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Vasileiou M, Diamantoudis SC, Tsianava C, Nguyen NP. Immunotherapeutic Strategies Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:3040-3063. [PMID: 38920716 PMCID: PMC11203270 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31060232] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and is a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Despite the implementation of multiple treatment options, including immunotherapy, breast cancer treatment remains a challenge. In this review, we aim to summarize present challenges in breast cancer immunotherapy and recent advancements in overcoming treatment resistance. We elaborate on the inhibition of signaling cascades, such as the Notch, Hedgehog, Hippo, and WNT signaling pathways, which regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of breast cancer stem cells and, consequently, disease progression and survival. Cancer stem cells represent a rare population of cancer cells, likely originating from non-malignant stem or progenitor cells, with the ability to evade immune surveillance and develop resistance to immunotherapeutic treatments. We also discuss the interactions between breast cancer stem cells and the immune system, including potential agents targeting breast cancer stem cell-associated signaling pathways, and provide an overview of the emerging approaches to breast cancer stem cell-targeted immunotherapy. Finally, we consider the development of breast cancer vaccines and adoptive cellular therapies, which train the immune system to recognize tumor-associated antigens, for eliciting T cell-mediated responses to target breast cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vasileiou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Christina Tsianava
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Nam P. Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Howard University, Washington, DC 20060, USA
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2
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Khan SU, Fatima K, Aisha S, Malik F. Unveiling the mechanisms and challenges of cancer drug resistance. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:109. [PMID: 38347575 PMCID: PMC10860306 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01302-1] [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: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment faces many hurdles and resistance is one among them. Anti-cancer treatment strategies are evolving due to innate and acquired resistance capacity, governed by genetic, epigenetic, proteomic, metabolic, or microenvironmental cues that ultimately enable selected cancer cells to survive and progress under unfavorable conditions. Although the mechanism of drug resistance is being widely studied to generate new target-based drugs with better potency than existing ones. However, due to the broader flexibility in acquired drug resistance, advanced therapeutic options with better efficacy need to be explored. Combination therapy is an alternative with a better success rate though the risk of amplified side effects is commonplace. Moreover, recent groundbreaking precision immune therapy is one of the ways to overcome drug resistance and has revolutionized anticancer therapy to a greater extent with the only limitation of being individual-specific and needs further attention. This review will focus on the challenges and strategies opted by cancer cells to withstand the current therapies at the molecular level and also highlights the emerging therapeutic options -like immunological, and stem cell-based options that may prove to have better potential to challenge the existing problem of therapy resistance. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- Division of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Shariqa Aisha
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar-190005, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
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3
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Chiang J, Chen PC, Pham J, Nguyen CQ, Kaur K, Raman SS, Jewett A. Characterizing hepatocellular carcinoma stem markers and their corresponding susceptibility to NK-cell based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1284669. [PMID: 37954598 PMCID: PMC10637628 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1284669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the fourth-leading cause of all cancer-related deaths around the world. Liver transplantation, surgery, and local ablation are curative therapies for early-stage HCC. However, post-treatment outcomes can vary based on histopathologic stage. Poorly-differentiated HCC are associated with higher rates of tumor progression and lower overall survival compared to well-differentiated HCC after therapy. In this study, we aimed to characterize the cancer stem cell (CSC) profile of histopathologically-proven well and poorly-differentiated HCCs in an in-vitro environment. We characterized the stem-like profile of each type of HCC based on their surface markers and susceptibility to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Methods Flow cytometry was used to quantify differential expression of MHC-class I, CD54, and CD44 between well- and poorly-differentiated HCCs. Primary untreated NK cells, IL-2 stimulated primary NK cells, and supercharged (sNK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity was assessed against well- and poorly-differentiated HCCs. IFN-γ supernatant from each respective NK cell experimental arm was also used to induce differentiation of HCCs. Finally, we characterized the temporal NK effector cell cytotoxicity using real-time quantitative analysis of imaging and impedance (eSight study). Results Poorly-differentiated HCCs demonstrated low surface expression of MHC-class I and CD54, and high expression of CD44. Treatment of NK cells secreted IFN-γ or IFN-γ cytokine induced differentiation in HCCs. Poorly-differentiated HCCs in comparison to well-differentiated HCC were more susceptible to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in primary NK cells, IL-2 stimulated primary NK cells, and sNK cells. sNK cells induced significantly higher cytotoxicity against well-differentiated HCCs in comparison to untreated or IL-2-stimulated primary NK cells. These findings were recapitulated with real-time quantitative imaging analysis. Conclusions Poorly-differentiated HCCs were found to have surface marker patterns of CSCs, making them highly susceptible to NK cell-based immunotherapy. NK-cell based therapy can potentially be leveraged as a neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy in poorly-differentiated HCCs. Supercharged NK cells, which can be rapidly expanded to therapeutic levels, are uniquely capable of lysing both poorly- and well-differentiated HCCs. This finding suggests that sNK cells not only exhibit enhanced features against NK cells' targets but also are capable of activating T cells to induce cytotoxicity against well-differentiated HCCs with high expression of MHC class I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Chiang
- Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Po-Chun Chen
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Janet Pham
- Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Cat-Quynh Nguyen
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Steven S. Raman
- Department of Radiology, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anahid Jewett
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Veschi V, Turdo A, Stassi G. Novel insights into cancer stem cells targeting: CAR-T therapy and epigenetic drugs as new pillars in cancer treatment. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2023; 3:1120090. [PMID: 39086678 PMCID: PMC11285630 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2023.1120090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent the most aggressive subpopulation present in the tumor bulk retaining invasive capabilities, metastatic potential and high expression levels of drug efflux pumps responsible for therapy resistance. Cancer is still an incurable disease due to the inefficacy of standard regimens that spare this subpopulation. Selective targeting of CSCs is still an unmet need in cancer research field. Aberrant epigenetic reprogramming promotes the initiation and maintenance of CSCs, which are able to escape the immune system defense. Promising therapeutic approaches able to induce the selective inhibition of this stem-like small subset include immunotherapy alone or in combination with epigenetic compounds. These strategies are based on the specific expression of epitopes and/or epigenetic alterations present only in the CSC and not in the other cancer cells or normal cells. Thus, the combined approach utilizing CAR-T immunotherapy along with epigenetic probes may overcome the barriers of treatment ineffectiveness towards a more precision medicine approach in patients with known specific alterations of CSCs. In this perspective article we will shed new lights on the future applications of epi-immunotherapy in tumors enriched in CSCs, along with its potential side-effects, limitations and the development of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alice Turdo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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5
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Swetha KL, Maravajjala KS, Li SD, Singh MS, Roy A. Breaking the niche: multidimensional nanotherapeutics for tumor microenvironment modulation. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:105-134. [PMID: 35697894 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01194-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Most of the current antitumor therapeutics were developed targeting the cancer cells only. Unfortunately, in the majority of tumors, this single-dimensional therapy is found to be ineffective. Advanced research has shown that cancer is a multicellular disorder. The tumor microenvironment (TME), which is made by a complex network of the bulk tumor cells and other supporting cells, plays a crucial role in tumor progression. Understanding the importance of the TME in tumor growth, different treatment modalities have been developed targeting these supporting cells. Recent clinical results suggest that simultaneously targeting multiple components of the tumor ecosystem with drug combinations can be highly effective. This type of "multidimensional" therapy has a high potential for cancer treatment. However, tumor-specific delivery of such multi-drug combinations remains a challenge. Nanomedicine could be utilized for the tumor-targeted delivery of such multidimensional therapeutics. In this review, we first give a brief overview of the major components of TME. We then highlight the latest developments in nanoparticle-based combination therapies, where one drug targets cancer cells and other drug targets tumor-supporting components in the TME for a synergistic effect. We include the latest preclinical and clinical studies and discuss innovative nanoparticle-mediated targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Laxmi Swetha
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Kavya Sree Maravajjala
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Shyh-Dar Li
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, 2405 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Manu Smriti Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Bennett University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India. .,Center of Excellence for Nanosensors and Nanomedicine, Bennett University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India.
| | - Aniruddha Roy
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Vidya Vihar, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
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6
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Cui G, Wang Z, Liu H, Pang Z. Cytokine-mediated crosstalk between cancer stem cells and their inflammatory niche from the colorectal precancerous adenoma stage to the cancerous stage: Mechanisms and clinical implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057181. [PMID: 36466926 PMCID: PMC9714270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of colorectal cancers (CRCs) are thought to arise from precancerous adenomas. Upon exposure to diverse microenvironmental factors, precancerous stem cells (pCSCs) undergo complex genetic/molecular changes and gradually progress to form cancer stem cells (CSCs). Accumulative evidence suggests that the pCSC/CSC niche is an inflammatory dominated milieu that contains different cytokines that function as the key communicators between pCSCs/CSCs and their niche and have a decisive role in promoting CRC development, progression, and metastasis. In view of the importance and increasing data about cytokines in modulating pCSCs/CSC stemness properties and their significance in CRC, this review summarizes current new insights of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-33 and interferon (IFN)-γ, involving in the modulation of pCSC/CSC properties and features in precancerous and cancerous lesions and discusses the possible mechanisms of adenoma progression to CRCs and their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglin Cui
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Faculty of Health Science, Nord University, Levanger, Norway
| | - Ziqi Wang
- College of Medical Imaging, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Hanzhe Liu
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigang Pang
- Research Group of Gastrointestinal Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Radiation Treatment Timing and Dose Delivery: Effects on Bladder Cancer Cells in 3D in Vitro Culture. RADIATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/radiation2040025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
While radical cystectomy remains the primary treatment of choice for bladder cancer, increased evidence supports the use of bladder-preservation strategies based on adjuvant radiotherapy. This highlights the need for a better understanding of bladder cancer radiosensitivity to different types of treatment deliveries. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of treatment time, dose and fractionation on the number and sizes of grown three-dimensional (3D) bladder cancer spheres, and to assess the capacity of the linear-quadratic model in describing the response of cells cultured in 3D. 3D MatrigelTM-based cultures were employed to enrich for cancer stem cells (CSCs) from three human bladder cancer cell lines, RT4, T24 and UM-UC-3. Three single dose radiation treatments were performed at different time points after plating, and sphere number and sizes were assessed. Anti-CD44 immunofluorescence, clonogenic assay and anti-γH2AX staining were also performed to analyze the cell lines’ radiosensitivity. The radiosensitivity of spheres was dependent on the treatment timing after plating. Current linear quadratic dose fractionation models were shown to over-estimate radiosensitivity in 3D models. Our results showed the importance of treatment timing on the radio-response of bladder cancer spheres. We also demonstrated that bladder cancer spheres are more resistant to dose-fractionation than the estimation from the theoretical linear-quadratic model.
