1
|
Zhou S, Lin N, Yu L, Su X, Liu Z, Yu X, Gao H, Lin S, Zeng Y. Single-cell multi-omics in the study of digestive system cancers. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:431-445. [PMID: 38223343 PMCID: PMC10787224 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.12.007] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Digestive system cancers are prevalent diseases with a high mortality rate, posing a significant threat to public health and economic burden. The diagnosis and treatment of digestive system cancer confront conventional cancer problems, such as tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. Single-cell sequencing (SCS) emerged at times required and has developed from single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) to the single-cell multi-omics era represented by single-cell spatial transcriptomics (ST). This article comprehensively reviews the advances of single-cell omics technology in the study of digestive system tumors. While analyzing and summarizing the research cases, vital details on the sequencing platform, sample information, sampling method, and key findings are provided. Meanwhile, we summarize the commonly used SCS platforms and their features, as well as the advantages of multi-omics technologies in combination. Finally, the development trends and prospects of the application of single-cell multi-omics technology in digestive system cancer research are prospected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical School of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
- The Clinical Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Nanfei Lin
- The Clinical Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Liying Yu
- The Clinical Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoshan Su
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Zhenlong Liu
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, & Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Xiaowan Yu
- Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hongzhi Gao
- The Clinical Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Lung Stem Cells, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guo T, Xu J. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: a versatile mediator in tumor progression, metastasis, and targeted therapy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:1095-1116. [PMID: 38602594 PMCID: PMC11300527 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) has been demonstrated to play a significant role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major component of TME and exhibit heterogeneous properties in their communication with tumor cells. This heterogeneity of CAFs can be attributed to various origins, including quiescent fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adipocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and mesothelial cells. Moreover, single-cell RNA sequencing has identified diverse phenotypes of CAFs, with myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) being the most acknowledged, alongside newly discovered subtypes like antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Due to these heterogeneities, CAFs exert multiple functions in tumorigenesis, cancer stemness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, metabolism, and metastasis. As a result, targeted therapies aimed at the TME, particularly focusing on CAFs, are rapidly developing, fueling the promising future of advanced tumor-targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianchen Guo
- Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junfen Xu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dehal A. Immunotherapy for gastric cancer and liver metastasis: Is it time to bid farewell. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:2365-2368. [DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i8.2365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with metastatic gastric cancer have a grim prognosis. Palliative chemotherapy offers a limited survival improvement, but recent advancements in immunotherapy have sparked hope. However, the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with liver metastases remains debated. This article reviews a recent study by Liu et al and evaluates conflicting evidence on the impact of liver metastases on response to immunotherapy in metastatic gastric cancer. While some studies suggest no significant difference in treatment response based on liver involvement, others report varied response rates. The present study, a retrospective analysis of 48 patients by Liu et al, examines this issue and concludes that immunotherapy is less effective in patients with liver metastases. Despite methodological limitations and a small sample size, the study contributes to the ongoing discourse. The nuanced response to immunotherapy in certain patients underscores the importance of understanding the tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and the expression of immune checkpoints. Rather than dismissing immunotherapy for patients with gastric cancer and liver metastases, a shift towards personalized treatment strategies and a more profound understanding of tumor-specific biomarkers is essential. By unraveling the molecular intricacies of individual cases, clinicians may tailor more effective and customized treatments, offering a glimmer of hope for this challenging patient group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Dehal
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, Panorama, CA 91402, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao Q, Yu H, Shi M, Wang X, Fan Z, Wang Z. Tumor microenvironment characteristics of lipid metabolism reprogramming related to ferroptosis and EndMT influencing prognosis in gastric cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112433. [PMID: 38870879 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is a refractory malignant tumor with high tumor heterogeneity, a low rate of early diagnosis, and poor patient prognosis. Lipid metabolism reprogramming plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and progression, but its prognostic role and regulatory mechanism in GC are rarely studied. Thus, the identification of signatures related to lipid metabolism is necessary and may present a new avenue for improving the overall prognosis of GC. METHODS Lipid metabolism-associated genes (LMAGs) with differential expression in tumor and tumor-adjacent tissue were acquired to identify lipid metabolism-associated subtypes. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two clusters were then utilized for prognostic analysis and signature construction. Additionally, pathway enrichment analysis and immune cell infiltration analysis were employed to identify the characteristics of the prognostic model. Further analyses were conducted at the single-cell level to better understand the model's prognostic mechanism. Finally, the prediction of immunotherapy response was used to suggest potential treatments. RESULTS Two lipid metabolism-associated subtypes were identified and 9 prognosis-related genes from the DEGs between the two clusters were collected for the construction of the prognostic model named lipid metabolism-associated signature (LMAS). Then we found the low LMAS patients with favorable prognoses were more sensitive to ferroptosis in the Cancer Genome Atlas of Stomach Adenocarcinoma (TCGA-STAD). Meanwhile, the tumor cells exhibiting high levels of lipid peroxidation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in single-cell levels were primarily enriched in the low LMAS group, which was more likely to induce ferroptosis. In addition, endothelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) facilitated tumor angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis through endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), affecting the prognosis of the patients with high LMAS scores. Moreover, CD1C- CD141- dendritic cells (DCs) also secreted pro-tumorigenic cytokines to regulate the function of endothelial cells and CAFs. Finally, the patients with low LMAS scores might have better efficacy in immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS A LMAS was constructed to guide GC prognosis and therapy. Meanwhile, a novel anti-tumor effect was found in lipid metabolism reprogramming of GC which improved patients' prognosis by regulating the sensitivity of tumor cells to ferroptosis. Moreover, EndMT may have a negative impact on GC prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Disease-Related Biomarkers, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014030, China; School of Basic Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Translational Medicine Center, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Mengqi Shi
- School of Basic Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Xujie Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China
| | - Zixu Fan
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Disease-Related Biomarkers, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014030, China
| | - Zhanli Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Disease-Related Biomarkers, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu B, Hu S, Wang X. Applications of single-cell technologies in drug discovery for tumor treatment. iScience 2024; 27:110486. [PMID: 39171294 PMCID: PMC11338156 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110486] [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] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell technologies have been known as advanced and powerful tools to study tumor biological systems at the single-cell resolution and are playing increasingly critical roles in multiple stages of drug discovery and development. Specifically, single-cell technologies can promote the discovery of drug targets, help high-throughput screening at single-cell level, and contribute to pharmacokinetic studies of anti-tumor drugs. Emerging single-cell analysis technologies have been developed to further integrating multidimensional single-cell molecular features, expanding the scale of single-cell data, profiling phenotypic impact of genes in single cell, and providing full-length coverage single-cell sequencing. In this review, we systematically summarized the applications of single-cell technologies in various sections of drug discovery for tumor treatment, including target identification, high-throughput drug screening, and pharmacokinetic evaluation and highlighted emerging single-cell technologies in providing in-depth understanding of tumor biology. Single-cell-technology-based drug discovery is expected to further optimize therapeutic strategies and improve clinical outcomes of tumor patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Liu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Shunfeng Hu
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
- Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yin H, Sun L, Yuan Y, Zhu Y. PPIC-labeled CAFs: Key players in neoadjuvant chemotherapy resistance for gastric cancer. Transl Oncol 2024; 48:102080. [PMID: 39116799 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102080] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, with advanced cases having a median survival of less than one year. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is vital but faces drug resistance issues, partly due to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Yet, specific CAF subpopulations contributing to resistance are poorly understood. METHODS Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between chemosensitive and resistant GC patients were identified using GEO2R. Single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) identified CAF-related genes. Immunohistochemistry verified key genes in NCT-treated GC samples, analyzing their correlation with tumor regression grade (TRG) and clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS PPIC as a gene highly expressed in CAFs was closely associated with NCT resistance in gastric cancer. Immunohistochemistry results revealed positivity for the expression of cyclophilin C (CypC), encoded by PPIC, in the 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin NCT resistant and -sensitive groups of gastric cancer patients at rates of 69.7 % (76/109) and 43.6 % (24/55), respectively (p < 0.001). The high expression of CypC in CAFs was positively correlated to tumor size (p = 0.025), T stage (p = 0.004), TNM stage (p = 0.004), and vascular invasion (p = 0.027). In cancer cells the expression of CypC was associated with OS (p = 0.026). However, in CAFs, CypC expression was not related to OS (p = 0.671). CONCLUSIONS PPIC-labeled CAF subgroups are related to NCT resistance and poor prognosis in GC and they may cause drug resistance through signaling pathways such as glucose metabolism and extracellular matrix remodeling. However, the exact mechanism behind the involvement of PPIC-labeled CAF in drug resistance of GC requires further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Honghao Yin
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Departments of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Tumor Etiology and Screening Department of Cancer Institute and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Education Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Key Laboratory of GI Cancer Etiology and Prevention in Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Yanmei Zhu
