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Coursier D, Calvo F. CAFs vs. TECs: when blood feuds fuel cancer progression, dissemination and therapeutic resistance. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:1091-1112. [PMID: 38453816 PMCID: PMC11322395 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00931-z] [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] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic progression involves complex interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding stromal milieu, fostering microenvironments that crucially drive tumor progression and dissemination. Of these stromal constituents, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as predominant inhabitants within the tumor microenvironment (TME), actively shaping multiple facets of tumorigenesis, including cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness, and immune evasion. Notably, CAFs also orchestrate the production of pro-angiogenic factors, fueling neovascularization to sustain the metabolic demands of proliferating cancer cells. Moreover, CAFs may also directly or indirectly affect endothelial cell behavior and vascular architecture, which may impact in tumor progression and responses to anti-cancer interventions. Conversely, tumor endothelial cells (TECs) exhibit a corrupted state that has been shown to affect cancer cell growth and inflammation. Both CAFs and TECs are emerging as pivotal regulators of the TME, engaging in multifaceted biological processes that significantly impact cancer progression, dissemination, and therapeutic responses. Yet, the intricate interplay between these stromal components and the orchestrated functions of each cell type remains incompletely elucidated. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between CAFs and TECs, discussing the challenges and prospects for leveraging their interactions towards therapeutic advancements in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Coursier
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain
| | - Fernando Calvo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Cantabria), Santander, Spain.
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2
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Zhang J, Xu Y. Tumor-associated telocytes. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:490-492. [PMID: 38238151 PMCID: PMC10876250 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jinqing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
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Shoshkes-Carmel M. Telocytes in the Luminal GI Tract. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:697-701. [PMID: 38342300 PMCID: PMC10958115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Telocytes are unique mesenchymal cells characterized by multiple remarkably long cytoplasmic extensions that extend hundreds of micron away from the cell body. Through these extensions, telocytes establish a 3-dimensional network by connecting with other telocytes and various cell types within the tissue. In the intestine, telocytes have emerged as an essential component of the stem cell niche, providing Wnt proteins that are critical for the proliferation of stem and progenitor cells. However, the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed other stromal populations and mechanisms for niche organization, raising questions about the role of telocytes as a component of the stem cell niche. This review explores the current state-of-the-art, existing controversies, and potential future directions related to telocytes in the luminal gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Shoshkes-Carmel
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Díaz-Flores L, Gutiérrez R, González-Gómez M, García MDP, Carrasco-Juan JL, Martín-Vasallo P, Madrid JF, Díaz-Flores L. Phenomena of Intussusceptive Angiogenesis and Intussusceptive Lymphangiogenesis in Blood and Lymphatic Vessel Tumors. Biomedicines 2024; 12:258. [PMID: 38397861 PMCID: PMC10887293 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Intussusceptive angiogenesis (IA) and intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis (IL) play a key role in the growth and morphogenesis of vessels. However, there are very few studies in this regard in vessel tumors (VTs). Our objective is to assess the presence, characteristics, and possible mechanisms of the formation of intussusceptive structures in a broad spectrum of VTs. For this purpose, examples of benign and malignant blood and lymphatic VTs were studied via conventional procedures, semithin sections, and immunochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrated intussusceptive structures (pillars, meshes, and folds) in benign (lobular capillary hemangioma or pyogenic granuloma, intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia or Masson tumor, sinusoidal hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma, glomeruloid hemangioma, angiolipoma, and lymphangiomas), low-grade malignancy (retiform hemangioendothelioma and Dabska tumor), and malignant (angiosarcoma and Kaposi sarcoma) VTs. Intussusceptive structures showed an endothelial cover and a core formed of connective tissue components and presented findings suggesting an origin through vessel loops, endothelialized thrombus, interendothelial bridges, and/or splitting and fusion, and conditioned VT morphology. In conclusion, the findings support the participation of IA and IL, in association with sprouting angiogenesis, in VTs, and therefore in their growth and morphogenesis, which is of pathophysiological interest and lays the groundwork for in-depth molecular studies with therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain (J.-L.C.-J.)
