1
|
Lefler DS, Manobianco SA, Bashir B. Immunotherapy resistance in solid tumors: mechanisms and potential solutions. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2315655. [PMID: 38389121 PMCID: PMC10896138 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2315655] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
While the emergence of immunotherapies has fundamentally altered the management of solid tumors, cancers exploit many complex biological mechanisms that result in resistance to these agents. These encompass a broad range of cellular activities - from modification of traditional paradigms of immunity via antigen presentation and immunoregulation to metabolic modifications and manipulation of the tumor microenvironment. Intervening on these intricate processes may provide clinical benefit in patients with solid tumors by overcoming resistance to immunotherapies, which is why it has become an area of tremendous research interest with practice-changing implications. This review details the major ways cancers avoid both natural immunity and immunotherapies through primary (innate) and secondary (acquired) mechanisms of resistance, and it considers available and emerging therapeutic approaches to overcoming immunotherapy resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Lefler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven A. Manobianco
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Babar Bashir
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Agorku DJ, Bosio A, Alves F, Ströbel P, Hardt O. Colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts inhibit effector T cells via NECTIN2 signaling. Cancer Lett 2024; 595:216985. [PMID: 38821255 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216985] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts play a crucial role within the tumor microenvironment. However, a comprehensive characterization of CAF in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still missing. We combined scRNA-seq and spatial proteomics to decipher fibroblast heterogeneity in healthy human colon and CRC at high resolution. Analyzing nearly 23,000 fibroblasts, we identified 11 distinct clusters and verified them by spatial proteomics. Four clusters, consisting of myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF)-like, inflammatory CAF (iCAF)-like and proliferating fibroblasts as well as a novel cluster, which we named "T cell-inhibiting CAF" (TinCAF), were primarily found in CRC. This new cluster was characterized by the expression of immune-interacting receptors and ligands, including CD40 and NECTIN2. Co-culture of CAF and T cells resulted in a reduction of the effector T cell compartment, impaired proliferation, and increased exhaustion. By blocking its receptor interaction, we demonstrated that NECTIN2 was the key driver of T cell inhibition. Analysis of clinical datasets showed that NECTIN2 expression is a poor prognostic factor in CRC and other tumors. In conclusion, we identified a new class of immuno-suppressive CAF with features rendering them a potential target for future immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Agorku
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany; University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Institute of Pathology, Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Andreas Bosio
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany; University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Translational Molecular Imaging, Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Institute of Pathology, Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Olaf Hardt
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu H, Jin RU. The role of the fibroblast in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2024; 40:319-327. [PMID: 38626060 PMCID: PMC11155289 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000001032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Barrett's esophagus (BE) is the number one risk factor for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), a deadly cancer with limited treatment options that has been increasing in incidence in the US. In this report, we discuss current studies on the role of mesenchyme and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in BE and EAC, and we highlight translational prospects of targeting these cells. RECENT FINDINGS New insights through studies using single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNA seq) have revealed an important emerging role of the mesenchyme in developmental signaling and cancer initiation. BE and EAC share similar stromal gene expression, as functional classifications of nonepithelial cells in BE show a remarkable similarity to EAC CAFs. Several recent sc-RNA seq studies and novel organoid fibroblast co-culture systems have characterized the subgroups of fibroblasts in BE and EAC, and have shown that these cells can directly influence the epithelium to induce BE development and cancer progression. Targeting the CAFs in EAC with may be a promising novel therapeutic strategy. SUMMARY The fibroblasts in the surrounding mesenchyme may have a direct role in influencing altered epithelial plasticity during BE development and progression to EAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huili Zhu
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen J, Chen R, Huang J. A pan-cancer single-cell transcriptional analysis of antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1372432. [PMID: 38903527 PMCID: PMC11187094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1372432] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the primary stromal cells found in tumor microenvironment, and display high plasticity and heterogeneity. By using single-cell RNA-seq technology, researchers have identified various subpopulations of CAFs, particularly highlighting a recently identified subpopulation termed antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs), which are largely unknown. Methods We collected datasets from public databases for 9 different solid tumor types to analyze the role of apCAFs in the tumor microenvironment. Results Our data revealed that apCAFs, likely originating mainly from normal fibroblast, are commonly found in different solid tumor types and generally are associated with anti-tumor effects. apCAFs may be associated with the activation of CD4+ effector T cells and potentially promote the survival of CD4+ effector T cells through the expression of C1Q molecules. Moreover, apCAFs exhibited highly enrichment of transcription factors RUNX3 and IKZF1, along with increased glycolytic metabolism. Conclusions Taken together, these findings offer novel insights into a deeper understanding of apCAFs and the potential therapeutic implications for apCAFs targeted immunotherapy in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Chen
- Shenshan Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shanwei, China
| | - Renhui Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingang Huang
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Akai M, Noma K, Kato T, Nishimura S, Matsumoto H, Kawasaki K, Kunitomo T, Kobayashi T, Nishiwaki N, Kashima H, Kikuchi S, Ohara T, Tazawa H, Choyke PL, Kobayashi H, Fujiwara T. Fibroblast activation protein-targeted near-infrared photoimmunotherapy depletes immunosuppressive cancer-associated fibroblasts and remodels local tumor immunity. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1647-1658. [PMID: 38555315 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02639-1] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a critical role in tumor immunosuppression. However, targeted depletion of CAFs is difficult due to their diverse cells of origin and the resulting lack of specific surface markers. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a novel cancer treatment that leads to rapid cell membrane damage. METHODS In this study, we used anti-mouse fibroblast activation protein (FAP) antibody to target FAP+ CAFs (FAP-targeted NIR-PIT) and investigated whether this therapy could suppress tumor progression and improve tumor immunity. RESULTS FAP-targeted NIR-PIT induced specific cell death in CAFs without damaging adjacent normal cells. Furthermore, FAP-targeted NIR-PIT treated mice showed significant tumor regression in the CAF-rich tumor model accompanied by an increase in CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Moreover, treated tumors showed increased levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 in CD8+ TILs compared with non-treated tumors, suggesting enhanced antitumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS Cancers with FAP-positive CAFs in their TME grow rapidly and FAP-targeted NIR-PIT not only suppresses their growth but improves tumor immunosuppression. Thus, FAP-targeted NIR-PIT is a potential therapeutic strategy for selectively targeting the TME of CAF+ tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Akai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Noma
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Takuya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Seitaro Nishimura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hijiri Matsumoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kento Kawasaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Kunitomo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Teruki Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nishiwaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hajime Kashima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Satoru Kikuchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ohara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Pathology & Experimental Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tazawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Peter L Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hisataka Kobayashi
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Toshiyoshi Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Daulagala AC, Cetin M, Nair-Menon J, Jimenez DW, Bridges MC, Bradshaw AD, Sahin O, Kourtidis A. The epithelial adherens junction component PLEKHA7 regulates ECM remodeling and cell behavior through miRNA-mediated regulation of MMP1 and LOX. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.28.596237. [PMID: 38853930 PMCID: PMC11160653 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.28.596237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial adherens junctions (AJs) are cell-cell adhesion complexes that are influenced by tissue mechanics, such as those emanating from the extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we introduce a mechanism whereby epithelial AJs can also regulate the ECM. We show that the AJ component PLEKHA7 regulates levels and activity of the key ECM remodeling components MMP1 and LOX in well-differentiated colon epithelial cells, through the miR-24 and miR-30c miRNAs. PLEKHA7 depletion in epithelial cells results in LOX-dependent ECM remodeling in culture and in the colonic mucosal lamina propria in mice. Furthermore, PLEKHA7-depleted cells exhibit increased migration and invasion rates that are MMP1- and LOX- dependent, and form colonies in 3D cultures that are larger in size and acquire aberrant morphologies in stiffer matrices. These results reveal an AJ-mediated mechanism, through which epithelial cells drive ECM remodeling to modulate their behavior, including acquisition of phenotypes that are hallmarks of conditions such as fibrosis and tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C. Daulagala
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Metin Cetin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Joyce Nair-Menon
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Douglas W. Jimenez
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Mary Catherine Bridges
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Amy D. Bradshaw
- Department of Medicine, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Antonis Kourtidis
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rahmati S, Moeinafshar A, Rezaei N. The multifaceted role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in colorectal cancer: metastasis, immune suppression, therapy resistance, and autophagy crosstalk. J Transl Med 2024; 22:452. [PMID: 38741166 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05267-8] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer structures released by all cells and widely distributed in all biological fluids. EVs are implicated in diverse physiopathological processes by orchestrating cell-cell communication. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with metastasis being the leading cause of mortality in CRC patients. EVs contribute significantly to the advancement and spread of CRC by transferring their cargo, which includes lipids, proteins, RNAs, and DNAs, to neighboring or distant cells. Besides, they can serve as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for early detection of CRC or be harnessed as effective carriers for delivering therapeutic agents. Autophagy is an essential cellular process that serves to remove damaged proteins and organelles by lysosomal degradation to maintain cellular homeostasis. Autophagy and EV release are coordinately activated in tumor cells and share common factors and regulatory mechanisms. Although the significance of autophagy and EVs in cancer is well established, the exact mechanism of their interplay in tumor development is obscure. This review focuses on examining the specific functions of EVs in various aspects of CRC, including progression, metastasis, immune regulation, and therapy resistance. Further, we overview emerging discoveries relevant to autophagy and EVs crosstalk in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Rahmati
- Student Research Committee, Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ramsar, Iran
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Aysan Moeinafshar
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sui P, Liu X, Zhong C, Sha Z. Integrated single-cell and bulk RNA-Seq analysis enhances prognostic accuracy of PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy response in lung adenocarcinoma through necroptotic anoikis gene signatures. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10873. [PMID: 38740918 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61629-8] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to presenting significant diagnostic and treatment challenges, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common form of lung cancer. Using scRNA-Seq and bulk RNA-Seq data, we identify three genes referred to as HMR, FAM83A, and KRT6A these genes are related to necroptotic anoikis-related gene expression. Initial validation, conducted on the GSE50081 dataset, demonstrated the model's ability to categorize LUAD patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with significant survival differences. This model was further applied to predict responses to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapies, utilizing the IMvigor210 and GSE78220 cohorts, and showed strong correlation with patient outcomes, highlighting its potential in personalized immunotherapy. Further, LUAD cell lines were analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analysis to confirm their expression levels, further corroborating the model's relevance in LUAD pathophysiology. The mutation landscape of these genes was also explored, revealing their broad implication in various cancer types through a pan-cancer analysis. The study also delved into molecular subclustering, revealing distinct expression profiles and associations with different survival outcomes, emphasizing the model's utility in precision oncology. Moreover, the diversity of immune cell infiltration, analyzed in relation to the necroptotic anoikis signature, suggested significant implications for immune evasion mechanisms in LUAD. While the findings present a promising stride towards personalized LUAD treatment, especially in immunotherapy, limitations such as the retrospective nature of the datasets and the need for larger sample sizes are acknowledged. Prospective clinical trials and further experimental research are essential to validate these findings and enhance the clinical applicability of our prognostic model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Sui
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xueping Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Cheng Zhong
- Jiangmen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Jinan University, Jiangmen, 52900, China.