- Departments of Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology (Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Meng X, Zheng Y, Zhang L, Liu P, Liu Z, He Y. Single-Cell Analyses Reveal the Metabolic Heterogeneity and Plasticity of the Tumor Microenvironment during Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression. Cancer Res 2024; 84:2468-2483. [PMID: 38718319 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer. In addition to metabolic alterations in the tumor cells, multiple other metabolically active cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the emergence of a tumor-specific metabolic milieu. Here, we defined the metabolic landscape of the TME during the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by performing single-cell RNA sequencing on 26 human patient specimens, including normal tissue, precancerous lesions, early stage cancer, advanced-stage cancer, lymph node metastases, and recurrent tumors. The analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity at the transcriptional, developmental, metabolic, and functional levels in different cell types. SPP1+ macrophages were identified as a protumor and prometastatic macrophage subtype with high fructose and mannose metabolism, which was further substantiated by integrative analysis and validation experiments. An inhibitor of fructose metabolism reduced the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages, reshaped the immunosuppressive TME, and suppressed tumor growth. In conclusion, this work delineated the metabolic landscape of HNSCC at a single-cell resolution and identified fructose metabolism as a key metabolic feature of a protumor macrophage subpopulation. Significance: Fructose and mannose metabolism is a metabolic feature of a protumor and prometastasis macrophage subtype and can be targeted to reprogram macrophages and the microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Meng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lingfang Zhang
- Suzhou Lingdian Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Peipei Liu
- Suzhou Lingdian Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhonglong Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yue He
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guo L, Chen Q, Xu M, Huang J, Ye H. Communication between alveolar macrophages and fibroblasts via the TNFSF12-TNFRSF12A pathway promotes pulmonary fibrosis in severe COVID-19 patients. J Transl Med 2024; 22:698. [PMID: 39075394 PMCID: PMC11287943 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05381-7] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe COVID-19 infection has been associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that significantly affects patient prognosis. Understanding the underlying cellular communication mechanisms contributing to this fibrotic process is crucial. OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the TNFSF12-TNFRSF12A pathway in mediating communication between alveolar macrophages and fibroblasts, and its implications for the development of pulmonary fibrosis in severe COVID-19 patients. METHODS We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis using lung tissue samples from severe COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. The data was processed, analyzed, and cell types were annotated. We focused on the communication between alveolar macrophages and fibroblasts and identified key signaling pathways. In vitro experiments were performed to validate our findings, including the impact of TNFRSF12A silencing on fibrosis reversal. RESULTS Our analysis revealed that in severe COVID-19 patients, alveolar macrophages communicate with fibroblasts primarily through the TNFSF12-TNFRSF12A pathway. This communication pathway promotes fibroblast proliferation and expression of fibrotic factors. Importantly, silencing TNFRSF12A effectively reversed the pro-proliferative and pro-fibrotic effects of alveolar macrophages. CONCLUSION The TNFSF12-TNFRSF12A pathway plays a central role in alveolar macrophage-fibroblast communication and contributes to pulmonary fibrosis in severe COVID-19 patients. Silencing TNFRSF12A represents a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating fibrosis in severe COVID-19 lung disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- Department of Infection Control, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Infection Control, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengying Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, 299 Gu'an Road, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, 299 Gu'an Road, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Ye
- Department of Neurology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, 299 Gu'an Road, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lyu P, Gu X, Wang F, Sun H, Zhou Q, Yang S, Yuan W. Advances in targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts through single-cell spatial transcriptomic sequencing. Biomark Res 2024; 12:73. [PMID: 39075612 PMCID: PMC11287900 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the major components of the tumor microenvironment and are related to tumor proliferation, metastasis, relapse, and drug resistance. With the development of sequencing technologies, single-cell RNA sequencing has become a popular method for identifying CAFs in the tumor microenvironment. Whereas the drawbacks of CAFs, such as the lack of a spatial landscape, still exist, recent research has utilized spatial transcriptomics combined with single-cell RNA sequencing to address this issue. These multiomics analyses can resolve the single-cell resolution problem in spatial transcriptomics. In this review, we summarized the recent literature regarding the targeting of CAFs to address drug resistance, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming and metastasis in tumor tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pin Lyu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoming Gu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Fuqi Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Haifeng Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Shuaixi Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chu X, Tian Y, Lv C. Decoding the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of tumor-associated macrophages. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:150. [PMID: 39068459 PMCID: PMC11282869 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are pivotal in cancer progression, influencing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. This review explores the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of TAMs within the tumor microenvironment (TME), highlighting their diverse subtypes, origins, and functions. Advanced technologies such as single-cell sequencing and spatial multi-omics have elucidated the intricate interactions between TAMs and other TME components, revealing the mechanisms behind their recruitment, polarization, and distribution. Key findings demonstrate that TAMs support tumor vascularization, promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and modulate extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, etc., thereby enhancing tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Understanding these complex dynamics offers new therapeutic targets for disrupting TAM-mediated pathways and overcoming drug resistance. This review underscores the potential of targeting TAMs to develop innovative cancer therapies, emphasizing the need for further research into their spatial characteristics and functional roles within the TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyuan Chu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, P. R. China
| | - Yu Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, P. R. China.
| | - Chao Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lu L, Feng H, Dai G, Liu S, Feng Y, Tan H, Zhang X, Hong G, Lai X. A novel cancer-associated fibroblast signature for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma via integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:309. [PMID: 39060620 PMCID: PMC11282037 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01175-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), integral components of the tumor microenvironment, play a pivotal role in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and clinical outcomes. However, its specific roles in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC) remain poorly understood. Employing the established Seurat single-cell analysis pipeline, we identified 21 CAFs marker genes. Subsequently, a prognostic signature consisting of 6 CAFs marker genes (RGS5, PGF, TPM2, GJA4, SEPT4, and PLXDC1) was developed in a cohort through univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses. The model's efficacy was then validated in an external cohort, with a remarkable predictive performance in 1-, 3-, and 5-year. Patients in the high-risk group exhibited significantly inferior survival outcomes (p < 0.001), and the risk score was an independent prognostic factor (p < 0.05). Distinct differences in immune cell profiles and drug susceptibility were observed between the two risk groups. In KIRC, the PGF-VEGFR1 signaling pathway displayed a notable increase. PGF expression was significantly elevated in tumor tissues, as demonstrated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In vitro, transwell assays and CCK8 revealed that recombinant-PGF could enhance the capability of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in 769P and 786-O cells. This study firstly developed a novel predictive model based on 6 CAFs genes for KIRC. Additionally, PGF may present a potential therapeutic target to enhance KIRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Lu
- Department of Renal Rheumatology Immunology, School of Medicine, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huaguo Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, School of Medicine, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guohua Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, School of Medicine, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuangquan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, School of Medicine, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jiangjin District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Haoyang Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, School of Medicine, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tongnan District People's Hospital, No. 189, Jianshe Road, Dafo Street, Tongnan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqing Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tongnan District People's Hospital, No. 189, Jianshe Road, Dafo Street, Tongnan District, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xing Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tongnan District People's Hospital, No. 189, Jianshe Road, Dafo Street, Tongnan District, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xu Y, Ren Z, Zeng F, Yang H, Hu C. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived WNT5A promotes cell proliferation, metastasis, stemness and glycolysis in gastric cancer via regulating HK2. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:193. [PMID: 39054546 PMCID: PMC11270928 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03482-7] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression. This study aims to explore the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in GC and the underlying mechanism. METHODS Cell viability, proliferation, invasion and migration were assessed by MTT, EdU, transwell and wound healing assays, respectively. Sphere formation assay was used to evaluate cell stemness. Glucose consumption, lactate production and ATP consumption were measured to assess glycolysis. In addition, The RNA and protein expression were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The interaction between wingless Type MMTV Integration Site Family, Member 5 A (WNT5A) and hexokinase 2 (HK2) was verified by Co-immunoprecipitation. The xenograft model was established to explore the function of CAFs on GC tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS CAFs promoted the proliferation, metastasis, stemness and glycolysis of GC cells. WNT5A was upregulated in CAFs, and CAFs enhanced WNT5A expression in GC cells. Knockdown of WNT5A in either GC cells or CAFs repressed the progression of GC cells. In addition, WNT5A promoted HK2 expression, and overexpression of HK2 reversed the effect of WNT5A knockdown in CAFs on GC cells. Besides, knockdown of WNT5A in CAFs inhibits tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION CAF-derived WNT5A facilitates the progression of GC via regulating HK2 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongsu Xu
- Nursing Department, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhengju Ren
- School of Nursing, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- Hemodialysis Room, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Public Welfare Services Division, The Affiliated Dazu's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1073, South Second Ring Road, Hongxing Community, Tangxiang Street, Dazu District, Chongqing, 402360, China.
