1
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Cheng MH, Way R, Fresa K, Catandi GD, Carnevale E, Chicco AJ, Chen TW. IMSIS: An instrumented microphysiological system with integrated sensors for monitoring cellular metabolic activities. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 263:116595. [PMID: 39098284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116595] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Well plates are widely used in biological experiments, particularly in pharmaceutical sciences and cell biology. Its popularity stems from its versatility to support a variety of fluorescent markers for high throughput monitoring of cellular activities. However, using fluorescent markers in traditional well plates has its own challenges, namely, they can be potentially toxic to cells, and thus, may perturb their biological functions; and it is difficult to monitor multiple analytes concurrently and in real-time inside each well. This paper presents a fully instrumented microphysiological system with integrated sensors (IMSIS) with a similar well format. Each well in the microphysiological system has a set of sensors for monitoring multiple metabolic analytes in real-time. The IMSIS platform is supported by integrated bioelectronic circuits and a graphical user interface for easy user configuration and monitoring. The system has integrated microfluidics to maintain its microphysiological environment within each well. The IMSIS platform currently incorporates O2, H2O2, and pH sensors inside each well, allowing up to six wells to perform concurrent measurements in real-time. Furthermore, the architecture is scalable to achieve an even higher level of throughput. The miniaturized design ensures portability, suitable for small offices and field applications. The IMSIS platform was successfully used to monitor in real-time the mitochondrial functions of live bovine embryos in O2 consumption, H2O2 release as an indication of ROS production, and extracellular acidity changes before and after the introduction of external substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hao Cheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Ryan Way
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Kyle Fresa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Giovana D Catandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Elaine Carnevale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Adam J Chicco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Thomas W Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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2
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Rolver MG, Severin M, Pedersen SF. Regulation of cancer cell lipid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation by microenvironmental acidosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C869-C883. [PMID: 39099426 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00429.2024] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The expansion of cancer cell mass in solid tumors generates a harsh environment characterized by dynamically varying levels of acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deprivation. Because acidosis inhibits glycolytic metabolism and hypoxia inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, cancer cells that survive and grow in these environments must rewire their metabolism and develop a high degree of metabolic plasticity to meet their energetic and biosynthetic demands. Cancer cells frequently upregulate pathways enabling the uptake and utilization of lipids and other nutrients derived from dead or recruited stromal cells, and in particular lipid uptake is strongly enhanced in acidic microenvironments. The resulting lipid accumulation and increased reliance on β-oxidation and mitochondrial metabolism increase susceptibility to oxidative stress, lipotoxicity, and ferroptosis, in turn driving changes that may mitigate such risks. The spatially and temporally heterogeneous tumor microenvironment thus selects for invasive, metabolically flexible, and resilient cancer cells capable of exploiting their local conditions and of seeking out more favorable surroundings. This phenotype relies on the interplay between metabolism, acidosis, and oncogenic mutations, driving metabolic signaling pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Understanding the particular vulnerabilities of such cells may uncover novel therapeutic liabilities of the most aggressive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michala G Rolver
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Severin
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine F Pedersen
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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3
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Mohamadi S, Mehrasa P, Mehramuz B, Kobravi S, Taghizadieh M, Salmaninejad A, Bayat M, Sadri Nahand J. The tumor microenvironment's gambit: Exosomal pawns on the board of head and neck cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189189. [PMID: 39343066 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189189] [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: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) harbors a hidden universe of interactions that profoundly shape the behavior of head and neck cancers (HNCs). HNCs are not merely localized afflictions; they constitute a pressing global health crisis that impacts millions, frequently resulting in severe prognoses due to late-stage diagnosis and intrinsic resistance to conventional therapies. In this intricate interplay, cancer cells function as strategic players, adeptly manipulating their microenvironment to foster proliferation, evade immune detection, and withstand therapeutic interventions. Central to this dynamic play are exosomes, the enigmatic pawns of cellular communication, carrying vital messages across the board. This review elucidates the multifaceted roles of exosomes within the TME, highlighting their capacity to transmit critical signals that not only promote tumor progression but also modulate immune responses, ultimately playing a crucial role in the evolving narrative of HNC. Our insights aim to catalyze further research and exploration into exosome-targeted therapies, potentially transforming the landscape of HNC treatment and improving clinical outcomes in this formidable battle against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solmaz Mohamadi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parisa Mehrasa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahareh Mehramuz
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Sina Educational, Research and Treatment Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepehr Kobravi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghizadieh
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Arash Salmaninejad
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mobina Bayat
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 15731 Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Javid Sadri Nahand
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 15731 Tabriz, Iran.
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4
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Limonta P, Marchesi S, Giannitti G, Casati L, Fontana F. The biological function of extracellular vesicles in prostate cancer and their clinical application as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10210-w. [PMID: 39316264 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10210-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies and main causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is characterized by high heterogeneity, ranging from slow-growing tumor to metastatic disease. Since both therapy selection and outcome strongly rely on appropriate patient stratification, it is crucial to differentiate benign from more aggressive conditions using new and improved diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coated particles carrying a specific biological cargo composed of nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites. Here, we provide an overview of the role of EVs in PCa, focusing on both their biological function and clinical value. Specifically, we summarize the oncogenic role of EVs in mediating the interactions with PCa microenvironment as well as the horizontal transfer of metastatic traits and drug resistance between PCa cells. Furthermore, we discuss the potential usage of EVs as innovative tools for PCa diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Limonta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Marchesi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Giannitti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lavinia Casati
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Fontana
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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5
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Bhavsar V, Sahu A, Taware R. Stress-induced extracellular vesicles: insight into their altered proteomic composition and probable physiological role in cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-05121-x. [PMID: 39302488 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05121-x] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
EVs (extracellular vesicles) are phospholipid bilayer vesicles that can be released by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in normal as well as altered physiological conditions. These vesicles also termed as signalosomes, possess a distinctive cargo comprising nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, enabling them to play a pivotal role in both local and long-distance intercellular communication. The composition, origin, and release of EVs can be influenced by different physiological conditions and a variety of stress factors, consequently affecting the contents carried within these vesicles. Therefore, identifying the modified contents of EVs can provide valuable insights into their functional role in stress-triggered communication. Particularly, this is important when EVs released from tumor microenvironment are investigated for their role in the development and dissemination of cancer. This review article emphasizes the importance of differential EV shedding and altered proteomic content in response to reduced oxygen concentration, altered levels of glucose and glutamine, pH variations, oxidative stress and Ca2+ ion concertation and it is subsequent effects on the behavior of recipient cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaidehi Bhavsar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Ashish Sahu
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Ravindra Taware
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
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Liu X, Hyun Kim J, Li X, Liu R. Application of mesenchymal stem cells exosomes as nanovesicles delivery system in the treatment of breast cancer. Int J Pharm 2024; 666:124732. [PMID: 39304093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
As people's living standards continue to improve and human life span expectancy increases, the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer are continuously rising. Early detection of breast cancer and targeted therapy for different breast cancer subtypes can significantly reduce the mortality rate and alleviate the suffering of patients. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted by various cells in the body. They participate in physiological and pathological responses by releasing active substances and play an important role in regulating intercellular communication. In recent years, research on exosomes has gradually expanded, and their special membrane structure and targetable characteristics are being increasingly applied in various clinical studies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes play an important role in regulating the progression of breast cancer. In this review, we summarize the current treatment methods for breast cancer, the connection between MSCs, exosomes, and breast cancer, as well as the application of exosomes derived from MSCs from different sources in cancer treatment. We highlight how the rational design of modified MSCs-derived exosomes (MSCs-Exos) delivery systems can overcome the uncertainties of stem cell therapy and overcome the clinical translation challenges of nanomaterials. This work aims to promote future research on the application of MSCs-Exos in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong 18323, Republic of Korea; Collaborative Innovation Center of Tumor Marker Detection Technology, Equipment and Diagnosis-Therapy Integration in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, China
| | - June Hyun Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong 18323, Republic of Korea
| | - Xuemei Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tumor Marker Detection Technology, Equipment and Diagnosis-Therapy Integration in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Makers, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, China.
