1
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Lujano Olazaba O, Farrow J, Monkkonen T. Fibroblast heterogeneity and functions: insights from single-cell sequencing in wound healing, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and melanoma. Front Genet 2024; 15:1304853. [PMID: 38525245 PMCID: PMC10957653 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1304853] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been described as the wound that does not heal, in large part due to fibroblast involvement. Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contributes to critical features of the tumor microenvironment, including upregulation of key marker proteins, recruitment of immune cells, and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)-similar to fibroblast activation in injury-induced wound healing. Prior to the widespread availability of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq), studies of CAFs or fibroblasts in wound healing largely relied on models guided by individual fibroblast markers, or methods with less resolution to unravel the heterogeneous nature of CAFs and wound healing fibroblasts (especially regarding scarring outcome). Here, insights from the enhanced resolution provided by scRNA sequencing of fibroblasts in normal wound healing, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and melanoma are discussed. These data have revealed differences in expression of established canonical activation marker genes, epigenetic modifications, fibroblast lineages, new gene and proteins of clinical interest for further experimentation, and novel signaling interactions with other cell types that include spatial information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Teresa Monkkonen
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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2
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Xu Y, Li W, Lin S, Liu B, Wu P, Li L. Fibroblast diversity and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment: roles in immunity and relevant therapies. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:234. [PMID: 37723510 PMCID: PMC10506315 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01204-2] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), enriched in the tumor stroma, have received increasing attention because of their multifaceted effects on tumorigenesis, development, metastasis, and treatment resistance in malignancies. CAFs contributed to suppressive microenvironment via different mechanisms, while CAFs also exerted some antitumor effects. Therefore, CAFs have been considered promising therapeutic targets for their remarkable roles in malignant tumors. However, patients with malignancies failed to benefit from current CAFs-targeted drugs in many clinical trials, which suggests that further in-depth investigation into CAFs is necessary. Here, we summarize and outline the heterogeneity and plasticity of CAFs mainly by exploring their origin and activation, highlighting the regulation of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment during tumor evolution, as well as the critical roles performed by CAFs in tumor immunity. In addition, we summarize the current immunotherapies targeting CAFs, and conclude with a brief overview of some prospects for the future of CAFs research in the end. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashi Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shitong Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Binghan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Li Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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3
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Chhabra Y, Weeraratna AT. Fibroblasts in cancer: Unity in heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:1580-1609. [PMID: 37059066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells do not exist in isolation in vivo, and carcinogenesis depends on the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of a myriad of cell types and biophysical and biochemical components. Fibroblasts are integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, even before a tumor develops, pro-tumorigenic fibroblasts in close proximity can provide the fertile 'soil' to the cancer 'seed' and are known as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In response to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, CAFs reorganize the TME enabling metastasis, therapeutic resistance, dormancy and reactivation by secreting cellular and acellular factors. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries on CAF-mediated cancer progression with a particular focus on fibroblast heterogeneity and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Chhabra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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4
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Burley A, Rullan A, Wilkins A. A review of the biology and therapeutic implications of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1000888. [PMID: 36313650 PMCID: PMC9608345 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1000888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a fundamental role in the development of cancers and their response to therapy. In recent years, CAFs have returned to the spotlight as researchers work to unpick the mechanisms by which they impact tumour evolution and therapy responses. However, study of CAFs has largely been restricted to a select number of common cancers, whereas research into CAF biology in bladder cancer has been relatively neglected. In this review, we explore the basics of CAF biology including the numerous potential cellular origins of CAFs, alongside mechanisms of CAF activation and their diverse functionality. We find CAFs play an important role in the progression of bladder cancer with significant implications on tumour cell signaling, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and the capacity to modify components of the immune system. In addition, we highlight some of the landmark papers describing CAF heterogeneity and find trends in the literature to suggest that the iCAF and myCAF subtypes defined in bladder cancer share common characteristics with CAF subtypes described in other settings such as breast and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, based on findings in other common cancers we identify key therapeutic challenges associated with CAFs, such as the lack of specific CAF markers, the paucity of research into bladder-specific CAFs and their relationship with therapies such as radiotherapy. Of relevance, we describe a variety of strategies used to target CAFs in several common cancers, paying particular attention to TGFβ signaling as a prominent regulator of CAF activation. In doing so, we find parallels with bladder cancer that suggest CAF targeting may advance therapeutic options in this setting and improve the current poor survival outcomes in bladder cancer which sadly remain largely unchanged over recent decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Burley
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Rullan
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Head and Neck Unit, Royal Marsden National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Wilkins