| | - Chengju Hu
- Health Management Center, The Affiliated Dazu's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1073, South Second Ring Road, Hongxing Community, Tangxiang Street, Dazu District, Chongqing, 402360, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen Y, Shen J, Ling C, Liang Z, Huang S, Lin W, Qin Y, Meng L, Luo Y. Exploring the role of CD8 + T cells in clear renal cell carcinoma metastasis. FEBS Open Bio 2024; 14:1205-1217. [PMID: 38872260 PMCID: PMC11216920 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13819] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for approximately 75-80% of all patients with renal cell carcinoma. Despite its prevalence, little is known regarding the key components involved in ccRCC metastasis. In this study, scRNA-seq analysis was employed to classify CD8+ T cells into four sub-clusters based on their genetic profiles and immunofluorescence experiments were used to validate two key clusters. Through gene set enrichment analysis, these newly identified sub-clusters were found to exhibit distinct biological characteristics. Notably, TYMP, TOP2A, CHI3L2, CDKN3, CENPM, and RZH2 were highly expressed in these sub-clusters, indicating a correlation with poor prognosis. Among these sub-clusters, CD8+ T cells (MT-ND4) were identified as potentially playing a critical role in mediating ccRCC metastasis. These results contribute to our understanding of CD8+ T cell heterogeneity in ccRCC and shed light on the mechanisms underlying the loss of immune response against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhong Chen
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical MedicineYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
| | - Jiajia Shen
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical MedicineYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
| | - Caixia Ling
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great HealthYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
| | - Zhengfang Liang
- Department of Urinary SurgeryThe Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
| | - Shaoang Huang
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical MedicineYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
| | - Wenxian Lin
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical MedicineYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
- Department of Interventional OncologyAffiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical College for NationalitiesBaiseChina
| | - Yujuan Qin
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical MedicineYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
| | - Lingzhang Meng
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical MedicineYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
- Institute of Cardiovascular SciencesGuangxi Academy of Medical SciencesNanningChina
| | - Yanhong Luo
- Center for Systemic Inflammation Research (CSIR), School of Preclinical MedicineYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
- Modern Industrial College of Biomedicine and Great HealthYoujiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaiseChina
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu D, Zhuang X, Ma H, Li Z, Wei L, Luo J, Han H. Altered tumor microenvironment heterogeneity of penile cancer during progression from non-lymphatic to lymphatic metastasis. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e70025. [PMID: 39003681 PMCID: PMC11246611 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70025] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic metastasis is the major challenge in the treatment of penile cancer. The prognosis of individuals with lymphatic metastasis is extremely poor. Therefore, early identification of disease progression and lymphatic metastasis is an urgent task for researchers in penile cancer worldwide. METHODS In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing, an immune landscape was established for the cancer ecosystem based on 46,861 cells from six patients with penile cancer (four with lymphatic metastasis [stage IV] and two without lymphatic metastasis [stage I]). Using bulk RNA sequencing, the discrepancy between the cancers and their respective metastatic lymph nodes was depicted based on seven patients with penile cancer. RESULTS The interaction between epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, and the functional cooperation among invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis were found to be important landscapes in the penile cancer ecosystem, playing important roles in progression of cancer and lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to investigate the altered tumor microenvironment heterogeneity of penile cancer as it evolves from non-lymphatic to lymphatic metastasis and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying malignant progression, the premetastatic niche, and lymphatic metastasis in penile cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da‐Ming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Xiao‐Yu Zhuang
- Department of AnesthesiologySecond Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeShantouP. R. China
| | - Hua‐Li Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of RadiologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Zai‐Shang Li
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's HospitalThe Second Clinic Medical College of Jinan UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Li‐Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Jun‐Hang Luo
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Hui Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for CancerSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
- Department of UrologySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhouP. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang W, Wang S, Zhang H, Meng Y, Jiao S, An L, Zhou Z. Modeling human gastric cancers in immunocompetent mice. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0124. [PMID: 38940675 PMCID: PMC11271222 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0124] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. GC is determined by multiple (epi)genetic and environmental factors; can occur at distinct anatomic positions of the stomach; and displays high heterogeneity, with different cellular origins and diverse histological and molecular features. This heterogeneity has hindered efforts to fully understand the pathology of GC and develop efficient therapeutics. In the past decade, great progress has been made in the study of GC, particularly in molecular subtyping, investigation of the immune microenvironment, and defining the evolutionary path and dynamics. Preclinical mouse models, particularly immunocompetent models that mimic the cellular and molecular features of human GC, in combination with organoid culture and clinical studies, have provided powerful tools for elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying GC pathology and immune evasion, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Herein, we first briefly introduce current progress and challenges in GC study and subsequently summarize immunocompetent GC mouse models, emphasizing the potential application of genetically engineered mouse models in antitumor immunity and immunotherapy studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shilong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan Meng
- Department of Stomatology, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Shi Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liwei An
- Department of Stomatology, Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yang N, Huang Y, Wang X, Wang D, Yao D, Ren G. Fibronectin-Targeting Dual-Modal MR/NIRF Imaging Contrast Agents for Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer and Peritoneal Metastasis. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:843-854. [PMID: 38775802 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence and fatality rates of gastric cancer (GC) remain elevated, with advanced stages presenting a grim prognosis. Noninvasive diagnosis of GC cancer often proves challenging until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage or metastasized. Initially, the level of fibronectin (FN) in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) of GC was at least 3.7 times higher than that in normal fibroblasts. Herein, two FN-targeting magnetic resonance/near-infrared fluorescence (MR/NIRF) imaging contrast agents were developed to detect GC and peritoneal metastasis noninvasively. The probes CREKA-Cy7-(Gd-DOTA) and CREKA-Cy7-(Gd-DOTA)3 demonstrated significant FN-targeting capability (with dissociation constants of 1.0 and 2.1 mM) and effective MR imaging performance (with proton relaxivity values of 9.66 and 27.44 mM-1 s-1 at 9.4 T, 37 °C). In vivo imaging revealed a high signal-to-noise ratio and successful visualization of GC metastasis using NIRF imaging as well as successful tumor detection in MR imaging. Therefore, this study highlights the potential of FN-targeting probes for GC diagnosis and aids in the advancement of new diagnostic strategies for the clinical detection of GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningxin Yang
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yuelin Huang
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Dengbin Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Defan Yao
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Gang Ren
- Department of Radiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang X, Chen YC, Yao M, Xiong R, Liu B, Zhu X, Ao P. Potential therapeutic targets of gastric cancer explored under endogenous network modeling of clinical data. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13127. [PMID: 38849404 PMCID: PMC11161650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63812-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Improvement in the survival rate of gastric cancer, a prevalent global malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality calls for more avenues in molecular therapy. This work aims to comprehend drug resistance and explore multiple-drug combinations for enhanced therapeutic treatment. An endogenous network modeling clinic data with core gastric cancer molecules, functional modules, and pathways is constructed, which is then transformed into dynamics equations for in-silicon studies. Principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering, and K-means clustering are utilized to map the attractor domains of the stochastic model to the normal and pathological phenotypes identified from the clinical data. The analyses demonstrate gastric cancer as a cluster of stable states emerging within the stochastic dynamics and elucidate the cause of resistance to anti-VEGF monotherapy in cancer treatment as the limitation of the single pathway in preventing cancer progression. The feasibility of multiple objectives of therapy targeting specified molecules and/or pathways is explored. This study verifies the rationality of the platform of endogenous network modeling, which contributes to the development of cross-functional multi-target combinations in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xile Zhang
- Center for Quantitative Life Sciences and Physics Department, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yong-Cong Chen
- Center for Quantitative Life Sciences and Physics Department, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
| | - Mengchao Yao
- Center for Quantitative Life Sciences and Physics Department, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Ruiqi Xiong
- Center for Quantitative Life Sciences and Physics Department, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Bingya Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gastric Cancer, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Systems, School of Optoelectronic Information and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Ping Ao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chen J, Chen R, Huang J. A pan-cancer single-cell transcriptional analysis of antigen-presenting cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1372432. [PMID: 38903527 PMCID: PMC11187094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1372432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the primary stromal cells found in tumor microenvironment, and display high plasticity and heterogeneity. By using single-cell RNA-seq technology, researchers have identified various subpopulations of CAFs, particularly highlighting a recently identified subpopulation termed antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs), which are largely unknown. Methods We collected datasets from public databases for 9 different solid tumor types to analyze the role of apCAFs in the tumor microenvironment. Results Our data revealed that apCAFs, likely originating mainly from normal fibroblast, are commonly found in different solid tumor types and generally are associated with anti-tumor effects. apCAFs may be associated with the activation of CD4+ effector T cells and potentially promote the survival of CD4+ effector T cells through the expression of C1Q molecules. Moreover, apCAFs exhibited highly enrichment of transcription factors RUNX3 and IKZF1, along with increased glycolytic metabolism. Conclusions Taken together, these findings offer novel insights into a deeper understanding of apCAFs and the potential therapeutic implications for apCAFs targeted immunotherapy in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Chen
- Shenshan Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shanwei, China
| | - Renhui Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingang Huang
- Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rhodes JD, Goldenring JR, Lee SH. Regulation of metaplasia and dysplasia in the stomach by the stromal microenvironment. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1322-1330. [PMID: 38825636 PMCID: PMC11263556 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01240-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Research on the microenvironment associated with gastric carcinogenesis has focused on cancers of the stomach and often underestimates premalignant stages such as metaplasia and dysplasia. Since epithelial interactions with T cells, macrophages, and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are indispensable for the formation of precancerous lesions in the stomach, understanding the cellular interactions that promote gastric precancer warrants further investigation. Although various types of immune cells have been shown to play important roles in gastric carcinogenesis, it remains unclear how stromal cells such as fibroblasts influence epithelial transformation in the stomach, especially during precancerous stages. Fibroblasts exist as distinct populations across tissues and perform different functions depending on the expression patterns of cell surface markers and secreted factors. In this review, we provide an overview of known microenvironmental components in the stroma with an emphasis on fibroblast subpopulations and their roles during carcinogenesis in tissues including breast, pancreas, and stomach. Additionally, we offer insights into potential targets of tumor-promoting fibroblasts and identify open areas of research related to fibroblast plasticity and the modulation of gastric carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared D Rhodes
- Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - James R Goldenring
- Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Nashville VA Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Su-Hyung Lee
- Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Section of Surgical Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Deng C, Li ZX, Xie CJ, Zhang QL, Hu BS, Wang MD, Mei J, Yang C, Zhong Z, Wang KW. Pan-cancer analysis of CDKN2A alterations identifies a subset of gastric cancer with a cold tumor immune microenvironment. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:55. [PMID: 38822443 PMCID: PMC11143690 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00615-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although CDKN2A alteration has been explored as a favorable factor for tumorigenesis in pan-cancers, the association between CDKN2A point mutation (MUT) and intragenic deletion (DEL) and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is still disputed. This study aims to determine the associations of CDKN2A MUT and DEL with overall survival (OS) and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment (ICIs) among pan-cancers and the clinical features of CDKN2A-altered gastric cancer. METHODS This study included 45,000 tumor patients that underwent tumor sequencing across 33 cancer types from four cohorts, the MSK-MetTropism, MSK-IMPACT, OrigiMed2020 and TCGA cohorts. Clinical outcomes and genomic factors associated with response to ICIs, including tumor mutational burden, copy number alteration, neoantigen load, microsatellite instability, tumor immune microenvironment and immune-related gene signatures, were collected in pan-cancer. Clinicopathologic features and outcomes were assessed in gastric cancer. Patients were grouped based on the presence of CDKN2A wild type (WT), CDKN2A MUT, CDKN2A DEL and CDKN2A other alteration (ALT). RESULTS Our research showed that CDKN2A-MUT patients had shorter survival times than CDKN2A-WT patients in the MSK MetTropism and TCGA cohorts, but longer OS in the MSK-IMPACT cohort with ICIs treatment, particularly in patients having metastatic disease. Similar results were observed among pan-cancer patients with CDKN2A DEL and other ALT. Notably, CDKN2A ALT frequency was positively related to tumor-specific objective response rates to ICIs in MSK MetTropism and OrigiMed 2020. Additionally, individuals with esophageal carcinoma or stomach adenocarcinoma who had CDKN2A MUT had poorer OS than patients from the MSK-IMPACT group, but not those with adenocarcinoma. We also found reduced levels of activated NK cells, T cells CD8 and M2 macrophages in tumor tissue from CDKN2A-MUT or DEL pan-cancer patients compared to CDKN2A-WT patients in TCGA cohort. Gastric cancer scRNA-seq data also showed that CDKN2A-ALT cancer contained less CD8 T cells but more exhausted T cells than CDKN2A-WT cancer. A crucial finding of the pathway analysis was the inhibition of three immune-related pathways in the CDKN2A ALT gastric cancer patients, including the interferon alpha response, inflammatory response, and interferon gamma response. CONCLUSIONS This study illustrates the CDKN2A MUT and DEL were associated with a poor outcome across cancers. CDKN2A ALT, on the other hand, have the potential to be used as a biomarker for choosing patients for ICI treatment, notably in esophageal carcinoma and stomach adenocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Deng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Rd, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zi-Xi Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Rd, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China
| | - Chen-Jun Xie
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Rd, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China
| | - Qing-Lin Zhang
- Departments of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ben-Shun Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mei-Dan Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Rd, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Rd, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China
| | - Zhangfeng Zhong
- Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, Macao SAR 999078, China.