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Engineering, The University of Suwon, Hwaseong 18323, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Jonker PB, Muir A. Metabolic ripple effects - deciphering how lipid metabolism in cancer interfaces with the tumor microenvironment. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050814. [PMID: 39284708 PMCID: PMC11423921 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050814] [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] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells require a constant supply of lipids. Lipids are a diverse class of hydrophobic molecules that are essential for cellular homeostasis, growth and survival, and energy production. How tumors acquire lipids is under intensive investigation, as these mechanisms could provide attractive therapeutic targets for cancer. Cellular lipid metabolism is tightly regulated and responsive to environmental stimuli. Thus, lipid metabolism in cancer is heavily influenced by the tumor microenvironment. In this Review, we outline the mechanisms by which the tumor microenvironment determines the metabolic pathways used by tumors to acquire lipids. We also discuss emerging literature that reveals that lipid availability in the tumor microenvironment influences many metabolic pathways in cancers, including those not traditionally associated with lipid biology. Thus, metabolic changes instigated by the tumor microenvironment have 'ripple' effects throughout the densely interconnected metabolic network of cancer cells. Given the interconnectedness of tumor metabolism, we also discuss new tools and approaches to identify the lipid metabolic requirements of cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and characterize how these requirements influence other aspects of tumor metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick B Jonker
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alexander Muir
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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8
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Jia S, Bode AM, Chen X, Luo X. Unlocking the potential: Targeting metabolic pathways in the tumor microenvironment for Cancer therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189166. [PMID: 39111710 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Cancer incidence and mortality are increasing and impacting global life expectancy. Metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is intimately related to tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis and drug resistance. Tumor cells drive metabolic reprogramming of other cells in the TME through metabolic induction of cytokines and metabolites, and metabolic substrate competition. Consequently, this boosts tumor cell growth by providing metabolic support and facilitating immunosuppression and angiogenesis. The metabolic interplay in the TME presents potential therapeutic targets. Here, we focus on the metabolic reprogramming of four principal cell subsets in the TME: CAFs, TAMs, TILs and TECs, and their interaction with tumor cells. We also summarize medications and therapies targeting these cells' metabolic pathways, particularly in the context of immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Jia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Xue Chen
- Early Clinical Trial Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
| | - Xiangjian Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oncotarget Gene, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Invasion, Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.
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9
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Hong Y, Yang J, Liu X, Huang S, Liang T, Bai X. Deciphering extracellular vesicles protein cargo in pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189142. [PMID: 38914240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189142] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge as it is frequently diagnosed at advanced inoperable stages. Therefore, the development of a reliable screening tool for PDAC is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), characterized by their cup-shaped lipid bilayer structure and ubiquitous release from various cell types, offer notable advantages as an emerging liquid biopsy technique that is rapid, minimally invasive, easily sampled, and cost-effective. While EVs play a substantial role in cancer progression, EV proteins serve as direct mediators of diverse cellular behaviors and have immense potential as biomarkers for PDAC diagnosis and prognostication. This review provides an overview of EV proteins regarding PDAC diagnosis and prognostic implications as well as disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyuan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sicong Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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10
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Zhou Q, Cao T, Li F, Zhang M, Li X, Zhao H, Zhou Y. Mitochondria: a new intervention target for tumor invasion and metastasis. Mol Med 2024; 30:129. [PMID: 39179991 PMCID: PMC11344364 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00899-4] [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: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria, responsible for cellular energy synthesis and signal transduction, intricately regulate diverse metabolic processes, mediating fundamental biological phenomena such as cell growth, aging, and apoptosis. Tumor invasion and metastasis, key characteristics of malignancies, significantly impact patient prognosis. Tumor cells frequently exhibit metabolic abnormalities in mitochondria, including alterations in metabolic dynamics and changes in the expression of relevant metabolic genes and associated signal transduction pathways. Recent investigations unveil further insights into mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities, revealing their active involvement in tumor cell proliferation, resistance to chemotherapy, and a crucial role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. This paper comprehensively outlines the latest research advancements in mitochondrial structure and metabolic function. Emphasis is placed on summarizing the role of mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities in tumor invasion and metastasis, including alterations in the mitochondrial genome (mutations), activation of mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling, and dynamics within the mitochondria, all intricately linked to the processes of tumor invasion and metastasis. In conclusion, the paper discusses unresolved scientific questions in this field, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and novel perspectives for developing innovative strategies targeting tumor invasion and metastasis based on mitochondrial biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanling Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Tingping Cao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Fujun Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Hailong Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China.
- Department of Physics, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Therapy of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Guizhou, 563000, China.
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11
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Erb HHH, Polishchuk N, Stasyk O, Kahya U, Weigel MM, Dubrovska A. Glutamine Metabolism and Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2871. [PMID: 39199642 PMCID: PMC11352381 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162871] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine (Gln) is a non-essential amino acid that is involved in the development and progression of several malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). While Gln is non-essential for non-malignant prostate epithelial cells, PCa cells become highly dependent on an exogenous source of Gln. The Gln metabolism in PCa is tightly controlled by well-described oncogenes such as MYC, AR, and mTOR. These oncogenes contribute to therapy resistance and progression to the aggressive castration-resistant PCa. Inhibition of Gln catabolism impedes PCa growth, survival, and tumor-initiating potential while sensitizing the cells to radiotherapy. Therefore, given its significant role in tumor growth, targeting Gln metabolism is a promising approach for developing new therapeutic strategies. Ongoing clinical trials evaluate the safety and efficacy of Gln catabolism inhibitors in combination with conventional and targeted therapies in patients with various solid tumors, including PCa. Further understanding of how PCa cells metabolically interact with their microenvironment will facilitate the clinical translation of Gln inhibitors and help improve therapeutic outcomes. This review focuses on the role of Gln in PCa progression and therapy resistance and provides insights into current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger H. H. Erb
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Nikita Polishchuk
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine; (N.P.); (O.S.)
| | - Oleh Stasyk
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine; (N.P.); (O.S.)
| | - Uğur Kahya
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias M. Weigel
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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12
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Bermúdez M, Martínez-Barajas MG, Bueno-Urquiza LJ, López-Gutiérrez JA, Villegas-Mercado CE, López-Camarillo C. Role of MicroRNA-204 in Regulating the Hallmarks of Breast Cancer: An Update. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2814. [PMID: 39199587 PMCID: PMC11352763 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162814] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
microRNA-204-5p (miR-204) is a small noncoding RNA with diverse regulatory roles in breast cancer (BC) development and progression. miR-204 is implicated in the instauration of fundamental traits acquired during the multistep development of BC, known as the hallmarks of cancer. It may act as a potent tumor suppressor by inhibiting key cellular processes like angiogenesis, vasculogenic mimicry, invasion, migration, and metastasis. It achieves this by targeting multiple master genes involved in these processes, including HIF-1α, β-catenin, VEGFA, TGFBR2, FAK, FOXA1, among others. Additionally, miR-204 modulates signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT and interacts with HOTAIR and DSCAM-AS1 lncRNAs, further influencing tumor progression. Beyond its direct effects on tumor cells, miR-204 shapes the tumor microenvironment by regulating immune cell infiltration, suppressing pro-tumorigenic cytokine production, and potentially influencing immunotherapy response. Moreover, miR-204 plays a crucial role in metabolic reprogramming by directly suppressing metabolic genes within tumor cells, indirectly affecting metabolism through exosome signaling, and remodeling metabolic flux within the tumor microenvironment. This review aims to present an update on the current knowledge regarding the role of miR-204 in the hallmarks of BC. In conclusion, miR-204 is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker in BC, emphasizing the need for further research to fully elucidate its complex roles in orchestrating aggressive BC behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Bermúdez
- Faculty of Dentistry, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua 31000, Mexico;
| | | | - Lesly Jazmín Bueno-Urquiza
- University Center for Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.G.M.-B.); (L.J.B.-U.)