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Radiotherapy, Royal Marsden National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust, London, United Kingdom
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5
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Chronic Fibrosis and Its Progression to Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073924. [PMID: 35409286 PMCID: PMC8999153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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6
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Elwakeel E, Brüggemann M, Wagih J, Lityagina O, Elewa MAF, Han Y, Froemel T, Popp R, Nicolas AM, Schreiber Y, Gradhand E, Thomas D, Nüsing R, Steinmetz-Späh J, Savai R, Fokas E, Fleming I, Greten FR, Zarnack K, Brüne B, Weigert A. Disruption of prostaglandin E2 signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts limits mammary carcinoma growth but promotes metastasis. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1380-1395. [PMID: 35105690 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The activation and differentiation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are involved in tumor progression. Here we show that the tumor-promoting lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a paradoxical role in CAF activation and tumor progression. Restricting PGE2 signaling via knockout of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in PyMT mice or of the prostanoid E receptor 3 (EP3) in CAFs stunted mammary carcinoma growth associated with strong CAF proliferation. CAF proliferation upon EP3 inhibition required p38 MAPK signaling. Mechanistically, TGF-β-activated kinase-like protein (TAK1L), which was identified as a negative regulator of p38 MAPK activation, was decreased following ablation of mPGES-1 or EP3. In contrast to its effects on primary tumor growth, disruption of PGE2 signaling in CAFs induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cancer organoids and promoted metastasis in mice. Moreover, TAK1L expression in CAFs was associated with decreased CAF activation, reduced metastasis, and prolonged survival in human breast cancer. These data characterize a new pathway of regulating inflammatory CAF activation, which affects breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiman Elwakeel
- Faculty of Medicine/Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Mirko Brüggemann
- Computational RNA Biology, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS) and Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Jessica Wagih
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Olga Lityagina
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | | | - Yingying Han
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | | | - Rüdiger Popp
- Insitute of Vascular Signalling, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Adele M Nicolas
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg Speyer Haus
| | - Yannick Schreiber
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Senckenbergisches Institut für Pathologie, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | | | - Rolf Nüsing
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University
| | - Julia Steinmetz-Späh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospita
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Lung Microenvironmental Niche in Cancerogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
| | - Emmanouil Fokas
- Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
| | | | - Florian R Greten
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy Paul-Ehrlich-Str
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS) and Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt
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7
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Brewer G, Fortier AM, Park M, Moraes C. The case for cancer-associated fibroblasts: essential elements in cancer drug discovery? FUTURE DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 4:FDD71. [PMID: 35600290 PMCID: PMC9112234 DOI: 10.4155/fdd-2021-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increased attention for supporting cancer progression, current CAF-targeted therapeutic options are limited and failing in clinical trials. As the largest component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), CAFs alter the biochemical and physical structure of the TME, modulating cancer progression. Here, we review the role of CAFs in altering drug response, modifying the TME mechanics and the current models for studying CAFs. To provide new perspectives, we highlight key considerations of CAF activity and discuss emerging technologies that can better address CAFs; and therefore, increase the likelihood of therapeutic efficacy. We argue that CAFs are crucial components of the cancer drug discovery pipeline and incorporating these cells will improve drug discovery success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Brewer
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Fortier
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, 3649 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, 5100 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Christopher Moraes
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Avenues des Pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, 3610 rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, 3775 rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G4, Canada
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8
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Elwakeel E, Weigert A. Breast Cancer CAFs: Spectrum of Phenotypes and Promising Targeting Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11636. [PMID: 34769066 PMCID: PMC8583860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Activationof the tumor-associated stroma to support tumor growth is a common feature observed in different cancer entities. This principle is exemplified by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are educated by the tumor to shape its development across all stages. CAFs can alter the extracellular matrix (ECM) and secrete a variety of different molecules. In that manner they have the capability to affect activation, survival, proliferation, and migration of other stromal cells and cancer cell themselves. Alteration of the ECM, desmoplasia, is a common feature of breast cancer, indicating a prominent role for CAFs in shaping tumor development in the mammary gland. In this review, we summarize the multiple roles CAFs play in mammary carcinoma. We discuss experimental and clinical strategies to interfere with CAFs function in breast cancer. Moreover, we highlight the issues arising from CAFs heterogeneity and the need for further research to identify CAFs subpopulation(s) that can be targeted to improve breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiman Elwakeel
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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9
