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Li XF, Zhang XJ, Hao FR, Dong XT, Xu GD, Zhang YX. The pathological roles and potential mechanisms of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 in gastric cancer. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605241234558. [PMID: 38518198 PMCID: PMC10960338 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241234558] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the roles and underlying mechanisms of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS VEGFR-3 gene expression profiles in human gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) tissues were analysed using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Human GC cell lines and were used for in vitro studies. Mouse models of GC and distant metastasis were used for in vivo studies. Silencing of VEGFR-3 gene expression was achieved using small interfering RNA. RESULTS VEGFR-3 gene expression was significantly elevated in GAC tissues and GC cells. Higher VEGFR-3 expression was positively correlated with more advanced stages and a greater number of metastatic lymph nodes. In vitro studies in GC cells showed that knockdown of VEGFR-3 gene expression significantly suppressed cell proliferation and migration, but promoted apoptosis. In vivo investigations revealed that silencing of VEGFR-3 gene expression exhibited significant inhibition on tumour growth and metastasis. Further mechanistic studies showed that VEGFR-3 exerted its pathological roles by affecting the key molecules in the apoptotic and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways. CONCLUSION The molecular pathways associated with VEGFR-3-mediated pathological effects could be targets in the development of novel approaches for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, Weifang People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiu-Juan Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the Affiliated Hospital of Maternal and Child Health, Weifang Medical College, Weifang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fu-Rong Hao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weifang People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Dong
- Department of Pathology, Weifang People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guo-Dong Xu
- Department of Pathology, Weifang People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yun-Xiang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Weifang People’s Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical College, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
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2
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Leone P, Malerba E, Susca N, Favoino E, Perosa F, Brunori G, Prete M, Racanelli V. Endothelial cells in tumor microenvironment: insights and perspectives. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1367875. [PMID: 38426109 PMCID: PMC10902062 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1367875] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a highly complex and dynamic mixture of cell types, including tumor, immune and endothelial cells (ECs), soluble factors (cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors), blood vessels and extracellular matrix. Within this complex network, ECs are not only relevant for controlling blood fluidity and permeability, and orchestrating tumor angiogenesis but also for regulating the antitumor immune response. Lining the luminal side of vessels, ECs check the passage of molecules into the tumor compartment, regulate cellular transmigration, and interact with both circulating pathogens and innate and adaptive immune cells. Thus, they represent a first-line defense system that participates in immune responses. Tumor-associated ECs are involved in T cell priming, activation, and proliferation by acting as semi-professional antigen presenting cells. Thus, targeting ECs may assist in improving antitumor immune cell functions. Moreover, tumor-associated ECs contribute to the development at the tumor site of tertiary lymphoid structures, which have recently been associated with enhanced response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). When compared to normal ECs, tumor-associated ECs are abnormal in terms of phenotype, genetic expression profile, and functions. They are characterized by high proliferative potential and the ability to activate immunosuppressive mechanisms that support tumor progression and metastatic dissemination. A complete phenotypic and functional characterization of tumor-associated ECs could be helpful to clarify their complex role within the tumor microenvironment and to identify EC specific drug targets to improve cancer therapy. The emerging therapeutic strategies based on the combination of anti-angiogenic treatments with immunotherapy strategies, including ICI, CAR T cells and bispecific antibodies aim to impact both ECs and immune cells to block angiogenesis and at the same time to increase recruitment and activation of effector cells within the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Leone
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Malerba
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Susca
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Elvira Favoino
- Rheumatic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Perosa
- Rheumatic and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuliano Brunori
- Centre for Medical Sciences, University of Trento and Nephrology and Dialysis Division, Santa Chiara Hospital, Provincial Health Care Agency (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Centre for Medical Sciences, University of Trento and Internal Medicine Division, Santa Chiara Hospital, Provincial Health Care Agency (APSS), Trento, Italy
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3