| | - Jorge Armando López-Gutiérrez
- Faculty of Dentistry, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez s/n y Avenida de las Américas, Culiacan 80013, Mexico;
| | | | - César López-Camarillo
- Genomic Sciences Program, Autonomous University of Mexico City, San Lorenzo 290, Col del Valle, Mexico City 03100, Mexico
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13
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Wu H, Fu M, Wu M, Cao Z, Zhang Q, Liu Z. Emerging mechanisms and promising approaches in pancreatic cancer metabolism. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:553. [PMID: 39090116 PMCID: PMC11294586 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06930-0] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Metabolic abnormalities are one of the hallmarks of pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic cancer cells can adapt to biosynthesis, energy intake, and redox needs through metabolic reprogramming to tolerate nutrient deficiency and hypoxic microenvironments. Pancreatic cancer cells can use glucose, amino acids, and lipids as energy to maintain malignant growth. Moreover, they also metabolically interact with cells in the tumour microenvironment to change cell fate, promote tumour progression, and even affect immune responses. Importantly, metabolic changes at the body level deserve more attention. Basic research and clinical trials based on targeted metabolic therapy or in combination with other treatments are in full swing. A more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the metabolic regulation of pancreatic cancer cells will not only enrich the understanding of the mechanisms of disease progression but also provide inspiration for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Mengdi Fu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Mengwei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhen Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Qiyao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ziwen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
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14
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Liu X, Ren B, Ren J, Gu M, You L, Zhao Y. The significant role of amino acid metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:380. [PMID: 39069612 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01760-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism plays a pivotal role in tumor microenvironment, influencing various aspects of cancer progression. The metabolic reprogramming of amino acids in tumor cells is intricately linked to protein synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, modulation of signaling pathways, regulation of tumor cell metabolism, maintenance of oxidative stress homeostasis, and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, the dysregulation of amino acid metabolism also impacts tumor microenvironment and tumor immunity. Amino acids can act as signaling molecules that modulate immune cell function and immune tolerance within the tumor microenvironment, reshaping the anti-tumor immune response and promoting immune evasion by cancer cells. Moreover, amino acid metabolism can influence the behavior of stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, regulate ECM remodeling and promote angiogenesis, thereby facilitating tumor growth and metastasis. Understanding the intricate interplay between amino acid metabolism and the tumor microenvironment is of crucial significance. Expanding our knowledge of the multifaceted roles of amino acid metabolism in tumor microenvironment holds significant promise for the development of more effective cancer therapies aimed at disrupting the metabolic dependencies of cancer cells and modulating the tumor microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor immune responses and inhibit tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Bo Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Minzhi Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R, 100023, China.
- Key Laboratory of Research in Pancreatic Tumor, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
- National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100023, P.R, China.
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15
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Ho CM, Yen TL, Chang TH, Huang SH. COL6A3 Exosomes Promote Tumor Dissemination and Metastasis in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8121. [PMID: 39125689 PMCID: PMC11311469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158121] [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: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Our study explores the role of cancer-derived extracellular exosomes (EXs), particularly focusing on collagen alpha-3 (VI; COL6A3), in facilitating tumor dissemination and metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We found that COL6A3 is expressed in aggressive ES2 derivatives, SKOV3 overexpressing COL6A3 (SKOV3/COL6A3), and mesenchymal-type ovarian carcinoma stromal progenitor cells (MSC-OCSPCs), as well as their EXs, but not in less aggressive SKOV3 cells or ES2 cells with COL6A3 knockdown (ES2/shCOL6A3). High COL6A3 expression correlates with worse overall survival among EOC patients, as evidenced by TCGA and GEO data analysis. In vitro experiments showed that EXs from MSC-OCSPCs or SKOV3/COL6A3 cells significantly enhance invasion ability in ES2 or SKOV3/COL6A3 cells, respectively (both, p <0.001). In contrast, ES2 cells with ES2/shCOL6A3 EXs exhibited reduced invasion ability (p < 0.001). In vivo, the average disseminated tumor numbers in the peritoneal cavity were significantly greater in mice receiving intraperitoneally injected SKOV3/COL6A3 cells than in SKOV3 cells (p < 0.001). Furthermore, mice intravenously (IV) injected with SKOV3/COL6A3 cells and SKOV3/COL6A3-EXs showed increased lung colonization compared to mice injected with SKOV3 cells and PBS (p = 0.007) or SKOV3/COL6A3 cells and PBS (p = 0.039). Knockdown of COL6A3 or treatment with EX inhibitor GW4869 or rapamycin-abolished COL6A3-EXs may suppress the aggressiveness of EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ming Ho
- Gynecologic Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Hsinchuang, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Cathay General Hospital, Sijhih, New Taipei City 221, Taiwan;
| | - Ting-Lin Yen
- Department of Medical Research, Cathay General Hospital, Sijhih, New Taipei City 221, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hao Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Hung Huang
- Department of Pathology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei 106, Taiwan;
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16
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Rathee M, Umar SM, Dev AJR, Kashyap A, Mathur SR, Gogia A, Mohapatra P, Prasad CP. Canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling upregulates aerobic glycolysis in diverse cancer types. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:788. [PMID: 38970704 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09694-0] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Despite many efforts, a comprehensive understanding and clarification of the intricate connections within cancer cell metabolism remain elusive. This might pertain to intracellular dynamics and the complex interplay between cancer cells, and cells with the tumor stroma. Almost a century ago, Otto Warburg found that cancer cells exhibit a glycolytic phenotype, which continues to be a subject of thorough investigation. Past and ongoing investigations have demonstrated intricate mechanisms by which tumors modulate their functionality by utilizing extracellular glucose as a substrate, thereby sustaining the essential proliferation of cancer cells. This concept of "aerobic glycolysis," where cancer cells (even in the presence of enough oxygen) metabolize glucose to produce lactate plays a critical role in cancer progression and is regulated by various signaling pathways. Recent research has revealed that the canonical wingless-related integrated site (WNT) pathway promotes aerobic glycolysis, directly and indirectly, thereby influencing cancer development and progression. The present review seeks to gather knowledge about how the WNT/β-catenin pathway influences aerobic glycolysis, referring to relevant studies in different types of cancer. Furthermore, we propose the concept of impeding the glycolytic phenotype of tumors by employing specific inhibitors that target WNT/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meetu Rathee
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sheikh Mohammad Umar
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Arundhathi J R Dev
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Akanksha Kashyap
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sandeep R Mathur
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ajay Gogia
- Department of Medical Oncology, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, 110029, India
| | | | - Chandra Prakash Prasad
- Department of Medical Oncology Lab, DR BRA IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), 4thFloor, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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17
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Chen Y, Kleeff J, Sunami Y. Pancreatic cancer cell- and cancer-associated fibroblast-derived exosomes in disease progression, metastasis, and therapy. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:253. [PMID: 38954230 PMCID: PMC11220035 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01111-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes play a crucial role in the progression and spread of pancreatic cancer, serving not only as promoters of tumor growth and organ-specific metastasis but also as promising biomarkers and targets for treatment. These nano vesicles enhance intercellular communication by transferring bioactive molecules, such as proteins and RNAs, between cells. This process significantly affects cancer cell dynamics, including their proliferation, migration, and invasion, while also contributing to drug resistance. Our review focuses on the crucial interactions between cancer cells and fibroblasts mediated by exosomes within the pancreatic cancer microenvironment. We delve into how exosomes from both cancer-associated fibroblasts and the cancer cells themselves drive tumor progression through various mechanisms, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and facilitating metastasis to specific organs like the lungs and liver. The potential of leveraging exosomes for therapeutic interventions is also explored, highlighting the importance of understanding their role in cell communication as a step forward in developing more effective pancreatic cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Chen
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, University Medical Center Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jörg Kleeff
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, University Medical Center Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Yoshiaki Sunami
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, University Medical Center Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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18
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Hamed MA, Wasinger V, Wang Q, Graham P, Malouf D, Bucci J, Li Y. Prostate cancer-derived extracellular vesicles metabolic biomarkers: Emerging roles for diagnosis and prognosis. J Control Release 2024; 371:126-145. [PMID: 38768661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a global health concern, ranking as the most common cancer among men in Western countries. Traditional diagnostic methods are invasive with adverse effects on patients. Due to the heterogeneous nature of PCa and their multifocality, tissue biopsies often yield false-negative results. To address these challenges, researchers are exploring innovative approaches, particularly in the realms of proteomics and metabolomics, to identify more reliable biomarkers and improve PCa diagnosis. Liquid biopsy (LB) has emerged as a promising non-invasive strategy for PCa early detection, biopsy selection, active surveillance for low-risk cases, and post-treatment and progression monitoring. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bilayer nanovesicles released by all cell types and play an important role in intercellular communication. EVs have garnered attention as a valuable biomarker resource in LB for PCa-specific biomarkers, enhancing diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment guidance. Metabolomics provides insight into the body's metabolic response to both internal and external stimuli, offering quantitative measurements of biochemical alterations. It excels at detecting non-genetic influences, aiding in the discovery of more accurate cancer biomarkers for early detection and disease progression monitoring. This review delves into the potential of EVs as a resource for LB in PCa across various clinical applications. It also explores cancer-related metabolic biomarkers, both within and outside EVs in PCa, and summarises previous metabolomic findings in PCa diagnosis and risk assessment. Finally, the article addresses the challenges and future directions in the evolving field of EV-based metabolomic analysis, offering a comprehensive overview of its potential in advancing PCa management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Assem Hamed
- St George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Valerie Wasinger
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Qi Wang
- St George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Peter Graham
- St George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - David Malouf
- Department of Urology, St, George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Joseph Bucci
- St George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Yong Li
- St George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia.
