1
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Guelfi S, Hodivala-Dilke K, Bergers G. Targeting the tumour vasculature: from vessel destruction to promotion. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:655-675. [PMID: 39210063 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
As angiogenesis was recognized as a core hallmark of cancer growth and survival, several strategies have been implemented to target the tumour vasculature. Yet to date, attempts have rarely been so diverse, ranging from vessel growth inhibition and destruction to vessel normalization, reprogramming and vessel growth promotion. Some of these strategies, combined with standard of care, have translated into improved cancer therapies, but their successes are constrained to certain cancer types. This Review provides an overview of these vascular targeting approaches and puts them into context based on our subsequent improved understanding of the tumour vasculature as an integral part of the tumour microenvironment with which it is functionally interlinked. This new knowledge has already led to dual targeting of the vascular and immune cell compartments and sets the scene for future investigations of possible alternative approaches that consider the vascular link with other tumour microenvironment components for improved cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Guelfi
- Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK.
| | - Gabriele Bergers
- Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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2
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Augustin HG, Koh GY. A systems view of the vascular endothelium in health and disease. Cell 2024; 187:4833-4858. [PMID: 39241746 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The dysfunction of blood-vessel-lining endothelial cells is a major cause of mortality. Although endothelial cells, being present in all organs as a single-cell layer, are often conceived as a rather inert cell population, the vascular endothelium as a whole should be considered a highly dynamic and interactive systemically disseminated organ. We present here a holistic view of the field of vascular research and review the diverse functions of blood-vessel-lining endothelial cells during the life cycle of the vasculature, namely responsive and relaying functions of the vascular endothelium and the responsive roles as instructive gatekeepers of organ function. Emerging translational perspectives in regenerative medicine, preventive medicine, and aging research are developed. Collectively, this review is aimed at promoting disciplinary coherence in the field of angioscience for a broader appreciation of the importance of the vasculature for organ function, systemic health, and healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellmut G Augustin
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Gou Young Koh
- Center for Vascular Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Hayashi Y, Hashimoto M, Takaoka K, Takemoto T, Takakura N, Kidoya H. Tumor endothelial cell-derived Sfrp1 supports the maintenance of cancer stem cells via Wnt signaling. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024:10.1007/s11626-024-00899-y. [PMID: 38625488 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00899-y] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are critical targets for cancer therapy as they are involved in drug resistance to anticancer drugs, and metastasis, are maintained by angiocrine factors produced by particular niches that form within tumor tissue. Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (Sfrp1) is an extracellular protein that modulates Wnt signaling. However, the cells that produce Sfrp1 in the tumor environment and its function remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate angiocrine factors related to CSC maintenance, focusing on Sfrp1. Although Sfrp1 is a Wnt pathway-related factor, its impact on tumor tissues remains unknown. We investigated the localization of Sfrp1 in tumors and found that it is expressed in some tumor vessels. Analysis of mice lacking Sfrp1 showed that tumor growth was suppressed in Sfrp1-deficient tumor tissues. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that CSCs were maintained in the early tumor growth phase in the Sfrp1 knockout (KO) mouse model of tumor-bearing cancer. However, tumor growth was inhibited in the late tumor growth phase because of the inability to maintain CSCs. Real-time PCR results from tumors of Sfrp1 KO mice showed that the expression of Wnt signaling target genes significantly decreased in the late stage of tumor growth. This suggests that Sfrp1, an angiocrine factor produced by the tumor vascular niche, is involved in Wnt signaling-mediated mechanisms in tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Hayashi
- Department of Integrative Vascular Biology, Faculty of Medical Science, Fukui University, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji, Yoshida, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Masakazu Hashimoto
- Laboratory for Embryogenesis, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsuyoshi Takaoka
- Laboratory for Embryology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Takemoto
- Laboratory for Embryology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Takakura
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- World Premier Institute Immunology Frontier Research Center, Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Kidoya
- Department of Integrative Vascular Biology, Faculty of Medical Science, Fukui University, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji, Yoshida, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.