| | - Ke-Wei Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, No. 1000, Hefeng Rd, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Huang LM, Zhang MJ. Kinesin 26B modulates M2 polarization of macrophage by activating cancer-associated fibroblasts to aggravate gastric cancer occurrence and metastasis. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2689-2708. [PMID: 38855156 PMCID: PMC11154681 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i20.2689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regulatory effects of KIF26B on gastric cancer (GC) have been confirmed, but the specific mechanism still needs further exploration. Pan-cancer analysis shows that the KIF26B expression is highly related to immune infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and CAFs promote macrophage M2 polarization and affect cancers' progression. AIM To investigate the regulatory functions of KIF26B on immune and metastasis of GC. METHODS We analyzed genes' mRNA levels by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels of target proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and Western blotting. We injected AGS cells into nude mice for the establishment of a xenograft tumor model and observed the occurrence and metastasis of GC. The degree of inflammatory infiltration in pulmonary nodes was observed through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed for the evaluation of cell invasion and migration ability. Tube formation assay was used for detecting angiogenesis. M2-polarized macrophages were estimated by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. RESULTS KIF26B was significantly overexpressed in cells and tissues of GC, and the higher expression of KIF26B was related to GC metastasis and prognosis. According to in vivo experiments, KIF26B promoted tumor formation and metastasis of GC. KIF26B expression was positively associated with CAFs' degree of infiltration. Moreover, CAFs could regulate M2-type polarization of macrophages, affecting GC cells' migration, angiogenesis, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. CONCLUSION KIF26B regulated M2 polarization of macrophage through activating CAFs, regulating the occurrence and metastasis of GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Meng Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The 901st Hospital of PLA, Hefei 230031, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ming-Jin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The 901st Hospital of PLA, Hefei 230031, Anhui Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liu Y, Han X, Han Y, Bi J, Wu Y, Xiang D, Zhang Y, Bi W, Xu M, Li J. Integrated transcriptomic analysis systematically reveals the heterogeneity and molecular characterization of cancer-associated fibroblasts in osteosarcoma. Gene 2024; 907:148286. [PMID: 38367852 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148286] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OS), with a peak incidence during the adolescent growth spurt, is correlated with poor prognosis for its high malignancy. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly complicated, with frequent interactions between tumor and stromal cells. The cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the TME have been considered to actively involve in the progression, metastasis, and drug resistance of OS. This study aimed to characterize cellular heterogeneity and molecular characterization in CAFs subtypes and explore the potential targeting therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis of OS patients. METHODS The single-cell atlas of human OS tumor lesions were constructed from the GEO database. Then significant marker genes and potential biological functions for each CAFs subtype were identified and explored using the Seurat R package. Next, by performing the survival analyses and constructing the risk scores for CAFs subtypes, we aimed to identify and characterize the prognostic values of specific marker genes and different CAFs subtypes. Furthermore, we explored the therapeutic targets and innovative drugs targeting different CAFs subtypes based on the GDSC database. Finally, prognoses related CAFs subtypes were further validated through immunohistochemistry (IHC) on clinical OS specimens. RESULTS Overall, nine main cell clusters and five subtypes of CAFs were identified. The differentially expressed marker genes for each CAFs clusters were then identified. Moreover, through Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, we defined the CAFs_2 (upregulated CXCL14 and C3), which was closely related to leukocyte migration and chemotaxis, as inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs). Likewise, we defined the CAFs_4 (upregulated CD74, HLA-DRA and HLA-DRB1), which was closely related to antigen process and presentation, as antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that CAFs_2 and CAFs_4 were correlated with poor clinical prognosis of OS patients. Meanwhile, therapeutic drugs targeting CAFs_2 and CAFs_4, such as 17-AAG/Docetaxel/Bleomycin and PHA-793887/NG-25/KIN001-102, were also explored, respectively. Finally, IHC assay confirmed the abundant CAFs_2 and CAFs_4 subtypes infiltration in the OS microenvironment compared with adjacent tissues. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the diversity, complexity, and heterogeneity of CAFs in OS, and complemented the single-cell atlas in OS TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China; Chinese PLA Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Center, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, China
| | - Xinli Han
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300074, China
| | - Yuchen Han
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Jingyou Bi
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yanan Wu
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Dongquan Xiang
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yinglong Zhang
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Wenzhi Bi
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300074, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Jianxiong Li
- Senior Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Guan R, Li C, Gu F, Li W, Wei D, Cao S, Chang F, Lei D. Single-cell transcriptomic landscape and the microenvironment of normal adjacent tissues in hypopharyngeal carcinoma. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:489. [PMID: 38760729 PMCID: PMC11100249 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10321-2] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cellular origin of hypopharyngeal diseases is crucial for further diagnosis and treatment, and the microenvironment in tissues may also be associated with specific cell types at the same time. Normal adjacent tissues (NATs) of hypopharyngeal carcinoma differ from non-tumor-bearing tissues, and can influenced by the tumor. However, the heterogeneity in kinds of disease samples remains little known, and the transcriptomic profile about biological information associated with disease occurrence and clinical outcome contained in it has yet to be fully evaluated. For these reasons, we should quickly investigate the taxonomic and transcriptomic information of NATs in human hypopharynx. RESULTS Single-cell suspensions of normal adjacent tissues (NATs) of hypopharyngeal carcinoma were obtained and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed. We present scRNA-seq data from 39,315 high-quality cells in the hypopharyngeal from five human donors, nine clusters of normal adjacent human hypopharyngeal cells were presented, including epithelial cells, endothelial cells (ECs), mononuclear phagocyte system cells (MPs), fibroblasts, T cells, plasma cells, B cells, mural cells and mast cells. Nonimmune components in the microenvironment, including epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and the subpopulations of them were performed. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide a solid basis for the study of single-cell landscape in human normal adjacent hypopharyngeal tissues biology and related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology (Shandong University), Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Shandong, 250012, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan , Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ce Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology (Shandong University), Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Fangmeng Gu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology (Shandong University), Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Wenming Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology (Shandong University), Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Dongmin Wei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology (Shandong University), Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shengda Cao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology (Shandong University), Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Fen Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology (Shandong University), Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Dapeng Lei
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology (Shandong University), Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 107 West Wenhua Road, Shandong, 250012, China.