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Manni W, Min W. Signaling pathways in the regulation of cancer stem cells and associated targeted therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e176. [PMID: 36226253 PMCID: PMC9534377 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of malignant tumor cells with selective capacities for tumor initiation, self-renewal, metastasis, and unlimited growth into bulks, which are believed as a major cause of progressive tumor phenotypes, including recurrence, metastasis, and treatment failure. A number of signaling pathways are involved in the maintenance of stem cell properties and survival of CSCs, including well-established intrinsic pathways, such as the Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling, and extrinsic pathways, such as the vascular microenvironment and tumor-associated immune cells. There is also intricate crosstalk between these signal cascades and other oncogenic pathways. Thus, targeting pathway molecules that regulate CSCs provides a new option for the treatment of therapy-resistant or -refractory tumors. These treatments include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies that target key signaling in CSCs, as well as CSC-directed immunotherapies that harness the immune systems to target CSCs. This review aims to provide an overview of the regulating networks and their immune interactions involved in CSC development. We also address the update on the development of CSC-directed therapeutics, with a special focus on those with application approval or under clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Manni
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduP. R. China
| | - Wu Min
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of North DakotaGrand ForksNorth DakotaUSA
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Cancer Stem Cells in Tumor Microenvironment of Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach, Colon, and Rectum. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163948. [PMID: 36010940 PMCID: PMC9405851 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Gastrointestinal cancers have a high mortality rate worldwide, and the progression of the disease is related to cancer stem cells. Until now, its relationship with the microenvironment has been poorly understood. We describe the molecules and different pathways activated during this interaction and the new targeting therapies for cancer cells and microenvironment modulation. This approach could impact the way gastrointestinal cancers are managed. Abstract Gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas are one of the world’s deadliest cancers. Cancer stem cells and the tissue microenvironment are highly regulated by cell and molecular mechanisms. Cancer stem cells are essential for maintenance and progression and are associated with resistance to conventional treatments. This article reviews the current knowledge of the role of the microenvironment during the primary establishment of gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas in the stomach, colon, and rectum and its relationship with cancer stem cells. We also describe novel developments in cancer therapeutics, such as targeted therapy, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments for improving gastrointestinal cancer prognosis.
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10
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Impact of Non-Coding RNAs on Chemotherapeutic Resistance in Oral Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020284. [PMID: 35204785 PMCID: PMC8961659 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance in oral cancer is one of the major problems in oral cancer therapy because therapeutic failure directly results in tumor recurrence and eventually in metastasis. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the involvement of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), in processes related to the development of drug resistance. A number of studies have shown that ncRNAs modulate gene expression at the transcriptional or translational level and regulate biological processes, such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, apoptosis, DNA repair and drug efflux, which are tightly associated with drug resistance acquisition in many types of cancer. Interestingly, these ncRNAs are commonly detected in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are known to be delivered into surrounding cells. This intercellular communication via EVs is currently considered to be important for acquired drug resistance. Here, we review the recent advances in the study of drug resistance in oral cancer by mainly focusing on the function of ncRNAs, since an increasing number of studies have suggested that ncRNAs could be therapeutic targets as well as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis.
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Wilczyński JR. Cancer Stem Cells: An Ever-Hiding Foe. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:219-251. [PMID: 35165866 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a population of cells enable to reproduce the original phenotype of the tumor and capable to self-renewal, which is crucial for tumor proliferation, differentiation, recurrence, and metastasis, as well as chemoresistance. Therefore, the cancer stem cells (CSCs) have become one of the main targets for anticancer therapy and many ongoing clinical trials test anti-CSCs efficacy of plenty of drugs. This chapter describes CSCs starting from general description of this cell population, through CSCs markers, signaling pathways, genetic and epigenetic regulation, role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transition and autophagy, cooperation with microenvironment (CSCs niche), and finally role of CSCs in escaping host immunosurveillance against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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12
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Eptaminitaki GC, Wolff N, Stellas D, Sifakis K, Baritaki S. Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Response and Resistance to Cancer Immunosurveillance and Immunotherapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123313. [PMID: 34943820 PMCID: PMC8699382 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical regulatory elements in cellular functions in states of both normalcy and disease, including cancer. LncRNAs can influence not only tumorigenesis but also cancer features such as metastasis, angiogenesis and resistance to chemo-and immune-mediated apoptotic signals. Several lncRNAs have been demonstrated to control directly or indirectly the number, type and activities of distinct immune cell populations of adaptive and innate immunities within and without the tumor microenvironment. The disruption of lncRNA expression in both cancer and immune cells may reflect alterations in tumor responses to cancer immunosurveillance and immunotherapy, thus providing new insights into lncRNA biomarker-based prognostic and therapeutic cancer assessment. Here we present an overview on lncRNAs’ functions and underlying molecular mechanisms related to cancer immunity and conventional immunotherapy, with the expectation that any elucidations may lead to a better understanding and management of cancer immune escape and response to current and future immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giasemi C. Eptaminitaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, GR-71003 Heraklion, Greece; (G.C.E.); (N.W.); (K.S.)
| | - Nora Wolff
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, GR-71003 Heraklion, Greece; (G.C.E.); (N.W.); (K.S.)
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave., GR-11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Sifakis
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, GR-71003 Heraklion, Greece; (G.C.E.); (N.W.); (K.S.)
| | - Stavroula Baritaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Crete, GR-71003 Heraklion, Greece; (G.C.E.); (N.W.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-39-4727
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Zhang Z, Zhang C, Luo Y, Zhang G, Wu P, Sun N, He J. RNA N 6 -methyladenosine modification in the lethal teamwork of cancer stem cells and the tumor immune microenvironment: Current landscape and therapeutic potential. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e525. [PMID: 34586737 PMCID: PMC8473646 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A), the newest and most prevalent layer of internal epigenetic modification in eukaryotic mRNA, has been demonstrated to play a critical role in cancer biology. Increasing evidence has highlighted that the interaction between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is the root cause of tumorigenesis, metastasis, therapy resistance, and recurrence. In recent studies, the m6 A modification has been tightly linked to this CSC-TIME interplay, participating in the regulation of CSCs and TIME remolding. Interestingly, the m6 A modification has also been identified as a novel decisive factor in the efficacy of immunotherapies-particularly anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapies-by changing the plasticity of the TIME. Given the functional importance of the m6 A modification in the crosstalk between CSCs and the TIME, targeting m6 A regulators will open new avenues to overcome therapeutic resistance, especially for immune checkpoint-based immunotherapy. In the present review, we summarize the current landscape of m6 A modifications in CSCs and the TIME, and also prospect the underling role of m6 A modifications at the crossroads of CSCs and the TIME for the first time. Additionally, to provide the possibility of modulating m6 A modifications as an emerging therapeutic strategy, we also explore the burgeoning inhibitors and technologies targeting m6 A regulators. Lastly, considering recent advances in m6 A-seq technologies and cancer drug development, we propose the future directions of m6 A modification in clinical applications, which may not only help to improve individualized monitoring and therapy but also provide enhanced and durable responses in patients with insensitive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Chaoqi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Yuejun Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Guochao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer HospitalChinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeBeijingChina
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14
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Gaggianesi M, Di Franco S, Pantina VD, Porcelli G, D'Accardo C, Verona F, Veschi V, Colarossi L, Faldetta N, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, Stassi G. Messing Up the Cancer Stem Cell Chemoresistance Mechanisms Supported by Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:702642. [PMID: 34354950 PMCID: PMC8330815 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.702642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in cancer patient management and in the development of targeted therapies, systemic chemotherapy is currently used as a first-line treatment for many cancer types. After an initial partial response, patients become refractory to standard therapy fostering rapid tumor progression. Compelling evidence highlights that the resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens is a peculiarity of a subpopulation of cancer cells within tumor mass, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). This cellular compartment is endowed with tumor-initiating and metastasis formation capabilities. CSC chemoresistance is sustained by a plethora of grow factors and cytokines released by neighboring tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mainly composed by adipocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune and endothelial cells. TME strengthens CSC refractoriness to standard and targeted therapies by enhancing survival signaling pathways, DNA repair machinery, expression of drug efflux transporters and anti-apoptotic proteins. In the last years many efforts have been made to understand CSC-TME crosstalk and develop therapeutic strategy halting this interplay. Here, we report the combinatorial approaches, which perturb the interaction network between CSCs and the different component of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina D'Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Naida Faldetta
- Department of Surgery, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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15
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Kursunel MA, Taskiran EZ, Tavukcuoglu E, Yanik H, Demirag F, Karaosmanoglu B, Ozbay FG, Uner A, Esendagli D, Kizilgoz D, Yilmaz U, Esendagli G. Small cell lung cancer stem cells display mesenchymal properties and exploit immune checkpoint pathways in activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:445-459. [PMID: 34228218 PMCID: PMC8783896 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-02998-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive tumor type with early dissemination and distant metastasis capacity. Even though optimal chemotherapy responses are observed initially in many patients, therapy resistance is almost inevitable. Accordingly, SCLC has been regarded as an archetype for cancer stem cell (CSC) dynamics. To determine the immune-modulatory influence of CSC in SCLC, this study focused on the characterization of CD44+CD90+ CSC-like subpopulations in SCLC. These cells displayed mesenchymal properties, differentiated into different lineages and further contributed to CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responses. The interaction between CD44+CD90+ CSC-like cells and T cells led to the upregulation of checkpoint molecules PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, and LAG3. In the patient-derived lymph nodes, CD44+ SCLC metastases were also observed with T cells expressing PD-1, TIM-3, or LAG3. Proliferation and IFN-γ expression capacity of TIM-3 and LAG3 co-expressing CTLs are adversely affected over long-time co-culture with CD44+CD90+ CSC-like cells. Moreover, especially through IFN-γ secreted by the T cells, the CSC-like SCLC cells highly expressed PD-L1 and PD-L2. Upon a second encounter with immune-experienced, IFN-γ-stimulated CSC-like SCLC cells, both cytotoxic and proliferation capacities of T cells were hampered. In conclusion, our data provide evidence for the superior potential of the SCLC cells with stem-like and mesenchymal properties to gain immune regulatory capacities and cope with cytotoxic T cell responses. With their high metastatic and immune-modulatory assets, the CSC subpopulation in SCLC may serve as a preferential target for checkpoint blockade immunotherapy