- Department of Signal Transduction, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
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4
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Fischer A, Alsina-Sanchis E. Disturbed endothelial cell signaling in tumor progression and therapy resistance. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102287. [PMID: 38029706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Growth of new blood vessels is considered requisite to cancer progression. Recent findings revealed that in addition to inducing angiogenesis, tumor-derived factors alter endothelial cell gene transcription within the tumor mass but also systemically throughout the body. This subsequently contributes to immunosuppression, altered metabolism, therapy resistance and metastasis. Clinical studies demonstrated that targeting the endothelium can increase the success rate of immunotherapy. Single-cell technologies revealed remarkable organ-specific endothelial heterogeneity that becomes altered by the presence of a tumor. In metastases, endothelial transcription differs remarkably between newly formed and co-opted vessels which may provide a basis for developing new therapies to target endothelial cells and overcome therapy resistance more effectively. This review addresses how cancers impact the endothelium to facilitate tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fischer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen University, 37075 Göttingen, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Elisenda Alsina-Sanchis
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen University, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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5
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Zhou J, Lan F, Liu M, Wang F, Ning X, Yang H, Sun H. Hypoxia inducible factor-1ɑ as a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma metastasis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1350187. [PMID: 38327979 PMCID: PMC10847273 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1350187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant tumor originating from mesenchymal tissue. Pulmonary metastasis is usually present upon initial diagnosis, and metastasis is the primary factor affecting the poor prognosis of patients with OS. Current research shows that the ability to regulate the cellular microenvironment is essential for preventing the distant metastasis of OS, and anoxic microenvironments are important features of solid tumors. During hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression levels and stability increase. Increased HIF-1α promotes tumor vascular remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and OS cells invasiveness; this leads to distant metastasis of OS cells. HIF-1α plays an essential role in the mechanisms of OS metastasis. In order to develop precise prognostic indicators and potential therapeutic targets for OS treatment, this review examines the molecular mechanisms of HIF-1α in the distant metastasis of OS cells; the signal transduction pathways mediated by HIF-1α are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianghu Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Fengjun Lan
- Department of Orthopaedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Fengyan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xu Ning
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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6
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Oria VO, Erler JT. Tumor Angiocrine Signaling: Novel Targeting Opportunity in Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2510. [PMID: 37887354 PMCID: PMC10605017 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202510] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelium supplies nutrients and oxygen to different body organs and supports the progression of diseases such as cancer through angiogenesis. Pathological angiogenesis remains a challenge as most patients develop resistance to the approved anti-angiogenic therapies. Therefore, a better understanding of endothelium signaling will support the development of more effective treatments. Over the past two decades, the emerging consensus suggests that the role of endothelial cells in tumor development has gone beyond angiogenesis. Instead, endothelial cells are now considered active participants in the tumor microenvironment, secreting angiocrine factors such as cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines, which instruct their proximate microenvironments. The function of angiocrine signaling is being uncovered in different fields, such as tissue homeostasis, early development, organogenesis, organ regeneration post-injury, and tumorigenesis. In this review, we elucidate the intricate role of angiocrine signaling in cancer progression, including distant metastasis, tumor dormancy, pre-metastatic niche formation, immune evasion, and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Oginga Oria
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
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7