| | - Zhanming Sha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, 250031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cazzato G, Ingravallo G, Ribatti D. Angiogenesis Still Plays a Crucial Role in Human Melanoma Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1794. [PMID: 38791873 PMCID: PMC11120419 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101794] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in tumor progression, particularly in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the intricate interplay between angiogenesis and tumor microenvironment (TME) in melanoma progression. Pro-angiogenic factors, including VEGF, PlGF, FGF-2, IL-8, Ang, TGF-β, PDGF, integrins, MMPs, and PAF, modulate angiogenesis and contribute to melanoma metastasis. Additionally, cells within the TME, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, mast cells, and melanoma-associated macrophages, influence tumor angiogenesis and progression. Anti-angiogenic therapies, while showing promise, face challenges such as drug resistance and tumor-induced activation of alternative angiogenic pathways. Rational combinations of anti-angiogenic agents and immunotherapies are being explored to overcome resistance. Biomarker identification for treatment response remains crucial for personalized therapies. This review highlights the complexity of angiogenesis in melanoma and underscores the need for innovative therapeutic approaches tailored to the dynamic TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Molecular Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kundu M, Butti R, Panda VK, Malhotra D, Das S, Mitra T, Kapse P, Gosavi SW, Kundu GC. Modulation of the tumor microenvironment and mechanism of immunotherapy-based drug resistance in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:92. [PMID: 38715072 PMCID: PMC11075356 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, the most frequent female malignancy, is often curable when detected at an early stage. The treatment of metastatic breast cancer is more challenging and may be unresponsive to conventional therapy. Immunotherapy is crucial for treating metastatic breast cancer, but its resistance is a major limitation. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is vital in modulating the immunotherapy response. Various tumor microenvironmental components, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), are involved in TME modulation to cause immunotherapy resistance. This review highlights the role of stromal cells in modulating the breast tumor microenvironment, including the involvement of CAF-TAM interaction, alteration of tumor metabolism leading to immunotherapy failure, and other latest strategies, including high throughput genomic screening, single-cell and spatial omics techniques for identifying tumor immune genes regulating immunotherapy response. This review emphasizes the therapeutic approach to overcome breast cancer immune resistance through CAF reprogramming, modulation of TAM polarization, tumor metabolism, and genomic alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Brainware University, West Bengal, 700125, India
| | - Ramesh Butti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Venketesh K Panda
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Diksha Malhotra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Sumit Das
- National Centre for Cell Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Tandrima Mitra
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
| | - Prachi Kapse
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Suresh W Gosavi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Gopal C Kundu
- School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nakayama M, Hope TA, Salavati A. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Application of Fibroblast Activation Protein Inhibitors in Oncologic and Nononcologic Diseases. Cancer J 2024; 30:210-217. [PMID: 38753756 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000719] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor positron emission tomography (PET) has gained interest for its ability to demonstrate uptake in a diverse range of tumors. Its molecular target, fibroblast activation protein, is expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts, a major cell type in tumor microenvironment that surrounds various types of cancers. Although existing literature on FAPI PET is largely from single-center studies and case reports, initial findings show promise for some cancer types demonstrating improved imaging when compared with the widely used 18F-fludeoxyglucose PET for oncologic imaging. As we expand our knowledge of the utility of FAPI PET, accurate understanding of noncancerous uptake seen on FAPI PET is crucial for accurate evaluation. In this review, we summarize potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radiolabeled FAP inhibitors in oncological and nononcological disease processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Nakayama
- From the Department of Radiological Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas A Hope
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ali Salavati
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Translational Theranostics, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou H, Shen Y, Zheng G, Zhang B, Wang A, Zhang J, Hu H, Lin J, Liu S, Luan X, Zhang W. Integrating single-cell and spatial analysis reveals MUC1-mediated cellular crosstalk in mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1701. [PMID: 38778448 PMCID: PMC11111627 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1701] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma (MCA) is a distinct subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC) with the most aggressive pattern, but effective treatment of MCA remains a challenge due to its vague pathological characteristics. An in-depth understanding of transcriptional dynamics at the cellular level is critical for developing specialised MCA treatment strategies. METHODS We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics data to systematically profile the MCA tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly the interactome of stromal and immune cells. In addition, a three-dimensional bioprinting technique, canonical ex vivo co-culture system, and immunofluorescence staining were further applied to validate the cellular communication networks within the TME. RESULTS This study identified the crucial intercellular interactions that engaged in MCA pathogenesis. We found the increased infiltration of FGF7+/THBS1+ myofibroblasts in MCA tissues with decreased expression of genes associated with leukocyte-mediated immunity and T cell activation, suggesting a crucial role of these cells in regulating the immunosuppressive TME. In addition, MS4A4A+ macrophages that exhibit M2-phenotype were enriched in the tumoral niche and high expression of MS4A4A+ was associated with poor prognosis in the cohort data. The ligand-receptor-based intercellular communication analysis revealed the tight interaction of MUC1+ malignant cells and ZEB1+ endothelial cells, providing mechanistic information for MCA angiogenesis and molecular targets for subsequent translational applications. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides novel insights into communications among tumour cells with stromal and immune cells that are significantly enriched in the TME during MCA progression, presenting potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for MCA. KEY POINTS Tumour microenvironment profiling of MCA is developed. MUC1+ tumour cells interplay with FGF7+/THBS1+ myofibroblasts to promote MCA development. MS4A4A+ macrophages exhibit M2 phenotype in MCA. ZEB1+ endotheliocytes engage in EndMT process in MCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyang Zhou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryChangzheng HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yiwen Shen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Guangyong Zheng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Beibei Zhang
- Department of DermatologyTongren HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Anqi Wang
- Department of Colorectal SurgeryChangzheng HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of PathologyChangzheng HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of PathologyChanghai HospitalNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jiayi Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Sanhong Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical BiologyInstitute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
- Institute of Medicinal Plant DevelopmentChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
- School of PharmacyNaval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Buruiană A, Gheban BA, Gheban-Roșca IA, Georgiu C, Crișan D, Crișan M. The Tumor Stroma of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Complex Environment That Fuels Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1727. [PMID: 38730679 PMCID: PMC11083853 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091727] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex assembly of cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, plays a crucial role in driving tumor progression, shaping treatment responses, and influencing metastasis. This narrative review focuses on the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumor stroma, highlighting its key constituents and their dynamic contributions. We examine how significant changes within the cSCC ECM-specifically, alterations in fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, laminins, proteoglycans, and collagens-promote cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The cellular composition of the cSCC TME is also explored, detailing the intricate interplay of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial cells, pericytes, adipocytes, and various immune cell populations. These diverse players modulate tumor development, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Finally, we emphasize the TME's potential as a therapeutic target. Emerging strategies discussed in this review include harnessing the immune system (adoptive cell transfer, checkpoint blockade), hindering tumor angiogenesis, disrupting CAF activity, and manipulating ECM components. These approaches underscore the vital role that deciphering TME interactions plays in advancing cSCC therapy. Further research illuminating these complex relationships will uncover new avenues for developing more effective treatments for cSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Buruiană
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.B.); (C.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Bogdan-Alexandru Gheban
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana-Andreea Gheban-Roșca
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Carmen Georgiu
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.B.); (C.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Doința Crișan
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.B.); (C.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Maria Crișan
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wei C, Wang W, Hu Z, Huang Z, Lu Y, Zhou W, Liu X, Jin X, Yin J, Li G. Predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in colorectal cancer by pericytes insights from single-cell RNA sequencing. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae064. [PMID: 38652261 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae064] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of tumors, but there are still a large number of patients who do not benefit from immunotherapy. Pericytes play an important role in remodeling the immune microenvironment. However, how pericytes affect the prognosis and treatment resistance of tumors is still unknown. This study jointly analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and bulk RNA sequencing data of multiple cancers to reveal pericyte function in the colorectal cancer microenvironment. Analyzing over 800 000 cells, it was found that colorectal cancer had more pericyte enrichment in tumor tissues than other cancers. We then combined the TCGA database with multiple public datasets and enrolled more than 1000 samples, finding that pericyte may be closely related to poor prognosis due to the higher epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic characteristics. At the same time, patients with more pericytes have higher immune checkpoint molecule expressions and lower immune cell infiltration. Finally, the contributions of pericyte in poor treatment response have been demonstrated in multiple immunotherapy datasets (n = 453). All of these observations suggest that pericyte can be used as a potential biomarker to predict patient disease progression and immunotherapy response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Weikai Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Zhuoli Huang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Ye Lu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenwen Zhou
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Xin Jin
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Jianhua Yin
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Guibo Li