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Wang S, Wang J, Chen Z, Luo J, Guo W, Sun L, Lin L. Targeting M2-like tumor-associated macrophages is a potential therapeutic approach to overcome antitumor drug resistance. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:31. [PMID: 38341519 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00522-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor drug resistance emerges from the interaction of two critical factors: tumor cellular heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute essential components of the TME. M2-like TAMs are essential in facilitating tumor metastasis as well as augmenting the drug resistance of tumors. This review encapsulates the mechanisms that M2-like TAMs use to promote tumor drug resistance. We also describe the emerging therapeutic strategies that are currently targeting M2-like TAMs in combination with other antitumor drugs, with some still undergoing clinical trial evaluation. Furthermore, we summarize and analyze various existing approaches for developing novel drugs that target M2-like TAMs to overcome tumor resistance, highlighting how targeting M2-like TAMs can effectively stop tumor growth, metastasis, and overcome tumor drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingrui Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Luo
- The First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lizhu Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Clinical Research Academy of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Babaei Z, Panjehpour M, Parsian H, Aghaei M. SAR131675 exhibits anticancer activity on human ovarian cancer cells through inhibition of VEGFR-3/ERK1/2/AKT signaling pathway. Cell Signal 2023; 111:110856. [PMID: 37598918 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110856] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) is known to participate in tumorigenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and as such, has the potential to serve as a molecular target for cancer therapy. SAR131675 is a highly selective VEGFR-3 antagonist that has an inhibitive effect on lymphatic cell growth. However, the anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms of SAR131675 in ovarian cancer remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the pathological role of VEGFR-3, and the effects of SAR131675 on proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Our results showed that the mRNA and protein of VEGFR-3 were expressed in OVCAR3 and SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells, and this receptor was activated following stimulation with 50 ng/ml VEGF-C Cys156Ser (VEGF-CS), a selective ligand for VEGFR-3. Enhancing VEGFR-3 phosphorylation by treatment of ovarian cancer cells with VEGF-CS resulted in increased levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and AKT. Moreover, our data demonstrated that SAR131675 inhibited VEGF-CS-mediated proliferation, colony formation, and migration of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, inhibition of VEGFR-3 activation with SAR131675 significantly increased cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis in both OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cells. Mechanistically, SAR131675 effectively suppressed the VEGF-CS-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 and its downstream effectors including activated ERK1/2 and AKT in ovarian cancer cells. Our results reveal an anticancer activity of SAR131675 on the growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells, which may be through inhibiting VEGFR-3/ERK1/2/AKT pathway. SAR131675 may serve as an effective targeted drug for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Babaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Panjehpour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hadi Parsian
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Aghaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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5
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Babaei Z, Panjehpour M, Ghorbanhosseini SS, Parsian H, Khademi M, Aghaei M. VEGFR3 suppression through miR-1236 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer via ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:674-686. [PMID: 36922713 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) is expressed in cancer cell lines and exerts a critical role in cancer progression. However, the signaling pathways of VEGFR3 in ovarian cancer cell proliferation remain unclear. This study aimed to demonstrate the signaling pathways of VEGFR3 through the upregulated expression of miR-1236 in ovarian cancer cells. We found that the messenger RNA and protein of VEGFR3 were expressed in the ovarian cancer cell lines, but downregulated after microRNA-1236 (miR-1236) transfection. The inhibition of VEGFR3, using miR-1236, significantly reduced cell proliferation, clonogenic survival, migration, and invasion ability in SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells (p < 0.01). The flow cytometry results indicated that the rate of apoptotic cells in SKOV3 (38.65%) and OVCAR3 (41.95%) cells increased following VEGFR3 inhibition. Moreover, VEGFR3 stimulation (using a specific ligand, VEGF-CS) significantly increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation (p < 0.01), whereas VEGFR3 suppression reduced p-ERK1/2 (67.94% in SKOV3 and 93.52% in OVCAR3) and p-AKT (59.56% in SKOV3 and 78.73% in OVCAR3) compared to the VEGF-CS treated group. This finding demonstrated that miR-1236 may act as an endogenous regulator of ERK1/2 and AKT signaling by blocking the upstream regulator of VEGFR3. Overall, we demonstrated the important role of the miR-1236/VEGFR3 axis in ovarian cancer cell proliferation by regulating the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling that might be an effective strategy against ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Babaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Panjehpour
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Sara Ghorbanhosseini
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hadi Parsian
- Department of Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahsa Khademi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Aghaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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6