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19
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Hamed MA, Wasinger V, Wang Q, Biazik J, Graham P, Malouf D, Bucci J, Li Y. Optimising Extracellular Vesicle Metabolomic Methodology for Prostate Cancer Biomarker Discovery. Metabolites 2024; 14:367. [PMID: 39057690 PMCID: PMC11279087 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14070367] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional diagnostic tools for prostate cancer (PCa), such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), digital rectal examination (DRE), and tissue biopsy face, limitations in individual risk stratification due to invasiveness or reliability issues. Liquid biopsy is a less invasive and more accurate alternative. Metabolomic analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) holds a promise for detecting non-genetic alterations and biomarkers in PCa diagnosis and risk assessment. The current research gap in PCa lies in the lack of accurate biomarkers for early diagnosis and real-time monitoring of cancer progression or metastasis. Establishing a suitable approach for observing dynamic EV metabolic alterations that often occur earlier than being detectable by other omics technologies makes metabolomics valuable for early diagnosis and monitoring of PCa. Using four distinct metabolite extraction approaches, the metabolite cargo of PC3-derived large extracellular vesicles (lEVs) was evaluated using a combination of methanol, cell shearing using microbeads, and size exclusion filtration, as well as two fractionation chemistries (pHILIC and C18 chromatography) that are also examined. The unfiltered methanol-microbeads approach (MB-UF), followed by pHILIC LC-MS/MS for EV metabolite extraction and analysis, is effective. Identified metabolites such as L-glutamic acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, and methylmalonic acid have important links to PCa and are discussed. Our study, for the first time, has comprehensively evaluated the extraction and separation methods with a view to downstream sample integrity across omics platforms, and it presents an optimised protocol for EV metabolomics in PCa biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Assem Hamed
- St. George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; (M.A.H.); (Q.W.); (P.G.); (J.B.)
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Valerie Wasinger
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Qi Wang
- St. George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; (M.A.H.); (Q.W.); (P.G.); (J.B.)
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Joanna Biazik
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Peter Graham
- St. George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; (M.A.H.); (Q.W.); (P.G.); (J.B.)
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - David Malouf
- Department of Urology, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia;
| | - Joseph Bucci
- St. George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; (M.A.H.); (Q.W.); (P.G.); (J.B.)
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Yong Li
- St. George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; (M.A.H.); (Q.W.); (P.G.); (J.B.)
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
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20
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Park C, Weerakkody JS, Schneider R, Miao S, Pitt D. CNS cell-derived exosome signatures as blood-based biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1426700. [PMID: 38966760 PMCID: PMC11222337 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1426700] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular biomarkers require the reproducible capture of disease-associated changes and are ideally sensitive, specific and accessible with minimal invasiveness to patients. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that have gained attention as potential biomarkers. They are released by all cell types and carry molecular cargo that reflects the functional state of the cells of origin. These characteristics make them an attractive means of measuring disease-related processes within the central nervous system (CNS), as they cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and can be captured in peripheral blood. In this review, we discuss recent progress made toward identifying blood-based protein and RNA biomarkers of several neurodegenerative diseases from circulating, CNS cell-derived exosomes. Given the lack of standardized methodology for exosome isolation and characterization, we discuss the challenges of capturing and quantifying the molecular content of exosome populations from blood for translation to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Park
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Sheng Miao
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - David Pitt
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
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21
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Smack C, Johnson B, Nyalwidhe JO, Semmes OJ, Yang L. Small extracellular vesicles: Roles and clinical application in prostate cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2024; 161:119-190. [PMID: 39032949 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2024.05.008] [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] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a significant health problem in the United States. It is remarkably heterogenous, ranging from slow growing disease amenable to active surveillance to highly aggressive forms requiring active treatments. Therefore, being able to precisely determine the nature of disease and appropriately match patients to available and/or novel therapeutics is crucial to improve patients' overall outcome and quality of life. Recently small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), a subset of nanoscale membranous vesicles secreted by various cells, have emerged as important analytes for liquid biopsy and promising vehicles for drug delivery. sEVs contain various biomolecules such as genetic material, proteins, and lipids that recapitulate the characteristics and state of their donor cells. The application of existing and newly developed technologies has resulted in an increased depth of knowledge about biophysical structures, biogenesis, and functions of sEVs. In prostate cancer patients, tumor-derived sEVs can be isolated from biofluids, commonly urine and blood. They mediate intercellular signaling within the tumor microenvironment and distal organ-specific sites, supporting cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. A mounting body of evidence suggests that sEV components can be potent biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of disease progression and treatment response. Due to enhanced circulation stability and bio-barrier permeability, sEVs can be also used as effective drug delivery carriers to improve the efficacy and specificity of anti-tumor therapies. This review discusses recent studies on sEVs in prostate cancer and is focused on their role as biomarkers and drug delivery vehicles in the clinical management of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Smack
- Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Benjamin Johnson
- Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Julius O Nyalwidhe
- Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - O John Semmes
- Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Lifang Yang
- Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Research Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States.
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22
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Xiao Y, Wang Z, Gu M, Wei P, Wang X, Li W. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: heterogeneity and their role in the tumor immune response. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:126. [PMID: 38864912 PMCID: PMC11169017 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, many reports have been published on the composition and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME), among which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have received much attention. CAFs have different degrees of heterogeneity in terms of their origin, phenotype, and function and can be divided into different subpopulations. These subgroups may play different roles in the occurrence and development of tumors. In addition, CAFs are closely associated with tumor immunity and have been found to regulate immune cell activity and to suppress the tumor immune response. In this review, we systematize the heterogeneity and characteristics of CAFs, discuss how specific CAF subgroups contribute to cancer progression by inducing an immunosuppressive microenvironment, and finally, we examine the future clinical applications of CAF subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Xiao
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Gu
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Panjian Wei
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojue Wang
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Weiying Li
- Cancer Research Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China.