- BGI Research, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen 518083, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ning L, Quan C, Wang Y, Wu Z, Yuan P, Xie N. scRNA-seq characterizing the heterogeneity of fibroblasts in breast cancer reveals a novel subtype SFRP4 + CAF that inhibits migration and predicts prognosis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1348299. [PMID: 38686196 PMCID: PMC11056562 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1348299] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a diverse group of cells that significantly impact the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic responses in breast cancer (BC). Despite their importance, the comprehensive profile of CAFs in BC remains to be fully elucidated. Methods To address this gap, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to delineate the CAF landscape within 14 BC normal-tumor paired samples. We further corroborated our findings by analyzing several public datasets, thereby validating the newly identified CAF subtype. Additionally, we conducted coculture experiments with BC cells to assess the functional implications of this CAF subtype. Results Our scRNA-seq analysis unveiled eight distinct CAF subtypes across five tumor and six adjacent normal tissue samples. Notably, we discovered a novel subtype, designated as SFRP4+ CAFs, which was predominantly observed in normal tissues. The presence of SFRP4+ CAFs was substantiated by two independent scRNA-seq datasets and a spatial transcriptomics dataset. Functionally, SFRP4+ CAFs were found to impede BC cell migration and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by secreting SFRP4, thereby modulating the WNT signaling pathway. Furthermore, we established that elevated expression levels of SFRP4+ CAF markers correlate with improved survival outcomes in BC patients, yet paradoxically, they predict a diminished response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cases of triple-negative breast cancer. Conclusion This investigation sheds light on the heterogeneity of CAFs in BC and introduces a novel SFRP4+ CAF subtype that hinders BC cell migration. This discovery holds promise as a potential biomarker for refined prognostic assessment and therapeutic intervention in BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lvwen Ning
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuntao Quan
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhijie Wu
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peixiu Yuan
- College of Materials and Energy, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ni Xie
- Biobank, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Betancor YZ, Ferreiro-Pantín M, Anido-Herranz U, Fuentes-Losada M, León-Mateos L, García-Acuña SM, Vaamonde-Rodríguez V, García-Pinel B, Cebey-López V, Villaverde-Viaño R, Lombardía-Rodríguez H, Kotrulev M, Fernández-Díaz N, Gomez-Tourino I, Fernández-Baltar C, García-González J, Tubio JMC, López-López R, Ruiz-Bañobre J. A three-gene expression score for predicting clinical benefit to anti-PD-1 blockade in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1374728. [PMID: 38660294 PMCID: PMC11039903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1374728] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) scenario, there are no consistent biomarkers to predict the clinical benefit patients derived from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Taking this into consideration, herein, we conducted a retrospective study in order to develop and validate a gene expression score for predicting clinical benefit to the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab in the context of patients diagnosed with advanced clear cell RCC enrolled in the CheckMate-009, CheckMate-010, and CheckMate-025 clinical trials. First, a three-gene expression score (3GES) with prognostic value for overall survival integrating HMGA1, NUP62, and ARHGAP42 transcripts was developed in a cohort of patients treated with nivolumab. Its prognostic value was then validated in the TCGA-KIRC cohort. Second, the predictive value for nivolumab was confirmed in a set of patients from the CheckMate-025 phase 3 clinical trial. Lastly, we explored the correlation of our 3GES with different clinical, molecular, and immune tumor characteristics. If the results of this study are definitively validated in other retrospective and large-scale, prospective studies, the 3GES will represent a valuable tool for guiding the design of ICB-based clinical trials in the aRCC scenario in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoel Z. Betancor
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Miriam Ferreiro-Pantín
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Urbano Anido-Herranz
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mar Fuentes-Losada
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Luis León-Mateos
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Margarita García-Acuña
- Department of Pathology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Vanessa Vaamonde-Rodríguez
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Beatriz García-Pinel
- Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Víctor Cebey-López
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rosa Villaverde-Viaño
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Helena Lombardía-Rodríguez
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Martin Kotrulev
- Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Natalia Fernández-Díaz
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Iria Gomez-Tourino
- Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | | | - Jorge García-González
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M. C. Tubio
- Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rafael López-López
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Ruiz-Bañobre
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (ONCOMET), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Qiu ZW, Zhong YT, Lu ZM, Yan N, Kong RJ, Huang JQ, Li ZF, Nie JM, Li R, Cheng H. Breaking Physical Barrier of Fibrotic Breast Cancer for Photodynamic Immunotherapy by Remodeling Tumor Extracellular Matrix and Reprogramming Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. ACS NANO 2024; 18:9713-9735. [PMID: 38507590 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) assist in breast cancer (BRCA) invasion and immune resistance by overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM). Herein, we develop FPC@S, a photodynamic immunomodulator that targets the ECM, to improve the photodynamic immunotherapy for fibrotic BRCA. FPC@S combines a tumor ECM-targeting peptide, a photosensitizer (protoporphyrin IX) and an antifibrotic drug (SIS3). After anchoring to the ECM, FPC@S causes ECM remodeling and BRCA cell death by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ. Interestingly, the ROS-mediated ECM remodeling can normalize the tumor blood vessel to improve hypoxia and in turn facilitate more ROS production. Besides, upon the acidic tumor microenvironment, FPC@S will release SIS3 for reprograming CAFs to reduce their activity but not kill them, thus inhibiting fibrosis while preventing BRCA metastasis. The natural physical barrier formed by the dense ECM is consequently eliminated in fibrotic BRCA, allowing the drugs and immune cells to penetrate deep into tumors and have better efficacy. Furthermore, FPC@S can stimulate the immune system and effectively suppress primary, distant and metastatic tumors by combining with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. This study provides different insights for the development of fibrotic tumor targeted delivery systems and exploration of synergistic immunotherapeutic mechanisms against aggressive BRCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Wen Qiu
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Tao Zhong
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Ming Lu
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Ni Yan
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Ren-Jiang Kong
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Qi Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo-Feng Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Mei Nie
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| | - Runqing Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, P. R. China
| | - Hong Cheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Toledo B, Deiana C, Scianò F, Brandi G, Marchal JA, Perán M, Giovannetti E. Treatment resistance in pancreatic and biliary tract cancer: molecular and clinical pharmacology perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:323-347. [PMID: 38413373 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2319340] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment resistance poses a significant obstacle in oncology, especially in biliary tract cancer (BTC) and pancreatic cancer (PC). Current therapeutic options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Resistance to these treatments may arise due to diverse molecular mechanisms, such as genetic and epigenetic modifications, altered drug metabolism and efflux, and changes in the tumor microenvironment. Identifying and overcoming these mechanisms is a major focus of research: strategies being explored include combination therapies, modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and personalized approaches. AREAS COVERED We provide a current overview and discussion of the most relevant mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapy, target therapy, and immunotherapy in both BTC and PC. Furthermore, we compare the different strategies that are being implemented to overcome these obstacles. EXPERT OPINION So far there is no unified theory on drug resistance and progress is limited. To overcome this issue, individualized patient approaches, possibly through liquid biopsies or single-cell transcriptome studies, are suggested, along with the potential use of artificial intelligence, to guide effective treatment strategies. Furthermore, we provide insights into what we consider the most promising areas of research, and we speculate on the future of managing treatment resistance to improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belén Toledo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chiara Deiana
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Scianò
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lumobiotics GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria ibs. GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada-Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC) Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang Q, Lou Y, Fang H, Sun S, Jin R, Ji Y, Chen Z. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts under therapy‑induced senescence in the tumor microenvironment (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:150. [PMID: 38476922 PMCID: PMC10928991 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12438] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Current cancer treatments target tumor cells; however, the tumor microenvironment (TME) induces therapeutic resistance, tumor development and metastasis, thus rendering these treatments ineffective. Research on the TME has therefore concentrated on nonmalignant cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major TME component, which contribute to cancer progression due to their diverse origins, phenotypes and functions, including cancer cell invasion and migration, extracellular matrix remodeling, tumor metabolism modulation and therapeutic resistance. Standard cancer treatment typically exacerbates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) of senescent cancer cells and nonmalignant cells that actively leak proinflammatory signals in the TME. Therapy-induced senescence may impair cancer cell activity and compromise treatment responsiveness. CAFs and SASP are well-studied in the formation and progression of cancer. The present review discusses the current data on CAF senescence caused by anticancer treatment and assesses how senescence-like CAFs affect tumor formation. The development of senolytic medication for aging stromal cells is also highlighted. Combining cancer therapies with senolytics may boost therapeutic effects and provide novel possibilities for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Yijie Lou
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Hao Fang
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Shaopeng Sun
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Rijuan Jin
- Department of Oncology, First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, P.R. China
| | - Yunxi Ji
- Department of General Practice, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Cancer Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ozmen E, Demir TD, Ozcan G. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: protagonists of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1340124. [PMID: 38562556 PMCID: PMC10982390 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1340124] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced knowledge of the interaction of cancer cells with their environment elucidated the critical role of tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and chemoresistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts act as the protagonists of the tumor microenvironment, fostering the metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance of cancer cells and attenuating the anti-cancer immune responses. Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers in the clinic, refractory to anti-cancer therapies. Growing evidence indicates that cancer-associated fibroblasts are the most prominent risk factors for a poor tumor immune microenvironment and dismal prognosis in gastric cancer. Therefore, targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts may be central to surpassing resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics, molecular-targeted agents, and immunotherapies, improving survival in gastric cancer. However, the heterogeneity in cancer-associated fibroblasts may complicate the development of cancer-associated fibroblast targeting approaches. Although single-cell sequencing studies started dissecting the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts, the research community should still answer these questions: "What makes a cancer-associated fibroblast protumorigenic?"; "How do the intracellular signaling and the secretome of different cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations differ from each other?"; and "Which cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes predominate specific cancer types?". Unveiling these questions can pave the way for discovering efficient cancer-associated fibroblast targeting strategies. Here, we review current knowledge and perspectives on these questions, focusing on how CAFs induce aggressiveness and therapy resistance in gastric cancer. We also review potential therapeutic approaches to prevent the development and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts via inhibition of CAF inducers and CAF markers in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ece Ozmen
