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Löhr JM. Pancreas 2000. My journey with the central organ. Pancreatology 2024; 24:671-676. [PMID: 38641487 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2024.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
The European Pancreatic Club Lifetime Achievement Award is a distinction awarded for research on the pancreas and service to European Pancreatology. It comes with the obligation to submit a review article to our society's journal, Pancreatology. It was awarded to me 2023 and I take this opportunity to highlight my journey with the central organ AKA the pancreas, that is inseparatable from "Pancreas 2000" - an educational program for future pancreatologists, inaugurated by Karolinska Institutet.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-Matthias Löhr
- Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 8, S-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
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2
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Perera CJ, Hosen SZ, Khan T, Fang H, Mekapogu AR, Xu Z, Falasca M, Chari ST, Wilson JS, Pirola R, Greening DW, Apte MV. Proteomic profiling of small extracellular vesicles derived from mouse pancreatic cancer and stellate cells: Role in pancreatic cancer. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300067. [PMID: 38570832 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300067] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are cell-derived vesicles evolving as important elements involved in all stages of cancers. sEVs bear unique protein signatures that may serve as biomarkers. Pancreatic cancer (PC) records a very poor survival rate owing to its late diagnosis and several cancer cell-derived proteins have been reported as candidate biomarkers. However, given the pivotal role played by stellate cells (PSCs, which produce the collagenous stroma in PC), it is essential to also assess PSC-sEV cargo in biomarker discovery. Thus, this study aimed to isolate and characterise sEVs from mouse PC cells and PSCs cultured alone or as co-cultures and performed proteomic profiling and pathway analysis. Proteomics confirmed the enrichment of specific markers in the sEVs compared to their cells of origin as well as the proteins that are known to express in each of the culture types. Most importantly, for the first time it was revealed that PSC-sEVs are enriched in proteins (including G6PI, PGAM1, ENO1, ENO3, and LDHA) that mediate pathways related to development of diabetes, such as glucose metabolism and gluconeogenesis revealing a potential role of PSCs in pancreatic cancer-related diabetes (PCRD). PCRD is now considered a harbinger of PC and further research will enable to identify the role of these components in PCRD and may develop as novel candidate biomarkers of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamini J Perera
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Sm Zahid Hosen
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Tanzila Khan
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Haoyun Fang
- Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alpha Raj Mekapogu
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Zhihong Xu
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Suresh T Chari
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, M. D Anderson Cancer Centre, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeremy S Wilson
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Ron Pirola
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Minoti V Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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3
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Mohan MD, Latifi N, Flick R, Simmons CA, Young EWK. Interrogating Matrix Stiffness and Metabolomics in Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma Using an Openable Microfluidic Tumor-on-a-Chip. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 38606850 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a dense fibrotic stroma that contributes to aggressive tumor biology and therapeutic resistance. Current in vitro PDAC models lack sufficient optical and physical access for fibrous network visualization, in situ mechanical stiffness measurement, and metabolomic profiling. Here, we describe an openable multilayer microfluidic PDAC-on-a-chip platform that consists of pancreatic tumor cells (PTCs) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) embedded in a 3D collagen matrix that mimics the stroma. Our system allows fibrous network visualization via reflected light confocal (RLC) microscopy, in situ mechanical stiffness testing using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and compartmentalized hydrogel extraction for PSC metabolomic profiling via mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. In comparing cocultures of gel-embedded PSCs and PTCs with PSC-only monocultures, RLC microscopy identified a significant decrease in pore size and corresponding increase in fiber density. In situ AFM indicated significant increases in stiffness, and hallmark characteristics of PSC activation were observed using fluorescence microscopy. PSCs in coculture also demonstrated localized fiber alignment and densification as well as increased collagen production. Finally, an untargeted MS study putatively identified metabolic contributions consistent with in vivo PDAC studies. Taken together, this platform can potentially advance our understanding of tumor-stromal interactions toward the discovery of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Mohan
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada
| | - Neda Latifi
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, 661 University Avenue, 14th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG 030, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Robert Flick
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
| | - Craig A Simmons
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada
- Translational Biology and Engineering Program, Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, 661 University Avenue, 14th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Edmond W K Young
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King's College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E2, Canada
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4
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Malik SS, Padmanabhan D, Hull-Meichle RL. Pancreas and islet morphology in cystic fibrosis: clues to the etiology of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1269139. [PMID: 38075070 PMCID: PMC10704027 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269139] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multi-organ disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in CFTR (which encodes the CF transmembrane conductance regulator ion channel). Cystic fibrosis related diabetes (CFRD) occurs in 40-50% of adults with CF and is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality. CFRD arises from insufficient insulin release from β cells in the pancreatic islet, but the mechanisms underlying the loss of β cell function remain understudied. Widespread pathological changes in the CF pancreas provide clues to these mechanisms. The exocrine pancreas is the epicenter of pancreas pathology in CF, with ductal pathology being the initiating event. Loss of CFTR function results in ductal plugging and subsequent obliteration. This in turn leads to destruction of acinar cells, fibrosis and fatty replacement. Despite this adverse environment, islets remain relatively well preserved. However, islet composition and arrangement are abnormal, including a modest decrease in β cells and an increase in α, δ and γ cell abundance. The small amount of available data suggest that substantial loss of pancreatic/islet microvasculature, autonomic nerve fibers and intra-islet macrophages occur. Conversely, T-cell infiltration is increased and, in CFRD, islet amyloid deposition is a frequent occurrence. Together, these pathological changes clearly demonstrate that CF is a disease of the pancreas/islet microenvironment. Any or all of these changes are likely to have a dramatic effect on the β cell, which relies on positive signals from all of these neighboring cell types for its normal function and survival. A thorough characterization of the CF pancreas microenvironment is needed to develop better therapies to treat, and ultimately prevent CFRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Malik
