1
|
Jiang C, Wu J. Hypothesis: hematogenous metastatic cancer cells of solid tumors may disguise themselves as memory macrophages for metastasis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1412296. [PMID: 39035733 PMCID: PMC11257992 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1412296] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
German pathologist Otto Aichel suggested, a century ago, that the cancer cell acquired its metastatic property from a leukocyte via cell-cell fusion. Since then, several revised versions of this theory have been proposed. Most of the proposals attribute the generation of the metastatic cancer cell to the fusion between a primary cancer cell and a macrophage. However, these theories have not addressed several issues, such as dormancy and stem cell-like self-renewal, of the metastatic cancer cell. On the other hand, recent studies have found that, like T- and B-/plasma cells, macrophages can also be categorized into naïve, effector, and memory/trained macrophages. As a memory/trained macrophage can enter dormancy/quiescence, be awakened from the dormancy/quiescence by acquainted primers, and re-populate via stem cell-like self-renewal, we, therefore, further specify that the macrophage fusing with the cancer cell and contributing to metastasis, belongs with the memory/trained macrophage, not other subtypes of macrophages. The current theory can explain many puzzling clinical features of cancer, including the paradoxal effects (recurrence vs. regression) of microbes on tumors, "spontaneous" and Coley's toxin-induced tumor regression, anticancer activities of β-blockers and anti-inflammatory/anti-immune/antibiotic drugs, oncotaxis, surgery- and trauma-promoted metastasis, and impact of microbiota on tumors. Potential therapeutic strategies, such as Coley's toxin-like preparations, are proposed. This is the last article of our trilogy on carcinogenesis theories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuo Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Central Laboratories, Shanghai Clinical Research Center Xuhui Central Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxi Wu
- Central Laboratories, Shanghai Clinical Research Center Xuhui Central Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Office of Industrial Cooperation, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Podolski-Renić A, Čipak Gašparović A, Valente A, López Ó, Bormio Nunes JH, Kowol CR, Heffeter P, Filipović NR. Schiff bases and their metal complexes to target and overcome (multidrug) resistance in cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 270:116363. [PMID: 38593587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116363] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major challenges in cancer therapy. In this respect, Schiff base-related compounds (bearing a R1R2CNR3 bond) gained high interest during the past decades. Schiff bases are considered privileged ligands for various reasons, including the easiness of their preparation and the possibility to form complexes with almost all transition metal ions. Schiff bases and their metal complexes exhibit many types of biological activities and are used for the treatment and diagnosis of various diseases. Until now, 13 Schiff bases have been investigated in clinical trials for cancer treatment and hypoxia imaging. This review represents the first collection of Schiff bases and their complexes which demonstrated MDR-reversal activity. The areas of drug resistance covered in this article involve: 1) Modulation of ABC transporter function, 2) Targeting lysosomal ABCB1 overexpression, 3) Circumvention of ABC transporter-mediated drug efflux by alternative routes of drug uptake, 4) Selective activity against MDR cancer models (collateral sensitivity), 5) Targeting GSH-detoxifying systems, 6) Overcoming apoptosis resistance by inducing necrosis and paraptosis, 7) Reactivation of mutated p53, 8) Restoration of sensitivity to DNA-damaging anticancer therapy, and 9) Overcoming drug resistance through modulation of the immune system. Through this approach, we would like to draw attention to Schiff bases and their metal complexes representing highly interesting anticancer drug candidates with the ability to overcome MDR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Podolski-Renić
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Andreia Valente
- Centro de Química Estrutural and Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Óscar López
- Departamento de Química Organica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Julia H Bormio Nunes
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian R Kowol
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Petra Heffeter
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nenad R Filipović
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ferrer-Diaz AI, Sinha G, Petryna A, Gonzalez-Bermejo R, Kenfack Y, Adetayo O, Patel SA, Hooda-Nehra A, Rameshwar P. Revealing role of epigenetic modifiers and DNA oxidation in cell-autonomous regulation of Cancer stem cells. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:119. [PMID: 38347590 PMCID: PMC10863086 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01512-1] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer cells (BCCs) can remain undetected for decades in dormancy. These quiescent cells are similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs); hence their ability to initiate tertiary metastasis. Dormancy can be regulated by components of the tissue microenvironment such as bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that release exosomes to dedifferentiate BCCs into CSCs. The exosomes cargo includes histone 3, lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferases - KMT2B and KMT2D. A less studied mechanism of CSC maintenance is the process of cell-autonomous regulation, leading us to examine the roles for KMT2B and KMT2D in sustaining CSCs, and their potential as drug targets. METHODS Use of pharmacological inhibitor of H3K4 (WDR5-0103), knockdown (KD) of KMT2B or KMT2D in BCCs, real time PCR, western blot, response to chemotherapy, RNA-seq, and flow cytometry for circulating markers of CSCs and DNA hydroxylases in BC patients. In vivo studies using a dormancy model studied the effects of KMT2B/D to chemotherapy. RESULTS H3K4 methyltransferases sustain cell autonomous regulation of CSCs, impart chemoresistance, maintain cycling quiescence, and reduce migration and proliferation of BCCs. In vivo studies validated KMT2's role in dormancy and identified these genes as potential drug targets. DNA methylase (DNMT), predicted within a network with KMT2 to regulate CSCs, was determined to sustain circulating CSC-like in the blood of patients. CONCLUSION H3K4 methyltransferases and DNA methylation mediate cell autonomous regulation to sustain CSC. The findings provide crucial insights into epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying BC dormancy with KMT2B and KMT2D as potential therapeutic targets, along with standard care. Stem cell and epigenetic markers in circulating BCCs could monitor treatment response and this could be significant for long BC remission to partly address health disparity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra I Ferrer-Diaz