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alper Kursunel
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rossle Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ekim Z Taskiran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ece Tavukcuoglu
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hamdullah Yanik
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Funda Demirag
- Department of Pathology, Atatürk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Beren Karaosmanoglu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Feyza Gul Ozbay
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Uner
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dorina Esendagli
- Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Derya Kizilgoz
- Department of Chest Diseases, Atatürk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ulku Yilmaz
- Department of Chest Diseases, Atatürk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gunes Esendagli
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, 06100, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
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16
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Thakur A, Ung J, Tomaszewski EN, Schienschang A, LaBrie TM, Schalk DL, Lum LG. Priming of pancreatic cancer cells with bispecific antibody armed activated T cells sensitizes tumors for enhanced chemoresponsiveness. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1930883. [PMID: 34123574 PMCID: PMC8172155 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1930883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the ability of bispecific antibody armed activated T cells to target drug resistant pancreatic cancer cells and whether or not “priming” these resistant cancer cells with bispecific antibody armed activated T cells could enhance subsequent responsiveness to chemotherapeutic drugs. Chemotherapeutic responses for pancreatic cancer are either limited or the tumors develop resistance to chemotherapy regimens. The impetus for this study was the remarkable clinical response seen in our earlier phase I/II clinical trial: a pancreatic cancer patient with drug resistant tumors who showed progression of disease following three infusions of anti-CD3 x anti-EGFR bispecific antibody armed activated T cells (EGFR BATs) was restarted on the initial low dose of 5-fluorouracil showed complete response, suggesting that BATs infusions may have sensitized patient’s tumor for chemoresponsiveness. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that BATs can sensitize tumors for chemoresponsiveness. Gemcitabine or cisplatin-resistant MiaPaCa-2 and L3.6 cell lines were effectively targeted by EGFR BATs. Priming of drug sensitive or resistant cells with EGFR BATs followed by retargeting with lower concentrations of 50% inhibitory concentration of gemcitabine or cisplatin showed enhanced cytotoxicity. Gemcitabine or cisplatin-resistant cell lines show an increased proportion of CD44+/CD24+/EpCAM+ cancer stem like cells as well as an increased number of ABC transporter ABCG2 positive cells compared to the parental cell lines. These data suggest that bispecific antibody armed activated T cells can target and kill chemo-resistant tumor cells and also markedly augment subsequent chemotherapeutic responsiveness, possibly by modulating the expression of ABC transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Thakur
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Johnson Ung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Elyse N Tomaszewski
- Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Amy Schienschang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Timothy M LaBrie
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Dana L Schalk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Lawrence G Lum
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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17
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Nawara HM, Afify SM, Hassan G, Zahra MH, Seno A, Seno M. Paclitaxel-Based Chemotherapy Targeting Cancer Stem Cells from Mono- to Combination Therapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050500. [PMID: 34063205 PMCID: PMC8147479 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel (PTX) is a chemotherapeutical agent commonly used to treat several kinds of cancer. PTX is known as a microtubule-targeting agent with a primary molecular mechanism that disrupts the dynamics of microtubules and induces mitotic arrest and cell death. Simultaneously, other mechanisms have been evaluated in many studies. Since the anticancer activity of PTX was discovered, it has been used to treat many cancer patients and has become one of the most extensively used anticancer drugs. Regrettably, the resistance of cancer to PTX is considered an extensive obstacle in clinical applications and is one of the major causes of death correlated with treatment failure. Therefore, the combination of PTX with other drugs could lead to efficient therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of PTX, and the current studies focusing on PTX and review promising combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend M. Nawara
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Said M. Afify
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
- Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Menoufia 32511, Egypt
| | - Ghmkin Hassan
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus 10769, Syria
| | - Maram H. Zahra
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Akimasa Seno
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
| | - Masaharu Seno
- Department of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.M.A.); (G.H.); (M.H.Z.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-251-8216
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18
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Wong SHD, Xu X, Chen X, Xin Y, Xu L, Lai CHN, Oh J, Wong WKR, Wang X, Han S, You W, Shuai X, Wong N, Tan Y, Duan L, Bian L. Manipulation of the Nanoscale Presentation of Integrin Ligand Produces Cancer Cells with Enhanced Stemness and Robust Tumorigenicity. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:3225-3236. [PMID: 33764789 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c00501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Developing strategies for efficient expansion of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) in vitro will help investigate the mechanism underlying tumorigenesis and cancer recurrence. Herein, we report a dynamic culture substrate tethered with integrin ligand-bearing magnetic nanoparticles via a flexible polymeric linker to enable magnetic manipulation of the nanoscale ligand tether mobility. The cancer cells cultured on the substrate with high ligand tether mobility develop into large semispherical colonies with CSCs features, which can be abrogated by magnetically restricting the ligand tether mobility. Mechanistically, the substrate with high ligand tether mobility suppresses integrin-mediated mechanotransduction and histone-related methylation, thereby enhancing cancer cell stemness. The culture-derived high-stemness cells can generate tumors both locally and at the distant lung and uterus much more efficiently than the low-stemness cells. We believe that this magnetic nanoplatform provides a promising strategy for investigating the dynamic interaction between CSCs and the microenvironment and establishing a cost-effective tumor spheroid model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu Hong Dexter Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Innovation Platform, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Ying Xin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Limei Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Innovation Platform, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Chun Him Nathanael Lai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jiwon Oh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Wai Ki Ricky Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Shisong Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Wenxing You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Surgery at Sir Y. K. Pao Centre for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xintao Shuai
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology, and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Department of Surgery at Sir Y. K. Pao Centre for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Youhua Tan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Li Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Artificial Intelligence Biomedical Innovation Platform, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, China
| | - Liming Bian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- China Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine Group (CORMed) Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
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Cancer Stem Cells Are Possible Key Players in Regulating Anti-Tumor Immune Responses: The Role of Immunomodulating Molecules and MicroRNAs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071674. [PMID: 33918136 PMCID: PMC8037840 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review provides a critical overview of the state of the art of the characterization of the immunological profile of a rare component of the tumors, denominated cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer initiating cells (CICs). These cells are endowed with the ability to form and propagate tumors and resistance to therapies, including the most innovative approaches. These investigations contribute to understanding the mechanisms regulating the interaction of CSCs/CICs with the immune system and identifying novel therapeutic approaches to render these cells visible and susceptible to immune responses. Abstract Cancer cells endowed with stemness properties and representing a rare population of cells within malignant lesions have been isolated from tumors with different histological origins. These cells, denominated as cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer initiating cells (CICs), are responsible for tumor initiation, progression and resistance to therapies, including immunotherapy. The dynamic crosstalk of CSCs/CICs with the tumor microenvironment orchestrates their fate and plasticity as well as their immunogenicity. CSCs/CICs, as observed in multiple studies, display either the aberrant expression of immunomodulatory molecules or suboptimal levels of molecules involved in antigen processing and presentation, leading to immune evasion. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that can regulate either stemness properties or their immunological profile, with in some cases dual functions, can provide insights into these mechanisms and possible interventions to develop novel therapeutic strategies targeting CSCs/CICs and reverting their immunogenicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the immunoregulatory features of CSCs/CICs including miRNA profiles involved in the regulation of the interplay between stemness and immunological properties.
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Tomei S, Volontè A, Ravindran S, Mazzoleni S, Wang E, Galli R, Maccalli C. MicroRNA Expression Profile Distinguishes Glioblastoma Stem Cells from Differentiated Tumor Cells. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11040264. [PMID: 33916317 PMCID: PMC8066769 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11040264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most common and aggressive tumor of the brain. Despite the fact that several studies have recently addressed the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, its etiology and pathogenesis are still poorly understood. GBM displays poor prognosis and its resistance to common therapeutic approaches makes it a highly recurrent tumor. Several studies have identified a subpopulation of tumor cells, known as GBM cancer stem cells (CSCs) characterized by the ability of self-renewal, tumor initiation and propagation. GBM CSCs have been shown to survive GBM chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thus, targeting CSCs represents a promising approach to treat GBM. Recent evidence has shown that GBM is characterized by a dysregulated expression of microRNA (miRNAs). In this study we have investigated the difference between human GBM CSCs and their paired autologous differentiated tumor cells. Array-based profiling and quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed to identify miRNAs differentially expressed in CSCs. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were also interrogated, and functional interpretation analysis was performed. We have identified 14 miRNAs significantly differentially expressed in GBM CSCs (p < 0.005). MiR-21 and miR-95 were among the most significantly deregulated miRNAs, and their expression was also associated to patient survival. We believe that the data provided here carry important implications for future studies aiming at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tomei
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha PO26999, Qatar; (S.R.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +974-4003-7681
| | - Andrea Volontè
- Unit of Immuno-Biotherapy of Melanoma and Solid Tumors, Division of Molecular Oncology, San Raffaele Foundation Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Shilpa Ravindran
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha PO26999, Qatar; (S.R.); (C.M.)
| | - Stefania Mazzoleni
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Ena Wang
- Infectious Disease and Immunogenetics Section (IDIS), Department of Transfusion Medicine, Clinical Center, and Center for Human Immunology (CHI) National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Rossella Galli
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy; (S.M.); (R.G.)
| | - Cristina Maccalli
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha PO26999, Qatar; (S.R.); (C.M.)
