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Lujano Olazaba O, Farrow J, Monkkonen T. Fibroblast heterogeneity and functions: insights from single-cell sequencing in wound healing, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and melanoma. Front Genet 2024; 15:1304853. [PMID: 38525245 PMCID: PMC10957653 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1304853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been described as the wound that does not heal, in large part due to fibroblast involvement. Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contributes to critical features of the tumor microenvironment, including upregulation of key marker proteins, recruitment of immune cells, and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)-similar to fibroblast activation in injury-induced wound healing. Prior to the widespread availability of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq), studies of CAFs or fibroblasts in wound healing largely relied on models guided by individual fibroblast markers, or methods with less resolution to unravel the heterogeneous nature of CAFs and wound healing fibroblasts (especially regarding scarring outcome). Here, insights from the enhanced resolution provided by scRNA sequencing of fibroblasts in normal wound healing, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and melanoma are discussed. These data have revealed differences in expression of established canonical activation marker genes, epigenetic modifications, fibroblast lineages, new gene and proteins of clinical interest for further experimentation, and novel signaling interactions with other cell types that include spatial information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Teresa Monkkonen
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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2
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Ganier C, Mazin P, Herrera-Oropeza G, Du-Harpur X, Blakeley M, Gabriel J, Predeus AV, Cakir B, Prete M, Harun N, Darrigrand JF, Haiser A, Wyles S, Shaw T, Teichmann SA, Haniffa M, Watt FM, Lynch MD. Multiscale spatial mapping of cell populations across anatomical sites in healthy human skin and basal cell carcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313326120. [PMID: 38165934 PMCID: PMC10786309 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313326120] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of how human skin cells differ according to anatomical site and tumour formation is limited. To address this, we have created a multiscale spatial atlas of healthy skin and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), incorporating in vivo optical coherence tomography, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial global transcriptional profiling, and in situ sequencing. Computational spatial deconvolution and projection revealed the localisation of distinct cell populations to specific tissue contexts. Although cell populations were conserved between healthy anatomical sites and in BCC, mesenchymal cell populations including fibroblasts and pericytes retained signatures of developmental origin. Spatial profiling and in silico lineage tracing support a hair follicle origin for BCC and demonstrate that cancer-associated fibroblasts are an expansion of a POSTN+ subpopulation associated with hair follicles in healthy skin. RGS5+ pericytes are also expanded in BCC suggesting a role in vascular remodelling. We propose that the identity of mesenchymal cell populations is regulated by signals emanating from adjacent structures and that these signals are repurposed to promote the expansion of skin cancer stroma. The resource we have created is publicly available in an interactive format for the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Ganier
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Pavel Mazin
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Herrera-Oropeza
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, LondonSE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Xinyi Du-Harpur
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, LondonNW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Blakeley
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Jeyrroy Gabriel
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander V. Predeus
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Batuhan Cakir
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Prete
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Nasrat Harun
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Francois Darrigrand
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Haiser
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
| | - Saranya Wyles
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN55905
| | - Tanya Shaw
- Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, King’s College London, LondonSE1 1UL, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah A. Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
- Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, CambridgeCB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Muzlifah Haniffa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, United Kingdom
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon TyneNE2 4HH, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon TyneNE1 4LP, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona M. Watt
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- Directors’ Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg69117, Germany
| | - Magnus D. Lynch
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, LondonSE1 9RT, United Kingdom
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3
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Rahimi A, Malakoutikhah Z, Rahimmanesh I, Ferns GA, Nedaeinia R, Ishaghi SMM, Dana N, Haghjooy Javanmard S. The nexus of natural killer cells and melanoma tumor microenvironment: crosstalk, chemotherapeutic potential, and innovative NK cell-based therapeutic strategies. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:312. [PMID: 38057843 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03134-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The metastasis of melanoma cells to regional lymph nodes and distant sites is an important contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality among patients with melanoma. This intricate process entails dynamic interactions involving tumor cells, cellular constituents, and non-cellular elements within the microenvironment. Moreover, both microenvironmental and systemic factors regulate the metastatic progression. Central to immunosurveillance for tumor cells are natural killer (NK) cells, prominent effectors of the innate immune system with potent antitumor and antimetastatic capabilities. Recognizing their pivotal role, contemporary immunotherapeutic strategies are actively integrating NK cells to combat metastatic tumors. Thus, a meticulous exploration of the interplay between metastatic melanoma and NK cells along the metastatic cascade is important. Given the critical involvement of NK cells within the melanoma tumor microenvironment, this comprehensive review illuminates the intricate relationship between components of the melanoma tumor microenvironment and NK cells, delineating their multifaceted roles. By shedding light on these critical aspects, this review advocates for a deeper understanding of NK cell dynamics within the melanoma context, driving forward transformative strategies to combat this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Rahimi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zahra Malakoutikhah
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ilnaz Rahimmanesh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex, BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Reza Nedaeinia
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Nasim Dana
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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4
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Franco-Valls H, Tusquets-Uxó E, Sala L, Val M, Peña R, Iaconcig A, Villarino Á, Jiménez-Arriola M, Massó P, Trincado JL, Eyras E, Muro AF, Otero J, García de Herreros A, Baulida J. Formation of an invasion-permissive matrix requires TGFβ/SNAIL1-regulated alternative splicing of fibronectin. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:143. [PMID: 37964360 PMCID: PMC10647173 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01736-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As in most solid cancers, the emergence of cells with oncogenic mutations in the mammary epithelium alters the tissue homeostasis. Some soluble factors, such as TGFβ, potently modify the behavior of healthy stromal cells. A subpopulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing a TGFβ target, the SNAIL1 transcription factor, display myofibroblastic abilities that rearrange the stromal architecture. Breast tumors with the presence of SNAIL1 in the stromal compartment, and with aligned extracellular fiber, are associated with poor survival prognoses. METHODS We used deep RNA sequencing and biochemical techniques to study alternative splicing and human tumor databases to test for associations (correlation t-test) between SNAIL1 and fibronectin isoforms. Three-dimensional extracellular matrices generated from fibroblasts were used to study the mechanical properties and actions of the extracellular matrices on tumor cell and fibroblast behaviors. A metastatic mouse model of breast cancer was used to test the action of fibronectin isoforms on lung metastasis. RESULTS In silico studies showed that SNAIL1 correlates with the expression of the extra domain A (EDA)-containing (EDA+) fibronectin in advanced human breast cancer and other types of epithelial cancers. In TGFβ-activated fibroblasts, alternative splicing of fibronectin as well as of 500 other genes was modified by eliminating SNAIL1. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that SNAIL1 favors the inclusion of the EDA exon by modulating the activity of the SRSF1 splicing factor. Similar to Snai1 knockout fibroblasts, EDA- fibronectin fibroblasts produce an extracellular matrix that does not sustain TGFβ-induced fiber organization, rigidity, fibroblast activation, or tumor cell invasion. The presence of EDA+ fibronectin changes the action of metalloproteinases on fibronectin fibers. Critically, in an mouse orthotopic breast cancer model, the absence of the fibronectin EDA domain completely prevents lung metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the requirement of EDA+ fibronectin in the generation of a metastasis permissive stromal architecture in breast cancers and its molecular control by SNAIL1. From a pharmacological point of view, specifically blocking EDA+ fibronectin deposition could be included in studies to reduce the formation of a pro-metastatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Franco-Valls
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elsa Tusquets-Uxó
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Sala
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- National Institutes of Health: Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maria Val
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Vall Hebron Institute of Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl Peña
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alessandra Iaconcig
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Álvaro Villarino
- Unitat Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Martín Jiménez-Arriola
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Massó
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan L Trincado
- Research Program of Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Eyras
- Research Program of Biomedical Informatics, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Andrés F Muro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Jorge Otero
- Unitat Biofísica i Bioenginyeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio García de Herreros
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Baulida
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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5
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Wądzyńska J, Simiczyjew A, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Kot M, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. The impact of cellular elements of TME on melanoma biology and its sensitivity to EGFR and MET targeted therapy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119549. [PMID: 37506884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Microenvironment of the melanoma consists of cellular elements like fibroblasts, adipocytes, and keratinocytes as well as extracellular matrix and physicochemical conditions. In our previous research, we have established that melanoma influences strongly above mentioned cells present in the tumor niche and recruits them to support cancer progression. In this work, we evaluated the impact of cancer-associated cells, namely fibroblasts (CAFs), adipocytes (CAAs), and keratinocytes (CAKs) on melanoma proliferation, signaling pathways activation, metabolism as well as the effectiveness of used anti-cancer therapy. Obtained results indicated elevated phosphorylation of STAT3, upregulated GLUT1 and GLUT3 as well as downregulated of MCT-1 expression level in melanoma cells under the influence of all examined cells present in the tumor niche. The proliferation of melanoma cells was increased after co-culture with CAFs and CAKs, while epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers' expression level was raised in the presence of CAFs and CAAs. The level of perilipin 2 and lipid content was elevated in melanoma cells under the influence of CAAs. Moreover, increased expression of CYP1A1, gene encoding drug metabolizing protein, in melanoma cells co-cultured with CAFs and CAKs prompted us to verify the effectiveness of the previously proposed by us anti-melanoma therapy based on combination of EGFR and MET inhibitors. Obtained results indicate that the designed therapy is still efficient, even if the fibroblasts, adipocytes, and keratinocytes, are present in the melanoma vicinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Wądzyńska
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Kot
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; Lower Silesian Oncology, Pulmonology, and Hematology Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; Lower Silesian Oncology, Pulmonology, and Hematology Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland.
