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Lyu P, Gu X, Wang F, Sun H, Zhou Q, Yang S, Yuan W. Advances in targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts through single-cell spatial transcriptomic sequencing. Biomark Res 2024; 12:73. [PMID: 39075612 PMCID: PMC11287900 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major components of the tumor microenvironment and are related to tumor proliferation, metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. With the development of sequencing technologies, single-cell RNA sequencing has become a popular method for identifying CAFs in the tumor microenvironment. Whereas the drawbacks of CAFs, such as the lack of a spatial landscape, still exist, recent research has utilized spatial transcriptomics combined with single-cell RNA sequencing to address this issue. These multiomics analyses can resolve the single-cell resolution problem in spatial transcriptomics. In this review, we summarized the recent literature regarding the targeting of CAFs to address drug resistance, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming and metastasis in tumor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Lyu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoming Gu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Fuqi Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Shuaixi Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
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2
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Li X, González-Maroto C, Tavassoli M. Crosstalk between CAFs and tumour cells in head and neck cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:303. [PMID: 38926351 PMCID: PMC11208506 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are amongst the most aggressive, complex, and heterogeneous malignancies. The standard of care treatments for HNC patients include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or their combination. However, around 50% do not benefit while suffering severe toxic side effects, costing the individuals and society. Decades have been spent to improve HNSCC treatment outcomes with only limited success. Much of the research in HNSCC treatment has focused on understanding the genetics of the HNSCC malignant cells, but it has become clear that tumour microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the progression as well as treatment response in HNSCC. Understanding the crosstalk between cancer cells and TME is crucial for inhibiting progression and treatment resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the predominant component of stroma in HNSCC, serve as the primary source of extra-cellular matrix (ECM) and various pro-tumoral composites in TME. The activation of CAFs in HNSCC is primarily driven by cancer cell-secreted molecules, which in turn induce phenotypic changes, elevated secretive status, and altered ECM production profile. Concurrently, CAFs play a pivotal role in modulating the cell cycle, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and resistance to targeted and chemoradiotherapy in HNSCC cells. This modulation occurs through interactions with secreted molecules or direct contact with the ECM or CAF. Co-culture and 3D models of tumour cells and other TME cell types allows to mimic the HNSCC tumour milieu and enable modulating tumour hypoxia and reprograming cancer stem cells (CSC). This review aims to provide an update on the development of HNSCC tumour models comprising CAFs to obtain better understanding of the interaction between CAFs and tumour cells, and for providing preclinical testing platforms of current and combination with emerging therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Li
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Celia González-Maroto
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Mahvash Tavassoli
- Head and Neck Oncology Group, Centre for Host Microbiome Interaction, King's College London, Hodgkin Building, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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Anameriç A, Czerwonka A, Nees M. Optimization of a Three-Dimensional Culturing Method for Assessing the Impact of Cisplatin on Notch Signaling in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5320. [PMID: 38001580 PMCID: PMC10670464 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225320] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent cancer type, with cisplatin being a primary treatment approach. However, drug resistance and therapy failure pose a significant challenge, affecting nearly 50% of patients over time. This research had two aims: (1) to optimize a 3D cell-culture method for assessing the interplay between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in vitro; and (2) to study how cisplatin impacts the Notch pathway, particularly considering the role of CAFs. Using our optimized "3D sheet model" approach, we tested two HNSCC cell lines with different cisplatin sensitivities and moderate, non-mutated NOTCH1 and -3 expressions. Combining cisplatin with a γ-secretase inhibitor (crenigacestat) increased sensitivity and induced cell death in the less sensitive cell line, while cisplatin alone was more effective in the moderately sensitive line and sensitivity decreased with the Notch inhibitor. Cisplatin boosted the expression of core Notch signaling proteins in 3D monocultures of both lines, which was counteracted by crenigacestat. In contrast, the presence of patient-derived CAFs mitigated effects and protected both cell lines from cisplatin toxicity. Elevated NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 protein levels were consistently correlated with reduced cisplatin sensitivity and increased cell survival. Additionally, the Notch ligand JAG2 had additional, protective effects reducing cell death from cisplatin exposure. In summary, we observed an inverse relationship between NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 levels and cisplatin responsiveness, overall protective effects by CAFs, and a potential link between JAG2 expression with tumor cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthias Nees
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (A.A.); (A.C.)