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21
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Yoshida GJ, Saya H. Molecular pathology underlying the robustness of cancer stem cells. Regen Ther 2021; 17:38-50. [PMID: 33869685 PMCID: PMC8024885 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2021.02.002] [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: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intratumoral heterogeneity is tightly associated with the failure of anticancer treatment modalities including conventional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and molecularly targeted therapy. Such heterogeneity is generated in an evolutionary manner not only as a result of genetic alterations but also by the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are proposed to exist at the top of a tumor cell hierarchy and are undifferentiated tumor cells that manifest enhanced tumorigenic and metastatic potential, self-renewal capacity, and therapeutic resistance. Properties that contribute to the robustness of CSCs include the abilities to withstand redox stress, to rapidly repair damaged DNA, to adapt to a hyperinflammatory or hyponutritious tumor microenvironment, and to expel anticancer drugs by the action of ATP-binding cassette transporters as well as plasticity with regard to the transition between dormant CSC and transit-amplifying progenitor cell phenotypes. In addition, CSCs manifest the phenomenon of metabolic reprogramming, which is essential for maintenance of their self-renewal potential and their ability to adapt to changes in the tumor microenvironment. Elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of these biological features of CSCs is key to the development of novel anticancer therapies. In this review, we highlight the pathological relevance of CSCs in terms of their hallmarks and identification, the properties of their niche—both in primary tumors and at potential sites of metastasis—and their resistance to oxidative stress dependent on system xc (−). Intratumoral heterogeneity driven by CSCs is responsible for therapeutic resistance. CTCs survive in the distant organs and achieve colonization, causing metastasis. E/M hybrid cancer cells due to partial EMT exhibit the highest metastatic potential. The CSC niche regulates stemness in metastatic disease as well as in primary tumor. Activation of system xc(-) by CD44 variant in CSCs is a promising therapeutic target.
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Key Words
- ABC, ATP-binding cassette
- ALDH, Aldehyde dehydrogenase
- BMP, Bone morphogenetic protein
- CAF, Cancer-associated fibroblast
- CD44 variant
- CD44v, CD44 variant
- CSC, Cancer stem cell
- CTC, Circulating tumor cell
- CagA, Cytotoxin-associated gene A
- Cancer stem cell
- DTC, Disseminated tumor cell
- E/M, Epithelial/mesenchymal
- ECM, Extracellular matrix
- EGF, Epidermal growth factor
- EMT, Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- EpCAM, Epithelial cell adhesion moleculeE
- Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
- GSC, Glioma stem cell
- GSH, reduced glutathione
- HGF, Hepatocyte growth factor
- HNSCC, Head and neck squamous cell cancer
- IL, Interleukin
- Intratumoral heterogeneity
- MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- MET, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition
- NSCLC, non–small cell lung cancer
- Niche
- Nrf2, nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2
- OXPHOS, Oxidative phosphorylation
- Plasticity
- Prrx1, Paired-related homeodomain transcription factor 1
- ROS, Reactive oxygen species
- SRP1, Epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1
- TGF-β, Transforming growth factor–β
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Affiliation(s)
- Go J Yoshida
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research (IAMR), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Saya
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research (IAMR), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Nguyen HM, Guz-Montgomery K, Lowe DB, Saha D. Pathogenetic Features and Current Management of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040856. [PMID: 33670551 PMCID: PMC7922739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of primary malignant brain tumor with a devastatingly poor prognosis. The disease does not discriminate, affecting adults and children of both sexes, and has an average overall survival of 12-15 months, despite advances in diagnosis and rigorous treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. In addition, most survivors will eventually experience tumor recurrence that only imparts survival of a few months. GBM is highly heterogenous, invasive, vascularized, and almost always inaccessible for treatment. Based on all these outstanding obstacles, there have been tremendous efforts to develop alternative treatment options that allow for more efficient targeting of the tumor including small molecule drugs and immunotherapies. A number of other strategies in development include therapies based on nanoparticles, light, extracellular vesicles, and micro-RNA, and vessel co-option. Advances in these potential approaches shed a promising outlook on the future of GBM treatment. In this review, we briefly discuss the current understanding of adult GBM's pathogenetic features that promote treatment resistance. We also outline novel and promising targeted agents currently under development for GBM patients during the last few years with their current clinical status.
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Shu X, Cao KY, Liu HQ, Yu L, Sun LX, Yang ZH, Wu CA, Ran YL. Alpha-enolase (ENO1), identified as an antigen to monoclonal antibody 12C7, promotes the self-renewal and malignant phenotype of lung cancer stem cells by AMPK/mTOR pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:119. [PMID: 33579362 PMCID: PMC7881626 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02160-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) can be targeted in cancer therapy. We previously identified a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 12C7, which presented anti-tumor activity in lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs). Here, we aimed to identify the target antigen for 12C7 and confirm its role in LCSCs. METHODS Immunofluorescence was used for antigen localization. After targeted antigen purification by electrophoresis and immunoblot, the antigen was identified by LC-MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation. The overexpression or silence of ENO1 was induced by lentiviral transduction. Self-renewal, growth, and invasion of LCSCs were evaluated by sphere formation, colony formation, and invasion assay, respectively. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis were performed to analyze downstream targets and pathways of targeted antigen. RESULTS Targeted antigen showed a surface antigen expression pattern, and the 43-55 kDa protein band was identified as α-enolase (ENO1). Self-renewal, growth, and invasion abilities of LCSCs were remarkably inhibited by ENO1 downregulation, while enhanced by ENO1 upregulation. RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis eventually screened 4 self-renewal-related and 6 invasion-related differentially expressed genes. GSEA analysis and qRT-PCR verified that ENO1 regulated self-renewal, invasion-related genes, and pathways. KEGG pathway analysis and immunoblot demonstrated that ENO1 inactivated AMPK pathway and activated mTOR pathway in LCSCs. CONCLUSIONS ENO1 is identified as a targeted antigen of mAb 12C7 and plays a pivotal role in facilitating self-renewal, growth, and invasion of LCSCs. These findings provide a potent therapeutic target for the stem cell therapy for lung cancer and have potential to improve the anti-tumor activity of 12C7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Shu
- Laboratory of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing JiShuiTan Hospital, No. 31 Xinjiekou E Road, Xicheng, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai-Yue Cao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Qi Liu
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical School of Qinghai University, Xining, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 17 Panjiayuan Subdistrict, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Xin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 17 Panjiayuan Subdistrict, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 17 Panjiayuan Subdistrict, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Ai Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing JiShuiTan Hospital, No. 31 Xinjiekou E Road, Xicheng, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu-Liang Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 17 Panjiayuan Subdistrict, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China.
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Aramini B, Masciale V, Grisendi G, Banchelli F, D'Amico R, Maiorana A, Morandi U, Dominici M, Haider KH. Cancer stem cells and macrophages: molecular connections and future perspectives against cancer. Oncotarget 2021; 12:230-250. [PMID: 33613850 PMCID: PMC7869576 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been considered the key drivers of cancer initiation and progression due to their unlimited self-renewal capacity and their ability to induce tumor formation. Macrophages, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), establish a tumor microenvironment to protect and induce CSCs development and dissemination. Many studies in the past decade have been performed to understand the molecular mediators of CSCs and TAMs, and several studies have elucidated the complex crosstalk that occurs between these two cell types. The aim of this review is to define the complex crosstalk between these two cell types and to highlight potential future anti-cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Center of Statistic, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Center of Statistic, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonino Maiorana
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Uliano Morandi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Therapeutic Approaches for Metastases from Colorectal Cancer and Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13010103. [PMID: 33466892 PMCID: PMC7830403 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the process of dissemination of a tumor, whereby cells from the primary site dislodge and find their way to other tissues where secondary tumors establish. Metastasis is the primary cause of death related to cancer. This process warrants changes in original tumoral cells and their microenvironment to establish a metastatic niche. Traditionally, cancer therapy has focused on metastasis prevention by systematic treatments or direct surgical re-sectioning. However, metastasis can still occur. More recently, new therapies direct their attention to targeting cancer stem cells. As they propose, these cells could be the orchestrators of the metastatic niche. In this review, we describe conventional and novel developments in cancer therapeutics for liver and lung metastasis. We further discuss the resistance mechanisms of targeted therapy, the advantages, and disadvantages of diverse treatment approaches, and future novel strategies to enhance cancer prognosis.