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Diksha Padmanabhan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
- Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rebecca L. Hull-Meichle
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States
- Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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5
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Guo F, Kan K, Rückert F, Rückert W, Li L, Eberhard J, May T, Sticht C, Dirks WG, Reißfelder C, Pallavi P, Keese M. Comparison of Tumour-Specific Phenotypes in Human Primary and Expandable Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13530. [PMID: 37686338 PMCID: PMC10488093 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713530] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an ongoing need for patient-specific chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Tumour cells isolated from human tissues can be used to predict patients' response to chemotherapy. However, the isolation and maintenance of pancreatic cancer cells is challenging because these cells become highly vulnerable after losing the tumour microenvironment. Therefore, we investigated whether the cells retained their original characteristics after lentiviral transfection and expansion. Three human primary pancreatic cancer cell lines were lentivirally transduced to create expandable (Ex) cells which were then compared with primary (Pri) cells. No obvious differences in the morphology or epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were observed between the primary and expandable cell lines. The two expandable cell lines showed higher proliferation rates in the 2D and 3D models. All three expandable cell lines showed attenuated migratory ability. Differences in gene expression between primary and expandable cell lines were then compared using RNA-Seq data. Potential target drugs were predicted by differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and differentially expressed pathways (DEPs) related to tumour-specific characteristics such as proliferation, migration, EMT, drug resistance, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were investigated using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. We found that the two expandable cell lines expressed similar chemosensitivity and redox-regulatory capability to gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in the 2D model as compared to their counterparts. In conclusion, we successfully generated expandable primary pancreatic cancer cell lines using lentiviral transduction. These expandable cells not only retain some tumour-specific biological traits of primary cells but also show an ongoing proliferative capacity, thereby yielding sufficient material for drug response assays, which may provide a patient-specific platform for chemotherapy drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guo
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Kejia Kan
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
- European Center of Angioscience ECAS, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Felix Rückert
- Surgical Department, Diakonissen Krankenhaus Speyer, 67346 Speyer, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Rückert
- Ingenieurbüro Dr. Ing. Rückert Data Analysis, Kirchweg 4, 57647 Nistertal, Germany;
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
- European Center of Angioscience ECAS, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Eberhard
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Tobias May
- InSCREENeX GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Carsten Sticht
- Next Generation Sequencing Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Wilhelm G. Dirks
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ, German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Christoph Reißfelder
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
| | - Prama Pallavi
- Department of Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (F.G.); (K.K.); (L.L.); (J.E.); (C.R.)
- European Center of Angioscience ECAS, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Keese
- European Center of Angioscience ECAS, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Theresienkrankenhaus, 68165 Mannheim, Germany
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Grützmeier SE, Kovacevic B, Vilmann P, Rift CV, Melchior LC, Holmström MO, Brink L, Hassan H, Karstensen JG, Grossjohann H, Chiranth D, Toxværd A, Hansen CP, Høgdall E, Hasselby JP, Klausen P. Validation of a Novel EUS-FNB-Derived Organoid Co-Culture System for Drug Screening in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3677. [PMID: 37509338 PMCID: PMC10377599 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been shown to impact the chemosensitivity of patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs). However, the published literature comparing PDTO response to clinical outcome does not include CAFs in the models. Here, a co-culture model was created using PDTOs and CAFs derived from endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsies (EUS-FNBs) for potential use in drug screening applications. Co-cultures were established, and growth was compared to monocultures using image metrics and a commercially available assay. We were able to establish and expand validated malignant PDTOs from 19.2% of adenocarcinomas from EUS-FNBs. CAFs could be established from 25% of the samples. The viability of PDTOs in the mixed cell co-culture could be isolated using image metrics. The addition of CAFs promoted PDTO growth in half of the established co-cultures. These results show that co-cultures can be established from tiny amounts of tissue provided by EUS-FNB. An increased growth of PDTOs was shown in co-cultures, suggesting that the present setup successfully models CAF-PDTO interaction. Furthermore, we demonstrated that standard validation techniques may be insufficient to detect contamination with normal cells in PDTO cultures established from primary tumor core biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ezban Grützmeier
- Gastro Unit, Endoscopic Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Bojan Kovacevic
- Gastro Unit, Endoscopic Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Vilmann
- Gastro Unit, Endoscopic Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Vestrup Rift
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Linea Cecilie Melchior
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Brink
- Gastro Unit, Endoscopic Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Hazem Hassan
- Gastro Unit, Endoscopic Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - John Gásdal Karstensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Pancreatitis Centre East, Gastroenterology Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital-Amager and Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Hanne Grossjohann
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Deepthi Chiranth
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Toxværd
