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Chang M, Gao H, Li Y, Ding C, Lu Z, Li D, Huang F, Chen J, Sun F. Identification and analysis of MSC-Exo-derived LncRNAs related to the regulation of EMT in hypospadias. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:87. [PMID: 38627703 PMCID: PMC11020336 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01869-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to screen the differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DELncRNAs) related to the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hypospadias in mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-Exons) and explore the potential mechanism of these lncRNAs for the EMT in hypospadias. METHODS In this study, the microarray data related to MSC-Exos and hypospadias were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Besides, the lncRNAs highly expressed in MSC-Exos and the differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs in children with hypospadias were screened, respectively. In addition, the lncRNAs enriched in MSC-Exos and differentially expressed lncRNAs in hypospadias were intersected to obtain the final DElncRNAs. Moreover, the co-expression interaction pairs of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were analyzed to construct a Competing Endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. Finally, the candidate lncRNAs in exosomes were subjected to in vitro cell function verification. RESULTS In this study, a total of 4 lncRNAs were obtained from the microarray data analysis. Further, a ceRNA regulatory network of MSC-Exo-derived lncRNAs related to the regulation of EMT in hypospadias was constructed, including 4 lncRNAs, 2 mRNAs, and 6 miRNAs. The cell function verification results indicated that the exosomes secreted by MSCs may transport HLA complex group 18 (HCG18) into target cells, which promoted the proliferation, migration, and EMT of these cells. CONCLUSION MSC-Exo-derived lncRNA HCG18 can enter target cells, and it may be involved in the regulation of EMT in hypospadias through the ceRNA network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Chang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongjie Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yingying Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Ding
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiyi Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ding Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fan Huang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Fengyin Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Guo F, Xu F, Li S, Zhang Y, Lv D, Zheng L, Gan Y, Zhou M, Zhao K, Xu S, Wu B, Deng Z, Fu P. Amifostine ameliorates bleomycin-induced murine pulmonary fibrosis via NAD +/SIRT1/AMPK pathway-mediated effects on mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:68. [PMID: 38245795 PMCID: PMC10799491 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01623-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating chronic lung disease characterized by irreversible scarring of the lung parenchyma. Despite various interventions aimed at mitigating several different molecular aspects of the disease, only two drugs with limited clinical efficacy have so far been approved for IPF therapy. OBJECTIVE We investigated the therapeutic efficacy of amifostine, a detoxifying drug clinically used for radiation-caused cytotoxicity, in bleomycin-induced murine pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS C57BL6/J mice were intratracheally instilled with 3 U/kg of bleomycin. Three doses of amifostine (WR-2721, 200 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally on days 1, 3, and 5 after the bleomycin challenge. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected on day 7 and day 21 for the assessment of lung inflammation, metabolites, and fibrotic injury. Human fibroblasts were treated in vitro with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), followed by amifostine (WR-1065, 1-4 µg/mL) treatment. The effects of TGF-β1 and amifostine on the mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were assessed by live cell imaging of MitoSOX. Cellular metabolism was assessed by the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), the oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and the concentrations of various energy-related metabolites as measured by mass spectrum (MS). Western blot analysis was performed to investigate the effect of amifostine on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and adenosine monophosphate activated kinase (AMPK). RESULTS Three doses of amifostine significantly attenuated lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. Pretreatment and post-treatment of human fibroblast cells with amifostine blocked TGF-β1-induced mitochondrial ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction in human fibroblast cells. Further, treatment of fibroblasts with TGF-β1 shifted energy metabolism away from mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and towards glycolysis, as observed by an altered metabolite profile including a decreased ratio of NAD + /NADH and increased lactate concentration. Treatment with amifostine significantly restored energy metabolism and activated SIRT1, which in turn activated AMPK. The activation of AMPK was required to mediate the effects of amifostine on mitochondrial homeostasis and pulmonary fibrosis. This study provides evidence that repurposing of the clinically used drug amifostine may have therapeutic applications for IPF treatment. CONCLUSION Amifostine inhibits bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by restoring mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Guo
- Department of Biochemistry, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315041, China
- Central Laboratory of the Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Central Laboratory of the Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shujuan Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315041, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315041, China
| | - Dan Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315041, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yongxiong Gan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Miao Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315041, China
| | - Keyu Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shuling Xu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, South China Hospital Affiliated to Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zaichun Deng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315041, China.
| | - Panfeng Fu
- Department of Biochemistry, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315041, China.