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6
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Masud MA, Kim JY, Kim E. Modeling the effect of acquired resistance on cancer therapy outcomes. Comput Biol Med 2023; 162:107035. [PMID: 37276754 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107035] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive therapy (AT) is an evolution-based treatment strategy that exploits cell-cell competition. Acquired resistance can change the competitive nature of cancer cells in a tumor, impacting AT outcomes. We aimed to determine if adaptive therapy can still be effective with cell's acquiring resistance. We developed an agent-based model for spatial tumor growth considering three different types of acquired resistance: random genetic mutations during cell division, drug-induced reversible (plastic) phenotypic changes, and drug-induced irreversible phenotypic changes. These three resistance mechanisms lead to different spatial distributions of resistant cells. To quantify the spatial distribution, we propose an extension of Ripley's K-function, Sampled Ripley's K-function (SRKF), which calculates the non-randomness of the resistance distribution over the tumor domain. Our model predicts that the emergent spatial distribution of resistance can determine the time to progression under both adaptive and continuous therapy (CT). Notably, a high rate of random genetic mutations leads to quicker progression under AT than CT due to the emergence of many small clumps of resistant cells. Drug-induced phenotypic changes accelerate tumor progression irrespective of the treatment strategy. Low-rate switching to a sensitive state reduces the benefits of AT compared to CT. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that drug-induced resistance necessitates aggressive treatment under CT, regardless of the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts. However, there is an optimal dose that can most effectively delay tumor relapse under AT by suppressing resistance. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that diverse resistance mechanisms can shape the distribution of resistance and thus determine the efficacy of adaptive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Masud
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Young Kim
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology (GRAST), Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Khabaz M, Hassan SL, Megahed M, Haikel Y, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Tumor Microenvironment as a Therapeutic Target in Melanoma Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3147. [PMID: 37370757 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor growth and therapy has recently attracted more attention in research and drug development. The ability of the microenvironment to trigger tumor maintenance, progression, and resistance is the main cause for treatment failure and tumor relapse. Accumulated evidence indicates that the maintenance and progression of tumor cells is determined by components of the microenvironment, which include stromal cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and immune cells), extracellular matrix (ECM), and soluble molecules (chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles). As a solid tumor, melanoma is not only a tumor mass of monolithic tumor cells, but it also contains supporting stroma, ECM, and soluble molecules. Melanoma cells are continuously in interaction with the components of the microenvironment. In the present review, we focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment components in the modulation of tumor progression and treatment resistance as well as the impact of the tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naji Kharouf
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Marla Khabaz
- Department of Production, Beta Factory for Veterinary Pharmaceutical Industries, Damascus 0100, Syria
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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8
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Michielon E, López González M, Stolk DA, Stolwijk JGC, Roffel S, Waaijman T, Lougheed SM, de Gruijl TD, Gibbs S. A Reconstructed Human Melanoma-in-Skin Model to Study Immune Modulatory and Angiogenic Mechanisms Facilitating Initial Melanoma Growth and Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2849. [PMID: 37345186 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion, immune modulation, and angiogenesis are crucial in melanoma progression. Studies based on animals or two-dimensional cultures poorly recapitulate the tumor-microenvironmental cross-talk found in humans. This highlights a need for more physiological human models to better study melanoma features. Here, six melanoma cell lines (A375, COLO829, G361, MeWo, RPMI-7951, and SK-MEL-28) were used to generate an in vitro three-dimensional human melanoma-in-skin (Mel-RhS) model and were compared in terms of dermal invasion and immune modulatory and pro-angiogenic capabilities. A375 displayed the most invasive phenotype by clearly expanding into the dermal compartment, whereas COLO829, G361, MeWo, and SK-MEL-28 recapitulated to different extent the initial stages of melanoma invasion. No nest formation was observed for RPMI-7951. Notably, the integration of A375 and SK-MEL-28 cells into the model resulted in an increased secretion of immune modulatory factors (e.g., M-CSF, IL-10, and TGFβ) and pro-angiogenic factors (e.g., Flt-1 and VEGF). Mel-RhS-derived supernatants induced endothelial cell sprouting in vitro. In addition, observed A375-RhS tissue contraction was correlated to increased TGFβ release and α-SMA expression, all indicative of differentiation of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblast-like cells and reminiscent of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, consistent with A375's most prominent invasive behavior. In conclusion, we successfully generated several Mel-RhS models mimicking different stages of melanoma progression, which can be further tailored for future studies to investigate individual aspects of the disease and serve as three-dimensional models to assess efficacy of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Michielon
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marta López González
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dorian A Stolk
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joeke G C Stolwijk
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Roffel
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Taco Waaijman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sinéad M Lougheed
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Zhou S, Lu J, Liu S, Shao J, Liu Z, Li J, Xiao W. Role of the tumor microenvironment in malignant melanoma organoids during the development and metastasis of tumors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1166916. [PMID: 37152280 PMCID: PMC10154581 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1166916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most metastatic and aggressive form of skin cancer, and carries a high risk of death. Immune-checkpoint inhibitor therapy and molecular-targeted therapy can prolong the survival of patients with advanced MM significantly. However, the low response rate and inevitable drug resistance prevent further improvements in efficacy, which is closely related to the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME refers to the tumor stroma, including fibroblasts, keratinocytes, immune cells, soluble molecules, and extracellular matrix (ECM). The dynamic interaction between the TME and tumor cells is very important for the growth, local invasion, and metastatic spread of tumor cells. A patient-derived organoid (PDO) model involves isolation of tumor tissue from patients with MM and culturing it in vitro in a three-dimensional pattern. Compared with traditional cultivation methods, the PDO model preserves the heterogeneity of the tissue structure of MM and demonstrates the interaction between MM cells and the TME. It can reproduce the characteristics of proliferation, migration, and invasion of MM cells, and better simulate the structural function of MM in vivo. This review explores the role of each TME component in development of the PDO model. This review will provide a reference for research on the drug screening and targeted treatment using PDOs, particularly for the immunotherapy of MM.
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Loria R, Laquintana V, Scalera S, Fraioli R, Caprara V, Falcone I, Bazzichetto C, Di Martile M, Rosanò L, Del Bufalo D, Bossi G, Sperduti I, Terrenato I, Visca P, Soddu S, Milella M, Ciliberto G, Falcioni R, Ferraresi V, Bon G. SEMA6A/RhoA/YAP axis mediates tumor-stroma interactions and prevents response to dual BRAF/MEK inhibition in BRAF-mutant melanoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:148. [PMID: 35440004 PMCID: PMC9016967 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02354-w] [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: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the promise of dual BRAF/MEK inhibition as a therapy for BRAF-mutant (BRAF-mut) melanoma, heterogeneous responses have been observed in patients, thus predictors of benefit from therapy are needed. We have previously identified semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A) as a BRAF-mut-associated protein involved in actin cytoskeleton remodeling. The purpose of the present study is to dissect the role of SEMA6A in the biology of BRAF-mut melanoma, and to explore its predictive potential towards dual BRAF/MEK inhibition. Methods SEMA6A expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in melanoma cohort RECI1 (N = 112) and its prognostic potential was investigated in BRAF-mut melanoma patients from DFCI and TCGA datasets (N = 258). The molecular mechanisms regulated by SEMA6A to sustain tumor aggressiveness and targeted therapy resistance were investigated in vitro by using BRAF-mut and BRAF-wt melanoma cell lines, an inducible SEMA6A silencing cell model and a microenvironment-mimicking fibroblasts-coculturing model. Finally, SEMA6A prediction of benefit from dual BRAF/MEK inhibition was investigated in melanoma cohort RECI2 (N = 14). Results Our results indicate higher protein expression of SEMA6A in BRAF-mut compared with BRAF-wt melanoma patients and show that SEMA6A is a prognostic indicator in BRAF-mut melanoma from TCGA and DFCI patients cohorts. In BRAF-mut melanoma cells, SEMA6A coordinates actin cytoskeleton remodeling by the RhoA-dependent activation of YAP and dual BRAF/MEK inhibition by dabrafenib+trametinib induces SEMA6A/RhoA/YAP axis. In microenvironment-mimicking co-culture condition, fibroblasts confer to melanoma cells a proliferative stimulus and protect them from targeted therapies, whereas SEMA6A depletion rescues the efficacy of dual BRAF/MEK inhibition. Finally, in BRAF-mut melanoma patients treated with dabrafenib+trametinib, high SEMA6A predicts shorter recurrence-free interval. Conclusions Overall, our results indicate that SEMA6A contributes to microenvironment-coordinated evasion of melanoma cells from dual BRAF/MEK inhibition and it might be a good candidate predictor of short-term benefit from dual BRAF/MEK inhibition. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02354-w.