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Carsten Palnæs Hansen
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Estrid Høgdall
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jane Preuss Hasselby
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pia Klausen
- Gastro Unit, Endoscopic Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Pleshkan VV, Zinovyeva MV, Antonova DV, Alekseenko IV. Spheroids of FAP-Positive Cell Lines as a Model for Screening Drugs That Affect FAP Expression. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2017. [PMID: 37509656 PMCID: PMC10377737 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast activation protein has a unique expression profile that manifests mainly in wounds and tumors, which anticipates it as an encouraging and selective target for anticancer therapy. However, research of the therapeutic potential of FAP is limited both by legal restraints when working in vivo and by the difficulty of obtaining standardized primary cultures of FAP-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts due to their high heterogeneity. We found that 3D spheroids of FAP-positive cell lines could serve as robust and convenient models of FAP expression, in contrast to monolayers. By exposing such spheroids to various factors and compounds, it is possible to study changes in FAP expression, which are easily detected by confocal microscopy. FAP expression increases under the influence of the TGFβ, does not depend on pH, and decreases during hypoxia and starvation. We believe that the proposed model could be used to organize large-scale high-throughput screening of drugs that target FAP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor V Pleshkan
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina V Zinovyeva
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dina V Antonova
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V Alekseenko
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", 123182 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Oncogynecology and Mammology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, 117198 Moscow, Russia
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8
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Kang MK, Jiang F, Kim YJ, Ryu K, Masamune A, Hamada S, Park YY, Koh SS. CTHRC1 Induces Pancreatic Stellate Cells (PSCs) into Myofibroblast-like Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (myCAFs). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3370. [PMID: 37444482 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133370] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
[BACKGROUND] Collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (CTHRC1) is a secreted protein that contributes to the progression of various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. The higher expression of CTHRC1 in tumor tissues is associated with poorer survival outcomes. However, its specific roles in tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling remain unclear. Our study aims to investigate the influences of CTHRC1 on pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), a main source of ECM production in pancreatic cancer. [METHODS AND RESULTS] The analyses of the publicly available pancreatic cancer patient data revealed that CTHRC1 is mainly expressed in cancer stroma and highly correlated with ECM-related genes. An in vitro study showed that more than 40% of these genes can be upregulated by CTHRC1. CTHRC1 specifically activated PSC into myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblasts (myCAFs), which are characterized by a significantly upregulated POSTN gene expression. Periostin (coded by the POSTN gene) has a central role in the CTHRC1-PSCs-cancer metastasis axis. Furthermore, CTHRC1 promoted pancreatic cancer cell proliferation through PSC activation to a greater extent than via direct stimulation. Proof-of-concept experiments showed that the long-term (4-week) inhibition of CTHRC1 led to significant tumor suppression and ECM reduction, and also resulted in an unexpected shift in the CAF subtype from myCAFs to inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs). [CONCLUSION] PSC activation was demonstrated to be the key molecular mechanism responsible for the tumor-promoting effects of CTHRC1, and CTHRC1 has a critical role in CAF subtype differentiation and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling. The inhibition of CTHRC1 as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
- Prestige BioPharma IDC Co., Ltd., Busan 46726, Republic of Korea
| | - Fen Jiang
- Prestige BioPharma IDC Co., Ltd., Busan 46726, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Ji Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungjin Ryu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
- Prestige BioPharma IDC Co., Ltd., Busan 46726, Republic of Korea
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Shin Hamada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
| | - Yun-Yong Park
- Prestige BioPharma IDC Co., Ltd., Busan 46726, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Seok Koh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
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9
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Pancreatic stellate cell-induced gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer is associated with LDHA- and MCT4-mediated enhanced glycolysis. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:9. [PMID: 36658582 PMCID: PMC9850604 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02852-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Profound resistance to chemotherapy remains a major challenge in achieving better clinical outcomes for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recent studies indicate that gemcitabine (GEM) resistance is promoted both by pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and through increased glycolysis. However, it remains unknown whether PSCs affect GEM sensitivity via glycolytic regulation. METHODS Human pancreatic cancer cell (PCC) lines (BxPC-3, Capan-2, HPAF-II, Mia PaCa-2, Panc-1, SW-1990) were exposed to three different PSC-conditioned media (PSC-CM; PSC-1, PSC-2, HPaSteC), following either pre-treatment with glycolysis inhibitor NV-5440 or transfection for transient silencing of key glycolytic regulators (LDHA and MCT4). Proliferation, glucose transport, extracellular lactate, and GEM sensitivity were assessed. Protein expression was determined by Western blot and immunostaining. Moreover, secreted proteins in PSC-CMs were profiled by mass spectrometry (MS). RESULTS While exposure to PSC-CMs did not affect glucose transport in PCCs, it increased their lactate release and proliferation, and reduced the sensitivity for GEM. Both NV-5440 treatment and transient silencing of LDHA and MCT4 inhibited these PSC-induced changes in PCCs. MS analysis identified 688 unique proteins with differential expression, of which only 87 were common to the three PSC-CMs. Most PSC-secreted proteins were extracellular matrix-related, including SPARC, fibronectin, and collagens. Moreover, exposure to PSC-CMs increased the phosphorylation of ERK in PCCs, but the treatment of PCCs with the MEK/ERK inhibitor PD98059 resulted in a reduction of PSC-CM-induced glycolysis and improved GEM sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS The study findings suggest that PSC-secreted factors promote both glycolysis and GEM resistance in PCCs, and that glycolysis inhibition by NV-5440 and blocking of ERK phosphorylation by PD98059 protect PCCs from PSC-CM-induced loss of GEM sensitivity. Taken together, PSCs appear to promote GEM resistance in PDAC via glycolysis. Thus, targeting glycolysis may improve the effect of chemotherapy in PDAC.