- Central Laboratory of the Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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Fonseca Teixeira A, Wu S, Luwor R, Zhu HJ. A New Era of Integration between Multiomics and Spatio-Temporal Analysis for the Translation of EMT towards Clinical Applications in Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2740. [PMID: 38067168 PMCID: PMC10706093 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial to metastasis by increasing cancer cell migration and invasion. At the cellular level, EMT-related morphological and functional changes are well established. At the molecular level, critical signaling pathways able to drive EMT have been described. Yet, the translation of EMT into efficient diagnostic methods and anti-metastatic therapies is still missing. This highlights a gap in our understanding of the precise mechanisms governing EMT. Here, we discuss evidence suggesting that overcoming this limitation requires the integration of multiple omics, a hitherto neglected strategy in the EMT field. More specifically, this work summarizes results that were independently obtained through epigenomics/transcriptomics while comprehensively reviewing the achievements of proteomics in cancer research. Additionally, we prospect gains to be obtained by applying spatio-temporal multiomics in the investigation of EMT-driven metastasis. Along with the development of more sensitive technologies, the integration of currently available omics, and a look at dynamic alterations that regulate EMT at the subcellular level will lead to a deeper understanding of this process. Further, considering the significance of EMT to cancer progression, this integrative strategy may enable the development of new and improved biomarkers and therapeutics capable of increasing the survival and quality of life of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adilson Fonseca Teixeira
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia (S.W.); (R.L.)
- Huagene Institute, Kecheng Science and Technology Park, Pukou District, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Siqi Wu
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia (S.W.); (R.L.)
- Huagene Institute, Kecheng Science and Technology Park, Pukou District, Nanjing 211800, China
| | - Rodney Luwor
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia (S.W.); (R.L.)
- Huagene Institute, Kecheng Science and Technology Park, Pukou District, Nanjing 211800, China
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- Health, Innovation and Transformation Centre, Federation University, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Hong-Jian Zhu
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia (S.W.); (R.L.)
- Huagene Institute, Kecheng Science and Technology Park, Pukou District, Nanjing 211800, China
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Dziuba I, Gawel AM, Tyrna P, Machtyl J, Olszanecka M, Pawlik A, Wójcik C, Bialy LP, Mlynarczuk-Bialy I. Homotypic Entosis as a Potential Novel Diagnostic Marker in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076819. [PMID: 37047791 PMCID: PMC10095369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076819] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Homotypic entotic figures, which are a form of "cell-in-cell" structures, are considered a potential novel independent prognostic marker in various cancers. Nevertheless, the knowledge concerning the biological role of this phenomenon is still unclear. Since breast cancer cells are remarkably entosis-competent, we aimed to investigate and compare the frequency of entoses in a primary breast tumor and in its lymph node metastasis. Moreover, as there are limited data on defined molecular markers of entosis, we investigated entosis in correlation with classical breast cancer biomarkers used in routine pathomorphological diagnostics (HER2, ER, PR, and Ki67). In the study, a cohort of entosis-positive breast cancer samples paired into primary lesions and lymph node metastases was used. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of NOS cancer, lymph node metastases, the presence of entotic figures in the primary lesion, and/or lymph node metastases. In a selected, double-negative, HER2-positive NOS breast cancer case, entoses were characterized by a correlation between an epithelial-mesenchymal transition and proliferation markers. We observed that in the investigated cohort entotic figures were positively correlated with Ki67 and HER2, but not with ER or PR markers. Moreover, for the first time, we identified Ki67-positive mitotic inner entotic cells in clinical carcinoma samples. Our study performed on primary and secondary breast cancer specimens indicated that entotic figures, when examined by routine HE histological staining, present potential diagnostic value, since they correlate with two classical prognostic factors of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ireneusz Dziuba
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, 40-555 Katowice, Poland
| | - Agata M Gawel
- Histology and Embryology Students' Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Tyrna
- Histology and Embryology Students' Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jędrzej Machtyl
- Histology and Embryology Students' Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Olszanecka
- Histology and Embryology Students' Science Association, Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Pawlik
- Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Lukasz P Bialy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Izabela Mlynarczuk-Bialy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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Relationship between Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Colorectal Liver Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416197. [PMID: 36555840 PMCID: PMC9783529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is the most common metastatic site in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Indeed, 25-30% of the cases develop colorectal liver metastasis (CLM), showing an extremely poor 5-year survival rate and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) provide a nurturing microenvironment for CRC metastasis, promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the TGF-β signaling pathway, thus driving tumor cells to acquire mesenchymal properties that allow them to migrate from the primary tumor and invade the new metastatic site. EMT is known to contribute to the disruption of blood vessel integrity and the generation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), thus being closely related to high metastatic potential in numerous solid cancers. Despite the fact that it is well-recognized that the crosstalk between tumor cells and the inflammatory microenvironment is crucial in the EMT process, the association between the EMT and the role of TAMs is still poorly understood. In this review, we elaborated on the role that TAMs exert in the induction of EMT during CLM development. Since TAMs are the major source of TGF-β in the liver, we also focused on novel insights into their role in TGF-β-induced EMT.