- Koç University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Tevriz Dilan Demir
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gulnihal Ozcan
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cho JW, Cao J, Hemberg M. Joint analysis of mutational and transcriptional landscapes in human cancer reveals key perturbations during cancer evolution. Genome Biol 2024; 25:65. [PMID: 38459554 PMCID: PMC10921788 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03201-1] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumors are able to acquire new capabilities, including traits such as drug resistance and metastasis that are associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Single-cell technologies have made it possible to study both mutational and transcriptomic profiles, but as most studies have been conducted on model systems, little is known about cancer evolution in human patients. Hence, a better understanding of cancer evolution could have important implications for treatment strategies. RESULTS Here, we analyze cancer evolution and clonal selection by jointly considering mutational and transcriptomic profiles of single cells acquired from tumor biopsies from 49 lung cancer samples and 51 samples with chronic myeloid leukemia. Comparing the two profiles, we find that each clone is associated with a preferred transcriptional state. For metastasis and drug resistance, we find that the number of mutations affecting related genes increases as the clone evolves, while changes in gene expression profiles are limited. Surprisingly, we find that mutations affecting ligand-receptor interactions with the tumor microenvironment frequently emerge as clones acquire drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that lung cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia maintain a high clonal and transcriptional diversity, and we find little evidence in favor of clonal sweeps. This suggests that for these cancers selection based solely on growth rate is unlikely to be the dominating driving force during cancer evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Won Cho
- The Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jingyi Cao
- The Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin Hemberg
- The Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Feng Q, Bennett Z, Grichuk A, Pantoja R, Huang T, Faubert B, Huang G, Chen M, DeBerardinis RJ, Sumer BD, Gao J. Severely polarized extracellular acidity around tumour cells. Nat Biomed Eng 2024:10.1038/s41551-024-01178-7. [PMID: 38438799 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular pH impacts many molecular, cellular and physiological processes, and hence is tightly regulated. Yet, in tumours, dysregulated cancer cell metabolism and poor vascular perfusion cause the tumour microenvironment to become acidic. Here by leveraging fluorescent pH nanoprobes with a transistor-like activation profile at a pH of 5.3, we show that, in cancer cells, hydronium ions are excreted into a small extracellular region. Such severely polarized acidity (pH <5.3) is primarily caused by the directional co-export of protons and lactate, as we show for a diverse panel of cancer cell types via the genetic knockout or inhibition of monocarboxylate transporters, and also via nanoprobe activation in multiple tumour models in mice. We also observed that such spot acidification in ex vivo stained snap-frozen human squamous cell carcinoma tissue correlated with the expression of monocarboxylate transporters and with the exclusion of cytotoxic T cells. Severely spatially polarized tumour acidity could be leveraged for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Feng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zachary Bennett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Anthony Grichuk
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Raymundo Pantoja
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tongyi Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Brandon Faubert
- Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mingyi Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ralph J DeBerardinis
- Children's Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Baran D Sumer
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jinming Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Freag MS, Mohammed MT, Kulkarni A, Emam HE, Maremanda KP, Elzoghby AO. Modulating tumoral exosomes and fibroblast phenotype using nanoliposomes augments cancer immunotherapy. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3074. [PMID: 38416824 PMCID: PMC10901379 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells program fibroblasts into cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in a two-step manner. First, cancer cells secrete exosomes to program quiescent fibroblasts into activated CAFs. Second, cancer cells maintain the CAF phenotype via activation of signal transduction pathways. We rationalized that inhibiting this two-step process can normalize CAFs into quiescent fibroblasts and augment the efficacy of immunotherapy. We show that cancer cell-targeted nanoliposomes that inhibit sequential steps of exosome biogenesis and release from lung cancer cells block the differentiation of lung fibroblasts into CAFs. In parallel, we demonstrate that CAF-targeted nanoliposomes that block two distinct nodes in fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can reverse activate CAFs into quiescent fibroblasts. Co-administration of both nanoliposomes significantly improves the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and enhances the antitumor efficacy of αPD-L1 in immunocompetent lung cancer-bearing mice. Simultaneously blocking the tumoral exosome-mediated activation of fibroblasts and FGFR-Wnt/β-catenin signaling constitutes a promising approach to augment immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- May S. Freag
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Investigative Toxicology, Drug Safety Research and Evaluation, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mostafa T. Mohammed
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Anatomical and Clinical Pathology Department, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arpita Kulkarni
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hagar E. Emam
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Krishna P. Maremanda
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed O. Elzoghby
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Piwocka O, Piotrowski I, Suchorska WM, Kulcenty K. Dynamic interactions in the tumor niche: how the cross-talk between CAFs and the tumor microenvironment impacts resistance to therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1343523. [PMID: 38455762 PMCID: PMC10918473 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1343523] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix components that profoundly influence cancer progression. Among the key players in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increasing attention for their diverse and influential roles. CAFs are activated fibroblasts found abundantly within the TME of various cancer types. CAFs contribute significantly to tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and modulating immune cell infiltration. In order to influence the microenvironment, CAFs engage in cross-talk with immune cells, cancer cells, and other stromal components through paracrine signaling and direct cell-cell interactions. This cross-talk can result in immunosuppression, tumor cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, contributing to disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that CAFs play a crucial role in therapy resistance, including resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CAFs can modulate the tumor response to treatment by secreting factors that promote drug efflux, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and suppress apoptosis pathways. This paper aims to understand the multifaceted functions of CAFs within the TME, discusses cross-talk between CAFs with other TME cells, and sheds light on the contibution of CAFs to therapy resistance. Targeting CAFs or disrupting their cross-talk with other cells holds promise for overcoming drug resistance and improving the treatment efficacy of various cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Piwocka
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Igor Piotrowski
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria M. Suchorska
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hattangady NG, Carter K, Maroni-Rana B, Wang T, Ayers JL, Yu M, Grady WM. Mapping the core senescence phenotype of primary human colon fibroblasts. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:3068-3087. [PMID: 38385965 PMCID: PMC10929841 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205577] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Advanced age is the largest risk factor for many diseases and several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Senescent cells are known to accumulate with age in various tissues, where they can modulate the surrounding tissue microenvironment through their senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Recently, we showed that there is an increased number of senescent cells in the colons of CRC patients and demonstrated that senescent fibroblasts and their SASP create microniches in the colon that are conducive to CRC onset and progression. However, the composition of the SASP is heterogenous and cell-specific, and the precise senescence profile of colon fibroblasts has not been well-defined. To generate a SASP atlas of human colon fibroblasts, we induced senescence in primary human colon fibroblasts using various in vitro methods and assessed the resulting transcriptome. Using RNASequencing and further validation by quantitative RT-PCR and Luminex assays, we define and validate a 'core senescent profile' that might play a significant role in shaping the colon microenvironment. We also performed KEGG analysis and GO analyses to identify key pathways and biological processes that are differentially regulated in colon fibroblast senescence. These studies provide insights into potential driver proteins involved in senescence-associated diseases, like CRC, which may lead to therapies to improve overall health in the elderly and to prevent CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namita Ganesh Hattangady
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kelly Carter
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Brett Maroni-Rana
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jessica Lee Ayers
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ming Yu
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - William M. Grady
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang S, Wang Y, Zhang X, Wang M, Wu H, Tao Y, Fan W, Liu L, Wang B, Gao W. ATP6AP1 as a potential prognostic biomarker in CRC by comprehensive analysis and verification. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4018. [PMID: 38369634 PMCID: PMC10874971 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54437-7] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of ATP6AP1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains elusive despite its observed upregulation in pan-cancer. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the clinical significance of ATP6AP1 and its relationship with the immune infiltration in CRC. Transcriptome data of CRC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and analyzed using the combination of R packages and tumor-related databases, including TIMER2, TISIDB, cBioPortal, and MethSurv. The tissue arrays and immunohistochemical staining were performed to verify the expression and clinical characteristics of ATP6AP1. The results revealed that ATP6AP1 expression was significantly elevated in CRC and associated with poor clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated ATP6AP1 expression was correlated with the infiltration of immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts in the microenvironment of CRC. Moreover, ATP6AP1 was found to be linked to various immune checkpoints and chemokines, with enrichment of cytoplasmic vesicle lumen, endopeptidase regulator activity, and endopeptidase inhibitor activity observed in the high ATP6AP1 expressional group. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that ATP6AP1 upregulation may serve as a biomarker for poor diagnosis in CRC and offer a potential target for immunotherapy in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Zhang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Yining, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Yining, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No.1000, He Feng Road, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuwen Tao
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wentao Fan
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Liu
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bangting Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Yining, China.