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Shamsoon K, Hiraki D, Yoshida K, Takabatake K, Takebe H, Yokozeki K, Horie N, Fujita N, Nasrun NE, Okui T, Nagatsuka H, Abiko Y, Hosoya A, Saito T, Shimo T. The Role of Hedgehog Signaling in the Melanoma Tumor Bone Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108862. [PMID: 37240209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108862] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A crucial regulator in melanoma progression and treatment resistance is tumor microenvironments, and Hedgehog (Hh) signals activated in a tumor bone microenvironment are a potential new therapeutic target. The mechanism of bone destruction by melanomas involving Hh/Gli signaling in such a tumor microenvironment is unknown. Here, we analyzed surgically resected oral malignant melanoma specimens and observed that Sonic Hedgehog, Gli1, and Gli2 were highly expressed in tumor cells, vasculatures, and osteoclasts. We established a tumor bone destruction mouse model by inoculating B16 cells into the bone marrow space of the right tibial metaphysis of 5-week-old female C57BL mice. An intraperitoneal administration of GANT61 (40 mg/kg), a small-molecule inhibitor of Gli1 and Gli2, resulted in significant inhibition of cortical bone destruction, TRAP-positive osteoclasts within the cortical bone, and endomucin-positive tumor vessels. The gene set enrichment analysis suggested that genes involved in apoptosis, angiogenesis, and the PD-L1 expression pathway in cancer were significantly altered by the GANT61 treatment. A flow cytometry analysis revealed that PD-L1 expression was significantly decreased in cells in which late apoptosis was induced by the GANT61 treatment. These results suggest that molecular targeting of Gli1 and Gli2 may release immunosuppression of the tumor bone microenvironment through normalization of abnormal angiogenesis and bone remodeling in advanced melanoma with jaw bone invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karnoon Shamsoon
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
- Division of Clinical Cariology and Endodontology, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Daichi Hiraki
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Koki Yoshida
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Takabatake
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Takebe
- Division of Histology, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Kenji Yokozeki
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Naohiro Horie
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Naomasa Fujita
- Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Nisrina Ekayani Nasrun
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Okui
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nagatsuka
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Abiko
- Division of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Akihiro Hosoya
- Division of Histology, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Takashi Saito
- Division of Clinical Cariology and Endodontology, Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shimo
- Division of Reconstructive Surgery for Oral and Maxillofacial Region, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu 061-0293, Japan
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8
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Alsina-Sanchis E, Mülfarth R, Moll I, Böhn S, Wiedmann L, Jordana-Urriza L, Ziegelbauer T, Zimmer E, Taylor J, De Angelis Rigotti F, Stögbauer A, Giaimo BD, Cerwenka A, Borggrefe T, Fischer A, Rodriguez-Vita J. Endothelial RBPJ Is Essential for the Education of Tumor-Associated Macrophages. Cancer Res 2022; 82:4414-4428. [PMID: 36200806 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic cancers worldwide. EOC cells educate tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) through CD44-mediated cholesterol depletion to generate an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, tumor cells frequently activate Notch1 receptors on endothelial cells (EC) to facilitate metastasis. However, further work is required to establish whether the endothelium also influences the education of recruited monocytes. Here, we report that canonical Notch signaling through RBPJ in ECs is an important player in the education of TAMs and EOC progression. Deletion of Rbpj in the endothelium of adult mice reduced infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages into the TME of EOC and prevented the acquisition of a typical TAM gene signature; this was associated with stronger cytotoxic activity of T cells and decreased tumor burden. Mechanistically, CXCL2 was identified as a novel Notch/RBPJ target gene that regulated the expression of CD44 on monocytes and subsequent cholesterol depletion of TAMs. Bioinformatic analysis of ovarian cancer patient data showed that increased CXCL2 expression is accompanied by higher expression of CD44 and TAM education. Together, these findings indicate that EOC cells induce the tumor endothelium to secrete CXCL2 to establish an immunosuppressive microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE Endothelial Notch signaling favors immunosuppression by increasing CXCL2 secretion to stimulate CD44 expression in macrophages, facilitating their education by tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisenda Alsina-Sanchis
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ronja Mülfarth
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iris Moll
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sarah Böhn
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Wiedmann
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lorea Jordana-Urriza
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tara Ziegelbauer
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eleni Zimmer
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Taylor
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesca De Angelis Rigotti
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Tumour-Stroma Communication Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Adrian Stögbauer
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany Tissue
| | - Tilman Borggrefe
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Fischer
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Juan Rodriguez-Vita
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Tumour-Stroma Communication Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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9
