FAPI-46. Conclusion: 99mTc-FAPI-34 represents a powerful tracer for diagnostic scintigraphy, especially when PET imaging is not available. Additionally, the chelator used in this compound allows labeling with the therapeutic nuclide 188Re, which is planned for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lindner
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Germany
| | - Annette Altmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Krämer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Germany
| | - Christian Kleist
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Germany
| | - Anastasia Loktev
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clemens Kratochwil
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Germany
| | - Frederik Giesel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Germany
| | - Walter Mier
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Germany
| | - Frederik Marme
- Translational Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany; and
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg Germany .,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
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26
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is one of the important cellular pathways that play key roles for tissue maintenance. In particular, it is important in the context of inflammation and tumorigenesis by modulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and homeostasis. TGF-β receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) mutations affected by a mismatch repair deficiency causes colorectal cancers (CRCs) with microsatellite instability, which is, however, associated with relatively better survival rates. On the other hand, loss of SMAD4, a transcription factor in the TGF-β superfamily signaling, promotes tumor progression. Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 18 can case SMAD4-deficient CRC, which results in poorer patients' survival. Such bidirectional phenomenon driven by TGF-β signaling insufficiency reflects the complexity of this signaling pathway in CRC. Moreover, recent understanding of CRC at the molecular level (consensus molecular subtype classification) provides deep insight into the important roles of TGF-β signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Here we focus on the TGF-β signaling in CRC and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment. We summarize the molecular mechanisms of CRC tumorigenesis and progression caused by disruption of TGF-β signaling by cancer epithelial cells and host stromal cells.
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27
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Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer and Its Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235822. [PMID: 31756952 PMCID: PMC6929101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is one of the important cellular pathways that play key roles for tissue maintenance. In particular, it is important in the context of inflammation and tumorigenesis by modulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and homeostasis. TGF-β receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) mutations affected by a mismatch repair deficiency causes colorectal cancers (CRCs) with microsatellite instability, which is, however, associated with relatively better survival rates. On the other hand, loss of SMAD4, a transcription factor in the TGF-β superfamily signaling, promotes tumor progression. Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 18 can case SMAD4-deficient CRC, which results in poorer patients’ survival. Such bidirectional phenomenon driven by TGF-β signaling insufficiency reflects the complexity of this signaling pathway in CRC. Moreover, recent understanding of CRC at the molecular level (consensus molecular subtype classification) provides deep insight into the important roles of TGF-β signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Here we focus on the TGF-β signaling in CRC and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment. We summarize the molecular mechanisms of CRC tumorigenesis and progression caused by disruption of TGF-β signaling by cancer epithelial cells and host stromal cells.
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28
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Martinez VG, Munera-Maravilla E, Bernardini A, Rubio C, Suarez-Cabrera C, Segovia C, Lodewijk I, Dueñas M, Martínez-Fernández M, Paramio JM. Epigenetics of Bladder Cancer: Where Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets Meet. Front Genet 2019; 10:1125. [PMID: 31850055 PMCID: PMC6902278 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common neoplasia of the urothelial tract. Due to its high incidence, prevalence, recurrence and mortality, it remains an unsolved clinical and social problem. The treatment of BC is challenging and, although immunotherapies have revealed potential benefit in a percentage of patients, it remains mostly an incurable disease at its advanced state. Epigenetic alterations, including aberrant DNA methylation, altered chromatin remodeling and deregulated expression of non-coding RNAs are common events in BC and can be driver events in BC pathogenesis. Accordingly, these epigenetic alterations are now being used as potential biomarkers for these disorders and are being envisioned as potential therapeutic targets for the future management of BC. In this review, we summarize the recent findings in these emerging and exciting new aspects paving the way for future clinical treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor G. Martinez
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ester Munera-Maravilla
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Bernardini
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Rubio
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristian Suarez-Cabrera
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Segovia
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Iris Lodewijk
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Dueñas
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Martínez-Fernández
- Genomes & Disease Lab, CiMUS (Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jesus Maria Paramio
- Biomedical Research Institute I + 12, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
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Tan HX, Cao ZB, He TT, Huang T, Xiang CL, Liu Y. TGFβ1 is essential for MSCs-CAFs differentiation and promotes HCT116 cells migration and invasion via JAK/STAT3 signaling. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:5323-5334. [PMID: 31308702 PMCID: PMC6615717 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s178618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Colorectal cancer (CRC) frequently metastasizes to the liver, which involves the participation of multiple cytokines. Tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor cells acts as an essential factor in cancer metastasis. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is a vital cytokine involved in migration and invasion of cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of TGFβ1 in TME. Methods The conditioned medium prepared from colorectal cancer HCT116 and HT29 cells was used to culture mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The differentiation of MSCs to CAFs was detected by flow cytometry. The role of TGFβ1 in colorectal cancer cells metastasis was examined by wound-healing assay and transwell assay. And the activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway was measured by Western blot assay. Results TGFβ1 induced the differentiation of MSCs to CAFs and improved HCT116 and HT29 cells migration and invasion. Meanwhile, TGFβ1 also upregulated the phosphorylation of STAT3 and enhanced the nuclear localization of p-STAT3, which activated JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. Conclusion TGFβ1 induced the differentiation of MSCs into CAFs and promoted the migration and invasion of HCT116 and HT29 cells, which depended on the activation of JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Xiang Tan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha 410002, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410002, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Bin Cao