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Tiwari PK, Shanmugam P, Karn V, Gupta S, Mishra R, Rustagi S, Chouhan M, Verma D, Jha NK, Kumar S. Extracellular Vesicular miRNA in Pancreatic Cancer: From Lab to Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2179. [PMID: 38927885 PMCID: PMC11201547 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a prevalent lethal gastrointestinal cancer that generally does not show any symptoms until it reaches advanced stages, resulting in a high mortality rate. People at high risk, such as those with a family history or chronic pancreatitis, do not have a universally accepted screening protocol. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy demonstrate limited effectiveness in the management of pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Recent studies indicated that the complex interaction among pancreatic cancer cells within the dynamic microenvironment, comprising the extracellular matrix, cancer-associated cells, and diverse immune cells, intricately regulates the biological characteristics of the disease. Additionally, mounting evidence suggests that EVs play a crucial role as mediators in intercellular communication by the transportation of different biomolecules, such as miRNA, proteins, DNA, mRNA, and lipids, between heterogeneous cell subpopulations. This communication mediated by EVs significantly impacts multiple aspects of pancreatic cancer pathogenesis, including proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. In this review, we delve into the pivotal role of EV-associated miRNAs in the progression, metastasis, and development of drug resistance in pancreatic cancer as well as their therapeutic potential as biomarkers and drug-delivery mechanisms for the management of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar Tiwari
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Science, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Poojhaa Shanmugam
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vamika Karn
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Mumbai 410206, Maharashtra, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura 281406, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Richa Mishra
- Department of Computer Engineering, Parul University, Ta. Waghodia, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
| | - Sarvesh Rustagi
- School of Applied and Life science, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mandeep Chouhan
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Science, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Devvret Verma
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Biological and Bio-Computational Lab, Department of Life Science, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Chen Z, Yam JWP, Mao X. The multifaceted roles of small extracellular vesicles in metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironments. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300021. [PMID: 38171844 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The link between metabolism and tumor progression has been extensively researched for a long time. With the increasing number of studies uncovering the multiple functions of metabolic reprogramming in tumor microenvironments, the regulatory network seems to become even more intricate at the same time. Small extracellular vesicles (sEV), as crucial mediators facilitating intercellular communications, exhibit significant involvement in regulating metabolic reprogramming within the complicated network of tumor microenvironments. sEV derived from tumor cells and those released by other cell populations such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can mutually influence each other, giving rise to diverse complex feedback loops. This review includes multiple studies conducted in recent years to summarize the functions of sEV in altering metabolism in various cell types within tumor microenvironments. Additionally, it aims to highlight potential therapeutic targets based on the commonly observed mechanisms identified in different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixian Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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Chen C, Han P, Qing Y. Metabolic heterogeneity in tumor microenvironment - A novel landmark for immunotherapy. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103579. [PMID: 39004158 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103579] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The surrounding non-cancer cells and tumor cells that make up the tumor microenvironment (TME) have various metabolic rhythms. TME metabolic heterogeneity is influenced by the intricate network of metabolic control within and between cells. DNA, protein, transport, and microbial levels are important regulators of TME metabolic homeostasis. The effectiveness of immunotherapy is also closely correlated with alterations in TME metabolism. The response of a tumor patient to immunotherapy is influenced by a variety of variables, including intracellular metabolic reprogramming, metabolic interaction between cells, ecological changes within and between tumors, and general dietary preferences. Although immunotherapy and targeted therapy have made great strides, their use in the accurate identification and treatment of tumors still has several limitations. The function of TME metabolic heterogeneity in tumor immunotherapy is summarized in this article. It focuses on how metabolic heterogeneity develops and is regulated as a tumor progresses, the precise molecular mechanisms and potential clinical significance of imbalances in intracellular metabolic homeostasis and intercellular metabolic coupling and interaction, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of targeted metabolism used in conjunction with immunotherapy. This offers insightful knowledge and important implications for individualized tumor patient diagnosis and treatment plans in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Han
- Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Yanping Qing
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China.
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26
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Gu W, Su H, Wang X, Wang X, Zhang J, Xu M, Sheng W. Unlocking the Crucial Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Tumor Metastasis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00220-0. [PMID: 38825314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.05.031] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor metastasis represents a stepwise progression and stands as a principal determinant of unfavorable prognoses among cancer patients. Consequently, an in-depth exploration of its mechanisms holds paramount clinical significance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), constituting the most abundant stromal cell population within the tumor microenvironment (TME), have garnered robust evidence support for their pivotal regulatory roles in tumor metastasis. AIM of Review This review systematically explores the roles of CAFs at eight critical stages of tumorigenic dissemination: 1) extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, 2) epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), 3) angiogenesis, 4) tumor metabolism, 5) perivascular migration, 6) immune escape, 7) dormancy, and 8) premetastatic niche (PMN) formation. Additionally, we provide a compendium of extant strategies aimed at targeting CAFs in cancer therapy. Key Scientific Concepts of Review This review delineates a structured framework for the interplay between CAFs and tumor metastasis while furnishing insights for the potential therapeutic developments. It contributes to a deeper understanding of cancer metastasis within the TME, facilitating the utilization of CAF-targeting therapies in anti-metastatic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Liu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenchao Gu
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hui Su
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiayu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Midie Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Yamashita K, Kumamoto Y. CAFs-Associated Genes (CAFGs) in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and Novel Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6003. [PMID: 38892190 PMCID: PMC11172745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116003] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive cancer with striking fibrosis, and its mortality rate is ranked second across human cancers. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a critical role in PDAC progression, and we reviewed the molecular understanding of PDAC CAFs and novel therapeutic potential at present. CAFs-associated genes (CAFGs) were tentatively classified into three categories by stroma specificity representing stroma/epithelia expression ratios (SE ratios). The recent classification using single cell transcriptome technology clarified that CAFs were composed of myofibroblasts (myCAFs), inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs), and other minor ones (e.g., POSTN-CAFs and antigen presenting CAFs, apCAFs). LRRC15 is a myCAFs marker, and myCAFs depletion by diphtheria toxin induces the rapid accumulation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and therefore augment PDL1 antibody treatments. This finding proposes that myCAFs may be a critical regulator of tumor immunity in terms of PDAC progression. myCAFs are located in CAFs adjacent to tumor cells, while iCAFs marked by PDPN and/or COL14A1 are distant from tumor cells, where hypoxic and acidic environments being located in iCAFs putatively due to poor blood supply is consistent with HIF1A and GPR68 expressions. iCAFs may be shared with SASP (secretion-associated phenotypes) in senescent CAFs. myCAFs are classically characterized by CAFGs induced by TGFB1, while chemoresistant CAFs with SASP may dependent on IL6 expression and accompanied by STAT3 activation. Recently, it was found that the unique metabolism of CAFs can be targeted to prevent PDAC progression, where PDAC cells utilize glucose, whereas CAFs in turn utilize lactate, which may be epigenetically regulated, mediated by its target genes including CXCR4. In summary, CAFs have unique molecular characteristics, which have been rigorously clarified as novel therapeutic targets of PDAC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keishi Yamashita
- Division of Advanced Surgical Oncology, Research and Development Center for New Medical Frontiers, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kitasato 1-15-1, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0374, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kumamoto
- Department of General-Pediatric-Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara 252-0374, Japan;
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Wang Y, Ding S. Extracellular vesicles in cancer cachexia: deciphering pathogenic roles and exploring therapeutic horizons. J Transl Med 2024; 22:506. [PMID: 38802952 PMCID: PMC11129506 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05266-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia (CC) is a debilitating syndrome that affects 50-80% of cancer patients, varying in incidence by cancer type and significantly diminishing their quality of life. This multifactorial syndrome is characterized by muscle and fat loss, systemic inflammation, and metabolic imbalance. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, play a crucial role in the progression of CC. These vesicles, produced by cancer cells and others within the tumor environment, facilitate intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. A comprehensive review of the literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science reveals insights into the formation, release, and uptake of EVs in CC, underscoring their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The review also explores therapeutic strategies targeting EVs, which include modifying their release and content, utilizing them for drug delivery, genetically altering their contents, and inhibiting key cachexia pathways. Understanding the role of EVs in CC opens new avenues for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, potentially mitigating the syndrome's impact on patient survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong, 226001, P.R. China
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, P.R. China
| | - Shengguang Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong, 226001, P.R. China.