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Garima Sinha
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Andrew Petryna
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Yannick Kenfack
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | | | - Shyam A Patel
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, UMass Memorial Medical Center, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anupama Hooda-Nehra
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pranela Rameshwar
- Department of Medicine - Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jiao Y, Yu Y, Zheng M, Yan M, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang S. Dormant cancer cells and polyploid giant cancer cells: The roots of cancer recurrence and metastasis. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1567. [PMID: 38362620 PMCID: PMC10870057 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1567] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour cell dormancy is critical for metastasis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) with giant or multiple nuclei and high DNA content have the properties of cancer stem cell and single PGCCs can individually generate tumours in immunodeficient mice. PGCCs represent a dormant form of cancer cells that survive harsh tumour conditions and contribute to tumour recurrence. Hypoxic mimics, chemotherapeutics, radiation and cytotoxic traditional Chinese medicines can induce PGCCs formation through endoreduplication and/or cell fusion. After incubation, dormant PGCCs can recover from the treatment and produce daughter cells with strong proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities via asymmetric cell division. Additionally, PGCCs can resist hypoxia or chemical stress and have a distinct protein signature that involves chromatin remodelling and cell cycle regulation. Dormant PGCCs form the cellular basis for therapeutic resistance, metastatic cascade and disease recurrence. This review summarises regulatory mechanisms governing dormant cancer cells entry and exit of dormancy, which may be used by PGCCs, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting PGCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Jiao
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yongjun Yu
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Man Yan
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Jiangping Wang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brooks A, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhao CX. Cancer Metastasis-on-a-Chip for Modeling Metastatic Cascade and Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302436. [PMID: 38224141 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302436] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips are valuable tools for studying intricate cellular and cell-microenvironment interactions. Traditional in vitro cancer models lack accuracy in mimicking the complexities of in vivo tumor microenvironment. However, cancer-metastasis-on-a-chip (CMoC) models combine the advantages of 3D cultures and microfluidic technology, serving as powerful platforms for exploring cancer mechanisms and facilitating drug screening. These chips are able to compartmentalize the metastatic cascade, deepening the understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This article provides an overview of current CMoC models, focusing on distinctive models that simulate invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and colonization, and their applications in drug screening. Furthermore, challenges faced by CMoC and microfluidic technologies are discussed, while exploring promising future directions in cancer research. The ongoing development and integration of these models into cancer studies are expected to drive transformative advancements in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Brooks
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Yali Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Jiezhong Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhu L, Wu J, Gao H, Wang T, Xiao G, Hu C, Lin Q, Zhou Q. Tumor immune microenvironment-modulated nanostrategy for the treatment of lung cancer metastasis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2787-2801. [PMID: 37442772 PMCID: PMC10686602 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002525] [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: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT As one of the most malignant tumors worldwide, lung cancer, fueled by metastasis, has shown rising mortality rates. However, effective clinical strategies aimed at preventing metastasis are lacking owing to its dynamic multi-step, complicated, and progressive nature. Immunotherapy has shown promise in treating cancer metastasis by reversing the immunosuppressive network of the tumor microenvironment. However, drug resistance inevitably develops due to inadequate delivery of immunostimulants and an uncontrolled immune response. Consequently, adverse effects occur, such as autoimmunity, from the non-specific immune activation and non-specific inflammation in off-target organs. Nanocarriers that improve drug solubility, permeability, stability, bioavailability, as well as sustained, controlled, and targeted delivery can effectively overcome drug resistance and enhance the therapeutic effect while reducing adverse effects. In particular, nanomedicine-based immunotherapy can be utilized to target tumor metastasis, presenting a promising therapeutic strategy for lung cancer. Nanotechnology strategies that boost the immunotherapy effect are classified based on the metastatic cascade related to the tumor immune microenvironment; the breaking away of primary tumors, circulating tumor cell dissemination, and premetastatic niche formation cause distant secondary site colonization. In this review, we focus on the opportunities and challenges of integrating immunotherapy with nanoparticle formulation to establish nanotechnology-based immunotherapy by modulating the tumor microenvironment for preclinical and clinical applications in the management of patients with metastatic lung cancer. We also discuss prospects for the emerging field and the clinical translation potential of these techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Zhu