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10
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Liu Y, Wu X, Chen F, Li H, Wang T, Liu N, Sun K, Zhou G, Tao K. Modulating cancer-stroma crosstalk by a nanoparticle-based photodynamic method to pave the way for subsequent therapies. Biomaterials 2022; 289:121813. [PMID: 36152513 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells and their stromal microenvironment are mutually supportive. Either destroying cancer cells or damaging stromal components cannot guarantee a satisfactory outcome in the long-term treatment. Herein, we showed that the tumor-stroma crosstalk was disturbed by nanoparticle-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) in pancreatic tumor models, leading to the persistent inhibition of extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion and the enhanced therapeutic effect. By employing a conditioned medium method, we found that the nanoparticulate PDT at a sub-lethal dosage down-regulated TGFβ signaling pathways, leading to the decrease in drug resistance, proliferation, and migration of the cancer cells. Meanwhile, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were inactivated by PDT, hindering the secretion of ECM. Combining the results that PDT indiscriminately killed PSCs and cancer cells, we showed that the mutual support between the cancer cells and the stroma was interrupted. We further presented the inhibition of the crosstalk persistently enhanced tumor penetration in stroma-rich pancreatic tumor models. The loosened stroma not only facilitated tumor eradication by subsequent therapy but also improved the efficiency of gemcitabine treatment on monthly later recurrent tumors. Therefore, our work may boost the potential of PDT to be a valuable individual or adjuvant treatment for desmoplastic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China
| | - Xiaodi Wu
- Research Institute of Plastic Surgery, Wei Fang Medical College, Wei Fang, Shandong, 261042, PR China
| | - Feifan Chen
- Research Institute of Plastic Surgery, Wei Fang Medical College, Wei Fang, Shandong, 261042, PR China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China
| | - Tao Wang
- Research Institute of Plastic Surgery, Wei Fang Medical College, Wei Fang, Shandong, 261042, PR China
| | - Ningning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, PR China
| | - Kang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
| | - Guangdong Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China; Research Institute of Plastic Surgery, Wei Fang Medical College, Wei Fang, Shandong, 261042, PR China.
| | - Ke Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, PR China.
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Takikawa T, Hamada S, Matsumoto R, Tanaka Y, Kataoka F, Sasaki A, Masamune A. Senescent Human Pancreatic Stellate Cells Secrete CXCR2 Agonist CXCLs to Promote Proliferation and Migration of Human Pancreatic Cancer AsPC-1 and MIAPaCa-2 Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169275. [PMID: 36012531 PMCID: PMC9409091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play an important role in the progression of pancreatic cancer. Recent studies have shown that cellular senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors play roles in the progression of cancer. This study aimed to clarify the effects of senescence-induced PSCs on pancreatic cancer cells. Senescence was induced in primary-cultured human PSCs (hPSCs) through treatment with hydrogen peroxide or gemcitabine. Microarray and Gene Ontology analyses showed the alterations in genes and pathways related to cellular senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors, including the upregulation of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)-1, CXCL2, and CXCL3 through the induction of senescence in hPSCs. Conditioned media of senescent hPSCs increased the proliferation—as found in an assessment with a BrdU incorporation assay—and migration—as found in an assessment with wound-healing and two-chamber assays—of pancreatic cancer AsPC-1 and MIAPaca-2 cell lines. SB225002, a selective CXCR2 antagonist, and SCH-527123, a CXCR1/CXCR2 antagonist, attenuated the effects of conditioned media of senescent hPSCs on the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells. These results suggest a role of CXCLs as senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors in the interaction between senescent hPSCs and pancreatic cancer cells. Senescent PSCs might be novel therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
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12
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Privat-Maldonado A, Verloy R, Cardenas Delahoz E, Lin A, Vanlanduit S, Smits E, Bogaerts A. Cold Atmospheric Plasma Does Not Affect Stellate Cells Phenotype in Pancreatic Cancer Tissue in Ovo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23041954. [PMID: 35216069 PMCID: PMC8878510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a challenging neoplastic disease, mainly due to the development of resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an alternative technology that can eliminate cancer cells through oxidative damage, as shown in vitro, in ovo, and in vivo. However, how CAP affects the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), key players in the invasion and metastasis of PDAC, is poorly understood. This study aims to determine the effect of an anti-PDAC CAP treatment on PSCs tissue developed in ovo using mono- and co-cultures of RLT-PSC (PSCs) and Mia PaCa-2 cells (PDAC). We measured tissue reduction upon CAP treatment and mRNA expression of PSC activation markers and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling factors via qRT-PCR. Protein expression of selected markers was confirmed via immunohistochemistry. CAP inhibited growth in Mia PaCa-2 and co-cultured tissue, but its effectiveness was reduced in the latter, which correlates with reduced ki67 levels. CAP did not alter the mRNA expression of PSC activation and ECM remodelling markers. No changes in MMP2 and MMP9 expression were observed in RLT-PSCs, but small changes were observed in Mia PaCa-2 cells. Our findings support the ability of CAP to eliminate PDAC cells, without altering the PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Privat-Maldonado
- PLASMANT, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (R.V.); (A.L.); (A.B.)
- Solid Tumor Immunology Group, Center for Oncological Research, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network, Department of Molecular Imaging, Pathology, Radiotherapy and Oncology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-3265-25-76
| | - Ruben Verloy
- PLASMANT, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (R.V.); (A.L.); (A.B.)
- Solid Tumor Immunology Group, Center for Oncological Research, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network, Department of Molecular Imaging, Pathology, Radiotherapy and Oncology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Edgar Cardenas Delahoz
- Industrial Vision Lab InViLab, Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (E.C.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Abraham Lin
- PLASMANT, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (R.V.); (A.L.); (A.B.)
- Solid Tumor Immunology Group, Center for Oncological Research, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network, Department of Molecular Imaging, Pathology, Radiotherapy and Oncology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Steve Vanlanduit
- Industrial Vision Lab InViLab, Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (E.C.D.); (S.V.)
| | - Evelien Smits
- Solid Tumor Immunology Group, Center for Oncological Research, Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network, Department of Molecular Imaging, Pathology, Radiotherapy and Oncology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- PLASMANT, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (R.V.); (A.L.); (A.B.)