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26
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Li N, Li Y, Zheng P, Zhan X. Cancer Stemness-Based Prognostic Immune-Related Gene Signatures in Lung Adenocarcinoma and Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:755805. [PMID: 34745015 PMCID: PMC8567176 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.755805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) refer to cells with self-renewal capability in tumors. CSCs play important roles in proliferation, metastasis, recurrence, and tumor heterogeneity. This study aimed to identify immune-related gene-prognostic models based on stemness index (mRNAsi) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), respectively. METHODS X-tile software was used to determine the best cutoff value of survival data in LUAD and LUSC based on mRNAsi. Tumor purity and the scores of infiltrating stromal and immune cells in lung cancer tissues were predicted with ESTIMATE R package. Differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) between higher- and lower-mRNAsi subtypes were used to construct prognostic models. RESULTS mRNAsi was negatively associated with StromalScore, ImmuneScore, and ESTIMATEScore, and was positively associated with tumor purity. LUAD and LUSC samples were divided into higher- and lower-mRNAsi groups with X-title software. The distribution of immune cells was significantly different between higher- and lower-mRNAsi groups in LUAD and LUSC. DEIRGs between those two groups in LUAD and LUSC were enriched in multiple cancer- or immune-related pathways. The network between transcriptional factors (TFs) and DEIRGs revealed potential mechanisms of DEIRGs in LUAD and LUSC. The eight-gene-signature prognostic model (ANGPTL5, CD1B, CD1E, CNTFR, CTSG, EDN3, IL12B, and IL2)-based high- and low-risk groups were significantly related to overall survival (OS), tumor microenvironment (TME) immune cells, and clinical characteristics in LUAD. The five-gene-signature prognostic model (CCL1, KLRC3, KLRC4, CCL23, and KLRC1)-based high- and low-risk groups were significantly related to OS, TME immune cells, and clinical characteristics in LUSC. These two prognostic models were tested as good ones with principal components analysis (PCA) and univariate and multivariate analyses. Tumor T stage, pathological stage, or metastasis status were significantly correlated with DEIRGs contained in prognostic models of LUAD and LUSC. CONCLUSION Cancer stemness was not only an important biological process in cancer progression but also might affect TME immune cell infiltration in LUAD and LUSC. The mRNAsi-related immune genes could be potential biomarkers of LUAD and LUSC. Evaluation of integrative characterization of multiple immune-related genes and pathways could help to understand the association between cancer stemness and tumor microenvironment in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, and Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yalin Li
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Peixian Zheng
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianquan Zhan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, and Shandong Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Gastroenterology Research Institute and Clinical Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xianquan Zhan,
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The Tumor Microenvironment as a Driving Force of Breast Cancer Stem Cell Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123863. [PMID: 33371274 PMCID: PMC7766255 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer stem cells are a subset of transformed cells that sustain tumor growth and can metastasize to secondary organs. Since metastasis accounts for most cancer deaths, it is of paramount importance to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate this subgroup of cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the habitat in which transformed cells evolve, and it is composed by many different cell types and the extracellular matrix (ECM). A body of evidence strongly indicates that microenvironmental cues modulate stemness in breast cancer, and that the coevolution of the TME and cancer stem cells determine the fate of breast tumors. In this review, we summarize the studies providing links between the TME and the breast cancer stem cell phenotype and we discuss their specific interactions with immune cell subsets, stromal cells, and the ECM. Abstract Tumor progression involves the co-evolution of transformed cells and the milieu in which they live and expand. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are a specialized subset of cells that sustain tumor growth and drive metastatic colonization. However, the cellular hierarchy in breast tumors is rather plastic, and the capacity to transition from one cell state to another depends not only on the intrinsic properties of transformed cells, but also on the interplay with their niches. It has become evident that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major player in regulating the BCSC phenotype and metastasis. The complexity of the TME is reflected in its number of players and in the interactions that they establish with each other. Multiple types of immune cells, stromal cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) form an intricate communication network with cancer cells, exert a highly selective pressure on the tumor, and provide supportive niches for BCSC expansion. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating these interactions is crucial to develop strategies aimed at interfering with key BCSC niche factors, which may help reducing tumor heterogeneity and impair metastasis.
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Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling in Fibrotic Diseases and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121666. [PMID: 33322749 PMCID: PMC7763058 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is essential in embryo development and maintaining normal homeostasis. Extensive evidence shows that TGF-β activation acts on several cell types, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells, to form a pro-fibrotic environment, ultimately leading to fibrotic diseases. TGF-β is stored in the matrix in a latent form; once activated, it promotes a fibroblast to myofibroblast transition and regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and remodeling in fibrosis. TGF-β signaling can also promote cancer progression through its effects on the tumor microenvironment. In cancer, TGF-β contributes to the generation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that have different molecular and cellular properties from activated or fibrotic fibroblasts. CAFs promote tumor progression and chronic tumor fibrosis via TGF-β signaling. Fibrosis and CAF-mediated cancer progression share several common traits and are closely related. In this review, we consider how TGF-β promotes fibrosis and CAF-mediated cancer progression. We also discuss recent evidence suggesting TGF-β inhibition as a defense against fibrotic disorders or CAF-mediated cancer progression to highlight the potential implications of TGF-β-targeted therapies for fibrosis and cancer.
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29
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Molecular phenotypes of circulating tumor cells and efficacy of nivolumab treatment in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21573. [PMID: 33299117 PMCID: PMC7726556 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78741-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Biomarkers of the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs have been extensively investigated. In this study, we aimed to analyze whether molecular phenotypes of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with treatment responses and clinical outcomes in patients with R/M HNSCC treated with nivolumab. Peripheral blood samples were collected before treatment initiation and after four infusions of nivolumab. CTCs isolated by depletion of CD45-positive cells were analyzed to determine the expression of EPCAM, MET, KRT19, and EGFR using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CTC-positive samples were analyzed to determine the expression of PIK3CA, CCND1, SNAI1, VIM, ZEB2, CD44, NANOG, ALDH1A1, CD47, CD274, and PDCD1LG2. Of 30 patients treated with nivolumab, 28 (93.3%) were positive for CTCs. In 20 CTC-positive patients, molecular alterations in CTCs before and after nivolumab treatment were investigated. Patients with MET-positive CTCs had significantly shorter overall survival than those with MET-negative CTCs (p = 0.027). The expression level of CCND1 in CTCs of disease-controlled patients was significantly higher than that of disease-progressed patients (p = 0.034). In disease-controlled patients, the expression level of CCND1 in CTCs significantly decreased after nivolumab treatment (p = 0.043). The NANOG expression in CTCs was significantly increased in disease-controlled patients after nivolumab treatment (p = 0.036). Our findings suggest that the molecular profiling of CTCs is a promising tool to predict the treatment efficacy of nivolumab.
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Rossi F, Noren H, Jove R, Beljanski V, Grinnemo KH. Differences and similarities between cancer and somatic stem cells: therapeutic implications. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:489. [PMID: 33208173 PMCID: PMC7672862 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, the cancer survival rate has increased due to personalized therapies, the discovery of targeted therapeutics and novel biological agents, and the application of palliative treatments. Despite these advances, tumor resistance to chemotherapy and radiation and rapid progression to metastatic disease are still seen in many patients. Evidence has shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs), a sub-population of cells that share many common characteristics with somatic stem cells (SSCs), contribute to this therapeutic failure. The most critical properties of CSCs are their self-renewal ability and their capacity for differentiation into heterogeneous populations of cancer cells. Although CSCs only constitute a low percentage of the total tumor mass, these cells can regrow the tumor mass on their own. Initially identified in leukemia, CSCs have subsequently been found in cancers of the breast, the colon, the pancreas, and the brain. Common genetic and phenotypic features found in both SSCs and CSCs, including upregulated signaling pathways such as Notch, Wnt, Hedgehog, and TGF-β. These pathways play fundamental roles in the development as well as in the control of cell survival and cell fate and are relevant to therapeutic targeting of CSCs. The differences in the expression of membrane proteins and exosome-delivered microRNAs between SSCs and CSCs are also important to specifically target the stem cells of the cancer. Further research efforts should be directed toward elucidation of the fundamental differences between SSCs and CSCs to improve existing therapies and generate new clinically relevant cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Rossi
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA
| | - Hunter Noren
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA
| | - Richard Jove
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA
| | - Vladimir Beljanski
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA.
| | - Karl-Henrik Grinnemo
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328, USA. .,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Anaesthesiology, Uppsala University, Akademiska University Hospital, Akademiska sjukhuset, ingång 50, 4 tr, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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31
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Maccalli C. Translational cancer biology. J Transl Med 2020; 18:364. [PMID: 32967699 PMCID: PMC7513285 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02537-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Cancer stem cells and ceramide signaling: the cutting edges of immunotherapy. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8101-8111. [PMID: 32885363 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05790-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The multipotent, self renewing "cancer stem cells" (CSCs), a small population within tumor microenvironment facilitates transformed cells to grow and propagate within the body. The CSCs are discovered as resistant to the chemotherapeutic drug with distinct immunological characteristics. In recent years, immunologically targeting CSCs have emerged as an integral part of effective and successful cancer therapy. CSCs notably exhibit dysregulation in conventional sub-cellular sphingolipid metabolism. Recently, ceramide decaying enzymes have been shown to activate alternative ceramide signaling pathways leading to reduction in efficacy of the chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, a control over ceramide mediated modulations of CSCs offers an attractive dimension of effective cancer treatment strategy in future. In this review, we focused on the recent findings on broad spectrum of ceramide mediated signaling in CSCs within the tumor niche and their role in potential cancer immunotherapy.
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Establishment of 2.5D organoid culture model using 3D bladder cancer organoid culture. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9393. [PMID: 32523078 PMCID: PMC7287130 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66229-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) organoid culture holds great promises in cancer precision medicine. However, Matrigel and stem cell-stimulating supplements are necessary for culturing 3D organoid cells. It costs a lot of money and consumes more time and effort compared with 2D cultured cells. Therefore, the establishment of cheaper and Matrigel-free organoid culture that can maintain the characteristics of a part of 3D organoids is demanded. In the previous study, we established a dog bladder cancer (BC) 3D organoid culture system by using their urine samples. Here, we successfully isolated cells named "2.5D organoid" from multiple strains of dog BC 3D organoids using 2.5 organoid media. The cell proliferation speed of 2.5D organoids was faster than parental 3D organoid cells. The expression pattern of stem cell markers was close to 3D organoids. Injection of 2.5D organoid cells into immunodeficient mice formed tumors and showed the histopathological characteristics of urothelial carcinoma similar to the injection of dog BC 3D organoids. The 2.5D organoids had a similar sensitivity profile for anti-cancer drug treatment to their parental 3D organoids. These data suggest that our established 2.5D organoid culture method might become a reasonable and useful tool instead of 3D organoids in dog BC research and therapy.