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Juan Wu
- Out-patient Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Honglin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Guixiu Xiao
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chenggong Hu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qing Lin
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Center, Lung Cancer Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cheng SH, Chiou HYC, Wang JW, Lin MH. Reciprocal Regulation of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Tumor Microenvironment in Gastrointestinal Cancer: Implications for Cancer Dormancy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092513. [PMID: 37173977 PMCID: PMC10177044 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remain a major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the progress made in current treatments, patients with GI cancers still have high recurrence rates after initial treatment. Cancer dormancy, which involves the entry and escape of cancer cells from dormancy, is linked to treatment resistance, metastasis, and disease relapse. Recently, the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in disease progression and treatment has received increasing attention. The crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF)-secreted cytokines/chemokines and other TME components, for example, extracellular matrix remodeling and immunomodulatory functions, play crucial roles in tumorigenesis. While there is limited direct evidence of a relationship between CAFs and cancer cell dormancy, this review explores the potential of CAF-secreted cytokines/chemokines to either promote cancer cell dormancy or awaken dormant cancer cells under different conditions, and the therapeutic strategies that may be applicable. By understanding the interactions between cytokines/chemokines released by CAFs and the TME, and their impact on the entry/escape of cancer dormancy, researchers may develop new strategies to reduce the risk of therapeutic relapse in patients with GI cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsuan Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ying Clair Chiou
- Teaching and Research Center, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 812, Taiwan
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Wei Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hong Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Post Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Master of Science Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Edmunds G, Beck S, Kale KU, Spasic I, O'Neill D, Brodbelt D, Smalley MJ. Associations Between Dog Breed and Clinical Features of Mammary Epithelial Neoplasia in Bitches: an Epidemiological Study of Submissions to a Single Diagnostic Pathology Centre Between 2008-2021. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2023; 28:6. [PMID: 36961631 PMCID: PMC10039094 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-023-09531-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammary cancer is one of the most common neoplasms of dogs, primarily bitches. While studies have been carried out identifying differing risk of mammary neoplasia in different dog breeds, few studies have reported associations between dog breeds and clinical features such as number of neoplastic lesions found in an individual case or the likelihood of lesions being benign or malignant. Such epidemiological studies are essential as a foundation for exploring potential genetic drivers of mammary tumour behaviour. Here, we have examined associations between breed, age and neuter status and the odds of a diagnosis of a mammary epithelial-origin neoplastic lesion (as opposed to any other histopathological diagnosis from a biopsied lesion) as well as the odds of a bitch presenting with either a single mammary lesion or multiple lesions, and the odds that those lesions are benign or malignant. The study population consisted of 129,258 samples from bitches, including 13,401 mammary epithelial neoplasms, submitted for histological assessment to a single histopathology laboratory between 2008 and 2021.In multivariable analysis, breed, age and neuter status were all significantly associated with the odds of a diagnosis of a mammary epithelial-origin neoplastic lesion. Smaller breeds were more likely to receive such a diagnosis. In cases diagnosed with a mammary epithelial neoplasm, these three factors were also significantly associated with the odds of diagnosis with a malignant lesion and of diagnosis with multiple lesions. Notably, while neutered animals were less likely to have a mammary epithelial neoplasm diagnosed, and were less likely to have multiple neoplasms, they were more likely to have malignant disease. Exploration of the patterns of risk of developing malignant disease, or multiple lesions, across individual breeds showed no breed with increased odds of both outcomes. Breeds with altered odds compared to the Crossbreed baseline were either at increased risk of malignant disease and decreased risk of multiple lesions, or vice versa, or they were at significantly altered odds of one outcome with no change in the other outcome. Our analysis supports the hypothesis that age, neuter status and intrinsic biological and genetic factors all combine to influence the biological heterogeneity of canine mammary neoplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Edmunds
- Bristol Veterinary School, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Sam Beck
- VPG Histopathology (Formerly Bridge), Horner Court, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 0BJ, UK
- Present Address: Independent Anatomic Pathology Ltd, Bath, UK
| | - Kedar Umakant Kale
- School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4AG, UK
| | - Irena Spasic
- School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF24 4AG, UK