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13
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Gündel B, Liu X, Löhr M, Heuchel R. Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Preclinical in vitro and ex vivo Models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:741162. [PMID: 34746135 PMCID: PMC8569794 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.741162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most overlooked cancers despite its dismal median survival time of 6 months. The biggest challenges in improving patient survival are late diagnosis due to lack of diagnostic markers, and limited treatment options due to almost complete therapy resistance. The past decades of research identified the dense stroma and the complex interplay/crosstalk between the cancer- and the different stromal cells as the main culprits for the slow progress in improving patient outcome. For better ex vivo simulation of this complex tumor microenvironment the models used in PDAC research likewise need to become more diverse. Depending on the focus of the investigation, several in vitro and in vivo models for PDAC have been established in the past years. Particularly, 3D cell culture such as spheroids and organoids have become more frequently used. This review aims to examine current PDAC in vitro models, their inherent limitations, and their successful implementations in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Gündel
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Xinyuan Liu
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Matthias Löhr
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Upper GI, C1:77, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rainer Heuchel
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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14
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Silke J, O’Reilly LA. NF-κB and Pancreatic Cancer; Chapter and Verse. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4510. [PMID: 34572737 PMCID: PMC8469693 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the world's most lethal cancers. An increase in occurrence, coupled with, presently limited treatment options, necessitates the pursuit of new therapeutic approaches. Many human cancers, including PDAC are initiated by unresolved inflammation. The transcription factor NF-κB coordinates many signals that drive cellular activation and proliferation during immunity but also those involved in inflammation and autophagy which may instigate tumorigenesis. It is not surprising therefore, that activation of canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways is increasingly recognized as an important driver of pancreatic injury, progression to tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Paradoxically, NF-κB dysregulation has also been shown to inhibit pancreatic inflammation and pancreatic cancer, depending on the context. A pro-oncogenic or pro-suppressive role for individual components of the NF-κB pathway appears to be cell type, microenvironment and even stage dependent. This review provides an outline of NF-κB signaling, focusing on the role of the various NF-κB family members in the evolving inflammatory PDAC microenvironment. Finally, we discuss pharmacological control of NF-κB to curb inflammation, focussing on novel anti-cancer agents which reinstate the process of cancer cell death, the Smac mimetics and their pre-clinical and early clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Silke
- Inflammation Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Lorraine Ann O’Reilly
- Inflammation Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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15
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Bengtsson A, Andersson R, Rahm J, Ganganna K, Andersson B, Ansari D. Organoid technology for personalized pancreatic cancer therapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:251-260. [PMID: 33492660 PMCID: PMC7985124 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00585-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has the lowest survival rate among all major cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The stagnant survival statistics and dismal response rates to current therapeutics highlight the need for more efficient preclinical models. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) offer new possibilities as powerful preclinical models able to account for interpatient variability. Organoid development can be divided into four different key phases: establishment, propagation, drug screening and response prediction. Establishment entails tailored tissue extraction and growth protocols, propagation requires consistent multiplication and passaging, while drug screening and response prediction will benefit from shorter and more precise assays, and clear decision-making tools. CONCLUSIONS This review attempts to outline the most important challenges that remain in exploiting organoid platforms for drug discovery and clinical applications. Some of these challenges may be overcome by novel methods that are under investigation, such as 3D bioprinting systems, microfluidic systems, optical metabolic imaging and liquid handling robotics. We also propose an optimized organoid workflow inspired by all technical solutions we have presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Bengtsson
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Roland Andersson
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Rahm
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karthik Ganganna
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Bodil Andersson
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Ansari
- Department of Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden.
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16
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Stellate Cells Aid Growth-Permissive Metabolic Reprogramming and Promote Gemcitabine Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040601. [PMID: 33546284 PMCID: PMC7913350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The great majority, more than 90%, of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) die within less than five years after detection of the disease, despite recent treatment advances. The poor prognosis is related to late diagnosis, aggressive disease progression, and tumor resistance to conventional chemotherapy. PDAC tumor tissue is characterized by dense fibrosis and poor nutrient availability. A large portion of the tumor is made up of stromal fibroblasts, the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which are known to contribute to tumor progression in several ways. PSCs have been shown to act as an alternate energy source, induce drug resistance, and inhibit drug availability in tumor cells, however, the underlying exact molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this literature review, we discuss recent available knowledge about the contributions of PSCs to the overall progression of PDAC via changes in tumor metabolism and how this is linked to therapy resistance. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), also known as pancreatic cancer (PC), is characterized by an overall poor prognosis and a five-year survival that is less than 10%. Characteristic features of the tumor are the presence of a prominent desmoplastic stromal response, an altered metabolism, and profound resistance to cancer drugs including gemcitabine, the backbone of PDAC chemotherapy. The pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) constitute the major cellular component of PDAC stroma. PSCs are essential for extracellular matrix assembly and form a supportive niche for tumor growth. Various cytokines and growth factors induce activation of PSCs through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, which in turn promote overall tumor growth and metastasis and induce chemoresistance. To maintain growth and survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic environment of PDAC, tumor cells fulfill their high energy demands via several unconventional ways, a process generally referred to as metabolic reprogramming. Accumulating evidence indicates that activated PSCs not only contribute to the therapy-resistant phenotype of PDAC but also act as a nutrient supplier for the tumor cells. However, the precise molecular links between metabolic reprogramming and an acquired therapy resistance in PDAC remain elusive. This review highlights recent findings indicating the importance of PSCs in aiding growth-permissive metabolic reprogramming and gemcitabine chemoresistance in PDAC.