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Mao X, Xu J, Wang W, Liang C, Hua J, Liu J, Zhang B, Meng Q, Yu X, Shi S. Crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment: new findings and future perspectives. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:131. [PMID: 34635121 PMCID: PMC8504100 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 759] [Impact Index Per Article: 253.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a stromal cell population with cell-of-origin, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, are the most essential components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through multiple pathways, activated CAFs can promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, along with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and even chemoresistance. Numerous previous studies have confirmed the critical role of the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells in tumorigenesis and development. However, recently, the mutual effects of CAFs and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) have been identified as another key factor in promoting tumor progression. The TIME mainly consists of distinct immune cell populations in tumor islets and is highly associated with the antitumor immunological state in the TME. CAFs interact with tumor-infiltrating immune cells as well as other immune components within the TIME via the secretion of various cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, exosomes and other effector molecules, consequently shaping an immunosuppressive TME that enables cancer cells to evade surveillance of the immune system. In-depth studies of CAFs and immune microenvironment interactions, particularly the complicated mechanisms connecting CAFs with immune cells, might provide novel strategies for subsequent targeted immunotherapies. Herein, we shed light on recent advances regarding the direct and indirect crosstalk between CAFs and infiltrating immune cells and further summarize the possible immunoinhibitory mechanisms induced by CAFs in the TME. In addition, we present current related CAF-targeting immunotherapies and briefly describe some future perspectives on CAF research in the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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10
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Asif PJ, Longobardi C, Hahne M, Medema JP. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Cancer Invasion and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4720. [PMID: 34572947 PMCID: PMC8472587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in cancer progression by contributing to extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling, extensive crosstalk with cancer cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. As metastasis is a main reason for cancer-related deaths, it is crucial to understand the role of CAFs in this process. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease and lethality is especially common in a subtype of CRC with high stromal infiltration. A key component of stroma is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). To provide new perspectives for research on CAFs and CAF-targeted therapeutics, especially in CRC, we discuss the mechanisms, crosstalk, and functions involved in CAF-mediated cancer invasion, metastasis, and protection. This summary can serve as a framework for future studies elucidating these roles of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris Jabeen Asif
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.J.A.); (C.L.)
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ciro Longobardi
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.J.A.); (C.L.)
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Hahne
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.J.A.); (C.L.)
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts: overview, progress, challenges, and directions. Cancer Gene Ther 2021; 28:984-999. [PMID: 33712707 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00318-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Tumors are one of the main causes of death in humans. The development of safe and effective methods for early diagnosis and treatment of tumors is a difficult problem that needs to be solved urgently. It is well established that the occurrence of tumors involves complex biological mechanisms, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in regulating the biological behavior of tumors. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a group of activated fibroblasts with significant heterogeneity and plasticity in the tumor microenvironment. They secrete a variety of active factors to regulate tumor occurrence, development, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Although most studies suggest that CAFs have significant tumor-promoting functions, some evidence indicates that they may have certain tumor-suppressive functions in the early stage of tumors. Current research on CAFs continues to face many challenges, and the heterogeneity of their origin, phenotype, and function is a major difficulty and hot spot. To provide new perspectives for the research on CAFs and tumor diagnosis and treatment, this review summarizes the definition, origin, biomarkers, generation mechanism, functions, heterogeneity, plasticity, subpopulations, pre-metastasis niches (PMN), immune microenvironment, and targeted therapy of CAFs, describes the research progress and challenges, and proposes possible future research directions based on existing reports.
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12
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Mulens-Arias V, Rojas JM, Barber DF. The Use of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles to Reprogram Macrophage Responses and the Immunological Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:693709. [PMID: 34177955 PMCID: PMC8221395 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.693709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthesis and functionalization of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) is versatile, which has enhanced the interest in studying them as theranostic agents over recent years. As IONPs begin to be used for different biomedical applications, it is important to know how they affect the immune system and its different cell types, especially their interaction with the macrophages that are involved in their clearance. How immune cells respond to therapeutic interventions can condition the systemic and local tissue response, and hence, the final therapeutic outcome. Thus, it is fundamental to understand the effects that IONPs have on the immune response, especially in cancer immunotherapy. The biological effects of IONPs may be the result of intrinsic features of their iron oxide core, inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulating intracellular redox and iron metabolism. Alternatively, their effects are driven by the nanoparticle coating, for example, through cell membrane receptor engagement. Indeed, exploiting these properties of IONPs could lead to the development of innovative therapies. In this review, after a presentation of the elements that make up the tumor immunological microenvironment, we will review and discuss what is currently known about the immunomodulatory mechanisms triggered by IONPs, mainly focusing on macrophage polarization and reprogramming. Consequently, we will discuss the implications of these findings in the context of plausible therapeutic scenarios for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Mulens-Arias