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4
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Dorna D, Paluszczak J. Targeting cancer stem cells as a strategy for reducing chemotherapy resistance in head and neck cancers. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:13417-13435. [PMID: 37453969 PMCID: PMC10587253 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05136-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the primary cause of a poor prognosis in oncological patients. Researchers identified many possible mechanisms involved in gaining a therapy-resistant phenotype by cancer cells, including alterations in intracellular drug accumulation, detoxification, and enhanced DNA damage repair. All these features are characteristic of stem cells, making them the major culprit of chemoresistance. This paper reviews the most recent evidence regarding the association between the stemness phenotype and chemoresistance in head and neck cancers. It also investigates the impact of pharmacologically targeting cancer stem cell populations in this subset of malignancies. METHODS This narrative review was prepared based on the search of the PubMed database for relevant papers. RESULTS Head and neck cancer cells belonging to the stem cell population are distinguished by the high expression of certain surface proteins (e.g., CD10, CD44, CD133), pluripotency-related transcription factors (SOX2, OCT4, NANOG), and increased activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Chemotherapy itself increases the percentage of stem-like cells. Importantly, the intratumor heterogeneity of stem cell subpopulations reflects cell plasticity which has great importance for chemoresistance induction. CONCLUSIONS Evidence points to the advantage of combining classical chemotherapeutics with stemness modulators thanks to the joint targeting of the bulk of proliferating tumor cells and chemoresistant cancer stem cells, which could cause recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Dorna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
| | - Jarosław Paluszczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Ul. Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
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Frerichs LM, Frerichs B, Petzsch P, Köhrer K, Windolf J, Bittersohl B, Hoffmann MJ, Grotheer V. Tumorigenic effects of human mesenchymal stromal cells and fibroblasts on bladder cancer cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1228185. [PMID: 37781195 PMCID: PMC10534007 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1228185] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer face a poor prognosis due to rapid disease progression and chemoresistance. Thus, there is an urgent need for a new therapeutic treatment. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has crucial roles in tumor development, growth, progression, and therapy resistance. TME cells may also survive standard treatment of care and fire up disease recurrence. However, whether specific TME components have tumor-promoting or tumor-inhibitory properties depends on cell type and cancer entity. Thus, a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanisms between the TME and cancer cells is needed to develop new cancer treatment approaches that overcome therapy resistance. Little is known about the function and interaction between mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) or fibroblasts (FB) as TME components and bladder cancer cells. Methods We investigated the functional impact of conditioned media (CM) from primary cultures of different donors of MSC or FB on urothelial carcinoma cell lines (UCC) representing advanced disease stages, namely, BFTC-905, VMCUB-1, and UMUC-3. Underlying mechanisms were identified by RNA sequencing and protein analyses of cancer cells and of conditioned media by oncoarrays. Results Both FB- and MSC-CM had tumor-promoting effects on UCC. In some experiments, the impact of MSC-CM was more pronounced. CM augmented the aggressive phenotype of UCC, particularly of those with epithelial phenotype. Proliferation and migratory and invasive capacity were significantly increased; cisplatin sensitivity was reduced. RNA sequencing identified underlying mechanisms and molecules contributing to the observed phenotype changes. NRF2 and NF-κB signaling was affected, contributing to improved cisplatin detoxification. Likewise, interferon type I signaling was downregulated and regulators of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) were increased. Altered protein abundance of CXCR4, hyaluronan receptor CD44, or TGFβ-signaling was induced by CM in cancer cells and may contribute to phenotypical changes. CM contained high levels of CCL2/MCP-1, MMPs, and interleukins which are well known for their impact on other cancer entities. Conclusions The CM of two different TME components had overlapping tumor-promoting effects and increased chemoresistance. We identified underlying mechanisms and molecules contributing to the aggressiveness of bladder cancer cells. These need to be further investigated for targeting the TME to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie M. Frerichs
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bastian Frerichs
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Joachim Windolf
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bernd Bittersohl
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michèle J. Hoffmann
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Vera Grotheer
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Raudenska M, Balvan J, Hanelova K, Bugajova M, Masarik M. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Mediators of head and neck tumor microenvironment remodeling. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188940. [PMID: 37331641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are involved in critical aspects of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) pathogenesis, such as the formation of a tumor-permissive extracellular matrix structure, angiogenesis, or immune and metabolic reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with implications for metastasis and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The pleiotropic effect of CAFs in TME is likely to reflect the heterogeneity and plasticity of their population, with context-dependent effects on carcinogenesis. The specific properties of CAFs provide many targetable molecules that could play an important role in the future therapy of HNSCC. In this review article, we will focus on the role of CAFs in the TME of HNSCC tumors. We will also discuss clinically relevant agents targeting CAFs, their signals, and signaling pathways, which are activated by CAFs in cancer cells, with the potential for repurposing for HNSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Raudenska
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Balvan
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Hanelova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Bugajova
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masarik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University / Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Pathophysiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, / U Nemocnice 5, CZ-128 53 Prague, Czech Republic.