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Mazurkiewicz J, Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Kot M, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Wilk D, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. Melanoma stimulates the proteolytic activity of HaCaT keratinocytes. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:146. [PMID: 36123693 PMCID: PMC9484146 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00961-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Keratinocytes constitute a major part of the melanoma microenvironment, considering their protective role towards melanocytes in physiological conditions. However, their interactions with tumor cells following melanomagenesis are still unclear. Methods We used two in vitro models (melanoma-conditioned media and indirect co-culture of keratinocytes with melanoma cells on Transwell inserts) to activate immortalized keratinocytes towards cancer-associated ones. Western Blotting and qPCR were used to evaluate keratinocyte markers and mediators of cell invasiveness on protein and mRNA expression level respectively. The levels and activity of proteases and cytokines were analysed using gelatin-FITC staining, gelatin zymography, chemiluminescent enzymatic test, as well as protein arrays. Finally, to further study the functional changes influenced by melanoma we assessed the rate of proliferation of keratinocytes and their invasive abilities by employing wound healing assay and the Transwell filter invasion method. Results HaCaT keratinocytes activated through incubation with melanoma-conditioned medium or indirect co-culture exhibit properties of less differentiated cells (downregulation of cytokeratin 10), which also prefer to form connections with cancer cells rather than adjacent keratinocytes (decreased level of E-cadherin). While they express only a small number of cytokines, the variety of secreted proteases is quite prominent especially considering that several of them were never reported as a part of secretome of activated keratinocytes’ (e.g., matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 1). Activated keratinocytes also seem to exhibit a high level of proteolytic activity mediated by MMP9 and MMP14, reduced expression of TIMPs (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases), upregulation of ERK activity and increased levels of MMP expression regulators-RUNX2 and galectin 3. Moreover, cancer-associated keratinocytes show slightly elevated migratory and invasive abilities, however only following co-culture with melanoma cells on Transwell inserts. Conclusions Our study offers a more in-depth view of keratinocytes residing in the melanoma niche, drawing attention to their unique secretome and mediators of invasive abilities, factors which could be used by cancer cells to support their invasion of surrounding tissues. Video abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00961-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kot
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Dominika Wilk
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland.,Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland.,Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
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Nano-delivery of salvianolic acid B induces the quiescence of tumor-associated fibroblasts via interfering with TGF-β1/Smad signaling to facilitate chemo- and immunotherapy in desmoplastic tumor. Int J Pharm 2022; 623:121953. [PMID: 35753535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As the key stromal cells that mediate the desmoplastic reaction, tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) play a critical role in the limited nanoparticle penetration and suppressive immune tumor microenvironment. Herein, we found that salvianolic acid B-loaded PEGylated liposomes (PEG-SAB-Lip) can interfere with the activation of TAFs by inhibiting the secretion of TGF-β1. After inhibiting the activation of TAFs, collagen deposition in tumors was reduced, and the penetration of nanoparticles in tumors was enhanced. The results of RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining showed the high expression of Th1 cytokines and chemokines (CXCL9 and CXCL10) and the recruitment of CD4+, CD8+ T cells, and M1 macrophages in the tumor area. At the same time, the low expression of Th2 cytokine and chemokine CXCL13, as well as the decrease of MDSCs, Tregs, and M2 macrophages were also observed in the tumor area. These results were related to the inactivation of TAFs. The combined treatment of PEG-SAB-Lip and docetaxel-loaded PEG-modified liposomes (PEG-DTX-Lip) can significantly inhibit tumor growth. Moreover, PEG-SAB-Lip further inhibited tumor metastasis to the lung. Therefore, our results showed that PEG-SAB-Lip can remodel the tumor microenvironment and improve the efficacy of nanoparticles.
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Mazurkiewicz J, Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Majkowski M, Kot M, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. Melanoma cells with diverse invasive potential differentially induce the activation of normal human fibroblasts. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:63. [PMID: 35538545 PMCID: PMC9092709 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00871-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tumor microenvironment consists of stromal cells, extracellular matrix, and physicochemical properties (e.g., oxygenation, acidification). An important element of the tumor niche are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). They may constitute up to 80% of the tumor mass and share some features with myofibroblasts involved in the process of wound healing. CAFs can facilitate cancer progression. However, their interaction with melanoma cells is still poorly understood.
Methods We obtained CAFs using conditioned media derived from primary and metastatic melanoma cells, and via co-culture with melanoma cells on Transwell inserts. Using 2D and 3D wound healing assays and Transwell invasion method we evaluated CAFs’ motile activities, while coverslips with FITC-labeled gelatin, gelatin zymography, and fluorescence-based activity assay were employed to determine the proteolytic activity of the examined cells. Western Blotting method was used for the identification of CAFs’ markers as well as estimation of the mediators of MMPs’ (matrix metalloproteinases) expression levels. Lastly, CAFs’ secretome was evaluated with cytokine and angiogenesis proteomic arrays, and lactate chemiluminescence-based assay. Results Acquired FAP-α/IL6-positive CAFs exhibited elevated motility expressed as increased migration and invasion ratio, as well as higher proteolytic activity (area of digestion, MMP2, MMP14). Furthermore, fibroblasts activated by melanoma cells showed upregulation of the MMPs’ expression mediators’ levels (pERK, p-p38, CD44, RUNX), enhanced secretion of lactate, several cytokines (IL8, IL6, CXCL1, CCL2, ICAM1), and proteins related to angiogenesis (GM-CSF, DPPIV, VEGFA, PIGF). Conclusions Observed changes in CAFs’ biology were mainly driven by highly aggressive melanoma cells (A375, WM9, Hs294T) compared to the less aggressive WM1341D cells and could promote melanoma invasion, as well as impact inflammation, angiogenesis, and acidification of the tumor niche. Interestingly, different approaches to CAFs acquisition seem to complement each other showing interactions between studied cells. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00871-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Michał Majkowski
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kot
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland.,Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland.,Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
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Amalinei C, Grigoraș A, Lozneanu L, Căruntu ID, Giușcă SE, Balan RA. The Interplay between Tumour Microenvironment Components in Malignant Melanoma. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58030365. [PMID: 35334544 PMCID: PMC8953474 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma has shown an increasing incidence during the last two decades, exhibiting a large spectrum of locations and clinicopathological characteristics. Although current histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and molecular methods provide a deep insight into its biological behaviour and outcome, melanoma is still an unpredictable disease, with poor outcome. This review of the literature is aimed at updating the knowledge regarding melanoma’s clinicopathological and molecular hallmarks, including its heterogeneity and plasticity, involving cancer stem cells population. A special focus is given on the interplay between different cellular components and their secretion products in melanoma, considering its contribution to tumour progression, invasion, metastasis, recurrences, and resistance to classical therapy. Furthermore, the influences of the specific tumour microenvironment or “inflammasome”, its association with adipose tissue products, including the release of “extracellular vesicles”, and distinct microbiota are currently studied, considering their influences on diagnosis and prognosis. An insight into melanoma’s particular features may reveal new molecular pathways which may be exploited in order to develop innovative therapeutic approaches or tailored therapy.
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Takabe P, Siiskonen H, Rönkä A, Kainulainen K, Pasonen-Seppänen S. The Impact of Hyaluronan on Tumor Progression in Cutaneous Melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 11:811434. [PMID: 35127523 PMCID: PMC8813769 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.811434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous melanoma is rapidly increasing worldwide. Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive type of skin cancer, which originates from malignant transformation of pigment producing melanocytes. The main risk factor for melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and thus it often arises from highly sun-exposed skin areas and is characterized by a high mutational burden. In addition to melanoma-associated mutations such as BRAF, NRAS, PTEN and cell cycle regulators, the expansion of melanoma is affected by the extracellular matrix surrounding the tumor together with immune cells. In the early phases of the disease, hyaluronan is the major matrix component in cutaneous melanoma microenvironment. It is a high-molecular weight polysaccharide involved in several physiological and pathological processes. Hyaluronan is involved in the inflammatory reactions associated with UV radiation but its role in melanomagenesis is still unclear. Although abundant hyaluronan surrounds epidermal and dermal cells in normal skin and benign nevi, its content is further elevated in dysplastic lesions and local tumors. At this stage hyaluronan matrix may act as a protective barrier against melanoma progression, or alternatively against immune cell attack. While in advanced melanoma, the content of hyaluronan decreases due to altered synthesis and degradation, and this correlates with poor prognosis. This review focuses on hyaluronan matrix in cutaneous melanoma and how the changes in hyaluronan metabolism affect the progression of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piia Takabe
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hanna Siiskonen
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aino Rönkä
- Department of Oncology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Kainulainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- *Correspondence: Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen,
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Cai G, Yu X, Youn C, Zhou J, Xiao F. SCANNER: a web platform for annotation, visualization and sharing of single cell RNA-seq data. Database (Oxford) 2022; 2022:6520818. [PMID: 35134150 PMCID: PMC9246089 DOI: 10.1093/database/baab086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, efficient scRNA-seq methods have been developed, enabling the transcriptome profiling of single cells massively in parallel. Meanwhile, its high dimensionality and complexity bring challenges to the data analysis and require extensive collaborations between biologists and bioinformaticians and/or biostatisticians. The communication between these two units demands a platform for easy data sharing and exploration. Here we developed Single-Cell Transcriptomics Annotated Viewer (SCANNER), as a public web resource for the scientific community, for sharing and analyzing scRNA-seq data in a collaborative manner. It is easy-to-use without requiring special software or extensive coding skills. Moreover, it equipped a real-time database for secure data management and enables an efficient investigation of the activation of gene sets on a single-cell basis. Currently, SCANNER hosts a database of 19 types of cancers and COVID-19, as well as healthy samples from lungs of smokers and non-smokers, human brain cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The database will be frequently updated with datasets from new studies. Using SCANNER, we identified a larger proportion of cancer-associated fibroblasts cells and more active fibroblast growth-related genes in melanoma tissues in female patients compared to male patients. Moreover, we found ACE2 is mainly expressed in lung pneumocytes, secretory cells and ciliated cells and differentially expressed in lungs of smokers and never smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoshuai Cai
- *Correspondence may also be addressed to Guoshuai Cai. Tel: +803-777-4120; Fax: +803-777-3391; and Feifei Xiao. Tel: +803-777-8936; Fax: +803-777-2524;
| | - Xuanxuan Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Choonhan Youn
- San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jun Zhou
- Research Computing Group, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Feifei Xiao
- *Correspondence may also be addressed to Guoshuai Cai. Tel: +803-777-4120; Fax: +803-777-3391; and Feifei Xiao. Tel: +803-777-8936; Fax: +803-777-2524;
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Avagliano A, Arcucci A. Insights into Melanoma Fibroblast Populations and Therapeutic Strategy Perspectives: Friends or Foes? Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:6159-6168. [PMID: 35726413 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220620124138] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is an aggressive and highly metastatic solid tumor associated with drug resistance. Before 2011, despite therapies based on cytokines or molecules inhibiting DNA synthesis, metastatic melanoma led to patient death within 18 months from diagnosis. However, recent studies on bidirectional interactions between melanoma cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) have had a significant impact on the development of new therapeutic strategies represented by targeted therapy and immunotherapy. In particular, the heterogeneous stromal fibroblast populations, including fibroblasts, fibroblast aggregates, myofibroblasts, and melanoma associated fibroblasts (MAFs), represent the most abundant cell population of TME and regulate cancer growth differently. Therefore, in this perspective article, we have highlighted the different impacts of fibroblast populations on cancer development and growth. In particular, we focused on the role of MAFs in sustaining melanoma cell survival, proliferation, migration and invasion, drug resistance, and immunoregulation. The important role of constitutively activated MAFs in promoting CM growth and immunoediting makes this cell type a promising target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Molecular Mechanisms and Cellular Contribution from Lung Fibrosis to Lung Cancer Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212179. [PMID: 34830058 PMCID: PMC8624248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown aetiology, with a median survival of 2–4 years from the time of diagnosis. Although IPF has unknown aetiology by definition, there have been identified several risks factors increasing the probability of the onset and progression of the disease in IPF patients such as cigarette smoking and environmental risk factors associated with domestic and occupational exposure. Among them, cigarette smoking together with concomitant emphysema might predispose IPF patients to lung cancer (LC), mostly to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), increasing the risk of lung cancer development. To this purpose, IPF and LC share several cellular and molecular processes driving the progression of both pathologies such as fibroblast transition proliferation and activation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and many genetic and epigenetic markers that predispose IPF patients to LC development. Nintedanib, a tyrosine–kinase inhibitor, was firstly developed as an anticancer drug and then recognized as an anti-fibrotic agent based on the common target molecular pathway. In this review our aim is to describe the updated studies on common cellular and molecular mechanisms between IPF and lung cancer, knowledge of which might help to find novel therapeutic targets for this disease combination.