| | - Dan O'Neill
- The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - David Brodbelt
- The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Matthew J Smalley
- School of Biosciences, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 4HQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Primary Treatment Effects for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma Evaluated by Changes in Serum Metabolites and Lipoproteins. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030417. [PMID: 36984856 PMCID: PMC10053757 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most common and deadliest ovarian cancer subtype. Despite advances in treatment, the overall prognosis remains poor. Regardless of efforts to develop biomarkers to predict surgical outcome and recurrence risk and resistance, reproducible indicators are scarce. Exploring the complex tumor heterogeneity, serum profiling of metabolites and lipoprotein subfractions that reflect both systemic and local biological processes were utilized. Furthermore, the overall impact on the patient from the tumor and the treatment was investigated. The aim was to characterize the systemic metabolic effects of primary treatment in patients with advanced HGSOC. In total 28 metabolites and 112 lipoproteins were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in longitudinal serum samples (n = 112) from patients with advanced HGSOC (n = 24) from the IMPACT trial with linear mixed effect models and repeated measures ANOVA simultaneous component analysis. The serum profiling revealed treatment-induced changes in both lipoprotein subfractions and circulating metabolites. The development of a more atherogenic lipid profile throughout the treatment, which was more evident in patients with short time to recurrence, indicates an enhanced systemic inflammation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease after treatment. The findings suggest that treatment-induced changes in the metabolome reflect mechanisms behind the diversity in disease-related outcomes.
Collapse
|
10
|
Köseer AS, Di Gaetano S, Arndt C, Bachmann M, Dubrovska A. Immunotargeting of Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1608. [PMID: 36900399 PMCID: PMC10001158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051608] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The generally accepted view is that CSCs hijack the signaling pathways attributed to normal stem cells that regulate the self-renewal and differentiation processes. Therefore, the development of selective targeting strategies for CSC, although clinically meaningful, is associated with significant challenges because CSC and normal stem cells share many important signaling mechanisms for their maintenance and survival. Furthermore, the efficacy of this therapy is opposed by tumor heterogeneity and CSC plasticity. While there have been considerable efforts to target CSC populations by the chemical inhibition of the developmental pathways such as Notch, Hedgehog (Hh), and Wnt/β-catenin, noticeably fewer attempts were focused on the stimulation of the immune response by CSC-specific antigens, including cell-surface targets. Cancer immunotherapies are based on triggering the anti-tumor immune response by specific activation and targeted redirecting of immune cells toward tumor cells. This review is focused on CSC-directed immunotherapeutic approaches such as bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug candidates, CSC-targeted cellular immunotherapies, and immune-based vaccines. We discuss the strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of the different immunotherapeutic approaches and describe the current state of their clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Sedef Köseer
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01309 Dresden, Germany
| | - Simona Di Gaetano
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01309 Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia Arndt
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Bachmann
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay–National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01309 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Activation of OSM-STAT3 Epigenetically Regulates Tumor-Promoting Transcriptional Programs in Cervical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246090. [PMID: 36551576 PMCID: PMC9775986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246090] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in preventative strategies, such as regular screenings with Pap tests and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests as well as HPV vaccinations, effective treatment for advanced cervical cancer remains poor. Deregulation of STAT3 is an oncogenic factor that promotes tumorigenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various cancers. Oncostatin M (OSM), a pleiotropic cytokine, induces STAT3 activation, exacerbating cervical cancer. However, the mechanism by which the OSM-STAT3 axis epigenetically regulates tumor-progression-related genes in cervical cancer is not well understood. Here, we show that OSM-mediated STAT3 activation promotes pro-tumorigenic gene expression programs, with chromatin remodeling in cervical cancer. Reanalysis of scRNA-seq data performed in cervical cancer uncovered an interaction between the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) on tumor cells and OSM induced by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Our gene expression profiling (bulk RNA-seq) shows that OSM-induced genes were involved in hypoxia, wound healing, and angiogenesis, which were significantly inhibited by SD-36, a STAT3-selective degrader. Additionally, ATAC-seq experiments revealed that STAT3 binding motifs were preferentially enriched in open chromatin regions of the OSM-STAT3-regulated genes. Among the 50 candidate genes that were regulated epigenetically through the OSM-STAT3 axis, we found that the expression levels of NDRG1, HK2, PLOD2, and NPC1 were significantly correlated with those of OSMR and STAT3 in three independent cervical cancer cohorts. Also, higher expression levels of these genes are significantly associated with poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the OSM-STAT3 signaling pathway regulates crucial transcriptomic programs through epigenetic changes and that selective inhibition of STAT3 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced cervical cancer.