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan , Shandong, 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kazakova AN, Lukina MM, Anufrieva KS, Bekbaeva IV, Ivanova OM, Shnaider PV, Slonov A, Arapidi GP, Shender VO. Exploring the diversity of cancer-associated fibroblasts: insights into mechanisms of drug resistance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1403122. [PMID: 38818409 PMCID: PMC11137237 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1403122] [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: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Among the various stromal cell types within the tumor microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) emerge as the predominant constituent, exhibiting a diverse array of oncogenic functions not intrinsic to normal fibroblasts. Their involvement spans across all stages of tumorigenesis, encompassing initiation, progression, and metastasis. Current understanding posits the coexistence of distinct subpopulations of CAFs within the tumor microenvironment across a spectrum of solid tumors, showcasing both pro- and antitumor activities. Recent advancements in single-cell transcriptomics have revolutionized our ability to meticulously dissect the heterogeneity inherent to CAF populations. Furthermore, accumulating evidence underscores the pivotal role of CAFs in conferring therapeutic resistance to tumors against various drug modalities. Consequently, efforts are underway to develop pharmacological agents specifically targeting CAFs. Methods: This review embarks on a comprehensive analysis, consolidating data from 36 independent single-cell RNA sequencing investigations spanning 17 distinct human malignant tumor types. Results: Our exploration centers on elucidating CAF population markers, discerning their prognostic relevance, delineating their functional contributions, and elucidating the underlying mechanisms orchestrating chemoresistance. Discussion: Finally, we deliberate on the therapeutic potential of harnessing CAFs as promising targets for intervention strategies in clinical oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia N. Kazakova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria M. Lukina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Ksenia S. Anufrieva
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Bekbaeva
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Olga M. Ivanova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina V. Shnaider
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Slonov
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgij P. Arapidi
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victoria O. Shender
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jalil SMA, Henry JC, Cameron AJM. Targets in the Tumour Matrisome to Promote Cancer Therapy Response. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1847. [PMID: 38791926 PMCID: PMC11119821 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of complex fibrillar proteins, proteoglycans, and macromolecules, generated by stromal, immune, and cancer cells. The components and organisation of the matrix evolves as tumours progress to invasive disease and metastasis. In many solid tumours, dense fibrotic ECM has been hypothesised to impede therapy response by limiting drug and immune cell access. Interventions to target individual components of the ECM, collectively termed the matrisome, have, however, revealed complex tumour-suppressor, tumour-promoter, and immune-modulatory functions, which have complicated clinical translation. The degree to which distinct components of the matrisome can dictate tumour phenotypes and response to therapy is the subject of intense study. A primary aim is to identify therapeutic opportunities within the matrisome, which might support a better response to existing therapies. Many matrix signatures have been developed which can predict prognosis, immune cell content, and immunotherapy responses. In this review, we will examine key components of the matrisome which have been associated with advanced tumours and therapy resistance. We have primarily focussed here on targeting matrisome components, rather than specific cell types, although several examples are described where cells of origin can dramatically affect tumour roles for matrix components. As we unravel the complex biochemical, biophysical, and intracellular transduction mechanisms associated with the ECM, numerous therapeutic opportunities will be identified to modify tumour progression and therapy response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Angus J. M. Cameron
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (S.M.A.J.); (J.C.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wei R, Song J, Pan H, Liu X, Gao J. CPT1C-positive cancer-associated fibroblast facilitates immunosuppression through promoting IL-6-induced M2-like phenotype of macrophage. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2352179. [PMID: 38746869 PMCID: PMC11093039 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2352179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exhibit remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity, with specific subsets implicated in immunosuppression in various malignancies. However, whether and how they attenuate anti-tumor immunity in gastric cancer (GC) remains elusive. CPT1C, a unique isoform of carnitine palmitoyltransferase pivotal in regulating fatty acid oxidation, is briefly indicated as a protumoral metabolic mediator in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of GC. In the present study, we initially identified specific subsets of fibroblasts exclusively overexpressing CPT1C, hereby termed them as CPT1C+CAFs. Subsequent findings indicated that CPT1C+CAFs fostered a stroma-enriched and immunosuppressive TME as they correlated with extracellular matrix-related molecular features and enrichment of both immunosuppressive subsets, especially M2-like macrophages, and multiple immune-related pathways. Next, we identified that CPT1C+CAFs promoted the M2-like phenotype of macrophage in vitro. Bioinformatic analyses unveiled the robust IL-6 signaling between CPT1C+CAFs and M2-like phenotype of macrophage and identified CPT1C+CAFs as the primary source of IL-6. Meanwhile, suppressing CPT1C expression in CAFs significantly decreased IL-6 secretion in vitro. Lastly, we demonstrated the association of CPT1C+CAFs with therapeutic resistance. Notably, GC patients with high CPT1C+CAFs infiltration responded poorly to immunotherapy in clinical cohort. Collectively, our data not only present the novel identification of CPT1C+CAFs as immunosuppressive subsets in TME of GC, but also reveal the underlying mechanism that CPT1C+CAFs impair tumor immunity by secreting IL-6 to induce the immunosuppressive M2-like phenotype of macrophage in GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongyuan Wei
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junquan Song
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongda Pan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianpeng Gao
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang S, Zhang W, Wu X, Zhu Z, Chen Y, Liu W, Xu J, Chen L, Zhuang C. Comprehensive analysis of T-cell regulatory factors and tumor immune microenvironment in stomach adenocarcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:570. [PMID: 38714987 PMCID: PMC11077837 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12302-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, the specific biomarkers used to predict the postoperative prognosis of patients with gastric cancer remain unknown. Recent research has shown that the tumor microenvironment (TME) has an increasingly positive effect on anti-tumor activity. This study aims to build signatures to study the effect of certain genes on gastric cancer. METHODS Expression profiles of 37 T cell-related genes and their TME characteristics were comprehensively analyzed. A risk signature was constructed and validated based on the screened T cell-related genes, and the roles of hub genes in GC were experimentally validated. RESULTS A novel T cell-related gene signature was constructed based on CD5, ABCA8, SERPINE2, ESM1, SERPINA5, and NMU. The high-risk group indicated lower overall survival (OS), poorer immune efficacy, and higher drug resistance, with SERPINE2 promoting GC cell proliferation, according to experiments. SERPINE2 and CXCL12 were significantly correlated, indicating poor OS via the Youjiang cohort. CONCLUSIONS This study identified T cell-related genes in patients with stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) for prognosis estimation and proposed potential immunotherapeutic targets for STAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuchang Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Weifeng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xinrui Wu
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuanbiao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Wangrui Liu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Junnfei Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
- Department of Nursing, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Chun Zhuang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhou Y, Liu S, Zheng Y, Wang Y, Zhou Y. The role of THBS1 and PDGFD in the immune microenvironment of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer. Arab J Gastroenterol 2024; 25:194-204. [PMID: 38705811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Immunotherapy has emerged as a hot topic in cancer treatment in recent years and has also shown potential in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer. However, there is still a need to identify potential immunotherapy targets. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used the GSE116312 dataset of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric cancer to identify differentially expressed genes, which were then overlapped with immune genes from the ImmPort database. The identified immune genes were used to classify gastric cancer samples and evaluate the relationship between classification and tumor mutations, as well as immune infiltration. An immune gene-based prognostic model was constructed, and the expression levels of the genes involved in constructing the model were explored in the tumor immune microenvironment. RESULTS We successfully identified 60 immune genes and classified gastric cancer samples into two subtypes, which showed differences in prognosis, tumor mutations, immune checkpoint expression, and immune cell infiltration. Subsequently, we constructed an immune prognostic model consisting of THBS1 and PDGFD, which showed significant associations with macrophages and fibroblasts. CONCLUSION We identified abnormal expression of THBS1 and PDGFD in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor immune microenvironment, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Geriatrics Gerontology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shixiong Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Geriatrics Gerontology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ya Zheng
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Yongning Zhou
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dong Y, Hu K, Zhang J, Zhu M, Liu M, Yuan Y, Sun X, Xu Z, Li S, Zhu Y, Zhang C, Zhang P, Liu T. ScRNA-seq of gastric cancer tissues reveals differences in the immune microenvironment of primary tumors and metastases. Oncogene 2024; 43:1549-1564. [PMID: 38555278 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03012-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Gastric carcinoma (GC) is regarded as one of the deadliest cancer characterized by diversity and haste metastasis and suffers limited understanding of the spatial variation between primary and metastatic GC tumors. In this project, transcriptome analysis on 46 primary tumorous, adjacent non-tumorous, and metastatic GC tissues was performed. The results demonstrated that metastatic tumorous tissues had diminished CD8+ T cells compared to primary tumors, which is mechanistically attributed to being due to innate immunity differences represented by marked differences in macrophages between metastatic and primary tumors, particularly those expressing ApoE, where their abundance is linked to unfavorable prognoses. Examining variations in gene expression and interactions indicated possible strategies of immune evasion hindering the growth of CD8+ T cells in metastatic tumor tissues. More insights could be gained into the immune evasion mechanisms by portraying information about the GC ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Keshu Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mengxuan Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mengling Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yitao Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhenghang Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Suyao Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanjing Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Tianshu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 20032, China.
- Center of Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kou Z, Liu C, Zhang W, Sun C, Liu L, Zhang Q. Heterogeneity of primary and metastatic CAFs: From differential treatment outcomes to treatment opportunities (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:54. [PMID: 38577950 PMCID: PMC11015919 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5642] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with primary tumor sites, metastatic sites appear more resistant to treatments and respond differently to the treatment regimen. It may be due to the heterogeneity in the microenvironment between metastatic sites and primary tumors. Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are widely present in the tumor stroma as key components of the tumor microenvironment. Primary tumor CAFs (pCAFs) and metastatic CAFs (mCAFs) are heterogeneous in terms of source, activation mode, markers and functional phenotypes. They can shape the tumor microenvironment according to organ, showing heterogeneity between primary tumors and metastases, which may affect the sensitivity of these sites to treatment. It was hypothesized that understanding the heterogeneity between pCAFs and mCAFs can provide a glimpse into the difference in treatment outcomes, providing new ideas for improving the rate of metastasis control in various cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixing Kou
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Cun Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa Island 999078, Macau SAR, P.R. China
| | - Changgang Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Traditional Chinese Hospital, Weifang, Shandong 621000, P.R. China
| | - Qiming Zhang
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
- Department of Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100007, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sun J, Du R, Li X, Liu C, Wang D, He X, Li G, Zhang K, Wang S, Hao Q, Zhang Y, Li M, Gao Y, Zhang C. CD63 + cancer-associated fibroblasts confer CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance to breast cancer cells by exosomal miR-20. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216747. [PMID: 38403110 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216747] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and CDK6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) have rapidly received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a new type of therapy for patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. However, with the widespread application of CDK4/6i, drug resistance has become a new challenge for clinical practice and has greatly limited the treatment effect. Here, the whole microenvironment landscape of ER+ breast cancer tumors was revealed through single-cell RNA sequencing, and a specific subset of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CD63+ CAFs) was identified as highly enriched in CDK4/6i resistant tumor tissues. Then, we found that CD63+ CAFs can distinctly promote resistance to CDK4/6i in breast cancer cells and tumor xenografts. In addition, it was discovered that miR-20 is markedly enriched in the CD63+ CAFs-derived exosomes, which are used to communicate with ER+ breast cancer cells, leading to CDK4/6i resistance. Furthermore, exosomal miR-20 could directly target the RB1 mRNA 3'UTR and negatively regulate RB1 expression to decrease CDK4/6i sensitivity in breast cancer cells. Most importantly, we designed and synthesized cRGD-miR-20 sponge nanoparticles and found that they can enhance the therapeutic effect of CDK4/6i in breast cancer. In summary, our findings reveal that CD63+ CAFs can promote CDK4/6i resistance via exosomal miR-20, which induces the downregulation of RB1 in breast cancer cells, and suggest that CD63+ CAFs may be a novel therapeutic target to enhance CDK4/6i sensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Ruoxin Du
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xiaoju Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China; Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing, 100850, PR China
| | - Chenlin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Donghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xiangmei He
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Guodong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Kuo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Shuning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Qiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yingqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China.