| | - Wenqing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang H, Yang J, Li X, Zhao H. Current state of immune checkpoints therapy for glioblastoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24729. [PMID: 38298707 PMCID: PMC10828821 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24729] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, has limited treatment options. Recent years have witnessed the remarkable success of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy across various cancer types. Against this backdrop, several clinical trials investigating checkpoint inhibitors for GBM are underway in multiple countries. Furthermore, the integration of immunotherapy with traditional treatment approaches is now emerging as a highly promising strategy. This review summarizes the latest advancements in checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy for GBM treatment. We provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of current GBM immunotherapy options. Additionally, this review underscores combination strategies and potential biomarkers for predicting response and resistance in GBM immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- He Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266005, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Emergency Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266005, China
| | - Xiangjun Li
- School of medicine, Department of Breast surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266000, China
| | - Hai Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266005, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bigos KJA, Quiles CG, Lunj S, Smith DJ, Krause M, Troost EGC, West CM, Hoskin P, Choudhury A. Tumour response to hypoxia: understanding the hypoxic tumour microenvironment to improve treatment outcome in solid tumours. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1331355. [PMID: 38352889 PMCID: PMC10861654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1331355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumours affecting their biology and response to therapy. One of the main transcription factors activated by hypoxia is hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which regulates the expression of genes involved in various aspects of tumourigenesis including proliferative capacity, angiogenesis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, and cell migration. This can negatively impact patient outcomes by inducing therapeutic resistance. The importance of hypoxia is clearly demonstrated by continued research into finding clinically relevant hypoxia biomarkers, and hypoxia-targeting therapies. One of the problems is the lack of clinically applicable methods of hypoxia detection, and lack of standardisation. Additionally, a lot of the methods of detecting hypoxia do not take into consideration the complexity of the hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME). Therefore, this needs further elucidation as approximately 50% of solid tumours are hypoxic. The ECM is important component of the hypoxic TME, and is developed by both cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumour cells. However, it is important to distinguish the different roles to develop both biomarkers and novel compounds. Fibronectin (FN), collagen (COL) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are important components of the ECM that create ECM fibres. These fibres are crosslinked by specific enzymes including lysyl oxidase (LOX) which regulates the stiffness of tumours and induces fibrosis. This is partially regulated by HIFs. The review highlights the importance of understanding the role of matrix stiffness in different solid tumours as current data shows contradictory results on the impact on therapeutic resistance. The review also indicates that further research is needed into identifying different CAF subtypes and their exact roles; with some showing pro-tumorigenic capacity and others having anti-tumorigenic roles. This has made it difficult to fully elucidate the role of CAFs within the TME. However, it is clear that this is an important area of research that requires unravelling as current strategies to target CAFs have resulted in worsened prognosis. The role of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment is also discussed as hypoxia has been associated with modulating immune cells to create an anti-tumorigenic environment. Which has led to the development of immunotherapies including PD-L1. These hypoxia-induced changes can confer resistance to conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the impact of hypoxia on the TME and its implications for therapy resistance. It also discusses the potential of hypoxia biomarkers as prognostic and predictive indictors of treatment response, as well as the challenges and opportunities of targeting hypoxia in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamilla JA. Bigos
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Conrado G. Quiles
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sapna Lunj
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle J. Smith
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mechthild Krause
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 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, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Esther GC. Troost
- OncoRay – National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Radiooncology and Clinical Radiotherapy and Image-guided High Precision Radiotherapy, Helmholtz Association / Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technische Universitat Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Rossendorf, Germany
| | - Catharine M. West
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Christie Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Ananya Choudhury
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Glabman RA, Olkowski CP, Minor HA, Bassel LL, Kedei N, Choyke PL, Sato N. Tumor Suppression by Anti-Fibroblast Activation Protein Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:449. [PMID: 38275890 PMCID: PMC10813865 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020449] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute a prominent cellular component of the tumor stroma, with various pro-tumorigenic roles. Numerous attempts to target fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a highly expressed marker in immunosuppressive CAFs, have failed to demonstrate anti-tumor efficacy in human clinical trials. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a highly selective tumor therapy that utilizes an antibody-photo-absorbing conjugate activated by near-infrared light. In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of CAF depletion by NIR-PIT in two mouse tumor models. Using CAF-rich syngeneic lung and spontaneous mammary tumors, NIR-PIT against FAP or podoplanin was performed. Anti-FAP NIR-PIT effectively depleted FAP+ CAFs, as well as FAP+ myeloid cells, and suppressed tumor growth, whereas anti-podoplanin NIR-PIT was ineffective. Interferon-gamma production by CD8 T and natural killer cells was induced within hours after anti-FAP NIR-PIT. Additionally, lung metastases were reduced in the treated spontaneous mammary cancer model. Depletion of FAP+ stromal as well as FAP+ myeloid cells effectively suppressed tumor growth in bone marrow chimeras, suggesting that the depletion of both cell types in one treatment is an effective therapeutic approach. These findings highlight a promising therapy for selectively eliminating immunosuppressive FAP+ cells within the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raisa A. Glabman
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Colleen P. Olkowski
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Hannah A. Minor
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Laura L. Bassel
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resources, Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Peter L. Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
| | - Noriko Sato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (R.A.G.); (C.P.O.); (H.A.M.); (P.L.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Desai SA, Patel VP, Bhosle KP, Nagare SD, Thombare KC. The tumor microenvironment: shaping cancer progression and treatment response. J Chemother 2024:1-30. [PMID: 38179655 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.2023.2300224] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in cancer progression and treatment response. It comprises a complex network of stromal cells, immune cells, extracellular matrix, and blood vessels, all of which interact with cancer cells and influence tumor behaviour. This review article provides an in-depth examination of the TME, focusing on stromal cells, blood vessels, signaling molecules, and ECM, along with commonly available therapeutic compounds that target these components. Moreover, we explore the TME as a novel strategy for discovering new anti-tumor drugs. The dynamic and adaptive nature of the TME offers opportunities for targeting specific cellular interactions and signaling pathways. We discuss emerging approaches, such as combination therapies that simultaneously target cancer cells and modulate the TME. Finally, we address the challenges and future prospects in targeting the TME. Overcoming drug resistance, improving drug delivery, and identifying new therapeutic targets within the TME are among the challenges discussed. We also highlight the potential of personalized medicine and the integration of emerging technologies, such as immunotherapy and nanotechnology, in TME-targeted therapies. This comprehensive review provides insights into the TME and its therapeutic implications. Understanding the TME's complexity and targeting its components offer promising avenues for the development of novel anti-tumor therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharav A Desai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Vipul P Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Kunal P Bhosle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Sandip D Nagare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| | - Kirti C Thombare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Sanjivani College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Kopargaon, India
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wang B, Fan W, Tao Y, Zhang S, Wang J, Fan Z, Liu L, Wang Y. The impact of SLC10A3 on prognosis and immune microenvironment in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:20. [PMID: 38178258 PMCID: PMC10765936 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01526-4] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SLC10A3, a gene upregulated in pan-cancer, lacks full understanding regarding its prognostic implications and association with immune infiltration in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study comprehensively analyzed SLC10A3 in CRC, evaluating its prognostic significance and influence on the tumor's immune microenvironment. METHODS Transcriptomic data from TCGA were obtained to compare SLC10A3 expression in both colorectal cancer (CRC) and normal tissues. Prognostic value was assessed for overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI). DNA methylation patterns of SLC10A3 and correlation with DNA mismatch repair (MMR) were explored. Genetic alterations in SLC10A3 were scrutinized. The study also delved into the influence of SLC10A3 on the immune microenvironment of CRC, including immune cell infiltration and chemokines. Involvement of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was explored. Methylation status of specific CpG islands in the SLC10A3 gene correlated with CRC patient prognosis. CRC tissue microarray was performed to verify the expression of SLC10A3 and its relationship with prognosis. RESULTS The research revealed that SLC10A3 is significantly upregulated in CRC and holds promise as a potential diagnostic marker. Elevated SLC10A3 expression was linked to poorer OS, DSS, and PFI. Methylation patterns of SLC10A3 displayed prognostic relevance, and genetic alterations in the gene were identified. SLC10A3 was shown to impact the immune microenvironment, with significant correlations observed between its expression and various immune cell types, chemokines, and markers associated with CAFs. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between SLC10A3 and MMR molecules was established. Methylation status of specific CpG islands within the SLC10A3 gene was associated with CRC patient prognosis. Tissue microarray showed that SLC10A3 was highly expressed in CRC and significantly correlated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION The study underscores the importance of elevated SLC10A3 in CRC, associating it with decreased survival and immune infiltration, proposing it as a diagnostic biomarker and appealing immunotherapy target, given its significant overexpression and influence on the immune microenvironment and prognosis through methylation patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bangting Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wentao Fan
- Gastroenterology Department, The Forth Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Tao
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shijie Zhang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiankun Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhining Fan
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Liu
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Digestive Endoscopy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital With Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazkh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Yining, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Gu Y, Chen Q, Yin H, Zeng M, Gao S, Wang X. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in neoadjuvant setting for solid cancers. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 193:104226. [PMID: 38056580 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches for cancer have become increasingly diverse in recent times. A comprehensive understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) holds great potential for enhancing the precision of tumor therapies. Neoadjuvant therapy offers the possibility of alleviating patient symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Additionally, it may facilitate the reduction of inoperable tumors and prevent potential preoperative micrometastases. Within the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a prominent role as they generate various elements that contribute to tumor progression. Particularly, extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by CAFs prevents immune cell infiltration into the TME, hampers drug penetration, and diminishes therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, this review provides a summary of the heterogeneity and interactions of CAFs within the TME, with a specific focus on the influence of neoadjuvant therapy on the microenvironment, particularly CAFs. Finally, we propose several potential and promising therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs, which may efficiently eliminate CAFs to decrease stroma density and impair their functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Gu