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Chen S, Pan TY, Wu X, Li T, Wei Y, He HL, Zhou XM, Wang Q, Zhu JP. Uses of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C as a Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognostic Biomarker. World J Oncol 2023; 14:51-59. [PMID: 36896001 PMCID: PMC9990733 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common type of lung cancer and a leading cause of death worldwide. Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) has been identified as a prognosis prediction marker for LUAD. However, VEGF-C protein expression does not appear to significantly relate to LUAD patient survival in several studies. Methods We carried out a bioinformatic analysis to review the effect of VEGF-C mRNA expression on LUAD patient outcomes. GEPIA, UALCAN, TCGAportal, OncoLnc, LCE, GeneMANIA, Metascape, ImmuCellAI, and GSCA online databases were utilized. The expression levels of VEGF-C mRNA between normal tissue and LUAD tissue, overall survival (OS) analysis, function analysis, tumor microenvironment and drug sensitivity were conducted in the current study. Results We found that the expression level of VEGF-C mRNA was significantly lower in LUAD than normal tissue. Low expression of VEGF-C mRNA was also associated with better OS. VEGF-C expression was correlated with both NF1 and TP53 mutation status. No relationship was observed between VEGF-C and Tr1 or CD4 T-cell infiltrate scores. Additionally, VEGF-C was associated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. The sensitivity of 5-fluorouracil was positively correlated with VEGF-C, and the sensitivity of TGX221 was negatively correlated with VEGF-C. The activity of BI-2536 and BRD-A94377914 was positively correlated with VEGF-C. Conclusion Novel LUAD prognostic biomarkers such as VEGF-C mRNA may aid diagnosis and treatment, and may help identify optimal LUAD populations for therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Chen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.,These authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Ting Yu Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.,These authors contributed equally to this article
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine of the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hai Lang He
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xian Mei Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ji Ping Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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7
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Liu S, Liu T, Jiang J, Guo H, Yang R. p53 mutation and deletion contribute to tumor immune evasion. Front Genet 2023; 14:1088455. [PMID: 36891151 PMCID: PMC9986462 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1088455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
TP53 (or p53) is widely accepted to be a tumor suppressor. Upon various cellular stresses, p53 mediates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis to maintain genomic stability. p53 is also discovered to suppress tumor growth through regulating metabolism and ferroptosis. However, p53 is always lost or mutated in human and the loss or mutation of p53 is related to a high risk of tumors. Although the link between p53 and cancer has been well established, how the different p53 status of tumor cells help themselves evade immune response remains largely elusive. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of different status of p53 and tumor immune evasion can help optimize the currently used therapies. In this context, we discussed the how the antigen presentation and tumor antigen expression mode altered and described how the tumor cells shape a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment to facilitate its proliferation and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Liu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyao Liu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaxuan Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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8
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How Macrophages Become Transcriptionally Dysregulated: A Hidden Impact of Antitumor Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052662. [PMID: 33800829 PMCID: PMC7961970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the essential components of the tumor microenvironment. TAMs originate from blood monocytes and undergo pro- or anti-inflammatory polarization during their life span within the tumor. The balance between macrophage functional populations and the efficacy of their antitumor activities rely on the transcription factors such as STAT1, NF-κB, IRF, and others. These molecular tools are of primary importance, as they contribute to the tumor adaptations and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy and can become important biomarkers for theranostics. Herein, we describe the major transcriptional mechanisms specific for TAM, as well as how radio- and chemotherapy can impact gene transcription and functionality of macrophages, and what are the consequences of the TAM-tumor cooperation.
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Zhang N, Liu JF. MicroRNA (MiR)-301a-3p regulates the proliferation of esophageal squamous cells via targeting PTEN. Bioengineered 2020; 11:972-983. [PMID: 32970954 PMCID: PMC8291791 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2020.1814658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human esophageal carcinoma (EC) is a common cancer, which leads to many deaths worldwide every year. Our study aimed to explore the mechanism of miR-301a-3p regulating the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells. We had collected ESCC tissues and adjacent normal esophageal tissues from 47 patients. The relative levels of miR-301a-3p/U6 in ESCC tissues and cells were analyzed by real-time PCR. And we measured the relative protein levels of PTEN, BCL-2, BAX, and p-AKT/AKT by Western blot. Eca-109 cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay and colony formation. Compared with adjacent normal esophageal tissues, the relative level of miR-301a-3p/U6 was elevated in ESCC tissues. MiR-301a-3p could facilitate ESCC cell proliferation. And miR-301a-3p directly bind to PTEN 3ʹ-UTR and negatively regulated PTEN protein expression. Moreover, silencing PTEN could reversed inhibited proliferation of Eca-109 cells induced by miR-301a-3p inhibitor, while overexpression PTEN could reversed enhanced proliferation of Eca-109 cells induced by miR-301a-3p mimic. Taken together, miR-301a-3p promoted ESCC cell proliferation by supressing PTEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jun Feng Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University , Shijiazhuang, China