| | - Cun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Biotechnology Center, School of Pharmacy, The Fourth Military Medical University, 710032, Xi'an, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yamaguchi H, Miyazaki M. Heterocellular Adhesion in Cancer Invasion and Metastasis: Interactions between Cancer Cells and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1636. [PMID: 38730588 PMCID: PMC11082996 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer invasion is a requisite for the most malignant progression of cancer, that is, metastasis. The mechanisms of cancer invasion were originally studied using in vitro cell culture systems, in which cancer cells were cultured using artificial extracellular matrices (ECMs). However, conventional culture systems do not precisely recapitulate in vivo cancer invasion because the phenotypes of cancer cells in tumor tissues are strongly affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant cell type in the TME and accelerate cancer progression through invasion, metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune suppression. Thus, the reciprocal interactions between CAFs and cancer cells have been extensively studied, leading to the identification of factors that mediate cellular interactions, such as growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles. In addition, the importance of direct heterocellular adhesion between cancer cells and CAFs in cancer progression has recently been elucidated. In particular, CAFs are directly associated with cancer cells, allowing them to invade the ECM and metastasize to distant organs. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the direct heterocellular interaction in CAF-led cancer invasion and metastasis, with an emphasis on gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Yamaguchi
- Department of Cancer Cell Research, Sasaki Institute, Sasaki Foundation, 2-2 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062, Japan;
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li D, Huang P, Xia L, Leng W, Qin S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote gastric cancer cell proliferation by paracrine FGF2-driven ribosome biogenesis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111836. [PMID: 38479160 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111836] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived secretome plays critical roles in tumor progression by remodelling tumor microenvironment. Tumorigenesis is accompanied by the transformation of normal fibroblasts (NF) into CAF, leading to significant changes in their secretome. This work aims to identify the differential components of secretome between NFs and CAFs and reveal their functions in gastric cancer (GC). Firstly, our molecular typing studies and immune infiltration analysis showed that CAF infiltration level was increased and showed a significant association with clinical characteristics and poor prognosis of GC patients. Secondly, RNA-seq analysis revealed that a total of 1531 genes showed significant expression changes between NF and CAF. According to the annotation of the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, 147 genes encode secreted proteins, including FGF2. Particularly, the cell co-culture and RNA sequencing studies confirmed that exogenous recombinant FGF2 protein treatment promoted GC cell proliferation by enhancing ribosome biogenesis. The rescue assay showed that CAF-secreted FGF2 protein promotes GC cell growth and proliferation in a FGFR1-dependent manner. Our finding provides evidence that targeting blockade of CAF-derived FGF2 protein might be a promising treatment for GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Li
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Shiyan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Nanoformulation Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Pan Huang
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Lingyun Xia
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Weidong Leng
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China.
| | - Shanshan Qin
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China; Shiyan Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Nanoformulation Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Numakura S, Kato M, Uozaki H. Discovery of YS-1 as a cell line of gastric inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:542. [PMID: 38642200 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09442-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) was first identified by co-culture of pancreatic stellate cells and tumor organoids. The key feature of iCAFs is IL-6high/αSMAlow. We examine this phenomenon in gastric cancer using two cell lines of gastric fibroblasts (HGF and YS-1). METHODS AND RESULTS HGF or YS-1 were co-cultured with MKN7 (a gastric adenocarcinoma cell line) in Matrigel. IL-6 protein levels in the culture supernatant were measured by ELISA. The increased production of IL-6 was not observed in any of the combinations. Instead, the supernatant of YS-1 exhibited the higher levels of IL-6. YS-1 showed IL-6high/αSMA (ACTA2)low in real-time PCR, mRNA-seq and immunohistochemistry. In mRNA-seq, iCAFs-associated genes and signaling pathways were up-regulated in YS-1. No transition to myofibroblastic phenotype was observed by monolayer culture, or the exposure to sonic hedgehog (SHH) or TGF-β. YS-1 conditioned medium induced changes of morphology and stem-ness/differentiation in NUGC-3 (a human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line) and UBE6T-15 (a human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell line). CONCLUSIONS YS-1 is a stable cell line of gastric iCAFs. This discovery will promote further research on iCAFs for many researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoe Numakura
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Kato
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uozaki
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Gou Z, Li J, Liu J, Yang N. The hidden messengers: cancer associated fibroblasts-derived exosomal miRNAs as key regulators of cancer malignancy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1378302. [PMID: 38694824 PMCID: PMC11061421 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1378302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a class of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), play a key role in controlling cancer cell invasion and metastasis, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy. CAFs mediate their activities by secreting soluble chemicals, releasing exosomes, and altering the extracellular matrix (ECM). Exosomes contain various biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. microRNA (miRNA), a 22-26 nucleotide non-coding RNA, can regulate the cellular transcription processes. Studies have shown that miRNA-loaded exosomes secreted by CAFs engage in various regulatory communication networks with other TME constituents. This study focused on the roles of CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs in generating cancer malignant characteristics, including immune modulation, tumor growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and treatment resistance. This study thoroughly examines miRNA's dual regulatory roles in promoting and suppressing cancer. Thus, changes in the CAF-derived exosomal miRNAs can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients, and their specificity can be used to develop newer therapies. This review also discusses the pressing problems that require immediate attention, aiming to inspire researchers to explore more novel avenues in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixuan Gou
- Bethune First Clinical School of Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianming Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Liu Q, Yao F, Wu L, Xu T, Na J, Shen Z, Liu X, Shi W, Zhao Y, Liao Y. Heterogeneity and interplay: the multifaceted role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumor and therapeutic strategies. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03492-7. [PMID: 38602644 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The journey of cancer development is a multifaceted and staged process. The array of treatments available for cancer varies significantly, dictated by the disease's type and stage. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), prevalent across various cancer types and stages, play a pivotal role in tumor genesis, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The strategy of concurrently targeting cancer cells and CAFs holds great promise in cancer therapy. In this review, we focus intently on CAFs, delving into their critical role in cancer's progression. We begin by exploring the origins, classification, and surface markers of CAFs. Following this, we emphasize the key cytokines and signaling pathways involved in the interplay between cancer cells and CAFs and their influence on the tumor immune microenvironment. Additionally, we examine current therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs. This article underscores the multifarious roles of CAFs within the tumor microenvironment and their potential applications in cancer treatment, highlighting their importance as key targets in overcoming drug resistance and enhancing the efficacy of tumor therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Fei Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Liangliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Tianyuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jintong Na
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Zhen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yongxiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Yuan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Huang Q, Ge Y, He Y, Wu J, Tong Y, Shang H, Liu X, Ba X, Xia D, Peng E, Chen Z, Tang K. The Application of Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3333-3365. [PMID: 38617796 PMCID: PMC11012801 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s447350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially in solid tumors. It has been confirmed that it can not only interact with tumor cells to promote cancer progression and metastasis, but also affect the infiltration and function of immune cells to induce chemotherapy and immunotherapy resistance. So, targeting CAF has been considered an important method in cancer treatment. The rapid development of nanotechnology provides a good perspective to improve the efficiency of targeting CAF. At present, more and more researches have focused on the application of nanoparticles (NPs) in targeting CAF. These studies explored the effects of different types of NPs on CAF and the multifunctional nanomedicines that can eliminate CAF are able to enhance the EPR effect which facilitate the anti-tumor effect of themselves. There also exist amounts of studies focusing on using NPs to inhibit the activation and function of CAF to improve the therapeutic efficacy. The application of NPs targeting CAF needs to be based on an understanding of CAF biology. Therefore, in this review, we first summarized the latest progress of CAF biology, then discussed the types of CAF-targeting NPs and the main strategies in the current. The aim is to elucidate the application of NPs in targeting CAF and provide new insights for engineering nanomedicine to enhance immune response in cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Ge
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Tong
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haojie Shang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaozhuo Ba
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ding Xia
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ejun Peng
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ren L, Huang D, Liu H, Ning L, Cai P, Yu X, Zhang Y, Luo N, Lin H, Su J, Zhang Y. Applications of single‑cell omics and spatial transcriptomics technologies in gastric cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:152. [PMID: 38406595 PMCID: PMC10885005 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14285] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a prominent contributor to global cancer-related mortalities, and a deeper understanding of its molecular characteristics and tumor heterogeneity is required. Single-cell omics and spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies have revolutionized cancer research by enabling the exploration of cellular heterogeneity and molecular landscapes at the single-cell level. In the present review, an overview of the advancements in single-cell omics and ST technologies and their applications in GC research is provided. Firstly, multiple single-cell omics and ST methods are discussed, highlighting their ability to offer unique insights into gene expression, genetic alterations, epigenomic modifications, protein expression patterns and cellular location in tissues. Furthermore, a summary is provided of key findings from previous research on single-cell omics and ST methods used in GC, which have provided valuable insights into genetic alterations, tumor diagnosis and prognosis, tumor microenvironment analysis, and treatment response. In summary, the application of single-cell omics and ST technologies has revealed the levels of cellular heterogeneity and the molecular characteristics of GC, and holds promise for improving diagnostics, personalized treatments and patient outcomes in GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Ren
- School of Healthcare Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611844, P.R. China
| | - Danni Huang
- Department of Radiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou People's Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570208, P.R. China
| | - Hongjiang Liu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Aba Teachers College, Aba, Sichuan 624099, P.R. China
| | - Lin Ning
- School of Healthcare Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611844, P.R. China
| | - Peiling Cai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610106, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Yu
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Material Science and Engineering Institute of Hainan University, Sanya, Hainan 572025, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, P.R. China
| | - Nanchao Luo
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Aba Teachers College, Aba, Sichuan 624099, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
| | - Jinsong Su
- Research Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, P.R. China