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Fibroblasts Influence Metastatic Melanoma Cell Sensitivity to Combined BRAF and MEK Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194761. [PMID: 34638245 PMCID: PMC8507536 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Preclinical 3D in vitro coculture models are known to be more complex systems than monolayer cell culture and mimic the physiological environment more closely. Three-dimensional dermal equivalents provide a relevant environment for cutaneous metastatic melanoma cells and are capable of modulating a cancer cell’s response to drugs. We showed that a combined targeted therapy (vemurafenib and cobimetinib) efficiently inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, especially in the 3D coculture model. A cancer-associated fibroblast population isolated from a cutaneous melanoma was also sensitive to the treatment but with no detectable induction of apoptosis. To better understand the complex crosstalk between melanoma cells and their microenvironment, we compared the influence of conditioned media obtained from healthy or cancer-associated fibroblasts on the response of metastatic melanomas to the drugs. Our data indicate that normal fibroblast supernatants potentialize the therapy’s efficiency, whereas cancer-associated fibroblast secretomes favor melanoma cell survival. Abstract The sensitivity of melanoma cells to targeted therapy compounds depends on the tumor microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro coculture systems better reflect the native structural architecture of tissues and are ideal for investigating cellular interactions modulating cell sensitivity to drugs. Metastatic melanoma (MM) cells (SK-MEL-28 BRAF V600E mutant and SK-MEL-2 BRAF wt) were cultured as a monolayer (2D) or cocultured on 3D dermal equivalents (with fibroblasts) and treated with a BRAFi (vemurafenib) combined with a MEK inhibitor (MEKi, cobimetinib). The drug combination efficiently inhibited 2D and 3D MM cell proliferation and survival regardless of their BRAF status. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), isolated from a cutaneous MM biopsy, were also sensitive to the targeted therapy. Conditioned media obtained from healthy dermal fibroblasts or CAFs modulated the MM cell’s response differently to the treatment: while supernatants from healthy fibroblasts potentialized the efficiency of drugs on MM, those from CAFs tended to increase cell survival. Our data indicate that the secretory profiles of fibroblasts influence MM sensitivity to the combined vemurafenib and cobimetinib treatment and highlight the need for 3D in vitro cocultures representing the complex crosstalk between melanoma and CAFs during preclinical studies of drugs.
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Chakraborty S, DePalma TJ, Skardal A. Increasing Accuracy of In Vitro Cancer Models: Engineering Stromal Complexity into Tumor Organoid Platforms. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Srija Chakraborty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University 3022 Fontana Labs 140 W. 19th Avenue Columbus OH 43210 USA
| | - Thomas J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University 3022 Fontana Labs 140 W. 19th Avenue Columbus OH 43210 USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University 3022 Fontana Labs 140 W. 19th Avenue Columbus OH 43210 USA
- Center for Cancer Engineering The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center Columbus OH 43210 USA
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Li W, Little N, Park J, Foster CA, Chen J, Lu J. Tumor-Associated Fibroblast-Targeting Nanoparticles for Enhancing Solid Tumor Therapy: Progress and Challenges. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2889-2905. [PMID: 34260250 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Even though nanoparticle drug delivery systems (nanoDDSs) have improved antitumor efficacy by delivering more drugs to tumor sites compared to free and unencapsulated therapeutics, achieving satisfactory distribution and penetration of nanoDDSs inside solid tumors, especially in stromal fibrous tumors, remains challenging. As one of the most common stromal cells in solid tumors, tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) not only promote tumor growth and metastasis but also reduce the drug delivery efficiency of nanoparticles through the tumor's inherent physical and physiological barriers. Thus, TAFs have been emerging as attractive targets, and TAF-targeting nanotherapeutics have been extensively explored to enhance the tumor delivery efficiency and efficacy of various anticancer agents. The purpose of this Review is to opportunely summarize the underlying mechanisms of TAFs on obstructing nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery into tumors and discuss the current advances of a plethora of nanotherapeutic approaches for effectively targeting TAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpan Li
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Nicholas Little
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jonghan Park
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Cole Alexander Foster
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jianqin Lu
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States.,BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States.,NCI-designated University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States.,Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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22
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Dzobo K, Dandara C. Broadening Drug Design and Targets to Tumor Microenvironment? Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Marker Expression in Cancers and Relevance for Survival Outcomes. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2021; 24:340-351. [PMID: 32496971 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2020.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Solid tumors have complex biology and structure comprising cancer cells, stromal cells, and the extracellular matrix. While most therapeutics target the cancer cells, recent data suggest that cancer cell behavior and response to treatment are markedly influenced by the tumor microenvironment (TME). In particular, the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant stromal cells, and play a significant contextual role in shaping tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. CAFs have therefore emerged as part of the next-generation cancer drug design and discovery innovation strategy. We report here new findings on differential expression and prognostic significance of CAF markers in several cancers. We utilized two publicly available resources: The Cancer Genomic Atlas and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis. We examined the expression of CAF markers, ACTA2, S100A4, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta [PDGFR-β], CD10, and fibroblast activation protein-alpha (FAP-α), in tumor tissues versus the adjacent normal tissues. We found that CAF markers were differentially expressed in various different tumors such as colon, breast, and esophageal cancers and melanoma. No CAF marker is expressed in the same pattern in all cancers, however. Importantly, we report that patients with colon adenocarcinoma and esophageal carcinoma expressing high FAP-α and CD10, respectively, had significantly shorter overall survival, compared with those with low levels of these CAF markers (p < 0.05). We call for continued research on TME biology and clinical evaluation of the CAF markers ACTA2, S100A4, PDGFR-β, CD10, and FAP-α in relation to prognosis of solid cancers in large population samples. An effective cancer drug design and discovery roadmap in the 21st century ought to be broadly framed, and include molecular targets informed by both cancer cell and TME variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town, South Africa.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Institute for Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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23
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Metabolic Interplay between the Immune System and Melanoma Cells: Therapeutic Implications. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060607. [PMID: 34073463 PMCID: PMC8227307 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma represents the most fatal skin cancer due to its aggressive biological behavior and high metastatic potential. Treatment strategies for advanced disease have dramatically changed over the last years due to the introduction of BRAF/MEK inhibitors and immunotherapy. However, many patients either display primary (i.e., innate) or eventually develop secondary (i.e., acquired) resistance to systemic treatments. Treatment resistance depends on multiple mechanisms driven by a set of rewiring processes, which involve cancer metabolism, epigenetic, gene expression, and interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Prognostic and predictive biomarkers are needed to guide patients’ selection and treatment decisions. Indeed, there are no recognized clinical or biological characteristics that identify which patients will benefit more from available treatments, but several biomarkers have been studied with promising preliminary results. In this review, we will summarize novel tumor metabolic pathways and tumor-host metabolic crosstalk mechanisms leading to melanoma progression and drug resistance, with an overview on their translational potential as novel therapeutic targets.
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24
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Romano V, Belviso I, Venuta A, Ruocco MR, Masone S, Aliotta F, Fiume G, Montagnani S, Avagliano A, Arcucci A. Influence of Tumor Microenvironment and Fibroblast Population Plasticity on Melanoma Growth, Therapy Resistance and Immunoescape. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5283. [PMID: 34067929 PMCID: PMC8157224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) tissue represents a network constituted by cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME). A key feature of CM is the high structural and cellular plasticity of TME, allowing its evolution with disease and adaptation to cancer cell and environmental alterations. In particular, during melanoma development and progression each component of TME by interacting with each other and with cancer cells is subjected to dramatic structural and cellular modifications. These alterations affect extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, phenotypic profile of stromal cells, cancer growth and therapeutic response. The stromal fibroblast populations of the TME include normal fibroblasts and melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) that are highly abundant and flexible cell types interacting with melanoma and stromal cells and differently influencing CM outcomes. The shift from the normal microenvironment to TME and from normal fibroblasts to MAFs deeply sustains CM growth. Hence, in this article we review the features of the normal microenvironment and TME and describe the phenotypic plasticity of normal dermal fibroblasts and MAFs, highlighting their roles in normal skin homeostasis and TME regulation. Moreover, we discuss the influence of MAFs and their secretory profiles on TME remodelling, melanoma progression, targeted therapy resistance and immunosurveillance, highlighting the cellular interactions, the signalling pathways and molecules involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Romano
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Immacolata Belviso
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Alessandro Venuta
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Ruocco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Stefania Masone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Federica Aliotta
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Stefania Montagnani
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
- Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Napoli Federico II, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Napoli “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (I.B.); (A.V.); (S.M.)