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10
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Nagl L, Horvath L, Pircher A, Wolf D. Tumor Endothelial Cells (TECs) as Potential Immune Directors of the Tumor Microenvironment - New Findings and Future Perspectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:766. [PMID: 32974337 PMCID: PMC7466447 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in cancer development and progression. It represents a complex network of cancer cell (sub-)clones and a variety of stromal cell types. Recently, new technology platforms shed light on the cellular composition of the TME at very high resolution and identified a complex landscape of multi-lineage immune cells (e.g., T and B lymphocytes, myeloid cells, and dendritic cells), cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and tumor endothelial cells (TECs). A growing body of evidence suggests that metabolically, genetically and on their transcriptomic profile TECs exhibit unique phenotypic and functional characteristics when compared to normal endothelial cells (NECs). Furthermore, the functional role of TECs is multifaceted as they are not only relevant for promoting tumor angiogenesis but have also evolved as key mediators of immune regulation in the TME. Regulatory mechanisms are complex and profoundly impact peripheral immune cell trafficking into the tumor compartment by acting as major gatekeepers of cellular transmigration. Moreover, TECs are associated with T cell priming, activation and proliferation by acting as antigen-presenting cells themselves. TECs are also essential for the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within the tumor, which have recently been associated with treatment response to checkpoint antibody therapy. Further essential characteristics of TECs compared to NECs are their high proliferative potential as well as greatly altered gene expression profile (e.g., upregulation of pro-angiogenic, extracellular matrix remodeling, and stemness genes), which results in enhanced secretion of immunomodulatory cytokines and altered cell-surface receptors [e.g., major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and immune checkpoints]. The TEC phenotype may be rooted in an aggressive tumor micro-milieu based on cellular stress via hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Vice versa TECs might modulate TME immunogenicity thereby fostering cancer-associated immune suppression. This review aims to elucidate the currently emergent pathophysiological aspects of TECs with a particular focus on their potential role as regulators of immune cell function in the TME. It is a main future challenge to deeply characterize the phenotypic and functional profile of TECs to illuminate their complex role within the TME. The ultimate goal is the identification of TEC-specific drug targets to improve cancer (immuno-)therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurenz Nagl
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology and Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lena Horvath
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology and Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Pircher
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology and Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Department of Internal Medicine V (Haematology and Oncology), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Oncology, Hematology, Rheumatology and Immunoncology, University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Bonn, Germany
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11
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Han KM, Kang RJ, Jeon H, Lee HJ, Lee JS, Park H, Gak Jeon S, Suk K, Seo J, Hoe HS. Regorafenib Regulates AD Pathology, Neuroinflammation, and Dendritic Spinogenesis in Cells and a Mouse Model of AD. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071655. [PMID: 32660121 PMCID: PMC7408082 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral multi-target kinase inhibitor regorafenib, which targets the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), is an effective therapeutic for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors or metastatic colorectal cancer. However, whether regorafenib treatment has beneficial effects on neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology has not been carefully addressed. Here, we report the regulatory function of regorafenib in neuroinflammatory responses and AD-related pathology in vitro and in vivo. Regorafenib affected AKT signaling to attenuate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated expression of proinflammatory cytokines in BV2 microglial cells and primary cultured microglia and astrocytes. In addition, regorafenib suppressed LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in LPS-injected wild-type mice. In 5x FAD mice (a mouse model of AD), regorafenib ameliorated AD pathology, as evidenced by increased dendritic spine density and decreased Aβ plaque levels, by modulating APP processing and APP processing-associated proteins. Furthermore, regorafenib-injected 5x FAD mice displayed significantly reduced tau phosphorylation at T212 and S214 (AT100) due to the downregulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) activity. Taken together, our results indicate that regorafenib has beneficial effects on neuroinflammation, AD pathology, and dendritic spine formation in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Min Han
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Korea; (K.-M.H.); (R.J.K.); (H.J.); (H.-j.L.); (J.-S.L.); (H.P.); (S.G.J.)