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17
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Zhang Z, Zhang H, Liu T, Chen T, Wang D, Tang D. Heterogeneous Pancreatic Stellate Cells Are Powerful Contributors to the Malignant Progression of Pancreatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:783617. [PMID: 34988078 PMCID: PMC8722736 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.783617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is associated with highly malignant tumors and poor prognosis due to strong therapeutic resistance. Accumulating evidence shows that activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) play an important role in the malignant progression of pancreatic cancer. In recent years, the rapid development of single-cell sequencing technology has facilitated the analysis of PSC population heterogeneity, allowing for the elucidation of the relationship between different subsets of cells with tumor development and therapeutic resistance. Researchers have identified two spatially separated, functionally complementary, and reversible subtypes, namely myofibroblastic and inflammatory PSC. Myofibroblastic PSC produce large amounts of pro-fibroproliferative collagen fibers, whereas inflammatory PSC express large amounts of inflammatory cytokines. These distinct cell subtypes cooperate to create a microenvironment suitable for cancer cell survival. Therefore, further understanding of the differentiation of PSC and their distinct functions will provide insight into more effective treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tian Liu
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tian Chen
- Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Daorong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Institute of General Surgery, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dong Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Institute of General Surgery, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dong Tang,
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18
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Differential Gemcitabine Sensitivity in Primary Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Paired Stellate Cells Is Driven by Heterogenous Drug Uptake and Processing. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123628. [PMID: 33287390 PMCID: PMC7761836 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, also known as pancreatic cancer) is one of the deadliest tumor types, characterized by poor prognosis, profound chemoresistance and overall low survival. Gemcitabine remains the standard of care for all stages of PDAC, however, with poor clinical benefits which is considered to be due to reduced drug availability in tumor cells. Gemcitabine-induced cytotoxicity depends upon sufficient drug uptake followed by intracellular activation. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), a major stromal component of PDAC, were recently reported to scavenge active metabolites of gemcitabine, thereby making it unavailable for cancer cells. Gemcitabine uptake and processing in both tumor cells and PSCs, as well as expression analysis of its molecular metabolic regulators, was investigated in this study. We observed heterogeneous gemcitabine-induced cytotoxicity in different pancreatic cancer cells whereas it was absent in PSCs. The gemcitabine-induced cytotoxicity in pancreatic cancer cells was driven by differential expression of its molecular regulators. Abstract Gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is attributed to cancer cell-intrinsic drug processing and the impact of the tumor microenvironment, especially pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). This study uses human PDAC-derived paired primary cancer cells (PCCs) and PSCs from four different tumors, and the PDAC cell lines BxPC-3, Mia PaCa-2, and Panc-1, to assess the fate of gemcitabine by measuring its cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and LC-MS/MS-based metabolite analysis. Expression analysis and siRNA-mediated knockdown of key regulators of gemcitabine (hENT1, CDA, DCK, NT5C1A) was performed. Compared to PSCs, both the paired primary PCCs and cancer cell lines showed gemcitabine-induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity, high uptake, as well as high and variable intracellular levels of gemcitabine metabolites. PSCs were gemcitabine-resistant and demonstrated significantly lower drug uptake, which was not influenced by co-culturing with their paired PCCs. Expression of key gemcitabine regulators was variable, but overall strong in the cancer cells and significantly lower or undetectable in PSCs. In cancer cells, hENT1 inhibition significantly downregulated gemcitabine uptake and cytotoxicity, whereas DCK knockdown reduced cytotoxicity. In conclusion, heterogeneity in gemcitabine processing among different pancreatic cancer cells and stellate cells results from the differential expression of molecular regulators which determines the effect of gemcitabine.
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19
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Choi SR, Yang Y, Huang KY, Kong HJ, Flick MJ, Han B. Engineering of biomaterials for tumor modeling. MATERIALS TODAY. ADVANCES 2020; 8:100117. [PMID: 34541484 PMCID: PMC8448271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtadv.2020.100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Development of biomaterials mimicking tumor and its microenvironment has recently emerged for the use of drug discovery, precision medicine, and cancer biology. These biomimetic models have developed by reconstituting tumor and stroma cells within the 3D extracellular matrix. The models are recently extended to recapitulate the in vivo tumor microenvironment, including biological, chemical, and mechanical conditions tailored for specific cancer type and its microenvironment. In spite of the recent emergence of various innovative engineered tumor models, many of these models are still early stage to be adapted for cancer research. In this article, we review the current status of biomaterials engineering for tumor models considering three main aspects - cellular engineering, matrix engineering, and engineering for microenvironmental conditions. Considering cancer-specific variability in these aspects, our discussion is focused on pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In addition, we further discussed the current challenges and future opportunities to create reliable and relevant tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Rome Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kai-Yu Huang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hyun Joon Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Matthew J. Flick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bumsoo Han
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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20
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Pancreatic cancer resistance conferred by stellate cells: looking for new preclinical models. Exp Hematol Oncol 2020; 9:18. [PMID: 32775041 PMCID: PMC7398063 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-020-00176-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an extremely poor response to chemo- and (modest-dose conventionally fractionated) radio-therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) secrete deoxycytidine, which confers resistance to gemcitabine. In particular, deoxycytidine was detected by analysis of metabolites in fractionated media from different mouse PSCs, showing that it caused PDAC cells chemoresistance by reducing the capacity of deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) for gemcitabine phosphorylation. However, data on human models are missing and dCK expression was not associated with clinical efficacy of gemcitabine. We recently established co-culture models of hetero-spheroids including primary human PSCs and PDAC cells showing their importance as a platform to test the effects of cancer- and stroma-targeted drugs. Here, we discuss the limitations of previous studies and the potential use of above-mentioned models to study molecular mechanisms underlying chemo- and radio-resistance.