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- School of Healthcare Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611844, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Awuah WA, Roy S, Tan JK, Adebusoye FT, Qiang Z, Ferreira T, Ahluwalia A, Shet V, Yee ALW, Abdul‐Rahman T, Papadakis M. Exploring the current landscape of single-cell RNA sequencing applications in gastric cancer research. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18159. [PMID: 38494861 PMCID: PMC10945075 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18159] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) represents a major global health burden and is responsible for a significant number of cancer-related fatalities. Its complex nature, characterized by heterogeneity and aggressive behaviour, poses considerable challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as an important technique, offering unprecedented precision and depth in gene expression profiling at the cellular level. By facilitating the identification of distinct cell populations, rare cells and dynamic transcriptional changes within GC, scRNA-seq has yielded valuable insights into tumour progression and potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, this technology has significantly improved our comprehension of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and its intricate interplay with immune cells, thereby opening avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies. Nonetheless, certain obstacles, including tumour heterogeneity and technical limitations, persist in the field. Current endeavours are dedicated to refining protocols and computational tools to surmount these challenges. In this narrative review, we explore the significance of scRNA-seq in GC, emphasizing its advantages, challenges and potential applications in unravelling tumour heterogeneity and identifying promising therapeutic targets. Additionally, we discuss recent developments, ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges, and future prospects. Although further enhancements are required, scRNA-seq has already provided valuable insights into GC and holds promise for advancing biomedical research and clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sakshi Roy
- School of MedicineQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | | | | | - Zekai Qiang
- Department of Oncology & MetabolismThe University of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Tomas Ferreira
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | - Vallabh Shet
- Faculty of MedicineBangalore Medical College and Research InstituteBangaloreKarnatakaIndia
| | | | | | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten‐HerdeckeUniversity of Witten‐HerdeckeWuppertalGermany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Xu J, Yu B, Wang F, Yang J. Xenograft and organoid models in developing precision medicine for gastric cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:41. [PMID: 38390969 PMCID: PMC10919760 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5629] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC), a highly heterogeneous disease, has diverse histological and molecular subtypes. For precision medicine, well‑characterized models encompassing the full spectrum of subtypes are necessary. Patient‑derived tumor xenografts and organoids serve as important preclinical models in GC research. The main advantage of these models is the retention of phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity present in parental tumor tissues. Utilizing diverse sequencing techniques and preclinical models for GC research facilitates accuracy in predicting personalized clinical responses to anti‑cancer treatments. The present review summarizes the latest advances of these two preclinical models in GC treatment and drug response assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Xu
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Bixin Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jin Yang
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
- Phase I Clinical Trial Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
- Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang L, Zhang Y, Li H, Peng J, Gao C, Yu Q, Gao P, Li L, Chen K, Ye F. Identification of an immune-related signature as a prognostic classifier for patients with early-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:1367-1381. [PMID: 38617526 PMCID: PMC11009812 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-1791] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common type and accounts for 90% of all head and neck cancer cases. Despite advances in early diagnosis and treatment strategies-chemotherapy, surgical resection, and radiotherapy-5-year survival remains grim. For patients with early-stage HNSCC, accurately predicting clinical outcomes is challenging. Considering the pivotal role of the immune system in HNSCC, we developed a reliable immune-related gene signature (IRGS) and explored its predictive accuracy in patients with early-stage HNSCC. Methods We examined immune gene expression profiles and clinical information from 230 early-stage HNSCC specimens, including 100 cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), 49 cases from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO; GSE65858), and 81 cases from an independent clinical cohort. The prognostic signature was constructed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox algorithm. We also explored the IRGS-related biological pathways and immune landscape using bioinformatics analysis. Results A nine-immune-gene signature was generated to significantly stratify patients into high and low-risk groups. High risk patients exhibited shorter survival time [hazard ratio (HR) =13.795, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.275-58.109, P<0.001]. The signature demonstrated robust prognostic ability in the training and validation sets and could independently predict overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Subsequently, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and C-index confirmed the signature's predictive accuracy compared to clinical parameters. Additionally, cases classified as low risk showed more immune cell infiltration than high-risk cases. Conclusions Our novel IRGS is a reliable and robust classifier for accurate patient stratification and prognostic evaluation. Future studies will attempt to affirm the signature's clinical application to early-stage HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongmin Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jilin Peng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Changhui Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiuning Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pei Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kuisheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fanglei Ye
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Liu ZL, Meng XY, Bao RJ, Shen MY, Sun JJ, Chen WD, Liu F, He Y. Single cell deciphering of progression trajectories of the tumor ecosystem in head and neck cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2595. [PMID: 38519500 PMCID: PMC10959966 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46912-6] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and has high heterogeneity and unsatisfactory outcomes. To better characterize the tumor progression trajectory, we perform single-cell RNA sequencing of normal tissue, precancerous tissue, early-stage, advanced-stage cancer tissue, lymph node, and recurrent tumors tissue samples. We identify the transcriptional development trajectory of malignant epithelial cells and a tumorigenic epithelial subcluster regulated by TFDP1. Furthermore, we find that the infiltration of POSTN+ fibroblasts and SPP1+ macrophages gradually increases with tumor progression; their interaction or interaction with malignant cells also gradually increase to shape the desmoplastic microenvironment and reprogram malignant cells to promote tumor progression. Additionally, we demonstrate that during lymph node metastasis, exhausted CD8+ T cells with high CXCL13 expression strongly interact with tumor cells to acquire more aggressive phenotypes of extranodal expansion. Finally, we delineate the distinct features of malignant epithelial cells in primary and recurrent tumors, providing a theoretical foundation for the precise selection of targeted therapy for tumors at different stages. In summary, the current study offers a comprehensive landscape and deep insight into epithelial and microenvironmental reprogramming throughout initiation, progression, lymph node metastasis and recurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z L Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - X Y Meng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - R J Bao
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - M Y Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - J J Sun
- Department of Oral Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - W D Chen
- Novel Bioinformatics Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - F Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Y He
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zhou D, Zheng L. Recent advances in cancer-associated fibroblast: Biomarkers, signaling pathways, and therapeutic opportunities. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:638-650. [PMID: 38420743 PMCID: PMC10950138 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003031] [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: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Anti-cancer therapies usually focus on tumor cells, but non-tumor stromal components in the tumor microenvironment also play vital roles in tumor initiation and progression, which may be the prognostic factors and potential therapeutic targets. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the essential component in the tumor environment, exhibiting high heterogeneity in their cell origin and phenotype with diverse functions that influence tumor angiogenesis, immune systems, and metabolism. Single-cell RNA sequencing and genetically engineered mouse models have increased our understanding of CAF diversity, and many subtypes have been defined. However, the precise functions of these subtypes need to be studied and validated. Studies of signaling pathways and epigenetic changes in CAFs facilitate understanding of the phenotypes of CAFs and the crosstalk between tumor cells and CAFs to provide potential therapeutic targets. Some clinical trials, including phase III trials targeting CAFs, have been performed recently. However, few of these trials have generated promising results, which indicates that the complexity of CAFs in the tumor microenvironment remains largely unknown, and in-depth investigations of CAFs should be performed. This review summarizes the research on CAFs, focusing on the heterogeneity of their phenotypes and functions, specific signaling pathways, and the therapeutic strategies involving CAFs. Additionally, we briefly discuss the current technologies commonly used in CAF studies and describe the challenges and future perspectives of CAF research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donger Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Skip Viragh Pancreatic Cancer Center for Clinical Research and Care, and The Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Immunotherapy at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ozmen E, Demir TD, Ozcan G. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: protagonists of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1340124. [PMID: 38562556 PMCID: PMC10982390 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1340124] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced knowledge of the interaction of cancer cells with their environment elucidated the critical role of tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and chemoresistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts act as the protagonists of the tumor microenvironment, fostering the metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance of cancer cells and attenuating the anti-cancer immune responses. Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers in the clinic, refractory to anti-cancer therapies. Growing evidence indicates that cancer-associated fibroblasts are the most prominent risk factors for a poor tumor immune microenvironment and dismal prognosis in gastric cancer. Therefore, targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts may be central to surpassing resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics, molecular-targeted agents, and immunotherapies, improving survival in gastric cancer. However, the heterogeneity in cancer-associated fibroblasts may complicate the development of cancer-associated fibroblast targeting approaches. Although single-cell sequencing studies started dissecting the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts, the research community should still answer these questions: "What makes a cancer-associated fibroblast protumorigenic?"; "How do the intracellular signaling and the secretome of different cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations differ from each other?"; and "Which cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes predominate specific cancer types?". Unveiling these questions can pave the way for discovering efficient cancer-associated fibroblast targeting strategies. Here, we review current knowledge and perspectives on these questions, focusing on how CAFs induce aggressiveness and therapy resistance in gastric cancer. We also review potential therapeutic approaches to prevent the development and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts via inhibition of CAF inducers and CAF markers in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ece Ozmen
- Koç University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Tevriz Dilan Demir
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gulnihal Ozcan