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Adnani L, Spinelli C, Tawil N, Rak J. Role of extracellular vesicles in cancer-specific interactions between tumour cells and the vasculature. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:196-213. [PMID: 36371024 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression impacts and exploits the vascular system in several highly consequential ways. Among different types of vascular cells, blood cells and mediators that are engaged in these processes, endothelial cells are at the centre of the underlying circuitry, as crucial constituents of angiogenesis, angiocrine stimulation, non-angiogenic vascular growth, interactions with the coagulation system and other responses. Tumour-vascular interactions involve soluble factors, extracellular matrix molecules, cell-cell contacts, as well as extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying assemblies of molecular effectors. Oncogenic mutations and transforming changes in the cancer cell genome, epigenome and signalling circuitry exert important and often cancer-specific influences upon pathways of tumour-vascular interactions, including the biogenesis, content, and biological activity of EVs and responses of cancer cells to them. Notably, EVs may carry and transfer bioactive, oncogenic macromolecules (oncoproteins, RNA, DNA) between tumour and vascular cells and thereby elicit unique functional changes and forms of vascular growth and remodeling. Cancer EVs influence the state of the vasculature both locally and systemically, as exemplified by cancer-associated thrombosis. EV-mediated communication pathways represent attractive targets for therapies aiming at modulation of the tumour-vascular interface (beyond angiogenesis) and could also be exploited for diagnostic purposes in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lata Adnani
- McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada
| | - Cristiana Spinelli
- McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada
| | - Nadim Tawil
- McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada
| | - Janusz Rak
- McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada; Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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10
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Sacnun JM, Herzog R, Kratochwill K. Proteomic study of mesothelial and endothelial cross-talk: key lessons. Expert Rev Proteomics 2022; 19:289-296. [PMID: 36714918 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2174851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The peritoneum, pleura, and pericardium are yet understudied multicellular systems where mesothelial cells (MCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) are in close proximity. Crosstalk between these cell types likely plays role in molecular transport, immunological reactions, and metabolic processes in health, disease, and therapeutic intervention. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss recent proteomic efforts to characterize the crosstalk between MC and EC. We describe the proteomic methods necessary for investigation of crosstalk between MC and EC, as well as the in-vitro models that can be employed. Potential experimental approaches range from conditioned medium, via co-culture on semi-permeable membranes, to 3D cell culture based organoid models. While the biological and clinical relevance of the models may increase with their ability to mimic close cell communication, the practicality of these complex experiments corresponds vice versa, making standardization more difficult and expensive. EXPERT OPINION Currently, data and reports on mesothelial-to-endothelial crosstalk are still very scarce. In our opinion, the in-vitro model using semi-permeable cell culture inserts will allow to establish a basic understanding of cellular crosstalk that may occur between those cell types. Later-on, more sophisticated 3D cell cultures may be better able to simulate the transport dynamics within the peritoneal membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Sacnun
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Molecular Stress Research in Peritoneal Dialysis, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rebecca Herzog
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Molecular Stress Research in Peritoneal Dialysis, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus Kratochwill
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Molecular Stress Research in Peritoneal Dialysis, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Hepatocellular carcinoma organoid Co-cultures mimic angiocrine crosstalk to generate inflammatory tumor microenvironment. Biomaterials 2022; 284:121527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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12
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Rathore M, Zhang W, Wright M, Bhattacharya R, Fan F, Vaziri-Gohar A, Winter J, Wang Z, Markowitz SD, Willis J, Ellis LM, Wang R. Liver Endothelium Promotes HER3-mediated Cell Survival in Colorectal Cancer with Wild-type and Mutant KRAS. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:996-1008. [PMID: 35276002 PMCID: PMC9177644 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We previously identified that human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3, also known as ERBB3) is a key mediator in liver endothelial cell (EC) promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) growth and chemoresistance, and suggested HER3-targeted therapy as a strategy for treating patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) in the liver. Meanwhile, KRAS mutations occur in 40-50% of mCRC and render CRC resistant to therapies targeting the other HER family protein epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It is necessary to elucidate the roles of KRAS mutation status in HER3-mediated cell survival and CRC response to HER3 inhibition. In the present study, we used primary ECs isolated from non-neoplastic liver tissues to recapitulate the liver EC microenvironment. We demonstrated that liver EC-secreted factors activated CRC-associated HER3, and increased CRC cell survival in vitro and promoted CRC patient-derived xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, we determined that blocking HER3, either by siRNA knockdown or the humanized antibody seribantumab, blocked EC-induced CRC survival in vitro in both KRAS wild-type and mutant CRC cells, and the HER3 antibody seribantumab significantly decreased CRC tumor growth and sensitized tumors to chemotherapy in an orthotopic xenograft model with CRC tumors developed in the liver. In summary, our findings demonstrated that blocking HER3 had significant effects on attenuating liver EC-induced CRC cell survival independent of the KRAS mutation status. Implications: This body of work highlighted a potential strategy of using HER3 antibodies in combination with standard chemotherapy agents for treating patients with either KRAS wild-type or KRAS mutant mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeez Rathore