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25
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Tudor DV, Bâldea I, Olteanu DE, Fischer-Fodor E, Piroska V, Lupu M, Călinici T, Decea RM, Filip GA. Celecoxib as a Valuable Adjuvant in Cutaneous Melanoma Treated with Trametinib. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4387. [PMID: 33922284 PMCID: PMC8122835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma patients stop responding to targeted therapies mainly due to mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway re-activation, phosphoinositide 3 kinase/the mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/mTOR) pathway activation or stromal cell influence. The future of melanoma treatment lies in combinational approaches. To address this, our in vitro study evaluated if lower concentrations of Celecoxib (IC50 in nM range) could still preserve the chemopreventive effect on melanoma cells treated with trametinib. MATERIALS AND METHODS All experiments were conducted on SK-MEL-28 human melanoma cells and BJ human fibroblasts, used as co-culture. Co-culture cells were subjected to a celecoxib and trametinib drug combination for 72 h. We focused on the evaluation of cell death mechanisms, melanogenesis, angiogenesis, inflammation and resistance pathways. RESULTS Low-dose celecoxib significantly enhanced the melanoma response to trametinib. The therapeutic combination reduced nuclear transcription factor (NF)-kB (p < 0.0001) and caspase-8/caspase-3 activation (p < 0.0001), inhibited microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase (p < 0.05) expression and strongly down-regulated the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway more significantly than the control or trametinib group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Low concentrations of celecoxib (IC50 in nM range) sufficed to exert antineoplastic capabilities and enhanced the therapeutic response of metastatic melanoma treated with trametinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Valentina Tudor
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.V.T.); (I.B.); (M.L.); (R.M.D.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Ioana Bâldea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.V.T.); (I.B.); (M.L.); (R.M.D.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Diana Elena Olteanu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.V.T.); (I.B.); (M.L.); (R.M.D.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Eva Fischer-Fodor
- “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță” Oncology Institute, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (E.F.-F.); (V.P.)
| | - Virag Piroska
- “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță” Oncology Institute, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (E.F.-F.); (V.P.)
| | - Mihai Lupu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.V.T.); (I.B.); (M.L.); (R.M.D.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Tudor Călinici
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Roxana Maria Decea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.V.T.); (I.B.); (M.L.); (R.M.D.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Gabriela Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (D.V.T.); (I.B.); (M.L.); (R.M.D.); (G.A.F.)
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26
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Ayuso JM, Sadangi S, Lares M, Rehman S, Humayun M, Denecke KM, Skala MC, Beebe DJ, Setaluri V. Microfluidic model with air-walls reveals fibroblasts and keratinocytes modulate melanoma cell phenotype, migration, and metabolism. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1139-1149. [PMID: 33533390 PMCID: PMC7990711 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00988a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma evolution is a complex process. The role epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts play in this process and the mechanisms involved in tumor-stroma interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we used a microfluidic platform to evaluate the cross-talk between human primary melanoma cells, keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. The microfluidic device included multiple circular chambers separated by a series of narrow connection channels. The microdevice design allowed us to develop a new cell patterning method based on air-walls, removing the need for hydrogel barriers, porous membranes, or external equipment. Using this method, we co-cultured melanoma cells in the presence of keratinocytes and/or dermal fibroblasts. The results demonstrated that the presence of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes led to changes in melanoma cell morphology and growth pattern. Molecular analysis revealed changes in the chemokine secretion pattern, identifying multiple secreted factors involved in tumor progression. Finally, optical metabolic imaging showed that melanoma cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes exhibited different metabolic features. Additionally, the presence of stromal cells led to a metabolic shift in melanoma cells, highlighting the role the skin microenvironment on melanoma evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shreyans Sadangi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Marcos Lares
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shujah Rehman
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mouhita Humayun
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kathryn M Denecke
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard Street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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27
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Mazurkiewicz J, Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. Stromal Cells Present in the Melanoma Niche Affect Tumor Invasiveness and Its Resistance to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E529. [PMID: 33430277 PMCID: PMC7825728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly metastatic type of cancer, which arises frequently from transformed pigment cells and melanocytes as a result of long-term UV radiation exposure. In recent years, the incidence of newly diagnosed melanoma patients reached 5% of all cancer cases. Despite the development of novel targeted therapies directed against melanoma-specific markers, patients' response to treatment is often weak or short-term due to a rapid acquisition of drug resistance. Among the factors affecting therapy effectiveness, elements of the tumor microenvironment play a major role. Melanoma niche encompasses adjacent cells, such as keratinocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), adipocytes, and immune cells, as well as components of the extracellular matrix and tumor-specific physicochemical properties. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the influence of cancer-associated cells (keratinocytes, CAFs, adipocytes) on the process of melanomagenesis, tumor progression, invasiveness, and the emergence of drug resistance in melanoma. We also address how melanoma can alter the differentiation and activation status of cells present in the tumor microenvironment. Understanding these complex interactions between malignant and cancer-associated cells could improve the development of effective antitumor therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.D.); (D.N.)
| | - Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.D.); (D.N.)
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.D.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.S.); (E.D.); (D.N.)
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28
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Shelton M, Anene CA, Nsengimana J, Roberts W, Newton-Bishop J, Boyne JR. The role of CAF derived exosomal microRNAs in the tumour microenvironment of melanoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188456. [PMID: 33153973 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes play a crucial role in the crosstalk between cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and cancer cells, contributing to carcinogenesis and the tumour microenvironment. Recent studies have revealed that CAFs, normal fibroblasts and cancer cells all secrete exosomes that contain miRNA, establishing a cell-cell communication network within the tumour microenvironment. For example, miRNA dysregulation in melanoma has been shown to promote CAF activation via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which in turn alters the secretory phenotype of CAFs in the stroma. This review assesses the roles of melanoma exosomal miRNAs in CAF formation and how CAF exosome-mediated feedback signalling to melanoma lead to tumour progression and metastasis. Moreover, efforts to exploit exosomal miRNA-mediated network communication between tumour cells and their microenvironment, and their potential as prognostic biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets in melanoma will also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shelton
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH. United Kingdom
| | - C A Anene
- Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - J Nsengimana
- Population Health Sciences, Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - W Roberts
- School of Clinical and Applied Science, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, United Kingdom
| | | | - J R Boyne
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield HD1 3DH. United Kingdom.
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29
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Ben Baruch B, Mantsur E, Franco-Barraza J, Blacher E, Cukierman E, Stein R. CD38 in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes pro-tumoral activity. J Transl Med 2020; 100:1517-1531. [PMID: 32612286 PMCID: PMC7686132 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-0458-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary and metastatic melanoma progression are supported by a local microenvironment comprising, inter alia, of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We previously reported in orthotropic/syngeneic mouse models that the stromal ectoenzyme CD38 participates in melanoma growth and metastasis. The results presented here suggest that CD38 is a novel regulator of CAFs' pro-tumorigenic functions. Orthotopic co-implantation of CD38 deficient fibroblasts and B16F10 melanoma cells limited tumor size, compared with CD38-expressing fibroblasts. Intrinsically, CAF-CD38 promoted migration of primary fibroblasts toward melanoma cells. Further, in vitro paracrine effects of CAF-CD38 fostered tumor cell migration and invasion as well as endothelial cell tube formation. Mechanistically, we report that CAF-CD38 drives the protein expression of an angiogenic/pro-metastatic signature, which includes VEGF-A, FGF-2, CXCL-12, MMP-9, and HGF. Data suggest that CAF-CD38 fosters tumorigenesis by enabling the production of pro-tumoral factors that promote cell invasion, migration, and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bar Ben Baruch
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Einav Mantsur
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Janusz Franco-Barraza
- Cancer Biology, the Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eran Blacher
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Biology, the Marvin & Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Reuven Stein
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
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30