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21
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Che M, Kweon SM, Teo JL, Yuan YC, Melstrom LG, Waldron RT, Lugea A, Urrutia RA, Pandol SJ, Lai KKY. Targeting the CBP/β-Catenin Interaction to Suppress Activation of Cancer-Promoting Pancreatic Stellate Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061476. [PMID: 32516943 PMCID: PMC7352534 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although cyclic AMP-response element binding protein-binding protein (CBP)/β-catenin signaling is known to promote proliferation and fibrosis in various organ systems, its role in the activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), the key effector cells of desmoplasia in pancreatic cancer and fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis, is largely unknown. Methods: To investigate the role of the CBP/β-catenin signaling pathway in the activation of PSCs, we have treated mouse and human PSCs with the small molecule specific CBP/β-catenin antagonist ICG-001 and examined the effects of treatment on parameters of activation. Results: We report for the first time that CBP/β-catenin antagonism suppresses activation of PSCs as evidenced by their decreased proliferation, down-regulation of “activation” markers, e.g., α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA/Acta2), collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1a1), Prolyl 4-hydroxylase, and Survivin, up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (Ppar-γ) which is associated with quiescence, and reduced migration; additionally, CBP/β-catenin antagonism also suppresses PSC-induced migration of cancer cells. Conclusion: CBP/β-catenin antagonism represents a novel therapeutic strategy for suppressing PSC activation and may be effective at countering PSC promotion of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtian Che
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.C.); (S.-M.K.); (J.-L.T.)
| | - Soo-Mi Kweon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.C.); (S.-M.K.); (J.-L.T.)
| | - Jia-Ling Teo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (M.C.); (S.-M.K.); (J.-L.T.)
| | - Yate-Ching Yuan
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Laleh G. Melstrom
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Richard T. Waldron
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (R.T.W.); (A.L.); (S.J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aurelia Lugea
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (R.T.W.); (A.L.); (S.J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Raul A. Urrutia
- Department of Surgery and the Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center (GSPMC), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA;
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Pancreatic Research Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (R.T.W.); (A.L.); (S.J.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Keane K. Y. Lai
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, and Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence:
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22
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Norberg KJ, Liu X, Fernández Moro C, Strell C, Nania S, Blümel M, Balboni A, Bozóky B, Heuchel RL, Löhr JM. A novel pancreatic tumour and stellate cell 3D co-culture spheroid model. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:475. [PMID: 32460715 PMCID: PMC7251727 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06867-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a devastating disease with poor outcome, generally characterized by an excessive stroma component. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and reproducible in vitro 3D-assay employing the main constituents of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, namely pancreatic stellate and cancer cells. METHOD A spheroid assay, directly co-culturing human pancreatic stellate cells with human pancreatic tumour cells in 3D was established and characterized by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR. In order to facilitate the cell type-specific crosstalk analysis by real-time RT-PCR, we developed a novel in vitro 3D co-culture model, where the participating cell types were from different species, human and mouse, respectively. Using species-specific PCR primers, we were able to investigate the crosstalk between stromal and cancer cells without previous cell separation and sorting. RESULTS We found clear evidence for mutual influence, such as increased proliferation and a shift towards a more mesenchymal phenotype in cancer cells and an activation of pancreatic stellate cells towards the myofibroblast phenotype. Using a heterospecies approach, which we coined virtual sorting, confirmed the findings we made initially in the human-human spheroids. CONCLUSIONS We developed and characterized different easy to set up 3D models to investigate the crosstalk between cancer and stroma cells for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Norberg
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - X Liu
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Fernández Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LabMed), Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Strell
- Department of Cancer, Division of Upper GI, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Nania
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Blümel
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Balboni
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Bozóky
- Department of Laboratory Medicine (LabMed), Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R L Heuchel
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - J M Löhr
- Pancreas Cancer Research Lab, Department of Clinical Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Novum, floor 6, room 613, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Cancer, Division of Upper GI, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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23
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24
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An W, Zhu JW, Jiang F, Jiang H, Zhao JL, Liu MY, Li GX, Shi XG, Sun C, Li ZS. Fibromodulin is upregulated by oxidative stress through the MAPK/AP-1 pathway to promote pancreatic stellate cell activation. Pancreatology 2020; 20:278-287. [PMID: 31831391 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2019.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Fibromodulin (FMOD) expression in chronic pancreatitis (CP) tissues and its effect on PSC was unknown. Our aim was to investigate the role of FMOD in regulating PSC profibrogenic phenotype and the molecular mechanism of CP. METHODS Rat CP models were induced by dibutyltin dichloride. Pancreatic fibrosis was evaluated by Sirius Red staining. The expression of FMOD and α-SMA was measured, the correlation between FMOD expression and fibrosis was investigated in CP models and CP patients. The effects of FMOD on PSCs were examined by CCK-8 and migration assays. We investigated the mechanisms underlying FMOD expression using MND and a MAPK pathway inhibitor. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to investigate the effects of AP-1 on FMOD expression. RESULTS Sirius Red staining revealed high collagen deposition in model rats. Higher expression of FMOD and α-SMA was observed in fibrotic tissues, and the expression of FMOD was correlated with that of α-SMA and the areas of Sirius Red staining. Upregulation of FMOD increased the expression of collagen I and α-SMA and the proliferation and migration of PSCs. MND induced FMOD and α-SMA expression, and knockdown of FMOD abated α-SMA expression. ERK and JNK inhibitors attenuated FMOD expression as induced by MND. AP-1 upregulated the expression of FMOD. AP-1 binds to the FMOD promoter and transcriptionally regulates FMOD expression. CONCLUSION FMOD levels are upregulated in fibrosis tissues in CP and it is a critical downstream mediator of oxidative stress. FMOD induces PSC activation and maintains the fibrosis phenotype of PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei An
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jian-Wei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, 215008, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jiu-Long Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mu-Yun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Gui-Xiang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xin-Gang Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Zhao-Shen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital of Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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25
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Amrutkar M, Larsen EK, Aasrum M, Finstadsveen AV, Andresen PA, Verbeke CS, Gladhaug IP. Establishment and Characterization of Paired Primary Cultures of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells and Stellate Cells Derived from the Same Tumor. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010227. [PMID: 31963309 PMCID: PMC7016771 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by an extremely poor prognosis, and its treatment remains a challenge. As the existing in vitro experimental models offer only a limited resemblance to human PDAC, there is a strong need for additional research tools to better understand PDAC tumor biology, particularly the impact of the tumor stroma. Here, we report for the first time the establishment and characterization of human PDAC-derived paired primary monolayer cultures of (epithelial) cancer cells (PCCs) and mesenchymal stellate cells (PSCs) derived from the same tumor by the outgrowth method. Characterization of cell morphology, cytostructural, and functional profiles and proteomics-based secretome analysis were performed. All PCCs harbored KRAS and TP53 mutations, and expressed cytokeratin 19, ki-67, and p53, while the expression of EpCAM and vimentin was variable. All PSCs expressed α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin. PCCs showed a significantly higher growth rate and proliferation than PSCs. Secretome analysis confirmed the distinct nature of PCCs as compared to PSCs and allowed identification of potential molecular regulators of PSC-conditioned medium (PSC-CM)-induced migration of PCCs. Paired primary cultures of PCCs and PSCs derived from the same tumor specimen represent a novel experimental model for basic research in PDAC tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Amrutkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway; (E.K.L.); (M.A.)