- Department of Radiology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting He
- Department of Pathology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530011, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha 410002, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410002, People's Republic of China
| | - Cai-Ling Xiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha 410002, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410002, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha 410002, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410002, People's Republic of China
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30
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Tang X, Tu G, Yang G, Wang X, Kang L, Yang L, Zeng H, Wan X, Qiao Y, Cui X, Liu M, Hou Y. Autocrine TGF-β1/miR-200s/miR-221/DNMT3B regulatory loop maintains CAF status to fuel breast cancer cell proliferation. Cancer Lett 2019; 452:79-89. [PMID: 30851420 PMCID: PMC7560952 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) remain active even in the absence of cancer cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the sustained active status of CAFs is largely unrevealed. We found that in CAFs, DNMT3B was not only a target of miR-200b, miR-200c and miR-221, but was able to induce DNA methylation of miR-200s promoters. DNMT3B eventually reached a stably high level by the counteracting effect of decreasing miR-200b/c and increasing miR-221 in normal fibroblasts (NFs) with long-term exogenous TGF-β1 treatment, and DNMT3B further led to a low level of miR-200s which established CAF activation. Meanwhile, miR-200s/miR-221/DNMT3B signaling sustained autocrine TGF-β1 maintaining active CAF status. Destruction of the autocrine TGF-β1/miR-200s/miR-221/DNMT3B signaling led to demethylation of miR-200s promoters and further restored the NF phenotypes. Moreover, we confirmed that TCF12, the target of miR-141, stimulated c-Myc/Cyclin D1 axis in breast cancer cells to promote cancer growth by enhancing CXCL12 of CAFs. The current study reveals that the TGF-β1/miR-200s/miR-221/DNMT3B regulatory loop is responsible for the maintenance of CAFs status and is also necessary for CAF function in promoting malignance of breast cancer, which provides a potential target for CAF-driven therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Gang Tu
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guanglun Yang
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Linmin Kang
- Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, USA
| | - Liping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Huan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xueying Wan
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yina Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiaojiang Cui
- Department of Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91006, USA
| | - Manran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Yixuan Hou
- Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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31
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Epigenetic Reprogramming of TGF-β Signaling in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050726. [PMID: 31137748 PMCID: PMC6563130 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway has a well-documented, context-dependent role in breast cancer development. In normal and premalignant cells, it acts as a tumor suppressor. By contrast, during the malignant phases of breast cancer progression, the TGF-β signaling pathway elicits tumor promoting effects particularly by driving the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which enhances tumor cell migration, invasion and ultimately metastasis to distant organs. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern this dual capacity are being uncovered at multiple molecular levels. This review will focus on recent advances relating to how epigenetic changes such as acetylation and methylation control the outcome of TGF-β signaling and alter the fate of breast cancer cells. In addition, we will highlight how this knowledge can be further exploited to curb tumorigenesis by selective targeting of the TGF-β signaling pathway.
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32
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Targeting Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040840. [PMID: 30781344 PMCID: PMC6413095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 748] [Impact Index Per Article: 149.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer development is highly associated to the physiological state of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Despite the existing heterogeneity of tumors from the same or from different anatomical locations, common features can be found in the TME maturation of epithelial-derived tumors. Genetic alterations in tumor cells result in hyperplasia, uncontrolled growth, resistance to apoptosis, and metabolic shift towards anaerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect). These events create hypoxia, oxidative stress and acidosis within the TME triggering an adjustment of the extracellular matrix (ECM), a response from neighbor stromal cells (e.g., fibroblasts) and immune cells (lymphocytes and macrophages), inducing angiogenesis and, ultimately, resulting in metastasis. Exosomes secreted by TME cells are central players in all these events. The TME profile is preponderant on prognosis and impacts efficacy of anti-cancer therapies. Hence, a big effort has been made to develop new therapeutic strategies towards a more efficient targeting of TME. These efforts focus on: (i) therapeutic strategies targeting TME components, extending from conventional therapeutics, to combined therapies and nanomedicines; and (ii) the development of models that accurately resemble the TME for bench investigations, including tumor-tissue explants, “tumor on a chip” or multicellular tumor-spheroids.
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33
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Role of protein phosphatases in the cancer microenvironment. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1866:144-152. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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34
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Alekseenko IV, Monastyrskaya GS, Sverdlov ED. Emerging Potential of Cancer Therapy—Binary Direct Interactions of Cancer and Stromal Cells. RUSS J GENET+ 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795418120025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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35
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Sverdlov E. Missed Druggable Cancer Hallmark: Cancer-Stroma Symbiotic Crosstalk as Paradigm and Hypothesis for Cancer Therapy. Bioessays 2018; 40:e1800079. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Sverdlov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Russian Academy of Sciences; Ulitsa Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10 117997 Moscow Russia
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