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiangda Chen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hanlin Yin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mengsu Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Urban L, Novák Š, Čoma M, Dvořánková B, Lacina L, Šáchová J, Hradilová M, Svatoňová P, Kolář M, Strnad H, Březinová J, Smetana K, Gál P, Szabo P. Unravelling heterogeneous effects of cancer‑associated fibroblasts on poor prognosis markers in breast cancer EM‑G3 cell line: In vitro‑targeted treatment (anti‑IL-6, anti‑VEGF-A, anti‑MFGE8) based on transcriptomic profiling. Oncol Rep 2024; 51:3. [PMID: 37975220 PMCID: PMC10688412 DOI: 10.3892/or.2023.8662] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Although dramatically increased survival rates of early diagnosed cases have been observed, late diagnosed patients and metastatic cancer may still be considered fatal. The present study's main focus was on cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) which is an active component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) regulating the breast cancer ecosystem. Transcriptomic profiling and analysis of CAFs isolated from breast cancer skin metastasis, cutaneous basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma unravelled major gene candidates such as IL6, VEGFA and MFGE8 that induced co‑expression of keratins‑8/‑14 in the EM‑G3 cell line derived from infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma. Western blot analysis of selected keratins (keratin‑8, ‑14, ‑18, ‑19) and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition‑associated markers (SLUG, SNAIL, ZEB1, E‑/N‑cadherin, vimentin) revealed specific responses pointing to certain heterogeneity of the studied CAF populations. Experimental in vitro treatment using neutralizing antibodies against IL-6, VEGF‑A and MFGE8 attenuated the modulatory effect of CAFs on EM‑G3 cells. The present study provided novel data in characterizing and understanding the interactions between CAFs and EM‑G3 cells in vitro. CAFs of different origins support the pro‑inflammatory microenvironment and influence the biology of breast cancer cells. This observation potentially holds significant interest for the development of novel, clinically relevant approaches targeting the TME in breast cancer. Furthermore, its implications extend beyond breast cancer and have the potential to impact a wide range of other cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš Urban
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department for Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inc., 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Štepán Novák
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Matúš Čoma
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department for Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inc., 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Barbora Dvořánková
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Lacina
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Dermatovenereology, General University Hospital in Prague and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Šáchová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miluše Hradilová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Svatoňová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kolář
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Strnad
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Březinová
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smetana
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Gál
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department for Biomedical Research, East-Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inc., 040 11 Košice, Slovak Republic
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Prague Burn Center, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 34 Prague, Czech Republic
- Insitute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, 040 01 Košice, Slovak Republic
| | - Pavol Szabo
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Sciences, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Peng X, Zheng J, Liu T, Zhou Z, Song C, Geng Y, Wang Z, Huang Y. Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity, Potential Therapeutic Avenues, and Emerging Therapies. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:288-307. [PMID: 37537777 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230712095021] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review describes the comprehensive portrait of tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, we provided a panoramic perspective on the transformation and functions of the diverse constituents in TME, and the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance, beginning with the immune cells and metabolic dynamics within TME. Lastly, we summarized the most auspicious potential therapeutic strategies. RESULTS TME is a unique realm crafted by malignant cells to withstand the onslaught of endogenous and exogenous therapies. Recent research has revealed many small-molecule immunotherapies exhibiting auspicious outcomes in preclinical investigations. Furthermore, some pro-immune mechanisms have emerged as a potential avenue. With the advent of nanosystems and precision targeting, targeted therapy has now transcended the "comfort zone" erected by cancer cells within TME. CONCLUSION The ceaseless metamorphosis of TME fosters the intransigent resilience and proliferation of tumors. However, existing therapies have yet to surmount the formidable obstacles posed by TME. Therefore, scientists should investigate potential avenues for therapeutic intervention and design innovative pharmacological and clinical technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xintong Peng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jingfan Zheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Tianzi Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ziwen Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chen Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Geng
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zichuan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
ZENG SHUANGSHUANG, CHEN XI, YI QIAOLI, THAKUR ABHIMANYU, YANG HUI, YAN YUANLIANG, LIU SHAO. CRABP2 regulates infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune response in melanoma. Oncol Res 2023; 32:261-272. [PMID: 38186580 PMCID: PMC10765133 DOI: 10.32604/or.2023.042345] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Finding biomarkers for immunotherapy is an urgent issue in cancer treatment. Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2) is a controversial factor in the occurrence and development of human tumors. However, there is limited research on the relationship between CRABP2 and immunotherapy response. This study found that negative correlations of CRABP2 and immune checkpoint markers (PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4) were observed in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). In particular, in SKCM patients who were treated with PD-1 inhibitors, high levels of CRABP2 predicted poor prognosis. Additionally, CRABP2 expression was elevated in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) at the single-cell level. The expression of CRABP2 was positively correlated with markers of CAFs, such as MFAP5, PDPN, ITGA11, PDGFRα/β and THY1 in SKCM. To validate the tumor-promoting effect of CRABP2 in vivo, SKCM xenograft mice models with CRABP2 overexpression have been constructed. These models showed an increase in tumor weight and volume. Enrichment analysis indicated that CRABP2 may be involved in immune-related pathways of SKCM, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The study suggests that CRABP2 may regulate immunotherapy in SKCM patients by influencing infiltration of CAFs. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the role of CRABP2 in immunotherapy response. The findings suggest that CRABP2 may be a promising biomarker for PD-1 inhibitors in SKCM patients. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the clinical implications of CRABP2 in immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- SHUANGSHUANG ZENG
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - XI CHEN
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - QIAOLI YI
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - ABHIMANYU THAKUR
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - HUI YANG
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, 271000, China
| | - YUANLIANG YAN
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - SHAO LIU
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Adhikari E, Liu Q, Johnson J, Stewart P, Marusyk V, Fang B, Izumi V, Bowers K, Guzman KM, Koomen JM, Marusyk A, Lau EK. Brain metastasis-associated fibroblasts secrete fucosylated PVR/CD155 that induces breast cancer invasion. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113463. [PMID: 37995180 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113463] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis cancer-associated fibroblasts (bmCAFs) are emerging as crucial players in the development of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM), but our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is limited. In this study, we aim to elucidate the pathological contributions of fucosylation (the post-translational modification of proteins by the dietary sugar L-fucose) to tumor-stromal interactions that drive the development of BCBM. Here, we report that patient-derived bmCAFs secrete high levels of polio virus receptor (PVR), which enhance the invasive capacity of BC cells. Mechanistically, we find that HIF1α transcriptionally upregulates fucosyltransferase 11, which fucosylates PVR, triggering its secretion from bmCAFs. Global phosphoproteomic analysis of BC cells followed by functional verification identifies cell-cell junction and actin cytoskeletal signaling as modulated by bmCAF-secreted, -fucosylated PVR. Our findings delineate a hypoxia- and fucosylation-regulated mechanism by which bmCAFs contribute to the invasiveness of BCBM in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Adhikari
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Molecular Medicine Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Molecular Medicine Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Joseph Johnson
- Department of Analytic Microscopy, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Paul Stewart
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Viktoriya Marusyk
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Bin Fang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Victoria Izumi
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Kiah Bowers
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Kelly M Guzman
- Department of Analytic Microscopy, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - John M Koomen
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Andriy Marusyk
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Eric K Lau
- Department of Tumor Microenvironment & Metastasis, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Molecular Medicine Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Almeida SFF, Santos L, Sampaio-Ribeiro G, Ferreira HRS, Lima N, Caetano R, Abreu M, Zuzarte M, Ribeiro AS, Paiva A, Martins-Marques T, Teixeira P, Almeida R, Casanova JM, Girão H, Abrunhosa AJ, Gomes CM. Unveiling the role of osteosarcoma-derived secretome in premetastatic lung remodelling. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:328. [PMID: 38031171 PMCID: PMC10688015 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02886-9] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung metastasis is the most adverse clinical factor and remains the leading cause of osteosarcoma-related death. Deciphering the mechanisms driving metastatic spread is crucial for finding open therapeutic windows for successful organ-specific interventions that may halt or prevent lung metastasis. METHODS We employed a mouse premetastatic lung-based multi-omics integrative approach combined with clinical features to uncover the specific changes that precede lung metastasis formation and identify novel molecular targets and biomarker of clinical utility that enable the design of novel therapeutic strategies. RESULTS We found that osteosarcoma-bearing mice or those preconditioned with the osteosarcoma cell secretome harbour profound lung structural alterations with airway damage, inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, and extracellular matrix remodelling with increased deposition of fibronectin and collagens by resident stromal activated fibroblasts, favouring the adhesion of disseminated tumour cells. Systemic-induced microenvironmental changes, supported by transcriptomic and histological data, promoted and accelerated lung metastasis formation. Comparative proteome profiling of the cell secretome and mouse plasma identified a large number of proteins involved in extracellular-matrix organization, cell-matrix adhesion, neutrophil degranulation, and cytokine-mediated signalling, consistent with the observed lung microenvironmental changes. Moreover, we identified EFEMP1, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein exclusively secreted by metastatic cells, in the plasma of mice bearing a primary tumour and in biopsy specimens from osteosarcoma patients with poorer overall survival. Depletion of EFEMP1 from the secretome prevents the formation of lung metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Integration of our data uncovers neutrophil infiltration and the functional contribution of stromal-activated fibroblasts in ECM remodelling for tumour cell attachment as early pro-metastatic events, which may hold therapeutic potential in preventing or slowing the metastatic spread. Moreover, we identified EFEMP1, a secreted glycoprotein, as a metastatic driver and a potential candidate prognostic biomarker for lung metastasis in osteosarcoma patients. Osteosarcoma-derived secreted factors systemically reprogrammed the lung microenvironment and fostered a growth-permissive niche for incoming disseminated cells to survive and outgrow into overt metastasis. Daily administration of osteosarcoma cell secretome mimics the systemic release of tumour-secreted factors of a growing tumour in mice during PMN formation; Transcriptomic and histological analysis of premetastatic lungs revealed inflammatory-induced stromal fibroblast activation, neutrophil infiltration, and ECM remodelling as early onset pro-metastatic events; Proteome profiling identified EFEMP1, an extracellular secreted glycoprotein, as a potential predictive biomarker for lung metastasis and poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. Osteosarcoma patients with EFEMP1 expressing biopsies have a poorer overall survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara F F Almeida
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS) and Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Liliana Santos
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS) and Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Sampaio-Ribeiro
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Hugo R S Ferreira
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Nuno Lima
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Rui Caetano
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal
| | - Mónica Abreu
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing (MIA), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mónica Zuzarte
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Ana Sofia Ribeiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Artur Paiva
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tânia Martins-Marques
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Paulo Teixeira
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal
| | - Rui Almeida
- Pathology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, 3004-561, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Casanova
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
- Tumor Unit of the Locomotor Apparatus (UTAL), Orthopedics Service, Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), University Clinic of Orthopedics, Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girão
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal
| | - Antero J Abrunhosa
- Institute for Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS) and Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal
| | - Célia M Gomes
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal.
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology Consortium (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-548, Portugal.