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Ri Jin Kang
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Korea; (K.-M.H.); (R.J.K.); (H.J.); (H.-j.L.); (J.-S.L.); (H.P.); (S.G.J.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea;
| | - Hyongjun Jeon
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Korea; (K.-M.H.); (R.J.K.); (H.J.); (H.-j.L.); (J.-S.L.); (H.P.); (S.G.J.)
| | - Hyun-ju Lee
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Korea; (K.-M.H.); (R.J.K.); (H.J.); (H.-j.L.); (J.-S.L.); (H.P.); (S.G.J.)
| | - Ji-Soo Lee
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Korea; (K.-M.H.); (R.J.K.); (H.J.); (H.-j.L.); (J.-S.L.); (H.P.); (S.G.J.)
| | - HyunHee Park
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Korea; (K.-M.H.); (R.J.K.); (H.J.); (H.-j.L.); (J.-S.L.); (H.P.); (S.G.J.)
| | - Seong Gak Jeon
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Korea; (K.-M.H.); (R.J.K.); (H.J.); (H.-j.L.); (J.-S.L.); (H.P.); (S.G.J.)
| | - Kyoungho Suk
- Department of Pharmacology, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea;
| | - Jinsoo Seo
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (H.-S.H.); Tel.: +82-53-420-4835 (J.S.); +82-53-980-8310 (H.-S.H.)
| | - Hyang-Sook Hoe
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu 41068, Korea; (K.-M.H.); (R.J.K.); (H.J.); (H.-j.L.); (J.-S.L.); (H.P.); (S.G.J.)
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology, Daegu 42988, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.S.); (H.-S.H.); Tel.: +82-53-420-4835 (J.S.); +82-53-980-8310 (H.-S.H.)
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Hsu MC, Pan MR, Hung WC. Two Birds, One Stone: Double Hits on Tumor Growth and Lymphangiogenesis by Targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 3. Cells 2019; 8:cells8030270. [PMID: 30901976 PMCID: PMC6468620 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) has been known for its involvement in tumor-associated lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis. The VEGFR3 signaling is stimulated by its main cognate ligand, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), which in turn promotes tumor progression. Activation of VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) was shown to enhance the proliferation of LECs and the formation of lymphatic vessels, leading to increased lymphatic metastasis of tumor cells. In the past decade, the expression and pathological roles of VEGFR3 in tumor cells have been described. Moreover, the VEGF-C/VEGFR3 axis has been implicated in regulating immune tolerance and suppression. Therefore, the inhibition of the VEGF-C/VEGFR3 axis has emerged as an important therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. In this review, we discuss the current findings related to VEGF-C/VEGFR3 signaling in cancer progression and recent advances in the development of therapeutic drugs targeting VEGF-C/VEGFR3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chuan Hsu
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chun Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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Zhang C, Wang N, Tan HY, Guo W, Li S, Feng Y. Targeting VEGF/VEGFRs Pathway in the Antiangiogenic Treatment of Human Cancers by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Integr Cancer Ther 2018; 17:582-601. [PMID: 29807443 PMCID: PMC6142106 DOI: 10.1177/1534735418775828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bearing in mind the doctrine of tumor angiogenesis hypothesized by Folkman
several decades ago, the fundamental strategy for alleviating numerous cancer
indications may be the strengthening application of notable antiangiogenic
therapies to inhibit metastasis-related tumor growth. Under physiological
conditions, vascular sprouting is a relatively infrequent event unless when
specifically stimulated by pathogenic factors that contribute to the
accumulation of angiogenic activators such as the vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF) family and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Since VEGFs have
been identified as the principal cytokine to initiate angiogenesis in tumor
growth, synthetic VEGF-targeting medicines containing bevacizumab and sorafenib
have been extensively used, but prominent side effects have concomitantly
emerged. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM)–derived agents with distinctive
safety profiles have shown their multitarget curative potential by impairing
angiogenic stimulatory signaling pathways directly or eliciting synergistically
therapeutic effects with anti-angiogenic drugs mainly targeting VEGF-dependent
pathways. This review aims to summarize (a) the up-to-date
understanding of the role of VEGF/VEGFR in correlation with proangiogenic
mechanisms in various tissues and cells; (b) the elaboration of
antitumor angiogenesis mechanisms of 4 representative TCMs, including
Salvia miltiorrhiza, Curcuma longa, ginsenosides, and
Scutellaria baicalensis; and (c)
circumstantial clarification of TCM-driven therapeutic actions of suppressing
tumor angiogenesis by targeting VEGF/VEGFRs pathway in recent years, based on
network pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ning Wang
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Hor-Yue Tan
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Wei Guo
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Sha Li
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Yibin Feng
- 1 The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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