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Saleh NA, Rode MP, Sierra JA, Silva AH, Miyake JA, Filippin-Monteiro FB, Creczynski-Pasa TB. Three-dimensional multicellular cell culture for anti-melanoma drug screening: focus on tumor microenvironment. Cytotechnology 2020; 73:35-48. [PMID: 33505112 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-020-00440-5] [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: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The development of new treatments for malignant melanoma, which has the worst prognosis among skin neoplasms, remains a challenge. The tumor microenvironment aids tumor cells to grow and resist to chemotherapeutic treatment. One way to mimic and study the tumor microenvironment is by using three-dimensional (3D) co-culture models (spheroids). In this study, a melanoma heterospheroid model composed of cancer cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages was produced by liquid-overlay technique using the agarose gel. The size, growth, viability, morphology, cancer stem-like cells population and inflammatory profile of tumor heterospheroids and monospheroids were analyzed to evaluate the influence of stromal cells on these parameters. Furthermore, dacarbazine cytotoxicity was evaluated using spheroids and two-dimensional (2D) melanoma model. After finishing the experiments, it was observed the M2 macrophages induced an anti-inflammatory microenvironment in heterospheroids; fibroblasts cells support the formation of the extracellular matrix, and a higher percentage of melanoma CD271 was observed in this model. Additionally, melanoma spheroids responded differently to the dacarbazine than the 2D melanoma culture as a result of their cellular heterogeneity and 3D structure. The 3D model was shown to be a fast and reliable tool for drug screening, which can mimic the in vivo tumor microenvironment regarding interactions and complexity. Graphic abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Najla Adel Saleh
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, GEIMM-Grupo de Estudos de Interações entre Micro e Macromoléculas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, S/N Centro de Ciências da Saúde Bloco H - 3° andar, sala H302-Bairro Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina CEP: 88040-900 Brazil
| | - Michele Patrícia Rode
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, GEIMM-Grupo de Estudos de Interações entre Micro e Macromoléculas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, S/N Centro de Ciências da Saúde Bloco H - 3° andar, sala H302-Bairro Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina CEP: 88040-900 Brazil
| | | | - Adny Henrique Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC Brazil
| | - Juliano Andreoli Miyake
- Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC Brazil
| | - Fabíola Branco Filippin-Monteiro
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, GEIMM-Grupo de Estudos de Interações entre Micro e Macromoléculas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, S/N Centro de Ciências da Saúde Bloco H - 3° andar, sala H302-Bairro Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina CEP: 88040-900 Brazil
| | - Tânia Beatriz Creczynski-Pasa
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, GEIMM-Grupo de Estudos de Interações entre Micro e Macromoléculas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, S/N Centro de Ciências da Saúde Bloco H - 3° andar, sala H302-Bairro Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina CEP: 88040-900 Brazil
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Bellei B, Migliano E, Picardo M. A Framework of Major Tumor-Promoting Signal Transduction Pathways Implicated in Melanoma-Fibroblast Dialogue. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113400. [PMID: 33212834 PMCID: PMC7697272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanoma cells reside in a complex stromal microenvironment, which is a critical component of disease onset and progression. Mesenchymal or fibroblastic cell type are the most abundant cellular element of tumor stroma. Factors secreted by melanoma cells can activate non-malignant associated fibroblasts to become melanoma associate fibroblasts (MAFs). MAFs promote tumorigenic features by remodeling the extracellular matrix, supporting tumor cells proliferation, neo-angiogenesis and drug resistance. Additionally, environmental factors may contribute to the acquisition of pro-tumorigenic phenotype of fibroblasts. Overall, in melanoma, perturbed tissue homeostasis contributes to modulation of major oncogenic intracellular signaling pathways not only in tumor cells but also in neighboring cells. Thus, targeted molecular therapies need to be considered from the reciprocal point of view of melanoma and stromal cells. Abstract The development of a modified stromal microenvironment in response to neoplastic onset is a common feature of many tumors including cutaneous melanoma. At all stages, melanoma cells are embedded in a complex tissue composed by extracellular matrix components and several different cell populations. Thus, melanomagenesis is not only driven by malignant melanocytes, but also by the altered communication between melanocytes and non-malignant cell populations, including fibroblasts, endothelial and immune cells. In particular, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), also referred as melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) in the case of melanoma, are the most abundant stromal cells and play a significant contextual role in melanoma initiation, progression and metastasis. As a result of dynamic intercellular molecular dialogue between tumor and the stroma, non-neoplastic cells gain specific phenotypes and functions that are pro-tumorigenic. Targeting MAFs is thus considered a promising avenue to improve melanoma therapy. Growing evidence demonstrates that aberrant regulation of oncogenic signaling is not restricted to transformed cells but also occurs in MAFs. However, in some cases, signaling pathways present opposite regulation in melanoma and surrounding area, suggesting that therapeutic strategies need to carefully consider the tumor–stroma equilibrium. In this novel review, we analyze four major signaling pathways implicated in melanomagenesis, TGF-β, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin and Hyppo signaling, from the complementary point of view of tumor cells and the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0652666246
| | - Emilia Migliano
- Department of Plastic and Regenerative Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Picardo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy;
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Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Mazurkiewicz J, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. The Influence of Tumor Microenvironment on Immune Escape of Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8359. [PMID: 33171792 PMCID: PMC7664679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The low efficiency of currently-used anti-cancer therapies poses a serious challenge, especially in the case of malignant melanoma, a cancer characterized by elevated invasiveness and relatively high mortality rate. The role of the tumor microenvironment in the progression of melanoma and its acquisition of resistance to treatment seems to be the main focus of recent studies. One of the factors that, in normal conditions, aids the organism in its fight against the cancer and, following the malignant transformation, adapts to facilitate the development of the tumor is the immune system. A variety of cell types, i.e., T and B lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic and natural killer cells, as well as neutrophils, support the growth and invasiveness of melanoma cells, utilizing a plethora of mechanisms, including secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules, induction of inhibitory receptors expression, or depletion of essential nutrients. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the processes regulated by tumor-associated cells that promote the immune escape of melanoma cells. The described mechanisms offer potential new targets for anti-cancer treatment and should be further studied to improve currently-employed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.Z.); (R.M.)
- Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland; (E.D.); (J.M.); (D.N.)
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Binary blended co-delivery nanoparticles with the characteristics of precise pH-responsive acting on tumor microenvironment. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 117:111370. [PMID: 32919698 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Although combined chemotherapy had achieved the ideal efficacy in clinical anti-cancer therapeutic, the issues that need to be addressed are non-targeting and toxic-side effects of small molecule chemical drug (SMCD). In this study, we designed and prepared a novel binary blended co-delivered nanoparticles (BBCD NPs) with pH-responsive feature on tumor microenvironment. The BBCD NPs consists of two kind of drug-loaded NPs, in one of which carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were chosen as delivery carrier to load anti-cancer drug vincristine (VCR), named CMC-PLGA-VCR NPs (or CPNPVCR); and in the other of which methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(β-amino ester) (mPEG-PAE) were chosen as delivery carrier to load anti-fibrotic drug pirfenidone (PFD), named mPEG-PAE-PFD NPs (or PPNPPFD). Then, the two types of NPs (CPNPVCR and PPNPPFD) were physically mixed in mass ratios to form BBCD NPs, which was named CPNPVCR&PPNPPFD. CPNPVCR&PPNPPFD had good encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity, and the particle size distribution was uniform. In cytotoxicity experiments and non-contact co-culture studies in vitro, the model drugs loaded in CPNPVCR&PPNPPFD could respectively target cancer cell and cancer associated fibroblast (CAF) owing to the precise pH-sensitive drug release in the pharmacological targets and show stronger synergism than that of the combined treatment of two free drugs. As a modularity and assemble ability feature in design, BBCD NPs would have the advantages on the terms of concise on preparation process, controllable on quality standard, stable in natural environment storage. The research results can provide scientific evidence for the further development of a novel drug co-delivery system with multi-type cell targets.
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Diazzi S, Tartare-Deckert S, Deckert M. Bad Neighborhood: Fibrotic Stroma as a New Player in Melanoma Resistance to Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061364. [PMID: 32466585 PMCID: PMC7352197 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for metastatic cutaneous melanoma include immunotherapies and drugs targeting key molecules of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is often activated by BRAF driver mutations. Overall responses from patients with metastatic BRAF mutant melanoma are better with therapies combining BRAF and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. However, most patients that initially respond to therapies develop drug resistance within months. Acquired resistance to targeted therapies can be due to additional genetic alterations in melanoma cells and to non-genetic events frequently associated with transcriptional reprogramming and a dedifferentiated cell state. In this second scenario, it is possible to identify pro-fibrotic responses induced by targeted therapies that contribute to the alteration of the melanoma tumor microenvironment. A close interrelationship between chronic fibrosis and cancer has been established for several malignancies including breast and pancreatic cancers. In this context, the contribution of fibrosis to drug adaptation and therapy resistance in melanoma is rapidly emerging. In this review, we summarize recent evidence underlining the hallmarks of fibrotic diseases in drug-exposed and resistant melanoma, including increased remodeling of the extracellular matrix, enhanced actin cytoskeleton plasticity, high sensitivity to mechanical cues, and the establishment of an inflammatory microenvironment. We also discuss several potential therapeutic options for manipulating this fibrotic-like response to combat drug-resistant and invasive melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Diazzi
- C3M, Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, 06204 Nice, France;
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, 06204 Nice, France
| | - Sophie Tartare-Deckert
- C3M, Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, 06204 Nice, France;
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, 06204 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (S.T.-D.); (M.D.); Tel.: +33-(0)-489064310 (S.T.-D. & M.D.)
| | - Marcel Deckert
- C3M, Université Côte d’Azur, INSERM, 06204 Nice, France;
- Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, 06204 Nice, France
- Correspondence: (S.T.-D.); (M.D.); Tel.: +33-(0)-489064310 (S.T.-D. & M.D.)