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain (J.-L.C.-J.)
| | - Miriam González-Gómez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain (J.-L.C.-J.)
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Maria del Pino García
- Department of Pathology, Eurofins Megalab-Hospiten Hospitals, 38100 Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Jose-Luis Carrasco-Juan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain (J.-L.C.-J.)
| | - Pablo Martín-Vasallo
- Department of Bioquímica, Microbiología, Biología Celular y Genética, University of La Laguna, 38206 Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Juan Francisco Madrid
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain (J.-L.C.-J.)
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Zhang Y, Tian H. Telocytes and inflammation: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35983. [PMID: 37986278 PMCID: PMC10659634 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes are a new type of interstitial cell with a diverse morphology and important functions, such as mechanical support, signal transduction, immune regulation, and tissue repair. In this paper, the origin and physiological and pathological functions of telocytes as well as their role in inflammation will be discussed, and the functions and targets of telocytes in inflammation will be fully reviewed, which may contribute to a new therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Gastrointestinal Tumor, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Rosa I, Nardini P, Fioretto BS, Guasti D, Romano E, Sgambati E, Marini M, Manetti M. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural identification of telocytes in the lamina propria of human vaginal mucosa. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152094. [PMID: 37757515 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Since their relatively recent discovery, telocytes (TCs) have been described as peculiar cells strategically positioned in the stromal tissue component of multiple organ systems of the mammalian body including female reproductive organs (i.e., ovary, uterine tube, and uterus). Nevertheless, current knowledge of TCs in the vagina is very limited. The present study was therefore undertaken to investigate the existence and characteristics of TCs in the stromal tissue of human vaginal mucosa by means of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In the vaginal lamina propria, TCs were first identified by CD34 immunohistochemistry that revealed the presence of CD34+ stromal cells arranged in networks, especially around blood vessels. Double immunofluorescence confocal microscopy allowed to precisely distinguish the perivascular networks of CD34+ stromal cells lacking CD31 immunoreactivity from adjacent CD31+ microvessels. All the perivascular networks of TCs/CD34+ stromal cells situated in the vaginal lamina propria coexpressed platelet-derived growth factor receptor α, which strengthened their identification as TCs. Instead, vaginal mucosal TCs were immunophenotypically negative for c-kit/CD117. The ultrastructural examination confirmed the presence of TCs, namely stromal cells with characteristic cytoplasmic processes (i.e., telopodes) forming labyrinthine networks around blood vessels and releasing extracellular vesicles. Together, our morphological findings provide the first comprehensive demonstration that TCs reside in the human vaginal lamina propria, thus paving the way for further investigation of their putative functions in vaginal mucosal homeostasis and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nardini
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Guasti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Sgambati
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Isernia, Italy
| | - Mirca Marini
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
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Díaz-Flores L, Gutiérrez R, González-Gómez M, García MDP, Carrasco JL, Madrid JF, Díaz-Flores L. Telocytes/CD34+ Stromal Cells in the Normal, Hyperplastic, and Adenomatous Human Parathyroid Glands. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12118. [PMID: 37569493 PMCID: PMC10419317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512118] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes/CD34+ stromal cells (TCs/CD34+ SCs) have been studied in numerous organs and tissues, but their presence and characteristics in the parathyroid glands have not been explored. Using immunological and ultrastructural procedures, we assess the location, arrangement, and behavior of TCs/CD34+ SCs in normal human parathyroids, during their development and in their most frequent pathologic conditions. In normal parathyroids, TCs/CD34+ SCs show a small somatic body and long thin processes with a moniliform aspect, form labyrinthine systems, connect other neighboring TCs/CD34+ SCs, vessels, adipocytes, and parenchymal cells directly or by extracellular vesicles, and associate with collagen I. TCs/CD34+ SCs and collagen I are absent around vessels and adipocytes within parenchymal clusters. In developing parathyroids, TCs/CD34+ SC surround small parenchymal nests and adipocytes. In hyperplastic parathyroids, TCs/CD34+ SCs are prominent in some thickened internodular septa and surround small extraglandular parenchymal cell nests. TCs/CD34+ SCs are present in delimiting regions with compressed parathyroids and their capsule in adenomas but absent in most adenomatous tissue. In conclusion, TCs/CD34+ SCs are an important cellular component in the human parathyroid stroma, except around vessels within parenchymal nests. They show typical characteristics, including those of connecting cells, are present in developing parathyroids, and participate in the most frequent parathyroid pathology, including hyperplastic and adenomatous parathyroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 La Laguna, Spain (J.L.C.)