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7
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Budi HS, Farhood B. Targeting oral tumor microenvironment for effective therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:101. [PMID: 37221555 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02943-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancers are among the common head and neck malignancies. Different anticancer therapy modalities such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and also targeted molecular therapy may be prescribed for targeting oral malignancies. Traditionally, it has been assumed that targeting malignant cells alone by anticancer modalities such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy suppresses tumor growth. In the last decade, a large number of experiments have confirmed the pivotal role of other cells and secreted molecules in the tumor microenvironment (TME) on tumor progression. Extracellular matrix and immunosuppressive cells such as tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) play key roles in the progression of tumors like oral cancers and resistance to therapy. On the other hand, infiltrated CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells are key anti-tumor cells that suppress the proliferation of malignant cells. Modulation of extracellular matrix and immunosuppressive cells, and also stimulation of anticancer immunity have been suggested to treat oral malignancies more effectively. Furthermore, the administration of some adjuvants or combination therapy modalities may suppress oral malignancies more effectively. In this review, we discuss various interactions between oral cancer cells and TME. Furthermore, we also review the basic mechanisms within oral TME that may cause resistance to therapy. Potential targets and approaches for overcoming the resistance of oral cancers to various anticancer modalities will also be reviewed. The findings for targeting cells and potential therapeutic targets in clinical studies will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Setia Budi
- Department of Oral Biology, Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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8
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Hu C, Zhang Y, Wu C, Huang Q. Heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: opportunities and challenges. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:124. [PMID: 37055382 PMCID: PMC10102018 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is among the most severe and complex malignant diseases with a high level of heterogeneity and, as a result, a wide range of therapeutic responses, regardless of clinical stage. Tumor progression depends on ongoing co-evolution and cross-talk with the tumor microenvironment (TME). In particular, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), embedded in the extracellular matrix (ECM), induce tumor growth and survival by interacting with tumor cells. Origin of CAFs is quite varied, and the activation patterns of CAFs are also heterogeneous. Crucially, the heterogeneity of CAFs appears to play a key role in ongoing tumor expansion, including facilitating proliferation, enhancing angiogenesis and invasion, and promoting therapy resistance, through the production of cytokines, chemokines, and other tumor-promotive molecules in the TME. This review describes the various origin and heterogeneous activation mechanisms of CAFs, and biological heterogeneity of CAFs in HNSCC is also included. Moreover, we have highlighted versatility of CAFs heterogeneity in HNSCC progression, and have discussed different tumor-promotive functions of CAFs respectively. In the future, it is a promising strategy for the therapy of HNSCC that specifically targeting tumor-promoting CAF subsets or the tumor-promoting functional targets of CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing TongRen Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100730, Beijing, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunping Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 200031, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, 200031, Shanghai, China.