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Ooki T, Hatakeyama M. Hyaluronan Degradation Promotes Cancer via Hippo-YAP Signaling: An Intervention Point for Cancer Therapy. Bioessays 2020; 42:e2000005. [PMID: 32449813 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
High-molecular-weight hyaluronan acts as a ligand of the tumor-suppressive Hippo signal, whereas degradation of hyaluronan from a high-molecular-weight form to a low-molecular-weight forms by hyaluronidase 2 inhibits Hippo signal activation and thereby activates the pro-oncogenic transcriptional coactivator yes-associated protein (YAP), which creates a cancer-predisposing microenvironment and drives neoplastic transformation of cells through both cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms. In fact, accumulation of low-molecular-weight hyaluronan in tissue stroma is observed in many types of cancers. Since inhibition of YAP activity suppresses tumor growth in vivo, pharmacological intervention of the Hippo-YAP signal is an attractive approach for future drug development. In this review, pharmacological intervention of excessive hyaluronan degradation as a novel approach for inhibition of the Hippo-YAP signal is also discussed. Development of hyaluronidase inhibitors may provide novel therapeutic strategies for human malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Ooki
- Division of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masanori Hatakeyama
- Division of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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Avagliano A, Fiume G, Pelagalli A, Sanità G, Ruocco MR, Montagnani S, Arcucci A. Metabolic Plasticity of Melanoma Cells and Their Crosstalk With Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2020; 10:722. [PMID: 32528879 PMCID: PMC7256186 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a highly aggressive and drug resistant solid tumor, showing an impressive metabolic plasticity modulated by oncogenic activation. In particular, melanoma cells can generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during cancer progression by both cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments, although CM energetic request mostly relies on glycolysis. The upregulation of glycolysis is associated with constitutive activation of BRAF/MAPK signaling sustained by BRAFV600E kinase mutant. In this scenario, the growth and progression of CM are strongly affected by melanoma metabolic changes and interplay with tumor microenvironment (TME) that sustain tumor development and immune escape. Furthermore, CM metabolic plasticity can induce a metabolic adaptive response to BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi), associated with the shift from glycolysis toward oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Therefore, in this review article we survey the metabolic alterations and plasticity of CM, its crosstalk with TME that regulates melanoma progression, drug resistance and immunosurveillance. Finally, we describe hallmarks of melanoma therapeutic strategies targeting the shift from glycolysis toward OXPHOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Avagliano
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fiume
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pelagalli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.,Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Sanità
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ruocco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Montagnani
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Arcucci
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Leask A. A centralized communication network: Recent insights into the role of the cancer associated fibroblast in the development of drug resistance in tumors. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 101:111-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Zu T, Wen J, Xu L, Li H, Mi J, Li H, Brakebusch C, Fisher DE, Wu X. Up-Regulation of Activating Transcription Factor 3 in Human Fibroblasts Inhibits Melanoma Cell Growth and Migration Through a Paracrine Pathway. Front Oncol 2020; 10:624. [PMID: 32373541 PMCID: PMC7187895 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of melanoma has remained a difficult challenge. Targeting the tumor stroma has recently attracted attention for developing novel strategies for melanoma therapy. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) plays a crucial role in regulating tumorigenesis and development, but whether the expression of ATF3 in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) can affect melanoma development hasn't been studied. Our results show that ATF3 expression is downregulated in stromal cells of human melanoma. HDFs expressing high levels of ATF3 suppressed the growth and migration of melanoma cells in association with downregulation of different cytokines including IL-6 in vitro. In vivo, HDFs with high ATF3 expression reduced tumor formation. Adding recombinant IL-6 to melanoma cells reversed those in vitro and in vivo effects, suggesting that ATF3 expression by HDFs regulates melanoma progression through the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. More importantly, HDFs pretreated with cyclosporine A or phenformin to induce ATF3 expression inhibited melanoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our study reveals that ATF3 suppresses human melanoma growth and that inducing the expression of ATF3 in HDFs can inhibit melanoma growth, a new potential melanoma therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingjian Zu
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Wen
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China.,Department of Orthodontics, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Dermatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Mi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Hematology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cord Brakebusch
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David E Fisher
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xunwei Wu
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration and Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, China.,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Resistance of melanoma cells to anticancer treatment: a role of vascular endothelial growth factor. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2020; 37:11-18. [PMID: 32467677 PMCID: PMC7247075 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2020.93378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and resistant to treatment neoplasms. There are still many challenges despite many promising advances in anticancer treatment. Currently, the main problem for all types of treatment is associated with heterogeneity. Due to heterogeneity of cancer cells, "precise" targeting of a medicine against a single phenotype limits the efficacy of treatment and affects resistance to applied therapy. Therefore it is important to understand aetiology and reasons for heterogeneity in order to develop effective and long-lasting treatment. This review summarises roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that may stimulate growth of a melanoma tumour irrespective of its proangiogenic effects, contributing to cancer heterogeneity. VEGF triggers processes associated with extracellular matrix remodelling, cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis, inhibition of immune responses and favours phenotypic plasticity and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Consequently, it participates in mechanisms of interactions between melanoma cancer cells and microenvironment and it can modify sensitivity to therapeutic factors.
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Zhu H, Liu Q, Miao L, Musetti S, Huo M, Huang L. Remodeling the fibrotic tumor microenvironment of desmoplastic melanoma to facilitate vaccine immunotherapy. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:3400-3410. [PMID: 31989142 PMCID: PMC7058186 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr09610h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Highly fibrotic and collagen-rich properties in desmoplastic melanoma (DM) result in an immune-suppressive fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) that resists clinical therapies. The different clinical and pathological properties, as compared to conventional melanoma, lead to delayed diagnosis and it is difficult to deliver drugs effectively due to fibrosis. Herein, we designed a chemo-immuno strategy focused on combining vaccination immunotherapy with multi-targeting sunitinib (SUN) nano-therapy to remodel TME and generate a robust immune response and a stronger synergistic anti-cancer effect. This strategy was evaluated side-by-side with non-desmoplastic melanoma and achieved significant improvement in therapeutic efficacy. The combination treatment was also synergistically assessed with the desmoplastic melanoma model. This strategy can remodel the fibrotic immunosuppressive TME and result in a robust cytotoxic T-cell response by reducing the collagen content, normalizing blood vessels, inhibiting tumor-associated fibroblasts and reducing high levels of suppressor immune cells. The modification of fibrotic immunosuppressive TME may serve as a good approach to further enhance immunotherapy for desmoplastic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongda Zhu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. and School of Food and Biological Engineering, National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Lei Miao
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Sara Musetti
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Meirong Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics and Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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Bellei B, Picardo M. Premature cell senescence in human skin: Dual face in chronic acquired pigmentary disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 57:100981. [PMID: 31733332 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2019.100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Although senescence was originally described as an in vitro acquired cellular characteristic, it was recently recognized that senescence is physiologically and pathologically involved in aging and age-related diseases in vivo. The definition of cellular senescence has expanded to include the growth arrest caused by various cellular stresses, including DNA damage, inadequate mitochondria function, activated oncogene or tumor suppressor genes and oxidative stress. While senescence in normal aging involves various tissues over time and contributes to a decline in tissue function even with healthy aging, disease-induced premature senescence may be restricted to one or a few organs triggering a prolonged and more intense rate of accumulation of senescent cells than in normal aging. Organ-specific high senescence rate could lead to chronic diseases, especially in post-mitotic rich tissue. Recently, two opposite acquired pathological conditions related to skin pigmentation were described to be associated with premature senescence: vitiligo and melasma. In both cases, it was demonstrated that pathological dysfunctions are not restricted to melanocytes, the cell type responsible for melanin production and transport to surrounding keratinocytes. Similar to physiological melanogenesis, dermal and epidermal cells contribute directly and indirectly to deregulate skin pigmentation as a result of complex intercellular communication. Thus, despite senescence usually being reported as a uniform phenotype sharing the expression of characteristic markers, skin senescence involving mainly the dermal compartment and its paracrine function could be associated with the disappearance of melanocytes in vitiligo lesions and with the exacerbated activity of melanocytes in the hyperpigmentation spots of melasma. This suggests that the difference may arise in melanocyte intrinsic differences and/or in highly defined microenvironment peculiarities poorly explored at the current state of the art. A similar dualistic phenotype has been attributed to intratumoral stromal cells as cancer-associated fibroblasts presenting a senescent-like phenotype which influence the behavior of neoplastic cells in either a tumor-promoting or tumor-inhibiting manner. Here, we present a framework dissecting senescent-related molecular alterations shared by vitiligo and melasma patients and we also discuss disease-specific differences representing new challenges for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center for Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mauro Picardo
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center for Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Liu T, Zhou L, Yang K, Iwasawa K, Kadekaro AL, Takebe T, Andl T, Zhang Y. The β-catenin/YAP signaling axis is a key regulator of melanoma-associated fibroblasts. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2019; 4:63. [PMID: 31885878 PMCID: PMC6928146 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0100-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
β-catenin is a multifunctional protein that plays crucial roles in embryonic development, physiological homeostasis, and a wide variety of human cancers. Previously, we showed that in vivo targeted ablation of β-catenin in melanoma-associated fibroblasts after melanoma formation significantly suppressed tumor growth. However, when the expression of β-catenin was ablated in melanoma-associated fibroblasts before tumor initiation, melanoma development was surprisingly accelerated. How stromal β-catenin deficiency leads to opposite biological effects in melanoma progression is not completely understood. Here, we report that β-catenin is indispensable for the activation of primary human stromal fibroblasts and the mediation of fibroblast-melanoma cell interactions. Using coimmunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays, we identified Yes-associated protein (YAP) as an important β-catenin-interacting partner in stromal fibroblasts. YAP is highly expressed in the nuclei of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in both human and murine melanomas. Mechanistic investigation revealed that YAP nuclear translocation is significantly modulated by Wnt/β-catenin activity in fibroblasts. Blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling in stromal fibroblasts inhibited YAP nuclear translocation. In the absence of YAP, the ability of stromal fibroblasts to remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) was inhibited, which is consistent with the phenotype observed in cells with β-catenin deficiency. Further studies showed that the expression of ECM proteins and enzymes required for remodeling the ECM was suppressed in stromal fibroblasts after YAP ablation. Collectively, our data provide a new paradigm in which the β-catenin-YAP signaling axis regulates the activation and tumor-promoting function of stromal fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Liu
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Linli Zhou
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Kun Yang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Kentaro Iwasawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Ana Luisa Kadekaro
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
| | - Takanori Takebe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
- Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510 Japan
| | - Thomas Andl
- Burnett School of Biological Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816 USA
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267 USA
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Wo YJ, Gan ASP, Lim X, Tay ISY, Lim S, Lim JCT, Yeong JPS. The Roles of CD38 and CD157 in the Solid Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010026. [PMID: 31861847 PMCID: PMC7017359 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of extracellular matrix proteins, immune cells, vascular cells, lymphatics and fibroblasts. Under normal physiological conditions, tissue homeostasis protects against tumor development. However, under pathological conditions, interplay between the tumor and its microenvironment can promote tumor initiation, growth and metastasis. Immune cells within the TME have an important role in the formation, growth and metastasis of tumors, and in the responsiveness of these tumors to immunotherapy. Recent breakthroughs in the field of cancer immunotherapy have further highlighted the potential of targeting TME elements, including these immune cells, to improve the efficacy of cancer prognostics and immunotherapy. CD38 and CD157 are glycoproteins that contribute to the tumorigenic properties of the TME. For example, in the hypoxic TME, the enzymatic functions of CD38 result in an immunosuppressive environment. This leads to increased immune resistance in tumor cells and allows faster growth and proliferation rates. CD157 may also aid the production of an immunosuppressive TME, and confers increased malignancy to tumor cells through the promotion of tumor invasion and metastasis. An improved understanding of CD38 and CD157 in the TME, and how these glycoproteins affect cancer progression, will be useful to develop both cancer prognosis and treatment methods. This review aims to discuss the roles of CD38 and CD157 in the TME and cancer immunotherapy of a range of solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jun Wo
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore;
| | - Adelia Shin Ping Gan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore;
| | - Xinru Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (X.L.); (S.L.); (J.C.T.L.)
| | - Isabel Shu Ying Tay
- School of Applied Science, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore 529765, Singapore;
| | - Sherlly Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (X.L.); (S.L.); (J.C.T.L.)
| | - Jeffrey Chun Tatt Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (X.L.); (S.L.); (J.C.T.L.)
| | - Joe Poh Sheng Yeong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency of Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore; (X.L.); (S.L.); (J.C.T.L.)