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-409-94-132
| | - Emma Kristine Larsen
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway; (E.K.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Monica Aasrum
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway; (E.K.L.); (M.A.)
| | - Anette Vefferstad Finstadsveen
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway; (A.V.F.); (P.A.A.); (C.S.V.)
| | - Per Arne Andresen
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway; (A.V.F.); (P.A.A.); (C.S.V.)
| | - Caroline S. Verbeke
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway; (A.V.F.); (P.A.A.); (C.S.V.)
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ivar P. Gladhaug
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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26
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Plasma Membrane Ca 2+ ATPase Isoform 4 (PMCA4) Has an Important Role in Numerous Hallmarks of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010218. [PMID: 31963119 PMCID: PMC7016988 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is largely resistant to standard treatments leading to poor patient survival. The expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase-4 (PMCA4) is reported to modulate key cancer hallmarks including cell migration, growth, and apoptotic resistance. Data-mining revealed that PMCA4 was over-expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors which correlated with poor patient survival. Western blot and RT-qPCR revealed that MIA PaCa-2 cells almost exclusively express PMCA4 making these a suitable cellular model of PDAC with poor patient survival. Knockdown of PMCA4 in MIA PaCa-2 cells (using siRNA) reduced cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) clearance, cell migration, and sensitized cells to apoptosis, without affecting cell growth. Knocking down PMCA4 had minimal effects on numerous metabolic parameters (as assessed using the Seahorse XF analyzer). In summary, this study provides the first evidence that PMCA4 is over-expressed in PDAC and plays a role in cell migration and apoptotic resistance in MIA PaCa-2 cells. This suggests that PMCA4 may offer an attractive novel therapeutic target in PDAC.
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27
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Amrutkar M, Aasrum M, Verbeke CS, Gladhaug IP. Secretion of fibronectin by human pancreatic stellate cells promotes chemoresistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:596. [PMID: 31208372 PMCID: PMC6580453 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5803-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gemcitabine remains a cornerstone in chemotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) despite suboptimal clinical effects that are partly due to the development of chemoresistance. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) of the tumor stroma are known to interact with pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and influence the progression of PDAC through a complex network of signaling molecules that involve extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. To understand tumor-stroma interactions regulating chemosensitivity, the role of PSC-secreted fibronectin (FN) in the development of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC was examined. Methods PSC cultures obtained from ten different human PDAC tumors were co-cultured with PCC lines (AsPC-1, BxPC-3, Capan-2, HPAF-II, MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1 and SW-1990) either directly, or indirectly via incubation with PSC-conditioned medium (PSC-CM). Gemcitabine dose response cytotoxicity was determined using MTT based cell viability assays. Protein expression was assessed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. PSC-CM secretome analysis was performed by proteomics-based LC-MS/MS, and FN content in PSC-CM was determined with ELISA. Radiolabeled gemcitabine was used to determine the capacity of PCCs to uptake the drug. Results In both direct and indirect co-culture, PSCs induced varying degrees of resistance to the cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine among all cancer cell lines examined. A variable degree of increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was observed across all PCC lines upon incubation with PSC-CM, while activation of AKT was not detected. Secretome analysis of PSC-CM identified 796 different proteins, including several ECM-related proteins such as FN and collagens. Soluble FN content in PSC-CM was detected in the range 175–350 ng/ml. Neither FN nor PSC-CM showed any effect on PCC uptake capacity of gemcitabine. PCCs grown on FN-coated surface displayed higher resistance to gemcitabine compared to cells grown on non-coated surface. Furthermore, a FN inhibitor, synthetic Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) peptide significantly inhibited PSC-CM-induced chemoresistance in PCCs via downregulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that FN secreted by PSCs in the ECM plays a key role in the development of resistance to gemcitabine via activation of ERK1/2. FN-blocking agents added to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy might counteract chemoresistance in PDAC and provide better clinical outcomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5803-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Amrutkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1171, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Monica Aasrum
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Caroline S Verbeke
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ivar P Gladhaug
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1171, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Nydalen, 0424, Oslo, Norway
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