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9
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Li J, Li X, Guo Q. Drug Resistance in Cancers: A Free Pass for Bullying. Cells 2022; 11:3383. [PMID: 36359776 PMCID: PMC9654341 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer burden continues to grow globally, and drug resistance remains a substantial challenge in cancer therapy. It is well established that cancerous cells with clonal dysplasia generate the same carcinogenic lesions. Tumor cells pass on genetic templates to subsequent generations in evolutionary terms and exhibit drug resistance simply by accumulating genetic alterations. However, recent evidence has implied that tumor cells accumulate genetic alterations by progressively adapting. As a result, intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is generated due to genetically distinct subclonal populations of cells coexisting. The genetic adaptive mechanisms of action of ITH include activating "cellular plasticity", through which tumor cells create a tumor-supportive microenvironment in which they can proliferate and cause increased damage. These highly plastic cells are located in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and undergo extreme changes to resist therapeutic drugs. Accordingly, the underlying mechanisms involved in drug resistance have been re-evaluated. Herein, we will reveal new themes emerging from initial studies of drug resistance and outline the findings regarding drug resistance from the perspective of the TME; the themes include exosomes, metabolic reprogramming, protein glycosylation and autophagy, and the relates studies aim to provide new targets and strategies for reversing drug resistance in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qie Guo
- The Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
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10
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Ranasinghe R, Mathai ML, Zulli A. Cisplatin for cancer therapy and overcoming chemoresistance. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10608. [PMID: 36158077 PMCID: PMC9489975 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin spearheads the anticancer chemotherapeutics in present-day use although acute toxicity is its primary impediment factor. Among a plethora of experimental medications, a drug as effective or surpassing the benefits of cisplatin has not been discovered yet. Although Oxaliplatin is considered more superior to cisplatin, the former has been better for colorectal cancer while cisplatin is widely used for treating gynaecological cancers. Carcinoma imposes a heavy toll on mortality rates worldwide despite the novel treatment strategies and detection methods that have been introduced; nanomedicine combined with precision medicine, immunotherapy, volume-regulated anion channels, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Millions of deaths occur annually from metastatic cancers which escape early detection and the concomitant diseases caused by highly toxic chemotherapy that causes organ damage. It continues due to insufficient knowledge of the debilitative mechanisms induced by cancer biology. To overcome chemoresistance and to attenuate the adverse effects of cisplatin therapy, both in vitro and in vivo models of cisplatin-treated cancers and a few multi-centred, multi-phasic, randomized clinical trials in pursuant with recent novel strategies have been tested. They include plant-based phytochemical compounds, de novo drug delivery systems, biochemical/immune pathways, 2D and 3D cell culture models using small molecule inhibitors and genetic/epigenetic mechanisms, that have contributed to further the understanding of cisplatin's role in modulating the tumour microenvironment. Cisplatin was beneficial in cancer therapy for modulating the putative cellular mechanisms; apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest and gene therapy of micro RNAs. Specific importance of drug influx, efflux, systemic circulatory toxicity, half-maximal inhibition, and the augmentation of host immunometabolism have been identified. This review offers a discourse on the recent anti-neoplastic treatment strategies to enhance cisplatin efficacy and to overcome chemoresistance, given its superiority among other tolerable chemotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranmali Ranasinghe
- Institute for Health and Sport, College of Health and Medicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael L Mathai
- Institute for Health and Sport, College of Health and Medicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport, College of Health and Medicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
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11