- Division of Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-6586-9527
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Oliveira RS, Biscaia SM, Bellan DL, Viana SR, Di-Medeiros Leal MC, Vasconcelos AFD, Lião LM, Trindade ES, Carbonero ER. Structure elucidation of a bioactive fucomannogalactan from the edible mushroom Hypsizygus marmoreus. Carbohydr Polym 2019; 225:115203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Development of a Stromal Microenvironment Experimental Model Containing Proto-Myofibroblast Like Cells and Analysis of Its Crosstalk with Melanoma Cells: A New Tool to Potentiate and Stabilize Tumor Suppressor Phenotype of Dermal Myofibroblasts. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111435. [PMID: 31739477 PMCID: PMC6912587 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive solid tumors and includes a stromal microenvironment that regulates cancer growth and progression. The components of stromal microenvironment such as fibroblasts, fibroblast aggregates and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can differently influence the melanoma growth during its distinct stages. In this work, we have developed and studied a stromal microenvironment model, represented by fibroblasts, proto-myofibroblasts, myofibroblasts and aggregates of inactivated myofibroblasts, such as spheroids. In particular, we have generated proto-myofibroblasts from primary cutaneous myofibroblasts. The phenotype of proto-myofibroblasts is characterized by a dramatic reduction of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein levels, as well as an enhancement of cell viability and migratory capability compared with myofibroblasts. Furthermore, proto-myofibroblasts display the mesenchymal marker vimentin and less developed stress fibers, with respect to myofibroblasts. The analysis of crosstalk between the stromal microenvironment and A375 or A2058 melanoma cells has shown that the conditioned medium of proto-myofibroblasts is cytotoxic, mainly for A2058 cells, and dramatically reduces the migratory capability of both cell lines compared with the melanoma-control conditioned medium. An array analysis of proto-myofibroblast and melanoma cell-conditioned media suggests that lower levels of some cytokines and growth factors in the conditioned medium of proto-myofibroblasts could be associated with their anti-tumor activity. Conversely, the conditioned media of melanoma cells do not influence the cell viability, outgrowth, and migration of proto-myofibroblasts from spheroids. Interestingly, the conditioned medium of proto-myofibroblasts does not alter the cell viability of both BJ-5ta fibroblast cells and myofibroblasts. Hence, proto-myofibroblasts could be useful in the study of new therapeutic strategies targeting melanoma.
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Tsang M, Quesnel K, Vincent K, Hutchenreuther J, Postovit LM, Leask A. Insights into Fibroblast Plasticity: Cellular Communication Network 2 Is Required for Activation of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in a Murine Model of Melanoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 190:206-221. [PMID: 31610176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor stroma resembles a fibrotic microenvironment, being characterized by the presence of myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In wild-type mice injected with melanoma cells, we show that the stem cell transcription factor Sox2 is expressed by tumor cells and induced in CAFs derived from synthetic fibroblasts. These fibroblasts were labeled postnatally with green fluorescent protein using mice expressing a tamoxifen-dependent Cre recombinase under the control of a fibroblast-specific promoter/enhancer. Conversely, fibroblast activation was impaired in mice with a fibroblast-specific deletion of cellular communication network 2 (Ccn2), associated with reduced expression of α-smooth muscle actin and Sox2. Multipotent Sox2-expressing skin-derived precursor (SKP) spheroids were cultured from murine back skin. Using lineage tracing and flow cytometry, approximately 40% of SKPs were found to be derived from type I collagen-lineage cells and acquired multipotency in culture. Inhibition of mechanotransduction pathways prevented myofibroblast differentiation of SKPs and expression of Ccn2. In SKPs deleted for Ccn2, differentiation into a myofibroblast, but not an adipocyte or neuronal phenotype, was also impaired. In human melanoma, CCN2 expression was associated with a profibrotic integrin alpha (ITGA) 11-expressing subset of CAFs that negatively associated with survival. These results suggest that synthetic dermal fibroblasts are plastic, and that CCN2 is required for the differentiation of dermal progenitor cells into a myofibroblast/CAF phenotype and is, therefore, a therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tsang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine Quesnel
- Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Krista Vincent
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Hutchenreuther
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Andrew Leask
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Frew JW, Navrazhina K, Marohn M, Lu PJC, Krueger JG. Contribution of fibroblasts to tunnel formation and inflammation in hidradenitis suppurativa/ acne inversa. Exp Dermatol 2019; 28:886-891. [PMID: 31140657 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The precise pathogenic mechanisms in the development, persistence and worsening of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) remain ill-defined. This chronic inflammatory dermatosis displays a strong Th1 and Th17 inflammatory signature with elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17 and IFNγ in lesional and perilesional tissue. HS significantly differs to other chronic inflammatory dermatoses due to the development of hypertrophic scarring and dermal tunnels. The development of scarring and tunnels suggests that fibroblastic stromal cells (including myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, pericytes etc) may be involved in the development and progression of disease. Heterogeneous populations of fibroblasts have been identified in other inflammatory disorders and malignancy which contribute to inflammation and present novel therapeutic targets for fibrotic disorders. Findings in HS are consistent with these fibroblast subpopulations and may contribute to tunnel formation, aggressive squamous cell carcinoma and the phenotypic presentation of familial HS variants. We describe the existing knowledge regarding these mechanistic pathways and methods to confirm their involvement in the pathogenesis of HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Frew
- Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Kristina Navrazhina
- Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Meaghan Marohn
- The Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, Department of Cell Biology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Pei-Ju C Lu
- The Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, Department of Cell Biology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - James G Krueger
- Laboratory of Investigative Dermatology, Rockefeller University, New York, New York
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Hussain S, Singh A, Nazir SU, Tulsyan S, Khan A, Kumar R, Bashir N, Tanwar P, Mehrotra R. Cancer drug resistance: A fleet to conquer. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:14213-14225. [PMID: 31037763 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that claims millions of lives each year across the world. Despite advancement in technologies and therapeutics for treating the disease, these modes are often found to turn ineffective during the course of treatment. The resistance against drugs in cancer patients stems from multiple factors, which constitute genetic heterogeneity like gene mutations, tumor microenvironment, exosomes, miRNAs, high rate of drug efflux from cells, and so on. This review attempts to collate all such known and reported factors that influence cancer drug resistance and may help researchers with information that might be useful in developing better therapeutics in near future to enable better management of several cancers across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Showket Hussain
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, India
| | - Ankita Singh
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, India
| | - Sheeraz Un Nazir
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, India
| | - Sonam Tulsyan
- Division of Preventive Oncology, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, India
| | - Asiya Khan
- Department of Lab Oncology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India
| | - Nasreena Bashir
- College of Applied Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ravi Mehrotra
- Division of Preventive Oncology, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, India
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Bastonini E, Bellei B, Filoni A, Kovacs D, Iacovelli P, Picardo M. Involvement of non‐melanocytic skin cells in vitiligo. Exp Dermatol 2019; 28:667-673. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.13868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Bastonini
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics ResearchSan Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS Rome Italy
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics ResearchSan Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS Rome Italy
| | - Angela Filoni
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics ResearchSan Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS Rome Italy
| | - Daniela Kovacs
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics ResearchSan Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS Rome Italy
| | - Paolo Iacovelli
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics ResearchSan Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS Rome Italy
| | - Mauro Picardo
- Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics ResearchSan Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS Rome Italy
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50
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Deng W, Fernandez A, McLaughlin SL, Klinke DJ. WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1/CCN4) stimulates melanoma invasion and metastasis by promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:5261-5280. [PMID: 30723155 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides intrinsic changes, malignant cells also release soluble signals that reshape their microenvironment. Among these signals is WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1), a secreted matricellular protein whose expression is elevated in several cancers, including melanoma, and is associated with reduced survival of patients diagnosed with primary melanoma. Here, we found that WISP1 knockout increases cell proliferation and represses wound healing, migration, and invasion of mouse and human melanoma cells in multiple in vitro assays. Metastasis assays revealed that WISP1 knockout represses tumor metastasis of B16F10 and YUMM1.7 melanoma cells in both C57BL/6Ncrl and NOD-scid IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice. WT B16F10 cells having an invasion phenotype in a transwell assay possessed a gene expression signature similar to that observed in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including E-cadherin repression and fibronectin and N-cadherin induction. Upon WISP1 knockout, expression of these EMT signature genes went in the opposite direction in both mouse and human cell lines, and EMT-associated gene expression was restored upon exposure to media containing WISP1 or to recombinant WISP1 protein. In vivo, Wisp1 knockout-associated metastasis repression was reversed by the reintroduction of either WISP1 or snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1). Experiments testing EMT gene activation and inhibition with recombinant WISP1 or kinase inhibitors in B16F10 and YUMM1.7 cells suggested that WISP1 activates AKT Ser/Thr kinase and that MEK/ERK signaling pathways shift melanoma cells from proliferation to invasion. Our results indicate that WISP1 present within the tumor microenvironment stimulates melanoma invasion and metastasis by promoting an EMT-like process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Deng
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology.,the West Virginia University Cancer Institute
| | - Audry Fernandez
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology.,the West Virginia University Cancer Institute
| | - Sarah L McLaughlin
- the West Virginia University Cancer Institute.,the Animal Models and Imaging Facility, and
| | - David J Klinke
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, .,the West Virginia University Cancer Institute.,the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505
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