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29
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Wu Y, Cao Y, Chen L, Lai X, Zhang S, Wang S. Role of Exosomes in Cancer and Aptamer-Modified Exosomes as a Promising Platform for Cancer Targeted Therapy. Biol Proced Online 2024; 26:15. [PMID: 38802766 PMCID: PMC11129508 DOI: 10.1186/s12575-024-00245-2] [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: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are increasingly recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication in cancer biology. Exosomes can be derived from cancer cells as well as cellular components in tumor microenvironment. After secretion, the exosomes carrying a wide range of bioactive cargos can be ingested by local or distant recipient cells. The released cargos act through a variety of mechanisms to elicit multiple biological effects and impact most if not all hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, owing to their excellent biocompatibility and capability of being easily engineered or modified, exosomes are currently exploited as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge of roles of exosomes in risk and etiology, initiation and progression of cancer, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms. The aptamer-modified exosome as a promising platform for cancer targeted therapy is then briefly introduced. We also discuss the future directions for emerging roles of exosome in tumor biology and perspective of aptamer-modified exosomes in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Lai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shenghang Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
| | - Shuiliang Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Aptamers Technology, Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, P. R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical School (the 900 th Hospital), Fujian Medical University, Fujian Province, Fuzhou, P. R. China.
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30
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Abdul-Rahman T, Roy P, Herrera-Calderón RE, Khidri FF, Omotesho QA, Rumide TS, Fatima M, Roy S, Wireko AA, Atallah O, Roy S, Amekpor F, Ghosh S, Agyigra IA, Horbas V, Teslyk T, Bumeister V, Papadakis M, Alexiou A. Extracellular vesicle-mediated drug delivery in breast cancer theranostics. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:181. [PMID: 38780753 PMCID: PMC11116322 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01007-y] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) continues to be a significant global challenge due to drug resistance and severe side effects. The increasing prevalence is alarming, requiring new therapeutic approaches to address these challenges. At this point, Extracellular vesicles (EVs), specifically small endosome-released nanometer-sized EVs (SEVs) or exosomes, have been explored by literature as potential theranostics. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of exosomes in BC, focusing on their advantages in drug delivery and their ability to mitigate metastasis. Following the review, we identified exosomes' potential in combination therapies, serving as miRNA carriers and contributing to improved anti-tumor effects. This is evident in clinical trials investigating exosomes in BC, which have shown their ability to boost chemotherapy efficacy by delivering drugs like paclitaxel (PTX) and doxorubicin (DOX). However, the translation of EVs into BC therapy is hindered by various challenges. These challenges include the heterogeneity of EVs, the selection of the appropriate parent cell, the loading procedures, and determining the optimal administration routes. Despite the promising therapeutic potential of EVs, these obstacles must be addressed to realize their benefits in BC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Poulami Roy
- Department of Medicine, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Siliguri, India
| | - Ranferi Eduardo Herrera-Calderón
- Center for Research in Health Sciences (CICSA), Faculty of Medicine, Anahuac University North Campus, 52786, Huixquilucan, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | - Sakshi Roy
- School of Medicine, Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - Oday Atallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Subham Roy
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Felix Amekpor
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shankhaneel Ghosh
- Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, University of Witten-Herdecke, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway, Mohali, Punjab, India.
- Department of Research and Development, Funogen, 11741, Athens, Greece.
- Department of Research and Development, AFNP Med, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia.
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Liu M, Zhang Y, He J, Liu W, Li Z, Zhang Y, Gu A, Zhao M, Liu M, Liu X. Fusion with ARRDC1 or CD63: A Strategy to Enhance p53 Loading into Extracellular Vesicles for Tumor Suppression. Biomolecules 2024; 14:591. [PMID: 38785998 PMCID: PMC11118238 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050591] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents and drug delivery vehicles. Targeted modification of sEVs and their contents using genetic modification strategies is one of the most popular methods. This study investigated the effects of p53 fusion with arrestin domain-containing protein 1 (ARRDC1) and CD63 on the generation of sEVs, p53 loading efficiency, and therapeutic efficacy. Overexpression of either ARRDC1-p53 (ARP) or CD63-p53 (CDP) significantly elevated p53 mRNA and protein levels. The incorporation of ARRDC1 and CD63 significantly enhanced HEK293T-sEV biogenesis, evidenced by significant increases in sEV-associated proteins TSG101 and LAMP1, resulting in a boost in sEV production. Importantly, fusion with ARRDC1 or CD63 substantially increased the efficiency of loading both p53 fusion proteins and its mRNA into sEVs. sEVs equipped with ARP or CDP significantly enhanced the enrichment of p53 fusion proteins and mRNA in p53-null H1299 cells, resulting in a marked increase in apoptosis and a reduction in cell proliferation, with ARP-sEVs demonstrating greater effectiveness than CDP-sEVs. These findings underscore the enhanced functionality of ARRDC1- and CD63-modified sEVs, emphasizing the potential of genetic modifications in sEV-based therapies for targeted cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (M.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (M.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Jianfeng He
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (M.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.G.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Wanxi Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (M.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Zhexuan Li
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (M.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Yiti Zhang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (M.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Ao Gu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (M.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mingri Zhao
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (M.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Mujun Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xionghao Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China; (M.L.); (Y.Z.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (Y.Z.); (A.G.); (M.Z.)
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
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Lopez-Valcarcel M, Lopez-Campos F, Zafra J, Cienfuegos I, Ferri M, Barrado M, Hernando S, Counago F. Liquid biopsy to personalize treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Am J Transl Res 2024; 16:1531-1549. [PMID: 38883349 PMCID: PMC11170619 DOI: 10.62347/dicu9510] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy is an innovative approach that provides a more complete understanding of treatment response and prognosis in monitoring metastatic prostate cancer. It complements invasive tissue biopsy and involves the assessment of various biomarkers in body fluids such as blood, semen, and urine. Liquid biopsy analyzes circulating tumor cells, extracellular vesicles, circulating tumor DNA, and the secretome. This is particularly important given the heterogeneity of prostate cancer and the need for better prognostic biomarkers. Liquid biopsy can personalize the treatment of homonosensitive and castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer by acting as a predictive and prognostic tool. This review discusses various biomarkers, assay techniques, and potential applications in daily clinical practice, highlighting the exciting possibilities that this emerging field holds for improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lopez-Valcarcel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan Zafra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital Málaga, Spain
| | - Irene Cienfuegos
- Department of Urology, Virgen del Puerto Hospital Plasencia, Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
| | - Maria Ferri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Marta Barrado
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Navarra University Hospital Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Susana Hernando
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Fundación Alcorcon University Hospital Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Felipe Counago
- Department of Radiation Oncology, GenesisCare Madrid Clinical Director, San Francisco de Asis and La Milagrosa Hospitals, National Chair of Research and Clinical Trials GenesisCare, Madrid, Spain
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Qiu J, Wang Z, Yu Y, Zheng Y, Li M, Lin C. Prognostic and immunological implications of glutathione metabolism genes in lung adenocarcinoma: A focus on the core gene SMS and its impact on M2 macrophage polarization. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111940. [PMID: 38593503 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Glutathione metabolism (GM) is a crucial part of various metabolic and pathophysiological processes. However, its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has not been comprehensively studied. This study aimed to explore the potential relationship between GM genes, the prognosis, and the immune microenvironment of patients with LUAD. We constructed a risk signature model containing seven GM genes using Lasso combined Cox regression and validated it using six GEO datasets. Our analysis showed that it is an independent prognostic factor. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the GM genes were significantly enriched in cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and metabolic pathways. Clinical and gene expression data of patients with LUAD were obtained from the TCGA database and patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The high-risk patient group had a poor prognosis, reduced immune cell infiltration, poor response to immunotherapy, high sensitivity to chemotherapy, and low sensitivity to targeted therapy. Subsequently, single-cell transcriptome analysis using the GSE143423 and GSE127465 datasets revealed that the core SMS gene was highly enriched in M2 Macrophages. Finally, nine GEO datasets and multiple fluorescence staining revealed a correlation between the SMS expression and M2 macrophage polarization. Our prognostic model in which the core SMS gene is closely related to M2 macrophage polarization is expected to become a novel target and strategy for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Qiu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yilin Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yangling Zheng
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meifang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical oncology school of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Cheng Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.