- Case Western Reserve University, cleveland, ohio, United States
| | - Wei Zhang
- Case Western Reserve University, United States
| | | | - Rajat Bhattacharya
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Fan Fan
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ali Vaziri-Gohar
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Jordan Winter
- University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Zhenghe Wang
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | - Joseph Willis
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Lee M Ellis
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rui Wang
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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13
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Suresh A, Dhanasekaran R. Implications of genetic heterogeneity in hepatocellular cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:103-135. [PMID: 35961697 PMCID: PMC10321863 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.007] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits a remarkable degree of heterogeneity, not only at an inter-patient level but also between and within tumors in the same patient. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based technologies has allowed the creation of high-resolution atlases of HCC. This review outlines recent findings from genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic sequencing that have yielded valuable insights into the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of HCC. The high heterogeneity of HCC has both clinical and therapeutic implications. The challenges in prospectively validating molecular classifications for HCC either for prognostication or for prediction of therapeutic response are partly due to the immense heterogeneity in HCC. Moreover, the heterogeneity of HCC tumors combined with the lack of commonly mutated, druggable targets severely limits treatment options for HCC. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination therapies have shown promise for advanced HCC, while T cell therapies and vaccines are currently being investigated. Yet, immunotherapies show benefit only in a limited subset of patients, making it imperative to decipher tumor heterogeneity in HCC in order to enable optimal patient selection. This review summarizes the cutting-edge research on heterogeneity in HCC and explores the implications of heterogeneity on stratifying patients and developing biomarkers and therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Suresh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
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14
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Mortezaee K, Majidpoor J. (Im)maturity in Tumor Ecosystem. Front Oncol 2022; 11:813897. [PMID: 35145911 PMCID: PMC8821092 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.813897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors have special features that make them distinct from their normal counterparts. Immature cells in a tumor mass and their critical contributions to the tumorigenesis will open new windows toward cancer therapy. Incomplete cellular development brings versatile and unique functionality in the cellular tumor ecosystem, such as what is seen for highly potential embryonic cells. There is evidence that maturation of certain types of cells in this ecosystem can recover the sensitivity of the tumor. Therefore, understanding more about the mechanisms that contributed to this immaturity will render new therapeutic approaches in cancer therapy. Targeting such mechanisms can be exploited as a supplementary to the current immunotherapeutic treatment schedules, such as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. The key focus of this review is to discuss the impact of (im)maturity in cellular tumor ecosystems on cancer progression, focusing mainly on immaturity in the immune cell compartment of the tumor, as well as on the stemness of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keywan Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Jamal Majidpoor
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Infectious Disease Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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15