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 La Laguna, Spain (J.L.C.)
| | - Miriam González-Gómez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 La Laguna, Spain (J.L.C.)
- Canary Biomedical Technology Institute, University of La Laguna, 38071 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Maria del Pino García
- Department of Pathology, Eurofins Megalab–Hospiten Hospitals, 38100 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Carrasco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 La Laguna, Spain (J.L.C.)
| | - Juan Francisco Madrid
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 La Laguna, Spain (J.L.C.)
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Barb AC, Fenesan MP, Pirtea M, Margan MM, Tomescu L, Ceban E, Cimpean AM, Melnic E. Reassessing Breast Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) Interactions with Other Stromal Components and Clinico-Pathologic Parameters by Using Immunohistochemistry and Digital Image Analysis (DIA). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3823. [PMID: 37568639 PMCID: PMC10417678 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153823] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) stroma has CD34- and αSMA-positive cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) differently distributed. During malignant transformation, CD34-positive fibroblasts decrease while αSMA-positive CAFs increase. The prevalence of αSMA-positive CAFs in BC stroma makes microscopic examination difficult without digital image analysis processing (DIA). DIA was used to compare CD34- and αSMA-positive CAFs among breast cancer molecular subgroups. DIA-derived data were linked to age, survival, tumor stroma vessels, tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS), invasion, and recurrence. METHODS Double immunostaining for CD34 and αSMA showed different CAF distribution patterns in normal and BC tissues. Single CD34 immunohistochemistry on supplemental slides quantified tumor stroma CD34_CAFs. Digital image analysis (DIA) data on CAF density, intensity, stromal score, and H-score were correlated with clinico-pathologic factors. RESULTS CD34/αSMA CAF proportion was significantly related to age in Luminal A (LA), Luminal B (LB), and HER2 subtypes. CD34_CAF influence on survival, invasion, and recurrence of LA, LB-HER2, and TNBC subtypes was found to be significant. The CD34/αSMA-expressing CAFs exhibited a heterogeneous impact on stromal vasculature and TLS. CONCLUSION BC stromal CD34_CAFs/αSMA_CAFs have an impact on survival, invasion, and recurrence differently between BC molecular subtypes. The tumor stroma DIA assessment may have predictive potential to prognosis and long-term follow-up of patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Cristina Barb
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.B.); (M.P.F.); (M.P.)
- Doctoral School in Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Clinical Oncology, OncoHelp Hospital, 300239 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mihaela Pasca Fenesan
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.B.); (M.P.F.); (M.P.)
- Doctoral School in Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Clinical Oncology, OncoHelp Hospital, 300239 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marilena Pirtea
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.B.); (M.P.F.); (M.P.)
| | - Mădălin-Marius Margan
- Department of Functional Sciences/Discipline of Public Health, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Larisa Tomescu
- Doctoral School in Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Emil Ceban
- Department of Urology and Surgical Nephrology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova;
- Laboratory of Andrology, Functional Urology and Sexual Medicine, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Anca Maria Cimpean
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.B.); (M.P.F.); (M.P.)
- Center of Expertise for Rare Vascular Disease in Children, Emergency Hospital for Children Louis Turcanu, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Eugen Melnic
- Department of Pathology, Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova;
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