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Moya-Garcia CR, Okuyama H, Sadeghi N, Li J, Tabrizian M, Li-Jessen NYK. In vitro models for head and neck cancer: Current status and future perspective. Front Oncol 2022; 12:960340. [PMID: 35992863 PMCID: PMC9381731 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.960340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The 5-year overall survival rate remains approximately 50% for head and neck (H&N) cancer patients, even though new cancer drugs have been approved for clinical use since 2016. Cancer drug studies are now moving toward the use of three-dimensional culture models for better emulating the unique tumor microenvironment (TME) and better predicting in vivo response to cancer treatments. Distinctive TME features, such as tumor geometry, heterogenous cellularity, and hypoxic cues, notably affect tissue aggressiveness and drug resistance. However, these features have not been fully incorporated into in vitro H&N cancer models. This review paper aims to provide a scholarly assessment of the designs, contributions, and limitations of in vitro models in H&N cancer drug research. We first review the TME features of H&N cancer that are most relevant to in vitro drug evaluation. We then evaluate a selection of advanced culture models, namely, spheroids, organotypic models, and microfluidic chips, in their applications for H&N cancer drug research. Lastly, we propose future opportunities of in vitro H&N cancer research in the prospects of high-throughput drug screening and patient-specific drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hideaki Okuyama
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nader Sadeghi
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jianyu Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maryam Tabrizian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Maryam Tabrizian, ; Nicole Y. K. Li-Jessen,
| | - Nicole Y. K. Li-Jessen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Maryam Tabrizian, ; Nicole Y. K. Li-Jessen,
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12
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Advances in Cancer Metabolism and Tumour Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084071. [PMID: 35456889 PMCID: PMC9031583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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13
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Griso AB, Acero-Riaguas L, Castelo B, Cebrián-Carretero JL, Sastre-Perona A. Mechanisms of Cisplatin Resistance in HPV Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cells 2022; 11:561. [PMID: 35159370 PMCID: PMC8834318 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the eighth most common cancers worldwide. While promising new therapies are emerging, cisplatin-based chemotherapy remains the gold standard for advanced HNSCCs, although most of the patients relapse due to the development of resistance. This review aims to condense the different mechanisms involved in the development of cisplatin resistance in HNSCCs and highlight future perspectives intended to overcome its related complications. Classical resistance mechanisms include drug import and export, DNA repair and oxidative stress control. Emerging research identified the prevalence of these mechanisms in populations of cancer stem cells (CSC), which are the cells mainly contributing to cisplatin resistance. The use of old and new CSC markers has enabled the identification of the characteristics within HNSCC CSCs predisposing them to treatment resistance, such as cell quiescence, increased self-renewal capacity, low reactive oxygen species levels or the acquisition of epithelial to mesenchymal transcriptional programs. In the present review, we will discuss how cell intrinsic and extrinsic cues alter the phenotype of CSCs and how they influence resistance to cisplatin treatment. In addition, we will assess how the stromal composition and the tumor microenvironment affect drug resistance and the acquisition of CSCs' characteristics through a complex interplay between extracellular matrix content as well as immune and non-immune cell characteristics. Finally, we will describe how alterations in epigenetic modifiers or other signaling pathways can alter tumor behavior and cell plasticity to induce chemotherapy resistance. The data generated in recent years open up a wide range of promising strategies to optimize cisplatin therapy, with the potential to personalize HNSCC patient treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Belén Griso
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies and Biomarkers in Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.G.); (L.A.-R.)
| | - Lucía Acero-Riaguas
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies and Biomarkers in Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.G.); (L.A.-R.)
| | - Beatriz Castelo
- Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Ana Sastre-Perona
- Laboratory of Experimental Therapies and Biomarkers in Cancer, IdiPAZ, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.B.G.); (L.A.-R.)