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Camilli C, Hoeh AE, De Rossi G, Moss SE, Greenwood J. LRG1: an emerging player in disease pathogenesis. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:6. [PMID: 35062948 PMCID: PMC8781713 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00790-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The secreted glycoprotein leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) was first described as a key player in pathogenic ocular neovascularization almost a decade ago. Since then, an increasing number of publications have reported the involvement of LRG1 in multiple human conditions including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, and inflammatory disorders. The purpose of this review is to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of the LRG1 literature considering its role in health and disease. Although LRG1 is constitutively expressed by hepatocytes and neutrophils, Lrg1-/- mice show no overt phenotypic abnormality suggesting that LRG1 is essentially redundant in development and homeostasis. However, emerging data are challenging this view by suggesting a novel role for LRG1 in innate immunity and preservation of tissue integrity. While our understanding of beneficial LRG1 functions in physiology remains limited, a consistent body of evidence shows that, in response to various inflammatory stimuli, LRG1 expression is induced and directly contributes to disease pathogenesis. Its potential role as a biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of multiple conditions is widely discussed while dissecting the mechanisms underlying LRG1 pathogenic functions. Emphasis is given to the role that LRG1 plays as a vasculopathic factor where it disrupts the cellular interactions normally required for the formation and maintenance of mature vessels, thereby indirectly contributing to the establishment of a highly hypoxic and immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, LRG1 has also been reported to affect other cell types (including epithelial, immune, mesenchymal and cancer cells) mostly by modulating the TGFβ signalling pathway in a context-dependent manner. Crucially, animal studies have shown that LRG1 inhibition, through gene deletion or a function-blocking antibody, is sufficient to attenuate disease progression. In view of this, and taking into consideration its role as an upstream modifier of TGFβ signalling, LRG1 is suggested as a potentially important therapeutic target. While further investigations are needed to fill gaps in our current understanding of LRG1 function, the studies reviewed here confirm LRG1 as a pleiotropic and pathogenic signalling molecule providing a strong rationale for its use in the clinic as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Camilli
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alexandra E Hoeh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Giulia De Rossi
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen E Moss
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - John Greenwood
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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16
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Muñoz R, Girotti A, Hileeto D, Arias FJ. Metronomic Anti-Cancer Therapy: A Multimodal Therapy Governed by the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215414. [PMID: 34771577 PMCID: PMC8582362 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metronomic chemotherapy with different mechanisms of action against cancer cells and their microenvironment represents an exceptional holistic cancer treatment. Each type of tumor has its own characteristics, including each individual tumor in each patient. Understanding the complexity of the dynamic interactions that take place between tumor and stromal cells and the microenvironment in tumor progression and metastases, as well as the response of the host and the tumor itself to anticancer therapy, will allow therapeutic actions with long-lasting effects to be implemented using metronomic regimens. This study aims to highlight the complexity of cellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment and summarize some of the preclinical and clinical results that explain the multimodality of metronomic therapy, which, together with its low toxicity, supports an inhibitory effect on the primary tumor and metastases. We also highlight the possible use of nano-therapeutic agents as good partners for metronomic chemotherapy. Abstract The concept of cancer as a systemic disease, and the therapeutic implications of this, has gained special relevance. This concept encompasses the interactions between tumor and stromal cells and their microenvironment in the complex setting of primary tumors and metastases. These factors determine cellular co-evolution in time and space, contribute to tumor progression, and could counteract therapeutic effects. Additionally, cancer therapies can induce cellular and molecular responses in the tumor and host that allow them to escape therapy and promote tumor progression. In this study, we describe the vascular network, tumor-infiltrated immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts as sources of heterogeneity and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment, and their influence on cancer progression. We also discuss tumor and host responses to the chemotherapy regimen, at the maximum tolerated dose, mainly targeting cancer cells, and a multimodal metronomic chemotherapy approach targeting both cancer cells and their microenvironment. In a combination therapy context, metronomic chemotherapy exhibits antimetastatic efficacy with low toxicity but is not exempt from resistance mechanisms. As such, a better understanding of the interactions between the components of the tumor microenvironment could improve the selection of drug combinations and schedules, as well as the use of nano-therapeutic agents against certain malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Muñoz
- Department of Biochemistry, Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Valladolid, Paseo de Belén, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
- Smart Biodevices for NanoMed Group, University of Valladolid, LUCIA Building, Paseo de Belén, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Alessandra Girotti
- BIOFORGE (Group for Advanced Materials and Nanobiotechnology), University of Valladolid, CIBER-BBN, LUCIA Building, Paseo de Belén, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
| | - Denise Hileeto
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 361, Canada;
| | - Francisco Javier Arias
- Smart Biodevices for NanoMed Group, University of Valladolid, LUCIA Building, Paseo de Belén, 47011 Valladolid, Spain;
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