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Ullah M, Meziani S, Shah S, Kaci R, Pimpie C, Pocard M, Mirshahi M. Differentiation of cancer cells upregulates HLA‑G and PD‑L1. Oncol Rep 2020; 43:1797-1804. [PMID: 32236615 PMCID: PMC7160553 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A tumor contains special types of cells that have characteristics similar to stem cells that aid in tumor initiation, evasion and proliferation and are often resistant to chemotherapy. These cancer stem cells can be differentiated to eradicate their stemness and proliferative capacity by differentiating agents. This study investigated the effect of differentiation on the expression of two immune checkpoint inhibitors, human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Two cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3-NIH and KATO-III) were treated with adipocyte and neurocyte differentiation media for 14 days. Bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were used as control healthy stem cells. We found that the cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3-NIH and KATO-III) when subjected to differentiation lost their proliferation ability. BM-MSC proliferation was not halted but was decreased in the adipocyte differentiation media. There was no decrease in the CD90 stem cell marker in the BM-MSCs; however, both cancer cell lines showed decreased CD90 stem cell marker. A significant increase in HLA-G was noted for both the cancer cell lines following adipocyte differentiation. No effect was found for BM-MSCs. Moreover, an increase in PD-L1 in cancer cell lines was found following neurocyte differentiation. Moreover, we found that differentiation resulted in decreased PD-L1 expression in BM-MSCs. Differentiation therapy of cancer stem cells may result in increased immunosuppression ability, hence causing hindrance in the removal of cancer cells. Moreover, the differentiation of healthy stem cells can result in increased immunogenic reactivity owing to a decrease in PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Ullah
- CAP‑Paris Tech., INSERM U1275, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Sarah Meziani
- CAP‑Paris Tech., INSERM U1275, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Shahid Shah
- CAP‑Paris Tech., INSERM U1275, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Rachid Kaci
- CAP‑Paris Tech., INSERM U1275, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Cynthia Pimpie
- CAP‑Paris Tech., INSERM U1275, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Marc Pocard
- CAP‑Paris Tech., INSERM U1275, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Massoud Mirshahi
- CAP‑Paris Tech., INSERM U1275, Lariboisière Hospital, 75010 Paris, France
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Masciale V, Grisendi G, Banchelli F, D'Amico R, Maiorana A, Sighinolfi P, Stefani A, Morandi U, Dominici M, Aramini B. Isolation and Identification of Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung: A Pilot Study. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1394. [PMID: 31921651 PMCID: PMC6930193 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) share many characteristics with normal stem cells, such as self-renewal and multipotentiality. High expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) has been detected in many tumors, particularly in the CSC compartment, and it plays an important role in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. CD44 is commonly used as a cell surface marker of cancer stem-like cells in epithelial tumors. The aim of this study was to isolate and analyze cancer stem-like cells from surgically removed specimens to compare lung adenocarcinoma (ADENO) and squamous (SQUAMO) cell carcinoma. Methods: The ALDEFLUOR assay was used to identify and sort ALDHhigh and ALDHlow human lung cancer cells following tissue digestion. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis for CD44 was performed with tumor cells. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to assess the expression of SOX2 and NANOG as stemness markers. ALDH1A1 expression was additionally determined by immunohistochemistry. Anchorage-independent ALDHhigh cell growth was also evaluated. ALDHhigh ADENO and SQUAMO cells were cultured to analyze spheroid formation. Results: All specimens contained 0.5-12.5% ALDHhigh cells with 3.8-18.9% CD44-positive cells. SOX2 and NANOG relative expression in ALDHhigh compared to ALDHlow cells in ADENO and SQUAMO was analyzed and compared between the histotypes. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of ALDH1A1 in the sections. SOX2 and NANOG were expressed at higher levels in the ALDHhigh subpopulation than in the ALDHlow subpopulation only in ADENO cells, and the opposite result was seen in SQUAMO cells. In vitro functional assays demonstrated that ALDHhigh cells exhibited migration capacity with distinct behaviors between ALDHhigh spheres in ADENO vs. SQUAMO samples. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of a better characterization of cancer stem-like cells in ADENO and SQUAMO histotypes. This may suggest new differential approaches for prognostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Masciale
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Rigenerand SRL, Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, Center of Medical Statistic, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, Center of Medical Statistic, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonino Maiorana
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, Institute of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pamela Sighinolfi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, Institute of Pathology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Stefani
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Uliano Morandi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Terzuoli E, Bellan C, Aversa S, Ciccone V, Morbidelli L, Giachetti A, Donnini S, Ziche M. ALDH3A1 Overexpression in Melanoma and Lung Tumors Drives Cancer Stem Cell Expansion, Impairing Immune Surveillance through Enhanced PD-L1 Output. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121963. [PMID: 31817719 PMCID: PMC6966589 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines are characterized by an intrinsic population of cancer stem-like cells (CSC), and high expression of detoxifying isozymes, the aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs), regulating the redox state. In this study, using melanoma and NSCLC cells, we demonstrate that ALDH3A1 isozyme overexpression and activity is closely associated with a highly aggressive mesenchymal and immunosuppressive profile. The contribution of ALDH3A1 to the stemness and immunogenic status of melanoma and NSCLC cells was evaluated by their ability to grow in 3D forming tumorspheres, and by the expression of markers for stemness, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and inflammation. Furthermore, in specimens from melanoma and NSCLC patients, we investigated the expression of ALDH3A1, PD-L1, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by immunohistochemistry. We show that cells engineered to overexpress the ALDH3A1 enzyme enriched the CSCs population in melanoma and NSCLC cultures, changing their transcriptome. In fact, we found increased expression of EMT markers, such as vimentin, fibronectin, and Zeb1, and of pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive mediators, such as NFkB, prostaglandin E2, and interleukin-6 and -13. ALDH3A1 overexpression enhanced PD-L1 output in tumor cells and resulted in reduced proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells when co-cultured with tumor cells. Furthermore, in tumor specimens from melanoma and NSCLC patients, ALDH3A1 expression was invariably correlated with PD-L1 and the pro-inflammatory marker COX-2. These findings link ALDH3A1 expression to tumor stemness, EMT and PD-L1 expression, and suggest that aldehyde detoxification is a redox metabolic pathway that tunes the immunological output of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Terzuoli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Cristiana Bellan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Sara Aversa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (C.B.); (S.A.)
| | - Valerio Ciccone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Morbidelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Giachetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Sandra Donnini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (V.C.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (M.Z.); Tel.: +39-0577-235382 (S.D.)
| | - Marina Ziche
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (M.Z.); Tel.: +39-0577-235382 (S.D.)
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Ravindran S, Rasool S, Maccalli C. The Cross Talk between Cancer Stem Cells/Cancer Initiating Cells and Tumor Microenvironment: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle for the Efficient Targeting of these Cells with Immunotherapy. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT 2019; 12:133-148. [PMID: 31758404 PMCID: PMC6937350 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-019-00233-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells/Cancer Initiating Cells (CSCs/CICs) is a rare sub-population within a tumor that is responsible for tumor formation, progression and resistance to therapies. The interaction between CSCs/CICs and tumor microenvironment (TME) can sustain “stemness” properties and promote their survival and plasticity. This cross-talk is also pivotal in regulating and modulating CSC/CIC properties. This review will provide an overview of the mechanisms underlying the mutual interaction between CSCs/CICs and TME. Particular focus will be dedicated to the immunological profile of CSCs/CICs and its role in orchestrating cancer immunosurveillance. Moreover, the available immunotherapy strategies that can target CSCs/CICs and of their possible implementation will be discussed. Overall, the dissection of the mechanisms regulating the CSC/CIC-TME interaction is warranted to understand the plasticity and immunoregulatory properties of stem-like tumor cells and to achieve complete eradications of tumors through the optimization of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Ravindran
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Al Luqta Street, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saad Rasool
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Al Luqta Street, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Cristina Maccalli
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Al Luqta Street, PO Box 26999, Doha, Qatar.
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Masciale V, Grisendi G, Banchelli F, D'Amico R, Maiorana A, Sighinolfi P, Pinelli M, Lovati E, Stefani A, Morandi U, Dominici M, Aramini B. Correlating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and lung cancer stem cells: a cross-sectional study. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2019; 7:619. [PMID: 31930020 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.11.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs) are endowed with high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) expression and play roles in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Their elusive nature may allow them to escape the immune response by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), which can positively affect the outcome in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Despite independent investigations on both LCSCs and TILs, the relationship between the two has been very marginally considered. We analyzed whether these two cell types may be related as a prerequisite for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Methods In this cross-sectional study, NSCLC human surgical specimens from 12 patients were tested by ALDEFLUOR assay to identify ALDHhigh cells. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analyses for CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ TILs were performed in combination with immunohistochemistry evaluation. Results Statistically positive correlations were found between ALDH+ and CD8+, and between ALDH+ and CD3+ cells populations; no correlation was found between ALDH+ and CD4+ cells. The expression of CD3+ and CD8+ by cells accounted for 40.1% and 58.7%, respectively, of the variability of ALDH+ cell expression by an R-squared index, which highlights the strong correlation between TILs and LCSCs. Immunohistochemistry revealed 6-25% positive cells. Conclusions We report a correlation between cytotoxic TILs and LCSCs, which may contribute to the future development of targeted therapies focusing on the different roles of lymphocytes against lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Masciale
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Center of Statistic, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Center of Statistic, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonino Maiorana
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pamela Sighinolfi
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Pinelli
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lovati
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Stefani
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Uliano Morandi
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: A Strategy for Effective Eradication of Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050732. [PMID: 31137841 PMCID: PMC6562442 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of tumor cells with the ability to self-renew, differentiate, and initiate and maintain tumor growth, and they are considered to be the main drivers of intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. While conventional chemotherapy can eradicate the majority of non-CSC tumor cells, CSCs are often drug-resistant, leading to tumor recurrence and metastasis. The heterogeneity of CSCs is the main challenge in developing CSC-targeting therapy; therefore, we and other investigators have focused on developing novel therapeutic strategies that combine conventional chemotherapy with inhibitors of CSC-regulating pathways. Encouraging preclinical findings have suggested that CSC pathway blockade can indeed enhance cellular sensitivity to non-targeted conventional therapy, and this work has led to several ongoing clinical trials of CSC pathway inhibitors. Our studies in bladder cancer and lung adenocarcinoma have demonstrated a crucial role of YAP1, a transcriptional regulator of genes that promote cell survival and proliferation, in regulating CSC phenotypes. Moreover, using cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models, we showed that inhibition of YAP1 enhances the efficacy of conventional therapies by attenuating CSC stemness features. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic strategies for targeting CSCs in several cancers and discuss the potential and challenges of the approach.