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Han F, Chen S, Zhang K, Zhang K, Wang M, Wang P. Single-cell transcriptomic sequencing data reveal aberrant DNA methylation in SMAD3 promoter region in tumor-associated fibroblasts affecting molecular mechanism of radiosensitivity in non-small cell lung cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:288. [PMID: 38493128 PMCID: PMC10944599 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05057-2] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often exhibits resistance to radiotherapy, posing significant treatment challenges. This study investigates the role of SMAD3 in NSCLC, focusing on its potential in influencing radiosensitivity via the ITGA6/PI3K/Akt pathway. METHODS The study utilized gene expression data from the GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes related to radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC. Using the GSE37745 dataset, prognostic genes were identified through Cox regression and survival analysis. Functional roles of target genes were explored using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and co-expression analyses. Gene promoter methylation levels were assessed using databases like UALCAN, DNMIVD, and UCSC Xena, while the TISCH database provided insights into the correlation between target genes and CAFs. Experiments included RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry on NSCLC patient samples, in vitro studies on isolated CAFs cells, and in vivo nude mouse tumor models. RESULTS Fifteen key genes associated with radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC cells were identified. SMAD3 was recognized as an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC, linked to poor patient outcomes. High expression of SMAD3 was correlated with low DNA methylation in its promoter region and was enriched in CAFs. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that SMAD3 promotes radiotherapy resistance by activating the ITGA6/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION High expression of SMAD3 in NSCLC tissues, cells, and CAFs is closely associated with poor prognosis and increased radiotherapy resistance. SMAD3 is likely to enhance radiotherapy resistance in NSCLC cells by activating the ITGA6/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fushi Han
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 389, Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Kangwei Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 389, Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Kunming Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China
| | - Peijun Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 389, Xincun Road, Putuo District, Shanghai, 200065, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Medical Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Han PZ, Ye WD, Yu PC, Tan LC, Shi X, Chen XF, He C, Hu JQ, Wei WJ, Lu ZW, Qu N, Wang Y, Ji QH, Ji DM, Wang YL. A distinct tumor microenvironment makes anaplastic thyroid cancer more lethal but immunotherapy sensitive than papillary thyroid cancer. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e173712. [PMID: 38478516 PMCID: PMC11141884 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173712] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Both anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) originate from thyroid follicular epithelial cells, but ATC has a significantly worse prognosis and shows resistance to conventional therapies. However, clinical trials found that immunotherapy works better in ATC than late-stage PTC. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) to generate a single-cell atlas of thyroid cancer. Differences in ATC and PTC tumor microenvironment components (including malignant cells, stromal cells, and immune cells) leading to the polarized prognoses were identified. Intriguingly, we found that CXCL13+ T lymphocytes were enriched in ATC samples and might promote the development of early tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS). Last, murine experiments and scRNA-Seq analysis of a treated patient's tumor demonstrated that famitinib plus anti-PD-1 antibody could advance TLS in thyroid cancer. We displayed the cellular landscape of ATC and PTC, finding that CXCL13+ T cells and early TLS might make ATC more sensitive to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Zhen Han
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Dong Ye
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Yu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Cheng Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao Shi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Feng Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong He
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Qian Hu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Wei
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong-Wu Lu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Qu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing-Hai Ji
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Mei Ji
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Long Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Xu K, Wang H, Zou Y, Zhang H, Wang Y, Ren X, Wang H, Xu Y, Li J, Tang H, He C, Wei S, Tian T, Li L, Zhou H, Xu L, Fang J, Guo C, Yang J, Zhou Y, Zhang Z, Pan Y. Distinct fibroblast subpopulations associated with bone, brain or intrapulmonary metastasis in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1605. [PMID: 38445456 PMCID: PMC10915739 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1605] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone or brain metastases may develop in 20-40% of individuals with late-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), resulting in a median overall survival of only 4-6 months. However, the primary lung cancer tissue's distinctions between bone, brain and intrapulmonary metastases of NSCLC at the single-cell level have not been underexplored. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 14 tissue biopsy samples obtained from treatment-naïve advanced NSCLC patients with bone (n = 4), brain (n = 6) or intrapulmonary (n = 4) metastasis using single-cell sequencing originating from the lungs. Following quality control and the removal of doublets, a total of 80 084 cells were successfully captured. RESULTS The most significant inter-group differences were observed in the fraction and function of fibroblasts. We identified three distinct cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) subpopulations: myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF), inflammatory CAF (iCAF) and antigen-presenting CAF (apCAF). Notably, apCAF was prevalent in NSCLC with bone metastasis, while iCAF dominated in NSCLC with brain metastasis. Intercellular signalling network analysis revealed that apCAF may play a role in bone metastasis by activating signalling pathways associated with cancer stemness, such as SPP1-CD44 and SPP1-PTGER4. Conversely, iCAF was found to promote brain metastasis by activating invasion and metastasis-related molecules, such as MET hepatocyte growth factor. Furthermore, the interaction between CAFs and tumour cells influenced T-cell exhaustion and signalling pathways within the tumour microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS This study unveils the direct interplay between tumour cells and CAFs in NSCLC with bone or brain metastasis and identifies potential therapeutic targets for inhibiting metastasis by disrupting these critical cell-cell interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yu‐Xia Zou
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Huan‐Huan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yue‐Nan Wang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Xue‐Ru Ren
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Han‐Qi Wang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Ye‐Hong Xu
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Jia‐Jun Li
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Cheng He
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Song Wei
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Lai‐Lin Li
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Lin‐Juan Xu
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Jing‐Wen Fang
- Department of OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
- HanGene Biotech, Xiaoshan Innovation PolisHangzhouChina
| | - Chuang Guo
- Department of OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
- HanGene Biotech, Xiaoshan Innovation PolisHangzhouChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Jia‐Xuan Yang
- HanGene Biotech, Xiaoshan Innovation PolisHangzhouChina
| | - You‐Yang Zhou
- HanGene Biotech, Xiaoshan Innovation PolisHangzhouChina
| | - Zhi‐Hong Zhang
- Department of Respiratory OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Yue‐Yin Pan
- Department of OncologyDivision of Life Sciences and Medicinethe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wang B, Song B, Li Y, Zhao Q, Tan B. Mapping spatial heterogeneity in gastric cancer microenvironment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116317. [PMID: 38382329 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116317] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is difficult to characterize due to its heterogeneity, and the complicated heterogeneity leads to the difficulty of precisely targeted therapy. The spatially heterogeneous composition plays a crucial role in GC onset, progression, treatment efficacy, and drug resistance. In recent years, the technological advancements in spatial omics has shifted our understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) from cancer-centered model to a dynamic and variant whole. In this review, we concentrated on the spatial heterogeneity within the primary lesions and between the primary and metastatic lesions of GC through the TME heterogeneity including the tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), the uniquely spatial organization. Meanwhile, the immune phenotype based on spatial distribution was also outlined. Furthermore, we recapitulated the clinical treatment in mediating spatial heterogeneity in GC, hoping to provide a systematic view of how spatial information could be integrated into anti-cancer immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingyu Wang
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Buyun Song
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Yong Li
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Qun Zhao
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
| | - Bibo Tan
- The Third Department of Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Comprehensive Treatment of Gastric Cancer, Shijiazhuang 050011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Chen Y, Wang B, Zhao Y, Shao X, Wang M, Ma F, Yang L, Nie M, Jin P, Yao K, Song H, Lou S, Wang H, Yang T, Tian Y, Han P, Hu Z. Metabolomic machine learning predictor for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1657. [PMID: 38395893 PMCID: PMC10891053 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46043-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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) represents a significant burden of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscoring an urgent need for the development of early detection strategies and precise postoperative interventions. However, the identification of non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and patient risk stratification remains underexplored. Here, we conduct a targeted metabolomics analysis of 702 plasma samples from multi-center participants to elucidate the GC metabolic reprogramming. Our machine learning analysis reveals a 10-metabolite GC diagnostic model, which is validated in an external test set with a sensitivity of 0.905, outperforming conventional methods leveraging cancer protein markers (sensitivity < 0.40). Additionally, our machine learning-derived prognostic model demonstrates superior performance to traditional models utilizing clinical parameters and effectively stratifies patients into different risk groups to guide precision interventions. Collectively, our findings reveal the metabolic landscape of GC and identify two distinct biomarker panels that enable early detection and prognosis prediction respectively, thus facilitating precision medicine in GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangzi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Bohong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yizi Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xinxin Shao
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Mingshuo Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Fuhai Ma
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
- Department of General Surgery, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Laishou Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Meng Nie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Peng Jin
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Ke Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Haibin Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shenghan Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hang Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Tianshu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Qi Zhi Institute, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yantao Tian
- National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Peng Han
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China.
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology in Heilongjiang, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Zeping Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Piwocka O, Piotrowski I, Suchorska WM, Kulcenty K. Dynamic interactions in the tumor niche: how the cross-talk between CAFs and the tumor microenvironment impacts resistance to therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1343523. [PMID: 38455762 PMCID: PMC10918473 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1343523] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix components that profoundly influence cancer progression. Among the key players in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increasing attention for their diverse and influential roles. CAFs are activated fibroblasts found abundantly within the TME of various cancer types. CAFs contribute significantly to tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and modulating immune cell infiltration. In order to influence the microenvironment, CAFs engage in cross-talk with immune cells, cancer cells, and other stromal components through paracrine signaling and direct cell-cell interactions. This cross-talk can result in immunosuppression, tumor cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, contributing to disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that CAFs play a crucial role in therapy resistance, including resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CAFs can modulate the tumor response to treatment by secreting factors that promote drug efflux, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and suppress apoptosis pathways. This paper aims to understand the multifaceted functions of CAFs within the TME, discusses cross-talk between CAFs with other TME cells, and sheds light on the contibution of CAFs to therapy resistance. Targeting CAFs or disrupting their cross-talk with other cells holds promise for overcoming drug resistance and improving the treatment efficacy of various cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Piwocka
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Igor Piotrowski
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria M. Suchorska
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|