Collapse
|
12
|
Biomimetic Nanotherapeutics: Employing Nanoghosts to fight Melanoma. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2022; 177:157-174. [PMID: 35787429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2022.06.014] [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] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes present at the basal layer of the skin. Nanomedicine has armed us with competent platform to manage such fatal neoplastic diseases. Nevertheless, it suffers from numerous pitfalls such as rapid clearance and opsonization of surface-functionalized carriers, biocompatibility and idiopathic reactions which could be difficult to predict in the patient. Biomimetic approach, a novel step towards personalized medicine bridges these drawbacks by employing endogenous cell membranes to traverse physiological barriers. Camouflaged carriers coated with natural cell membranes possess unique characteristics such as high circulatory periods, and the absence of allogenic and xenogenic responses. Proteins residing on the cell membranes render a diverse range of utilities to the coated nanoparticles including natural efficiency to identify cellular targets, homologous targeting, reticuloendothelial system evasion, biocompatibility and reduced adverse and idiopathic effects. In the present article, we have focused on cell membrane camouflaged nanocarriers for melanoma management. We have discussed various types of biomimetic systems, their processing and coating approaches, and their characterization. We have also enumerated novel avenues in melanoma treatment and the combination of biomimetic systems with smart nanoparticulate systems with the potential to bring breakthroughs in the near future. Additionally, immunotherapy-based biomimetic systems to combat melanoma have been highlighted. Hurdles towards clinical translation and ways to overcome them have been explained in detail.
Collapse
|
13
|
Huang JL, Chen SY, Lin CS. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells through Epigenetic Modulation of Interferon Response. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040556. [PMID: 35455671 PMCID: PMC9027081 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cancer cells and are thought to play a critical role in the initiation and maintenance of tumor mass. CSCs exhibit similar hallmarks to normal stem cells, such as self-renewal, differentiation, and homeostasis. In addition, CSCs are equipped with several features so as to evade anticancer mechanisms. Therefore, it is hard to eliminate CSCs by conventional anticancer therapeutics that are effective at clearing bulk cancer cells. Interferons are innate cytokines and are the key players in immune surveillance to respond to invaded pathogens. Interferons are also crucial for adaptive immunity for the killing of specific aliens including cancer cells. However, CSCs usually evolve to escape from interferon-mediated immune surveillance and to shape the niche as a “cold” tumor microenvironment (TME). These CSC characteristics are related to their unique epigenetic regulations that are different from those of normal and bulk cancer cells. In this review, we introduce the roles of epigenetic modifiers, focusing on LSD1, BMI1, G9a, and SETDB1, in contributing to CSC characteristics and discussing the interplay between CSCs and interferon response. We also discuss the emerging strategy for eradicating CSCs by targeting these epigenetic modifiers, which can elevate cytosolic nuclei acids, trigger interferon response, and reshape a “hot” TME for improving cancer immunotherapy. The key epigenetic and immune genes involved in this crosstalk can be used as biomarkers for precision oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jau-Ling Huang
- Department of Bioscience Technology, College of Health Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 711, Taiwan;
| | - Si-Yun Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Chang-Shen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|