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Bodgi L, Bahmad HF, Araji T, Al Choboq J, Bou-Gharios J, Cheaito K, Zeidan YH, Eid T, Geara F, Abou-Kheir W. Assessing Radiosensitivity of Bladder Cancer in vitro: A 2D vs. 3D Approach. Front Oncol 2019; 9:153. [PMID: 30941305 PMCID: PMC6433750 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among males worldwide. Current treatment strategies established for bladder cancer mainly consist of cystectomy yet advances in radiation therapy have pointed to the value of organ-preserving strategies in preserving patients' quality of life. Aim: To study and compare the radiosensitivity in two-dimension (2D) and physiologically-relevant three-dimension (3D) in vitro culture of three human bladder cancer cell lines, RT4, T24, and UM-UC-3. Materials and Methods: Clonogenic assay was performed to assess cells' radiosensitivity in 2D. Employing the 3D Matrigel™-based cultures to enrich for cancer stem cells (CSCs) allowed us to assess the survival of this subpopulation of cells via evaluating the number, i.e., sphere forming unit (SFU), and the sizes of cultured spheres, formed from cells exposed to different radiation doses compared to non-irradiated cells. Results: Irradiating cells with increasing radiation doses revealed highest survival rates with RT4 cells in 2D, followed by T24 and UM-UC-3. In 3D, however, UM-UC-3 cells were shown to be the most radio-resistant as evidenced by the number of spheres formed, yet they displayed the least efficient volume reduction/regression (VR), whilst the volume decreased significantly for both RT4 and T24 cells. Sphere VR and sphere ratio (SR) values were then plotted against each other demonstrating a linear correlation between volume and number with RT4 and UM-UC-3 cell lines, but not T24. Lastly, multiple regression model was employed to evaluate the possibility of obtaining a function combining both 3D parameters, SR and VR, with the surviving fraction (SF) in 2D, and showed a linear regression for T24 cells only, with a correlation coefficient of 0.97 for the combined parameters. Conclusion: We were able to radiobiologically characterize 3 human bladder cancer cell lines showing differential effects of radiation between 2D and 3D culture systems, paving the way for achieving better assessment of radiosensitivity of bladder cancer in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry Bodgi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hisham F. Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tarek Araji
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Al Choboq
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jolie Bou-Gharios
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Katia Cheaito
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef H. Zeidan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Toufic Eid
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fady Geara
- Department of Radiation Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Nazio F, Bordi M, Cianfanelli V, Locatelli F, Cecconi F. Autophagy and cancer stem cells: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Cell Death Differ 2019; 26:690-702. [PMID: 30728463 PMCID: PMC6460398 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy and mitophagy act in cancer as bimodal processes, whose differential functions strictly depend on cancer ontogenesis, progression, and type. For instance, they can act to promote cancer progression by helping cancer cells survive stress or, instead, when mutated or abnormal, to induce carcinogenesis by influencing cell signaling or promoting intracellular toxicity. For this reason, the study of autophagy in cancer is the main focus of many researchers and several clinical trials are already ongoing to manipulate autophagy and by this way determine the outcome of disease therapy. Since the establishment of the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory and the discovery of CSCs in individual cancer types, autophagy and mitophagy have been proposed as key mechanisms in their homeostasis, dismissal or spread, even though we still miss a comprehensive view of how and by which regulatory molecules these two processes drive cell fate. In this review, we will dive into the deep water of autophagy, mitophagy, and CSCs and offer novel viewpoints on possible therapeutic strategies, based on the modulation of these degradative systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nazio
- Department of Oncohaematology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, IRCSS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Bordi
- Department of Oncohaematology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, IRCSS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Cianfanelli
- Cell Stress and Survival Unit, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD), Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Oncohaematology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, IRCSS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy
- Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Department of Oncohaematology and Cellular and Gene Therapy, IRCSS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00165, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Cell Stress and Survival Unit, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD), Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Zhou W, Guo S, Liu M, Burow ME, Wang G. Targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis in Tumor Immunotherapy. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:3026-3041. [PMID: 28875842 PMCID: PMC5949083 DOI: 10.2174/0929867324666170830111531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chemokines, which have chemotactic abilities, are comprised of a family of small cytokines with 8-10 kilodaltons. Chemokines work in immune cells by trafficking and regulating cell proliferation, migration, activation, differentiation, and homing. CXCR-4 is an alpha-chemokine receptor specific for stromal-derived-factor-1 (SDF-1, also known as CXCL12), which has been found to be expressed in more than 23 different types of cancers. Recently, the SDF-1/CXCR-4 signaling pathway has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for human tumor because of its critical role in tumor initiation and progression by activating multiple signaling pathways, such as ERK1/2, ras, p38 MAPK, PLC/ MAPK, and SAPK/ JNK, as well as regulating cancer stem cells. CXCL12/CXCR4 antagonists have been produced, which have shown encouraging results in anti-cancer activity. Here, we provide a brief overview of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis as a molecular target for cancer treatment. We also review the potential utility of targeting CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in combination of immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy based on up-to-date literature and ongoing research progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Microecology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang Medical College, No.146 North Huanghe St, Huanggu District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110034, P. R. China
| | - Shanchun Guo
- RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Mingli Liu
- Biochemistry & Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Matthew E. Burow
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Guangdi Wang
- RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
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Chen MF, Tsai MS, Chen WC, Chen PT. Predictive Value of the Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2018; 7:jcm7100294. [PMID: 30241364 PMCID: PMC6210359 DOI: 10.3390/jcm7100294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed the significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the relationships of the NLR with the aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) level in tumors and the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the peripheral circulation. In total, 227 HNSCC patients who had received curative treatment at our hospital were enrolled into the present study. The NLR of each HNSCC patient before treatment was calculated. The associations of NLR with various clinicopathological parameters and prognoses were then examined. In addition, correlations between the proportion of MDSCs and level of ALDH1 with the NLR were assessed. Our data revealed that an elevated NLR was significantly correlated with the risk of developing locoregional recurrence and with a reduced overall survival in HNSCC patients. Multivariate analyses revealed that the NLR pretreatment and surgical resection were significantly correlated with the rate of treatment failure and the overall survival rate in HNSCC patients. Furthermore, the levels of ALDH1 in tumors and MDSCs in the peripheral circulation were significantly correlated with the prognosis of HNSCC, and the NLR was positively correlated with MDSC levels in the circulation and ALDH1 staining intensity in tumor specimens. In conclusion, the NLR has power in predicting the expression of ALDH1 in tumors, the circulating level of MDSCs, and the prognosis in HNSCC. We suggest that the NLR is an important biomarker that can assist the clinician and patient in making informed decisions regarding treatment options for HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Fen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan.
- Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Shao Tsai
- Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Cheng Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan.
- Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Ping-Tsung Chen
- Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan.
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Bahmad HF, Mouhieddine TH, Chalhoub RM, Assi S, Araji T, Chamaa F, Itani MM, Nokkari A, Kobeissy F, Daoud G, Abou-Kheir W. The Akt/mTOR pathway in cancer stem/progenitor cells is a potential therapeutic target for glioblastoma and neuroblastoma. Oncotarget 2018; 9:33549-33561. [PMID: 30323898 PMCID: PMC6173359 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nervous system tumors represent some of the highly aggressive cancers in both children and adults, particularly neuroblastoma and glioblastoma. Many studies focused on the pathogenic role of the Akt pathway and the mechanistic target of Rapamycin (mTOR) complex in mediating the progression of various types of cancer, which designates the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as a master regulator for cancer. Current studies are also elucidating the mechanisms of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in replenishing tumors and explicating the strong correlation between the Akt/mTOR pathway and CSC biology. This instigates the development of novel treatments that target CSCs via inhibiting this pathway to prevent recurrence in various cancer subtypes. In accordance, neuroblastoma and glioblastoma tumors are believed to originate from stem/progenitor cells or dedifferentiated mature neural/glial cells transformed into CSCs, which warrants targeting this subpopulation of CSCs in these tumors. In our study, Triciribine and Rapamycin were used to assess the role of inhibiting two different points of the Akt/mTOR pathway in vitro on U251 (glioblastoma) and SH-SY5Y (neuroblastoma) human cell lines and their CSCs. We showed that both drugs minimally decrease the survival of U251 and SH-SY5Y cells in a 2D model, while this effect was much more pronounced in a 3D culture model. Triciribine and Rapamycin decreased migratory abilities of both cell lines and decreased their sphere-forming units (SFU) by extinguishing their CSC populations. Together, we concluded that Rapamycin and Triciribine proved to be effective in the in vitro treatment of glioblastoma and neuroblastoma, by targeting their CSC population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tarek H Mouhieddine
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Current Address: Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Reda M Chalhoub
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Current Address: Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sahar Assi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tarek Araji
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Chamaa
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Muhieddine M Itani
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amaly Nokkari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Daoud
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Bahmad HF, Cheaito K, Chalhoub RM, Hadadeh O, Monzer A, Ballout F, El-Hajj A, Mukherji D, Liu YN, Daoud G, Abou-Kheir W. Sphere-Formation Assay: Three-Dimensional in vitro Culturing of Prostate Cancer Stem/Progenitor Sphere-Forming Cells. Front Oncol 2018; 8:347. [PMID: 30211124 PMCID: PMC6121836 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are a sub-population of cells, identified in most tumors, responsible for the initiation, recurrence, metastatic potential, and resistance of different malignancies. In prostate cancer (PCa), CSCs were identified and thought to be responsible for the generation of the lethal subtype, commonly known as Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC). In vitro models to investigate the properties of CSCs in PCa are highly required. Sphere-formation assay is an in vitro method commonly used to identify CSCs and study their properties. Here, we report the detailed methodology on how to generate and propagate spheres from PCa cell lines and from murine prostate tissue. This model is based on the ability of stem cells to grow in non-adherent serum-free gel matrix. We also describe how to use these spheres in histological and immuno-fluorescent staining assays to assess the differentiation potential of the CSCs. Our results show the sphere-formation Assay (SFA) as a reliable in vitro assay to assess the presence and self-renewal ability of CSCs in different PCa models. This platform presents a useful tool to evaluate the effect of conventional or novel agents on the initiation and self-renewing properties of different tumors. The effects can be directly evaluated through assessment of the sphere-forming efficiency (SFE) over five generations or other downstream assays such as immuno-histochemical analysis of the generated spheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham F Bahmad
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Katia Cheaito
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Reda M Chalhoub
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ola Hadadeh
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alissar Monzer
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah Ballout
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Albert El-Hajj
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Deborah Mukherji
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Yen-Nien Liu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Georges Daoud
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Lupia M, Angiolini F, Bertalot G, Freddi S, Sachsenmeier KF, Chisci E, Kutryb-Zajac B, Confalonieri S, Smolenski RT, Giovannoni R, Colombo N, Bianchi F, Cavallaro U. CD73 Regulates Stemness and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Ovarian Cancer-Initiating Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:1412-1425. [PMID: 29551673 PMCID: PMC5998305 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-initiating cells (CICs) have been implicated in tumor development and aggressiveness. In ovarian carcinoma (OC), CICs drive tumor formation, dissemination, and recurrence, as well as drug resistance, thus accounting for the high death-to-incidence ratio of this neoplasm. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie such a pathogenic role of ovarian CICs (OCICs) remain elusive. Here, we have capitalized on primary cells either from OC or from its tissues of origin to obtain the transcriptomic profile associated with OCICs. Among the genes differentially expressed in OCICs, we focused on CD73, which encodes the membrane-associated 5′-ectonucleotidase. The genetic inactivation of CD73 in OC cells revealed that this molecule is causally involved in sphere formation and tumor initiation, thus emerging as a driver of OCIC function. Furthermore, functional inhibition of CD73 via either a chemical compound or a neutralizing antibody reduced sphere formation and tumorigenesis, highlighting the druggability of CD73 in the context of OCIC-directed therapies. The biological function of CD73 in OCICs required its enzymatic activity and involved adenosine signaling. Mechanistically, CD73 promotes the expression of stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated genes, implying a regulation of OCIC function at the transcriptional level. CD73, therefore, is involved in OCIC biology and may represent a therapeutic target for innovative treatments aimed at OC eradication. CD73 is enriched in ovarian cancer-initiating cells (OCICs) CD73 orchestrates OCIC stemness and EMT OC initiation and growth require CD73 activity OCIC-associated CD73 is a therapeutic target useful for OC eradication
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Lupia
- Unit of Gynecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology, Via G. Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Angiolini
- Unit of Gynecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology, Via G. Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bertalot
- Molecular Medicine Program, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Freddi
- Molecular Medicine Program, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Chisci
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Roberto Giovannoni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Colombo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS-Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Ugo Cavallaro
- Unit of Gynecological Oncology Research, European Institute of Oncology, Via G. Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milano, Italy.