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, and NanoBiomedicine Initiative, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Rojas
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal, Centro Nacional Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (CISA-INIA)-CSIC, Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Domingo F Barber
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, and NanoBiomedicine Initiative, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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13
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Strack E, Rolfe PA, Fink AF, Bankov K, Schmid T, Solbach C, Savai R, Sha W, Pradel L, Hartmann S, Brüne B, Weigert A. Identification of tumor-associated macrophage subsets that are associated with breast cancer prognosis. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e239. [PMID: 33377644 PMCID: PMC7719284 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, demanding new treatment options. With the advent of immune checkpoint blockade, immunotherapy emerged as a treatment option. In addition to lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages exert a significant, albeit controversial, impact on tumor development. Pro-inflammatory macrophages are thought to hinder, whereas anti-inflammatory macrophages promote tumor growth. However, molecular markers to identify prognostic macrophage populations remain elusive. METHODS We isolated two macrophage subsets, from 48 primary human breast tumors, distinguished by the expression of CD206. Their transcriptomes were analyzed via RNA-Seq, and potential prognostic macrophage markers were validated by PhenOptics in tissue microarrays of patients with invasive breast cancer. RESULTS Normal human breast tissue contained mainly CD206+ macrophages, while increased relative amounts of CD206- macrophages were observed in tumors. The presence of CD206+ macrophages correlated with a pronounced lymphocyte infiltrate and subsets of CD206+ macrophages, expressing SERPINH1 and collagen 1, or MORC4, were unexpectedly associated with improved survival of breast cancer patients. In contrast, MHCIIhi CD206- macrophages were linked with a poor survival prognosis. CONCLUSION Our data highlight the heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating macrophages and suggest the use of multiple phenotypic markers to predict the impact of macrophage subpopulations on cancer prognosis. We identified novel macrophage markers that correlate with the survival of patients with invasive mammary carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Strack
- Faculty of MedicineInstitute of Biochemistry IGoethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | | | - Annika F. Fink
- Faculty of MedicineInstitute of Biochemistry IGoethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | - Katrin Bankov
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | - Tobias Schmid
- Faculty of MedicineInstitute of Biochemistry IGoethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | - Christine Solbach
- Department of GynecologyUniversity Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung ResearchBad NauheimGermany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI)Goethe University FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
- Institute of Lung Health (ILH)Justus Liebig UniversityGiessenGermany
| | | | | | - Sylvia Hartmann
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | - Bernhard Brüne
- Faculty of MedicineInstitute of Biochemistry IGoethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI)Goethe University FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)Partner Site FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Faculty of MedicineInstitute of Biochemistry IGoethe‐University FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI)Goethe University FrankfurtFrankfurtGermany
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14
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Lupo F, Piro G, Torroni L, Delfino P, Trovato R, Rusev B, Fiore A, Filippini D, De Sanctis F, Manfredi M, Marengo E, Lawlor RT, Martini M, Tortora G, Ugel S, Corbo V, Melisi D, Carbone C. Organoid-Transplant Model Systems to Study the Effects of Obesity on the Pancreatic Carcinogenesis in vivo. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:308. [PMID: 32411709 PMCID: PMC7198708 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality among adults in developed countries. The discovery of the most common genetic alterations as well as the development of organoid models of pancreatic cancer have provided insight into the fundamental pathways driving tumor progression from a normal cell to non-invasive precursor lesion and finally to widely metastatic disease, offering new opportunities for identifying the key driver of cancer evolution. Obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Several epidemiological studies have shown the positive association between obesity and cancer-related morbidity/mortality, as well as poorer prognosis and treatment outcome. Despite strong evidence indicates a link between obesity and cancer incidence, the molecular basis of the initiating events remains largely elusive. This is mainly due to the lack of an accurate and reliable model of pancreatic carcinogenesis that mimics human obesity-associated PDAC, making data interpretation difficult and often confusing. Here we propose a feasible and manageable organoid-based preclinical tool to study the effects of obesity on pancreatic carcinogenesis. Therefore, we tracked the effects of obesity on the natural evolution of PDAC in a genetically defined transplantable model of the syngeneic murine pancreatic preneoplastic lesion (mP) and tumor (mT) derived-organoids that recapitulates the progression of human disease from early preinvasive lesions to metastatic disease. Our results suggest that organoid-derived transplant in obese mice represents a suitable system to study early steps of pancreatic carcinogenesis and supports the hypothesis that inflammation induced by obesity stimulates tumor progression and metastatization during pancreatic carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lupo
- Section of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorena Torroni
- Unit of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Pietro Delfino
- Section of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Trovato
- Section of Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Borislav Rusev
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fiore
- Section of Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Dea Filippini
- Section of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco De Sanctis
- Section of Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marcello Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Disease, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Emilio Marengo
- Department of Sciences and Technological Innovation, University of Piemonte Orientale, Alessandria, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Martini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Section of Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Section of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Melisi
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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