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Liu T, Sun L, Ji Y, Zhu W. Extracellular vesicles in cancer therapy: Roles, potential application, and challenges. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189101. [PMID: 38608963 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189101] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a novel cell-free strategy for the treatment of many diseases including cancer as they play important roles in cancer development and progression. Considering their natural capacity to facilitate cell-to-cell communication as well as their high physiochemical stability and biocompatibility, EVs serve as superior delivery systems for a wide range of therapeutic agents, including medicines, nanomaterials, nucleic acids, and proteins. Therefore, EVs-based cancer therapy is of greater interest to researchers. Mounting studies indicate that EVs can be improved in efficiency, specificity, and safety for cancer therapy. However, their heterogeneity of physicochemical properties and functions is not fully understood, hindering the achievement of bioactive EVs with high yield and purity. Herein, we paid more attention to the EVs applications and their significance in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong Ji
- Department of Surgery, Jingjiang People's Hospital, Jingjiang, Jiangsu 214500, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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Smith SF, Brewer DS, Hurst R, Cooper CS. Applications of Urinary Extracellular Vesicles in the Diagnosis and Active Surveillance of Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1717. [PMID: 38730670 PMCID: PMC11083542 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091717] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer among men in the UK, causing significant health and economic burdens. Diagnosis and risk prognostication can be challenging due to the genetic and clinical heterogeneity of prostate cancer as well as uncertainties in our knowledge of the underlying biology and natural history of disease development. Urinary extracellular vesicles (EVs) are microscopic, lipid bilayer defined particles released by cells that carry a variety of molecular cargoes including nucleic acids, proteins and other molecules. Urine is a plentiful source of prostate-derived EVs. In this narrative review, we summarise the evidence on the function of urinary EVs and their applications in the evolving field of prostate cancer diagnostics and active surveillance. EVs are implicated in the development of all hallmarks of prostate cancer, and this knowledge has been applied to the development of multiple diagnostic tests, which are largely based on RNA and miRNA. Common gene probes included in multi-probe tests include PCA3 and ERG, and the miRNAs miR-21 and miR-141. The next decade will likely bring further improvements in the diagnostic accuracy of biomarkers as well as insights into molecular biological mechanisms of action that can be translated into opportunities in precision uro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie F. Smith
- Metabolic Health Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK (C.S.C.)
- Department of Urology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK
| | - Daniel S. Brewer
- Metabolic Health Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK (C.S.C.)
| | - Rachel Hurst
- Metabolic Health Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK (C.S.C.)
| | - Colin S. Cooper
- Metabolic Health Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK (C.S.C.)
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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.
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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
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Edwards DN, Wang S, Song W, Kim LC, Ngwa VM, Hwang Y, Ess KC, Boothby MR, Chen J. Regulation of fatty acid delivery to metastases by tumor endothelium. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.02.587724. [PMID: 38617241 PMCID: PMC11014634 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.02.587724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis, the main cause of death in cancer patients, requires outgrowth of tumor cells after their dissemination and residence in microscopic niches. Nutrient sufficiency is a determinant of such outgrowth1. Fatty acids (FA) can be metabolized by cancer cells for their energetic and anabolic needs but impair the cytotoxicity of T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME)2,3, thereby supporting metastatic progression. However, despite the important role of FA in metastatic outgrowth, the regulation of intratumoral FA is poorly understood. In this report, we show that tumor endothelium actively promotes tumor growth and restricts anti-tumor cytolysis by transferring FA into developing metastatic tumors. This process uses transendothelial fatty acid transport via endosome cargo trafficking in a mechanism that requires mTORC1 activity. Thus, tumor burden was significantly reduced upon endothelial-specific targeted deletion of Raptor, a unique component of the mTORC1 complex (RptorECKO). In vivo trafficking of a fluorescent palmitic acid analog to tumor cells and T cells was reduced in RptorECKO lung metastatic tumors, which correlated with improved markers of T cell cytotoxicity. Combination of anti-PD1 with RAD001/everolimus, at a low dose that selectively inhibits mTORC1 in endothelial cells4, impaired FA uptake in T cells and reduced metastatic disease, corresponding to improved anti-tumor immunity. These findings describe a novel mechanism of transendothelial fatty acid transfer into the TME during metastatic outgrowth and highlight a target for future development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna N. Edwards
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shan Wang
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wenqiang Song
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Laura C. Kim
- Vanderbilt University, Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Verra M. Ngwa
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yoonha Hwang
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kevin C. Ess
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pediatrics, Denver, CO, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mark R. Boothby
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jin Chen
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Program in Cancer Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA
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Huang H, Lu W, Zhang X, Pan J, Cao F, Wen L. Fibroblast subtypes in pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:383-396. [PMID: 37721678 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00874-x] [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] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive fibrosis is a predominant feature of pancreatic stroma and plays a crucial role in the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Emerging evidence showed diversity and heterogeneity of fibroblasts play crucial and somewhat contradictory roles, the interactions between fibroblasts and pancreatic cells or infiltrating immune cells are of great importance during PDAC and CP progression, with some promising therapeutic strategies being tested. Therefore, in this review, we describe the classification of fibroblasts and their functions in PDAC and pancreatitis, the mechanisms by which fibroblasts mediate the development and progression of PDAC and CP through direct or indirect interaction between fibroblast and pancreatic parenchymal cells, or by remodeling the pancreatic immune microenvironment mediates the development and progression of PDAC and CP. Finally, we summarized the current therapeutic strategies and agents that directly target subtypes of fibroblasts or interfere with their essential functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanyi Lu
- Center for Biomarker Discovery and Validation, National Infrastructures for Translational Medicine (PUMCH), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Center for Biomarker Discovery and Validation, National Infrastructures for Translational Medicine (PUMCH), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiachun Pan
- Center for Biomarker Discovery and Validation, National Infrastructures for Translational Medicine (PUMCH), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Li Wen
- Center for Biomarker Discovery and Validation, National Infrastructures for Translational Medicine (PUMCH), Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe, and Rare Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Gupta R, Gupta J, Roy S. Exosomes: Key Players for Treatment of Cancer and Their Future Perspectives. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2024; 22:118-147. [PMID: 38407852 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2023.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reena Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
| | - Jitendra Gupta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
| | - Suchismita Roy
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
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Pacheco-Torres J, Sharma RK, Mironchik Y, Wildes F, Brennen WN, Artemov D, Krishnamachary B, Bhujwalla ZM. Prostate fibroblasts and prostate cancer associated fibroblasts exhibit different metabolic, matrix degradation and PD-L1 expression responses to hypoxia. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1354076. [PMID: 38584702 PMCID: PMC10995317 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1354076] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are versatile cells that play a major role in wound healing by synthesizing and remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM). In cancers, fibroblasts play an expanded role in tumor progression and dissemination, immunosuppression, and metabolic support of cancer cells. In prostate cancer (PCa), fibroblasts have been shown to induce growth and increase metastatic potential. To further understand differences in the functions of human PCa associated fibroblasts (PCAFs) compared to normal prostate fibroblasts (PFs), we investigated the metabolic profile and ECM degradation characteristics of PFs and PCAFs using a magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy compatible intact cell perfusion assay. To further understand how PFs and PCAFs respond to hypoxic tumor microenvironments that are often observed in PCa, we characterized the effects of hypoxia on PF and PCAF metabolism, invasion and PD-L1 expression. We found that under normoxia, PCAFs displayed decreased ECM degradation compared to PFs. Under hypoxia, ECM degradation by PFs increased, whereas PCAFs exhibited decreased ECM degradation. Under both normoxia and hypoxia, PCAFs and PFs showed significantly different metabolic profiles. PD-L1 expression was intrinsically higher in PCAFs compared to PFs. Under hypoxia, PD-L1 expression increased in PCAFs but not in PFs. Our data suggest that PCAFs may not directly induce ECM degradation to assist in tumor dissemination, but may instead create an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment that further increases under hypoxic conditions. Our data identify the intrinsic metabolic, ECM degradation and PD-L1 expression differences between PCAFs and PFs under normoxia and hypoxia that may provide novel targets in PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Pacheco-Torres
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raj Kumar Sharma
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | - Flonne Wildes
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - W. Nathaniel Brennen
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dmitri Artemov
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Balaji Krishnamachary
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Zaver M. Bhujwalla