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Loh JJ, Ma S. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblast as a Dynamic Player in Mediating Cancer Stemness in the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:727640. [PMID: 34760886 PMCID: PMC8573407 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.727640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The enrichment of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) in a tumor microenvironment (TME) cultivates a pro-tumorigenic niche via aberrant paracrine signaling and matrix remodeling. A favorable niche is critical to the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a population of cells that are characterized by their enhanced ability to self-renew, metastasis, and develop therapy resistance. Mounting evidence illustrates the interplay between CAF and cancer cells expedites malignant progression. Therefore, targeting the key cellular components and factors in the niche may promote a more efficacious treatment. In this study, we discuss how CAF orchestrates a niche that enhances CSC features and the potential therapeutic implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, SAR China
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15
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Differential Angiogenic Potential of 3-Dimension Spheroid of HNSCC Cells in Mouse Xenograft. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158245. [PMID: 34361027 PMCID: PMC8348975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The experimental animal model is still essential in the development of new anticancer drugs. We characterized mouse tumors derived from two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cells or three-dimensional (3D) spheroids to establish an in vivo model with highly standardized conditions. Primary cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were cultured from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor tissues and co-injected with monolayer cancer cells or spheroids into the oral mucosa of mice. Mice tumor blood vessels were stained, followed by tissue clearing and 3D Lightsheet fluorescent imaging. We compared the effect of exosomes secreted from 2D or 3D culture conditions on the angiogenesis-related genes in HNSCC cells. Our results showed that both the cells and spheroids co-injected with primary CAFs formed tumors. Interestingly, vasculature was abundantly distributed inside the spheroid-derived but not the monolayer-derived mice tumors. In addition, cisplatin injection more significantly decreased spheroid-derived but not monolayer-derived tumor size in mice. Additionally, exosomes isolated from co-culture media of FaDu spheroid and CAF upregulated angiogenesis-related genes in HNSCC cells as compared to exosomes from FaDu cell and CAF co-culture media under in vitro conditions. The mouse tumor xenograft model derived from 3D spheroids of HNSCC cells with primary CAFs is expected to produce reliable chemotherapy drug screening results given the robust angiogenesis and lack of necrosis inside tumor tissues.
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16
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Wiechec E, Magan M, Matic N, Ansell-Schultz A, Kankainen M, Monni O, Johansson AC, Roberg K. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Modulate Transcriptional Signatures Involved in Proliferation, Differentiation and Metastasis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133361. [PMID: 34283070 PMCID: PMC8269044 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133361] [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: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major cellular component of the tumor microenvironment and have been shown to stimulate tumor growth, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and radio-resistance. Radio-resistance leading to disease relapse is one of the major challenges in long-term survival and outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Therefore, it is essential to search for predictive markers and new targets for treatment using clinically relevant in vitro tumor models. We show that CAFs alter the expression of HNSCC tumor cell genes, many of which are associated with proliferation, differentiation, and metastasis. Moreover, the expression pattern of selected CAF-regulated genes differed between HNSCC tumor tissue and the adjacent non-tumoral tissue. Two CAF-regulated genes, MMP9 and FMOD, were found to be associated with overall survival (OS) in patients treated with radiotherapy. Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are known to increase tumor growth and to stimulate invasion and metastasis. Increasing evidence suggests that CAFs mediate response to various treatments. HNSCC cell lines were co-cultured with their patient-matched CAFs in 2D and 3D in vitro models, and the tumor cell gene expression profiles were investigated by cDNA microarray and qRT-PCR. The mRNA expression of eight candidate genes was examined in tumor biopsies from 32 HNSCC patients and in five biopsies from normal oral tissue. Differences in overall survival (OS) were tested with Kaplan–Meier long-rank analysis. Thirteen protein coding genes were found to be differentially expressed in tumor cells co-cultured with CAFs in 2D and 81 in 3D when compared to tumor cells cultured without CAFs. Six of these genes were upregulated both in 2D and 3D (POSTN, GREM1, BGN, COL1A2, COL6A3, and COL1A1). Moreover, two genes upregulated in 3D, MMP9 and FMOD, were significantly associated with the OS. In conclusion, we demonstrated in vitro that CAF-derived signals alter the tumor cell expression of multiple genes, several of which are associated with differentiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, and metastasis. Moreover, six of the most highly upregulated genes were found to be overexpressed in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Wiechec
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (E.W.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.-S.); (A.-C.J.)
| | - Mustafa Magan
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (E.W.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.-S.); (A.-C.J.)
| | - Natasa Matic
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (E.W.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.-S.); (A.-C.J.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Linköping, Anesthetics, Operations and Specialty Surgery Center, Region Östergötland, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Ansell-Schultz
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (E.W.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.-S.); (A.-C.J.)
| | - Matti Kankainen
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Outi Monni
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program and Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ann-Charlotte Johansson
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (E.W.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.-S.); (A.-C.J.)
| | - Karin Roberg
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden; (E.W.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (A.A.-S.); (A.-C.J.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Linköping, Anesthetics, Operations and Specialty Surgery Center, Region Östergötland, 58185 Linköping, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-10-1031534
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