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Quan J, Li N, Tan Y, Liu H, Liao W, Cao Y, Luo X. PGC1α-mediated fatty acid oxidation promotes TGFβ1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Life Sci 2022; 300:120558. [PMID: 35452637 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM Cancer cells frequently undergo metabolic reprogramming, which contributes to tumorigenicity and malignancy. Unlike primary cancers, during the process of invasion and distal dissemination, cancer cells are deficient in ATP due to damaged glucose transport. Cells need to rewire metabolic programs to overcome nutrient and energy crises, maintaining survival and forming metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism has not been well understood. We elucidated the metabolic alteration in TGFβ1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MAIN METHODS Fluorescent Bodipy fatty acid probe, UPLC-MS/MS analysis, β-oxidation assay, cellular ATP and NADPH/NADP measurement, and Oil Red-O staining were performed to evaluate the activation of FAO pathways in the TGFβ1-induced EMT of NPC cells. Three-dimensional (3D) invasion assay and metastatic animal model were applied to assess the invasive and metastatic capacity of NPC cells. KEY FINDINGS Our current findings reveal that PGC1α-mediated FAO promotes TGFβ1-induced EMT and metastasis of NPC cells. Mechanically, TGFβ1 up-regulates AMPKα1 to activate PGC1α, which transcriptionally boosts FAO-associated genes. The metabolic rewiring mediated by PGC1α facilitates EMT, invasion, and metastasis of NPC. SIGNIFICANCE The present study aims to establish the mechanistic connection between energy metabolic reprogramming and the aggressive phenotype of NPC. These actions further provide new opportunities for developing of novel therapeutics for NPC by targeting PGC1α/ FAO signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Quan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Namei Li
- Department of Pathology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Yue Tan
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, PR China
| | - Huiwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Weihua Liao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Ya Cao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xiangjian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
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Angstadt S, Zhu Q, Jaffee EM, Robinson DN, Anders RA. Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cortical Mechanics and Clinical Implications. Front Oncol 2022; 12:809179. [PMID: 35174086 PMCID: PMC8843014 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.809179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the deadliest cancers due to low therapeutic response rates and poor prognoses. Majority of patients present with symptoms post metastatic spread, which contributes to its overall lethality as the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Therapeutic approaches thus far target only one or two of the cancer specific hallmarks, such as high proliferation rate, apoptotic evasion, or immune evasion. Recent genomic discoveries reveal that genetic heterogeneity, early micrometastases, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment contribute to the inefficacy of current standard treatments and specific molecular-targeted therapies. To effectively combat cancers like PDAC, we need an innovative approach that can simultaneously impact the multiple hallmarks driving cancer progression. Here, we present the mechanical properties generated by the cell’s cortical cytoskeleton, with a spotlight on PDAC, as an ideal therapeutic target that can concurrently attack multiple systems driving cancer. We start with an introduction to cancer cell mechanics and PDAC followed by a compilation of studies connecting the cortical cytoskeleton and mechanical properties to proliferation, metastasis, immune cell interactions, cancer cell stemness, and/or metabolism. We further elaborate on the implications of these findings in disease progression, therapeutic resistance, and clinical relapse. Manipulation of the cancer cell’s mechanical system has already been shown to prevent metastasis in preclinical models, but it has greater potential for target exploration since it is a foundational property of the cell that regulates various oncogenic behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantel Angstadt
- Department of Pathology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Qingfeng Zhu
- Department of Pathology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Douglas N. Robinson
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Douglas N. Robinson, ; Robert A. Anders,
| | - Robert A. Anders
- Department of Pathology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Douglas N. Robinson, ; Robert A. Anders,
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Williams MM, Hafeez SA, Christenson JL, O’Neill KI, Hammond NG, Richer JK. Reversing an Oncogenic Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Program in Breast Cancer Reveals Actionable Immune Suppressive Pathways. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111122. [PMID: 34832904 PMCID: PMC8622696 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Approval of checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC) has opened the door for the use of immunotherapies against this disease. However, not all patients with mTNBC respond to current immunotherapy approaches such as checkpoint inhibitors. Recent evidence demonstrates that TNBC metastases are more immune suppressed than primary tumors, suggesting that combination or additional immunotherapy strategies may be required to activate an anti-tumor immune attack at metastatic sites. To identify other immune suppressive mechanisms utilized by mTNBC, our group and others manipulated oncogenic epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs in TNBC models to reveal differences between this breast cancer subtype and its more epithelial counterpart. This review will discuss how EMT modulation revealed several mechanisms, including tumor cell metabolism, cytokine milieu and secretion of additional immune modulators, by which mTNBC cells may suppress both the innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune responses. Many of these pathways/proteins are under preclinical or clinical investigation as therapeutic targets in mTNBC and other advanced cancers to enhance their response to chemotherapy and/or checkpoint inhibitors.
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