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, 3000-075, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
D’Alessio A. Unraveling the Cave: A Seventy-Year Journey into the Caveolar Network, Cellular Signaling, and Human Disease. Cells 2023; 12:2680. [PMID: 38067108 PMCID: PMC10705299 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232680] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the mid-1950s, a groundbreaking discovery revealed the fascinating presence of caveolae, referred to as flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane, sparking renewed excitement in the field of cell biology. Caveolae are small, flask-shaped invaginations in the cell membrane that play crucial roles in diverse cellular processes, including endocytosis, lipid homeostasis, and signal transduction. The structural stability and functionality of these specialized membrane microdomains are attributed to the coordinated activity of scaffolding proteins, including caveolins and cavins. While caveolae and caveolins have been long appreciated for their integral roles in cellular physiology, the accumulating scientific evidence throughout the years reaffirms their association with a broad spectrum of human disorders. This review article aims to offer a thorough account of the historical advancements in caveolae research, spanning from their initial discovery to the recognition of caveolin family proteins and their intricate contributions to cellular functions. Furthermore, it will examine the consequences of a dysfunctional caveolar network in the development of human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio D’Alessio
- Sezione di Istologia ed Embriologia, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli”, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kumari A, Veena SM, Luha R, Tijore A. Mechanobiological Strategies to Augment Cancer Treatment. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:42072-42085. [PMID: 38024751 PMCID: PMC10652740 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit aberrant extracellular matrix mechanosensing due to the altered expression of mechanosensory cytoskeletal proteins. Such aberrant mechanosensing of the tumor microenvironment (TME) by cancer cells is associated with disease development and progression. In addition, recent studies show that such mechanosensing changes the mechanobiological properties of cells, and in turn cells become susceptible to mechanical perturbations. Due to an increasing understanding of cell biomechanics and cellular machinery, several approaches have emerged to target the mechanobiological properties of cancer cells and cancer-associated cells to inhibit cancer growth and progression. In this Perspective, we summarize the progress in developing mechano-based approaches to target cancer by interfering with the cellular mechanosensing machinery and overall TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ajay Tijore
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhou J, Li P, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Luo J, Deng Y, Jiang N, Xiao Z, Zhang W, Zhou Y, Zhao J, Li P, Li Y, Tian Z. Circ_16601 facilitates Hippo pathway signaling via the miR-5580-5p/FGB axis to promote my-CAF recruitment in the TME and LUAD progression. Respir Res 2023; 24:276. [PMID: 37953225 PMCID: PMC10642073 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02566-4] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer represents a significant public health issue in China, given its high incidence and mortality rates. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been recently proposed to participate in the development and progression of tumors. Nevertheless, their particular roles in the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the tumor microenvironment (TME), and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not well understood. METHODS High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the circRNAs expression profiles in 7 pairs of human LUAD tissues. shRNA was used to knockdown the YAP1 and FGB genes. RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR were performed to classify the regulatory effects of circ_16601 in LUAD cells. The progression effect of circ_16601 on lung cancer was investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The circ_16601 is significantly elevated in LUAD tissues compared to adjacent normal lung tissues, and its high expression is positively associated with poor prognosis in LUAD patients. Additionally, circ_16601 overexpression promotes LUAD cell proliferation in vitro and increases xenograft tissue growth in mice in vivo; circ_16601 also could recruit fibroblasts to cancer associate fibroblasts. Mechanistically, circ_16601 can directly bind to miR-5580-5p, preventing its ability to degrade FGB mRNA and enhancing its stability. Subsequently, circ_16601 promotes the activation of the Hippo pathway in a YAP1-dependent manner, leading to LUAD progression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings shed valuable insights into the regulatory role of circ_16601 in LUAD progression and highlight its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in LUAD. Overall, this study provides theoretical support to improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients suffering from this devastating disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheello College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peiwei Li
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaogang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research and Clinical Translation in Thoracic Cancer, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanhao Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Junwen Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yupeng Deng
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaohua Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenhao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yongjia Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiangfeng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peichao Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuliang Li
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheello College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Institute of Interventional Oncology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhongxian Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Fundamental Research and Clinical Translation in Thoracic Cancer, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Bhattacharya K, Sikdar J, Hussain I, Barman D, Shrivastava AK, Sahariah BJ, Bhattacharjee A, Chanu NR, Khanal P. Targeting Melanoma with a phytochemical pool: Tailing Makisterone C. Comput Biol Med 2023; 166:107499. [PMID: 37778211 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107499] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE According to World Health Organization, melanoma claims the lives of about 48000 people worldwide each year. The purpose of this study was to identify potential phytochemical pool from Diplazium esculentum against proteins that contribute to melanoma development. METHODS The research was carried to locate potentially bioactive molecules and conduct a theoretical analysis of active ingredients from DE to impact melanoma. Network pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, protein network interaction, gene enrichment, survival, and infiltration analysis were conducted. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation was carried out for makisterone C-MAPK1, MAPK3, and AKT1 complexes. RESULTS The potential phytochemical pool were identified (stigmast-5-en-3-ol, esculentic acid, rutin, and makisterone C) and based on network pharmacology and molecular docking studies, makisterone-C was proposed to be the most promising ingredient. Furthermore, the investigation revealed 14 genes as critical "hubs" involved in combating melanoma that are manipulated by the above-mentioned 4 active ingredients and modulate multiple signaling in melanoma development. CONCLUSION This study insights into the potential anti-melanoma effects of phytochemical pool from Diplazium esculentum using network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and simulation tailing makisterone C as a lead moiety and suggests the need for makisterone C further evaluation in intervening melanoma progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Bhattacharya
- Pratiksha Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam, 781026, India; NETES Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati, Assam, 781125, India; Royal School of Pharmacy, The Assam Royal Global University, Assam, 781035, India
| | - Jubair Sikdar
- NETES Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati, Assam, 781125, India
| | - Imran Hussain
- NETES Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati, Assam, 781125, India
| | - Deepchandan Barman
- NETES Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Guwahati, Assam, 781125, India
| | - Amit Kumar Shrivastava
- Department of Oriental Pharmacy and Wonkwang-Oriental Medicine Research Institute, Wonkwang University, Iksan, 570-749, South Korea
| | | | - Atanu Bhattacharjee
- Royal School of Pharmacy, The Assam Royal Global University, Assam, 781035, India
| | - Nongmaithem Randhoni Chanu
- Pratiksha Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam, 781026, India; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam Downtown University, Assam, India
| | - Pukar Khanal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belagavi, 590010, India.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Lê H, Deforges J, Hua G, Idoux-Gillet Y, Ponté C, Lindner V, Olland A, Falcoz PE, Zaupa C, Jain S, Quéméneur E, Benkirane-Jessel N, Balloul JM. In vitro vascularized immunocompetent patient-derived model to test cancer therapies. iScience 2023; 26:108094. [PMID: 37860774 PMCID: PMC10582498 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108094] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This work describes a patient-derived tumoroid model (PDTs) to support precision medicine in lung oncology. The use of human adipose tissue-derived microvasculature and patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) permits to achieve a physiologically relevant tumor microenvironment. This study involved ten patients at various stages of tumor progression. The vascularized, immune-infiltrated PDT model could be obtained within two weeks, matching the requirements of the therapeutic decision. Histological and transcriptomic analyses confirmed that the main features from the original tumor were reproduced. The 3D tumor model could be used to determine the dynamics of response to antiangiogenic therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy. Antiangiogenic therapy showed a significant decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A expression, reflecting its therapeutic effect in the model. In an immune-infiltrated PDT model, chemotherapy showed the ability to decrease the levels of lymphocyte activation gene-3 protein (LAG-3), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), and inhibitory receptors of T cells functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Lê
- Transgene S.A, 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jules Deforges
- Transgene S.A, 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Guoqiang Hua
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Ysia Idoux-Gillet
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Charlotte Ponté
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 Place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Véronique Lindner
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Anne Olland
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 Place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre-Emanuel Falcoz
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1 Place de l’Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Cécile Zaupa
- Boehringer Ingelheim, 29 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Shreyansh Jain
- Transgene S.A, 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Eric Quéméneur
- Transgene S.A, 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Nadia Benkirane-Jessel
- INSERM UMR 1260, Regenerative Nanomedicine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Marc Balloul
- Transgene S.A, 400 Boulevard Gonthier d’Andernach, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Do NT, Lee SY, Lee YS, Shin C, Kim D, Lee TG, Son JG, Kim SH. Time-sequential fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in elastin-variable 3D hydrogel environments by collagen networks. Biomater Res 2023; 27:103. [PMID: 37848974 PMCID: PMC10583321 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00439-x] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis plays an important role in both normal physiological and pathological phenomena as fibroblasts differentiate to myofibroblasts. The activation of fibroblasts is determined through interactions with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). However, how this fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) is regulated and affected by elastin concentration in a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment has not been investigated. METHODS We developed an insoluble elastin-gradient 3D hydrogel system for long-lasting cell culture and studied the molecular mechanisms of the FMT in embedded cells by nanoflow LC-MS/MS analysis along with validation through real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS By optimizing pH and temperature, four 3D hydrogels containing fibroblasts were successfully fabricated having elastin concentrations of 0, 20, 50, and 80% in collagen. At the low elastin level (20%), fibroblast proliferation was significantly increased compared to others, and in particular, the FMT was clearly observed in this condition. Moreover, through mass spectrometry of the hydrogel environment, it was confirmed that differentiation proceeded in two stages. In the early stage, calcium-dependent proteins including calmodulin and S100A4 were highly associated. On the other hand, in the late stage after several passages of cells, distinct markers of myofibroblasts were presented such as morphological changes, increased production of ECM, and increased α-SMA expression. We also demonstrated that the low level of elastin concentration induced some cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) markers, including PDGFR-β, and fibrosis-related disease markers, including THY-1. CONCLUSION Using our developed 3D elastin-gradient hydrogel system, we evaluated the effect of different elastin concentrations on the FMT. The FMT was induced even at a low concentration of elastin with increasing CAF level via calcium signaling. With this system, we were able to analyze varying protein expressions in the overall FMT process over several cellular passages. Our results suggest that the elastin-gradient system employing nonlinear optics imaging provides a good platform to study activated fibroblasts interacting with the microenvironment, where the ECM plays a pivotal role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nhuan T Do
- Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
- BioMedical Measurement, University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Lee
- Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Seo Lee
- Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - ChaeHo Shin
- Interdisciplinary Materials Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
- Nanoconvergence Measurement, University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeho Kim
- Bruker Nano Surface & Metrology, Bruker Korea, Seongnam, 13493, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Geol Lee
- Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
- Nanoconvergence Measurement, University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Gyeong Son
- Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Se-Hwa Kim
- Safety Measurement Institute, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
- BioMedical Measurement, University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Axemaker H, Plesselova S, Calar K, Jorgensen M, Wollman J, de la Puente P. Normal Uterine Fibroblast Are Reprogramed into Ovarian Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts by Ovarian Tumor-derived Conditioned Media. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.29.560158. [PMID: 37873479 PMCID: PMC10592803 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key contributors to ovarian cancer (OC) progression and therapeutic resistance through dysregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). CAFs are a heterogenous population derived from different cell types through activation and reprogramming. Current studies rely on uncharacterized heterogenous primary CAFs or normal fibroblasts that fail to recapitulate CAF-like tumor behavior. Here, we present a translatable-based approach for the reprogramming of normal uterine fibroblasts into ovarian CAFs using ovarian tumor-derived conditioned media to establish two well-characterized ovarian conditioned CAF lines. Phenotypic and functional characterization demonstrated that the conditioned CAFs expressed a CAF-like phenotype, strengthened proliferation, secretory, contractility, and ECM remodeling properties when compared to resting normal fibroblasts, consistent with an activated fibroblast status. Moreover, conditioned CAFs significantly enhanced drug resistance and tumor progression and resembled a CAF-like subtype associated with worse prognosis. The present study provides a reproducible, cost-effective, and clinically relevant protocol to reprogram normal fibroblasts into CAFs using tumor-derived conditioned media. Using these resources, further development of therapeutics that possess potentiality and specificity towards CAF-mediated chemoresistance in OC are further warranted.