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47
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Pizon M, Schott D, Pachmann U, Pachmann K. The number of tumorspheres cultured from peripheral blood is a predictor for presence of metastasis in patients with breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:48143-48154. [PMID: 27340862 PMCID: PMC5217007 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor metastases are the major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. A subpopulation of tumor cells with stem-like properties is assumed to be responsible for tumor invasion, metastasis, heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. This population is termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). We have developed a simple method for identification and characterization of circulating cancer stem cells among circulating epithelial tumor cells (CETCs). METHODS CETCs were cultured under conditions favoring growth of tumorspheres from 72 patients with breast cancer, including a subpopulation of 23 patients with metastatic disease. CETCs were determined using the maintrac® method. Gene expression profiles of single CETCs and tumorspheres of the same patients were analyzed using qRT-PCR. RESULTS Sphere formation was observed in 79 % of patients. We found that the number of tumorspheres depended on stage of disease. Furthermore, the most important factor for growing of tumorspheres is obtaining chemotherapy. Patients with chemotherapy treatment had lower numbers of tumorspheres compared to patients without chemotherapy. Patients with HER2 positive primary tumor had higher number of tumorspheres. Analysis of surface marker expression profile of tumorspheres showed that cells in the spheres had typical phenotype of cancer stem cells. There was no sphere formation in a control group with 50 healthy donors. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a small fraction of CETCs has proliferative activity. Identifying the CETC subset with cancer stem cell properties may provide more clinically useful prognostic information. Chemotherapy is the most important component in cancer therapy because it frequently reduces the number of tumorspheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Pizon
- Transfusion Center Bayreuth, 95448, Bayreuth, Germany
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48
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Arrieta O, Montes-Servín E, Hernandez-Martinez JM, Cardona AF, Casas-Ruiz E, Crispín JC, Motola D, Flores-Estrada D, Barrera L. Expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and PD-L2 in peripheral T-cells from non-small cell lung cancer patients. Oncotarget 2017; 8:101994-102005. [PMID: 29254220 PMCID: PMC5731930 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of programmed death-1 (PD-1) with its ligands (PD-L1/2) transmits a co-inhibitory signal in activated T-cells that promotes T-cell exhaustion, leading to tumor immune evasion. The efficacy of antibodies targeting PD-1 and PD-L1 has led to a paradigm shift in lung cancer treatment but the prognostic and predictive value of tumor PD-L1 expression remains controversial. Evaluating PD-1, PD-L1/2 expression in peripheral blood cells may serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and response to therapy. In this prospective observational study, plasma cytokine levels and PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression was evaluated in circulating CD3+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ cells from 70 treatment-naïve patients with advanced NSCLC (Stage IIIB and IV) and from 10 healthy donors. The primary objective was to assess OS according to PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2 expression status on PBMCs and lymphocyte subsets. Our results indicate that the percentage of PD-L1+CD3+, PD-L1+CD3+CD8+ PD-L2+PBMCs, PD-L2+CD3+, PD-L2+CD3+CD4+ cells was higher in patients than in healthy donors. Survival was decreased among patients with a high percentage of either PD-1+PBMCs, PD-1+CD3+, PD-L1+CD3+, PD-L1+CD3+CD8+, PD-L2+CD3+, PD-L2+CD3+CD4+, or PD-L2+CD3+CD8+ cells. IL-2 and TNF-α showed the strongest association with PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression on specific subsets of T-lymphocytes. Our findings suggest that increased PD-1/PD-L1/PDL-2 expression in PBMCs, particularly in T-cells, may be an additional mechanism leading to tumor escape from immune control. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02758314.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Arrieta
- Functional Unit of Thoracic Oncology and Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edgar Montes-Servín
- Functional Unit of Thoracic Oncology and Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan-Manuel Hernandez-Martinez
- Functional Unit of Thoracic Oncology and Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico.,CONACyT-Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Andrés F Cardona
- Clinical and Translational Oncology Group, Institute of Oncology, Clínica del Country, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Eibar Casas-Ruiz
- Functional Unit of Thoracic Oncology and Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José C Crispín
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Motola
- Centro Oncológico, Hospital Médica Sur, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Flores-Estrada
- Functional Unit of Thoracic Oncology and Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Barrera
- Functional Unit of Thoracic Oncology and Laboratory of Personalized Medicine, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
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49
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Martinez VG, O'Neill S, Salimu J, Breslin S, Clayton A, Crown J, O'Driscoll L. Resistance to HER2-targeted anti-cancer drugs is associated with immune evasion in cancer cells and their derived extracellular vesicles. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1362530. [PMID: 29209569 PMCID: PMC5706614 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1362530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NmU) -a neuropeptide belonging to the neuromedin family– plays a substantial role in HER2-positive breast cancer, correlating with increased aggressiveness, resistance to HER2-targeted therapies and overall significantly poorer outcome for patients. However, the mechanism through which it exerts these effects remains unclear. To elucidate this, initially we used HER2-positive breast cancer cells stably over-expressing NmU. These cells and their released extracellular vesicles (EVs) had increased amounts of the immunosuppressive cytokine TGFβ1 and the lymphocyte activation inhibitor PD-L1. Furthermore, these cells also showed enhanced resistance to antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by trastuzumab, indicating a role of NmU in enhancing immune evasion. All these features were also found in HER2-targeted drug-resistant cells which we previously found to express higher levels of NmU than their drug-sensitive counterparts. Interestingly, EVs from drug-resistant cells were able to increase levels of TGFβ1 in drug-sensitive cells. In our neo-adjuvant clinical trial, TGFβ1 levels were significantly higher in EVs isolated from the serum of patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancers who went on to not respond to HER2-targeted drug treatment, compared with those who experienced complete or partial response. Taken together, our results report a new mechanism-of-action for NmU in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer that enhances resistance to the anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, EV levels of TGFβ1 correlating with patients' response versus resistance to HER2-targeted drugs suggests a potential use of EV-TGFβ1 as a minimally-invasive companion diagnostic for such treatment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa G Martinez
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sadhbh O'Neill
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Josephine Salimu
- Institute of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Velindre Cancer Centre, Whitchurch, Cardiff, Wales
| | - Susan Breslin
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aled Clayton
- Institute of Cancer and Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Velindre Cancer Centre, Whitchurch, Cardiff, Wales
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lorraine O'Driscoll
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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50
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Luna JI, Grossenbacher SK, Murphy WJ, Canter RJ. Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2016; 17:313-324. [PMID: 27960589 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2017.1271874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Standard cytoreductive cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are frequently resisted by a small portion of cancer cells with 'stem-cell' like properties including quiescence and repopulation. Immunotherapy represents a breakthrough modality for improving oncologic outcomes in cancer patients. Since the success of immunotherapy is not contingent on target cell proliferation, it may also be uniquely suited to address the problem of resistance and repopulation exerted by cancer stem cells (CSCs). Areas covered: Natural killer (NK) cells have long been known for their ability to reject allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells, and there are increasing data demonstrating that NK cells can selectively identify and lyse CSCs. The authors review the current knowledge of CSCs and NK cells and highlight recent studies that support the concept that NK cells are capable of targeting CSC in solid tumors, especially in the context of combination therapy simultaneously targeting non-CSCs and CSCs. Expert opinion: Unlike cytotoxic cancer treatments, NK cells can target and eliminate quiescent/non-proliferating cells such as CSCs, and these enigmatic cells are an important source of relapse and metastasis. NK targeting of CSCs represents a novel and potentially high impact method to capitalize on the intrinsic therapeutic potential of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus I Luna
- a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA
| | - Steven K Grossenbacher
- a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA
| | - William J Murphy
- a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA.,b Department of Internal Medicine , University of California Davis Medical Center , Sacramento , CA USA
| | - Robert J Canter
- c Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery , University of California Davis School of Medicine , Sacramento , CA USA
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