Collapse
|
45
|
Ding Z, Shi R, Hu W, Tian L, Sun R, Wu Y, Zhang X. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in hematologic malignancies: elucidating roles and spotlighting therapeutic targets. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1193978. [PMID: 37746306 PMCID: PMC10511871 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1193978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancies comprise a diverse range of blood, bone marrow, and organ-related disorders that present significant challenges due to drug resistance, relapse, and treatment failure. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and have recently emerged as potential therapeutic targets. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the latest findings on the roles of CAFs in various hematologic malignancies, including acute leukemia, multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and lymphoma. We also explore their involvement in tumor progression, drug resistance, and the various signaling pathways implicated in their activation and function. While the underlying mechanisms and the existence of multiple CAF subtypes pose challenges, targeting CAFs and their associated pathways offers a promising avenue for the development of innovative treatments to improve patient outcomes in hematologic malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Ding
- The Second Clinical School of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Run Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weikang Hu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Pancreas Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Li M, Wu B, Li L, Lv C, Tian Y. Reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A potential therapeutic strategy for cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188945. [PMID: 37356739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188945] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Activated fibroblasts, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), are highly heterogeneous in phenotypes, functions, and origins. CAFs originated from varieties of cell types, including local resident fibroblasts, epithelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, or others. These cells participate in tumor angiogenesis, mechanics, drug access, and immune suppression, with the latter being particularly important. It was difficult to distinguish CAFs by subsets due to their complex origins until the use of scRNA-seq. Reprogramming CAFs with TGFβ-RI inhibitor, a CXCR4 blocker, or other methods increases T cells activation and infiltration, together with a decrease in CAFs recruitment, thus improving the prognosis. As depletion of CAFs can't bring clinical benefit, the combination of reprogramming CAFs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) come into consideration. It has shown better outcomes compared with monotherapy respectively in basic/preclinical researches, and needs more data on clinical trials. Combination therapy may be a promising and expecting method for treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of Mammary Gland, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Center(Group), No. 1 Dunhuang Road, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China; Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Baokang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lunxu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No.36.Sanhao Street, Shenyang 110004, Liaoning Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Raudenska M, Balvan J, Hanelova K, Bugajova M, Masarik M. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Mediators of head and neck tumor microenvironment remodeling. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188940. [PMID: 37331641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188940] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are involved in critical aspects of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) pathogenesis, such as the formation of a tumor-permissive extracellular matrix structure, angiogenesis, or immune and metabolic reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with implications for metastasis and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The pleiotropic effect of CAFs in TME is likely to reflect the heterogeneity and plasticity of their population, with context-dependent effects on carcinogenesis. The specific properties of CAFs provide many targetable molecules that could play an important role in the future therapy of HNSCC. In this review article, we will focus on the role of CAFs in the TME of HNSCC tumors. We will also discuss clinically relevant agents targeting CAFs, their signals, and signaling pathways, which are activated by CAFs in cancer cells, with the potential for repurposing for HNSCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Raudenska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Balvan
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Hanelova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Bugajova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masarik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Pathophysiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, / U Nemocnice 5, CZ-128 53 Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ries A, Slany A, Pirker C, Mader JC, Mejri D, Mohr T, Schelch K, Flehberger D, Maach N, Hashim M, Hoda MA, Dome B, Krupitza G, Berger W, Gerner C, Holzmann K, Grusch M. Primary and hTERT-Transduced Mesothelioma-Associated Fibroblasts but Not Primary or hTERT-Transduced Mesothelial Cells Stimulate Growth of Human Mesothelioma Cells. Cells 2023; 12:2006. [PMID: 37566084 PMCID: PMC10417280 DOI: 10.3390/cells12152006] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is an aggressive malignancy that develops in a unique tumor microenvironment (TME). However, cell models for studying the TME in PM are still limited. Here, we have generated and characterized novel human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-transduced mesothelial cell and mesothelioma-associated fibroblast (Meso-CAF) models and investigated their impact on PM cell growth. Pleural mesothelial cells and Meso-CAFs were isolated from tissue of pneumothorax and PM patients, respectively. Stable expression of hTERT was induced by retroviral transduction. Primary and hTERT-transduced cells were compared with respect to doubling times, hTERT expression and activity levels, telomere lengths, proteomes, and the impact of conditioned media (CM) on PM cell growth. All transduced derivatives exhibited elevated hTERT expression and activity, and increased mean telomere lengths. Cell morphology remained unchanged, and the proteomes were similar to the corresponding primary cells. Of note, the CM of primary and hTERT-transduced Meso-CAFs stimulated PM cell growth to the same extent, while CM derived from mesothelial cells had no stimulating effect, irrespective of hTERT expression. In conclusion, all new hTERT-transduced cell models closely resemble their primary counterparts and, hence, represent valuable tools to investigate cellular interactions within the TME of PM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ries
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Astrid Slany
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (J.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Christine Pirker
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Johanna C. Mader
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (J.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Doris Mejri
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Thomas Mohr
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (J.C.M.); (C.G.)
- Joint Metabolome Facility, University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- ScienceConsult—DI Thomas Mohr KG, Enzianweg 10a, 2353 Guntramsdorf, Austria
| | - Karin Schelch
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.A.H.); (B.D.)
| | - Daniela Flehberger
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Nadine Maach
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Muhammad Hashim
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Mir Alireza Hoda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.A.H.); (B.D.)
| | - Balazs Dome
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.A.H.); (B.D.)
- National Korányi Institute of Pulmonology, Korányi Frigyes u. 1, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Oncology, Semmelweis University, Rath Gyorgy u. 7-9, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Sölvegatan 19, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Georg Krupitza
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Walter Berger
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Waehringer Straße 38, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.S.); (J.C.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Klaus Holzmann
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Michael Grusch
- Center for Cancer Research and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.R.); (C.P.); (D.M.); (T.M.); (K.S.); (D.F.); (N.M.); (M.H.); (W.B.); (K.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Shahvali S, Rahiman N, Jaafari MR, Arabi L. Targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP): advances in CAR-T cell, antibody, and vaccine in cancer immunotherapy. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2041-2056. [PMID: 36840906 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a serine protease with dual enzymatic activities overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in several tumor types, while its expression in healthy adult tissues is scarce. FAP overexpression on CAFs is associated with poor prognosis and plays an important role in tumor development, progression, and invasion. Therefore, FAP is considered a robust therapeutic target for cancer therapy. Here, we try to review and highlight the recent advances in immunotherapies for FAP targeting including the anti-FAP antibodies and immunoconjugates, FAP chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell, and various FAP vaccines in a preclinical and clinical setting. Subsequently, a discussion on the challenges and prospects associated with the development and translation of effective and safe therapies for targeting and depletion of FAP is provided. We proposed that new CAR-T cell engineering strategies and nanotechnology-based systems as well as advanced functional biomaterials can be used to improve the efficiency and safety of CAR-T cells and vaccines against FAP for more personalized immunotherapy. This review emphasizes the immune targeting of FAP as an emerging stromal candidate and one of the crucial elements in immunotherapy and shows the potential for improvement of current cancer therapy. A summary of different immunotherapy approaches to target fibroblast activation protein (FAP) for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Shahvali
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Niloufar Rahiman
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Arabi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Souza da Silva R, Queiroga EM, de Toledo Osório C, Cunha KS, Neves FP, Andrade JP, Dias EP. Expression Profile of Microenvironmental Factors in the Interface Zone of Colorectal Cancer: Histological-Stromal Biomarkers and Cancer Cell-Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Related Proteins Combined for the Assessment of Tumor Progression. Pathobiology 2023; 91:99-107. [PMID: 37369175 DOI: 10.1159/000531695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The characterization of tumor microenvironment (TME) related factors and their impact on tumor progression have attracted much interest. We investigated cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to evaluate biomarkers that are associated with neoplastic progression, observing them in different interface zones of colorectal cancer. METHODS On 357 CRC tissue microarrays, using immunohistochemistry, we examined the associations of podoplanin and α-SMA expressed in cancer cells and CAFs and evaluated them in different areas: tumor core, invasive front, tumor budding, tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) scoring, and desmoplastic stroma. RESULTS CAFs expressing α-SMA were found in more than 90% of the cases. Podoplanin+ was detected in cancer cells and CAFs, with positivities of 38.6% and 70%, respectively. Higher α-SMA+ CAFs and podoplanin+ cancer cells were observed predominantly at the TSR score area: 94.3% and 64.3% of cases, respectively. The status of podoplanin in CAFs+ was higher in the desmoplastic area (71.6%). Stroma-high tumors showed increased expression of α-SMA and podoplanin in comparison with stroma-low tumors. The status of podoplanin in cancer cells was observed in association with lymphatic invasion and distant metastasis. CONCLUSION The substance of the CRC was composed predominantly of the surrounding stroma-α-SMA+ CAFs. Podoplanin expressed in the prognosticator zones was associated with unfavorable pathological features. The combination of histologic and protein-related biomarkers can result in a tool for the stratification of patients with CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricella Souza da Silva
- Pathological Anatomy Service, Lauro Wanderley University Hospital of Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Eduardo M Queiroga
- Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy, Alcides Carneiro University Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande, Brazil
| | | | - Karin S Cunha
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Fabiana P Neves
- Anatomopathological Diagnostic Center, Napoleão Laureano Hospital, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Julieth P Andrade
- Anatomopathological Diagnostic Center, Napoleão Laureano Hospital, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Eliane P Dias
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|