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Tan S, Tang H, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Li H, Shi W, Ye H, Xie P, Zhou J. Identification of Transcriptomic Signatures of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma-Derived Exosomes That Promote Macrophage M2 Polarization and Predict Prognosis: S100A9 Reveals Tumor Progression. Clin Med Insights Oncol 2024; 18:11795549241239042. [PMID: 38510315 PMCID: PMC10952989 DOI: 10.1177/11795549241239042] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Exosomes play a role in intercellular communication and participate in the interaction between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and immune cells. Macrophages can receive tumor cell-derived exosomes to polarize into M2-type macrophages, which can enhance the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer, leading to poor prognosis. However, the mechanism by which pancreatic cancer cell-derived exosomes promote M2-type macrophages is still unclear. Methods M2 macrophage-associated exosome-derived key module genes were identified by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis using exoRbase 2.0, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify key prognostic genes and obtain regression coefficients to establish prognostic signature. Immune infiltration, tumor mutations, and GSEA among different risk groups were compared. exoRbase 2.0, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2), HPA, and TISCH2 databases were used to further analyze the expression pattern of S100A9 in pancreatic cancer. In vitro experiments, cell-derived exosome isolation, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, flow cytometry analysis, cell transfection, transwell assay, and CCK-8 assay were applied to investigate the roles of S100A9 in macrophage M2 polarization and tumor progression. Results The key genes of PDAC-derived exosomes promoting M2-type macrophage polarization were identified, and a risk score model was established. The risk score is related to the expression of common immune checkpoints, immune score, and stromal score, and the tumor mutational burden and biological function of high- and low-risk groups were also different. S100A9 was positively correlated with M2-type macrophage marker. In addition, scRNA-seq data from the TISCH2 database revealed that S100A9 is predominantly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells and mono/macrophage cells, suggesting that S100A9 in pancreatic cancer cells could be received by macrophages, thereby inducing macrophage polarization. In vitro, we used exosomes from BxPC-3 cell lines to coculture macrophages and found that macrophages were mainly polarized toward M2 type, which further promoted the proliferation and metastasis of PDAC. Conclusions Our study established a reliable risk score model for PDAC-derived exosomes and M2 macrophages, identified the important role of S100A9 in macrophage M2 polarization, which provides a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of PDAC, and strengthened the understanding of the mechanism of tumor development and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Tan
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haodong Tang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenyuan Shi
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Ye
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Xie
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahua Zhou
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Wang M, Xue W, Yuan H, Wang Z, Yu L. Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Targeting CAFs: A Promising Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2823-2849. [PMID: 38525013 PMCID: PMC10959015 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s451151] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumors. PC is typically diagnosed at a late stage, exhibits a poor response to conventional treatment, and has a bleak prognosis. Unfortunately, PC's survival rate has not significantly improved since the 1960s. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME). They play a vital role in maintaining the extracellular matrix and facilitating the intricate communication between cancer cells and infiltrated immune cells. Exploring therapeutic approaches targeting CAFs may reverse the current landscape of PC therapy. In recent years, nano-drug delivery systems have evolved rapidly and have been able to accurately target and precisely release drugs with little or no toxicity to the whole body. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the origin, heterogeneity, potential targets, and recent advances in the nano-drug delivery system of CAFs in PC. We will also propose a novel integrated treatment regimen that utilizes a nano-drug delivery system to target CAFs in PC, combined with radiotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, we will address the challenges that this regimen currently faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxiang Xue
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Yuan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
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Gao Y, Gong Y, Lu J, Hao H, Shi X. Targeting YAP1 to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in liver cancer: mechanism and strategy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1377722. [PMID: 38550587 PMCID: PMC10972981 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1377722] [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: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading of tumor death, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are yielding much for sufferers to hope for patients, but only some patients with advanced liver tumor respond. Recent research showed that tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for the effectiveness of ICIs in advanced liver tumor. Meanwhile, metabolic reprogramming of liver tumor leads to immunosuppression in TME. These suggest that regulating the abnormal metabolism of liver tumor cells and firing up TME to turn "cold tumor" into "hot tumor" are potential strategies to improve the therapeutic effect of ICIs in liver tumor. Previous studies have found that YAP1 is a potential target to improve the efficacy of anti-PD-1 in HCC. Here, we review that YAP1 promotes immunosuppression of TME, mainly due to the overstimulation of cytokines in TME by YAP1. Subsequently, we studied the effects of YAP1 on metabolic reprogramming in liver tumor cells, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, lipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Lastly, we summarized the existing drugs targeting YAP1 in the treatment of liver tumor, including some medicines from natural sources, which have the potential to improve the efficacy of ICIs in the treatment of liver tumor. This review contributed to the application of targeted YAP1 for combined therapy with ICIs in liver tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Gao
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yi Gong
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Junlan Lu
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Huiqin Hao
- Chinese Medicine Gene Expression Regulation Laboratory, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Laboratory of Integrated Medicine Tumor Immunology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
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44
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Santi A, Kay EJ, Neilson LJ, McGarry L, Lilla S, Mullin M, Paul NR, Fercoq F, Koulouras G, Rodriguez Blanco G, Athineos D, Mason S, Hughes M, Thomson G, Kieffer Y, Nixon C, Blyth K, Mechta-Grigoriou F, Carlin LM, Zanivan S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts produce matrix-bound vesicles that influence endothelial cell function. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eade0580. [PMID: 38470957 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.ade0580] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Intercellular communication between different cell types in solid tumors contributes to tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. The secretome of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays major roles in these processes. Using human mammary CAFs, we showed that CAFs with a myofibroblast phenotype released extracellular vesicles that transferred proteins to endothelial cells (ECs) that affected their interaction with immune cells. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics identified proteins transferred from CAFs to ECs, which included plasma membrane receptors. Using THY1 as an example of a transferred plasma membrane-bound protein, we showed that CAF-derived proteins increased the adhesion of a monocyte cell line to ECs. CAFs produced high amounts of matrix-bound EVs, which were the primary vehicles of protein transfer. Hence, our work paves the way for future studies that investigate how CAF-derived matrix-bound EVs influence tumor pathology by regulating the function of neighboring cancer, stromal, and immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Santi
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Firenze, viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Emily J Kay
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Lisa J Neilson
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Lynn McGarry
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Sergio Lilla
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Margaret Mullin
- College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Nikki R Paul
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | | | - Grigorios Koulouras
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | | | | | - Susan Mason
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Mark Hughes
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Gemma Thomson
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Yann Kieffer
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- INSERM, U830, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- INSERM, U830, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Leo M Carlin
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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45
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Gustafsson J, Roshanzamir F, Hagnestål A, Patel SM, Daudu OI, Becker DF, Robinson JL, Nielsen J. Metabolic collaboration between cells in the tumor microenvironment has a negligible effect on tumor growth. Innovation (N Y) 2024; 5:100583. [PMID: 38445018 PMCID: PMC10912649 DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2024.100583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is composed of a complex mixture of different cell types interacting under conditions of nutrient deprivation, but the metabolism therein is not fully understood due to difficulties in measuring metabolic fluxes and exchange of metabolites between different cell types in vivo. Genome-scale metabolic modeling enables estimation of such exchange fluxes as well as an opportunity to gain insight into the metabolic behavior of individual cell types. Here, we estimated the availability of nutrients and oxygen within the tumor microenvironment using concentration measurements from blood together with a metabolite diffusion model. In addition, we developed an approach to efficiently apply enzyme usage constraints in a comprehensive metabolic model of human cells. The combined modeling reproduced severe hypoxic conditions and the Warburg effect, and we found that limitations in enzymatic capacity contribute to cancer cells' preferential use of glutamine as a substrate to the citric acid cycle. Furthermore, we investigated the common hypothesis that some stromal cells are exploited by cancer cells to produce metabolites useful for the cancer cells. We identified over 200 potential metabolites that could support collaboration between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, but when limiting to metabolites previously identified to participate in such collaboration, no growth advantage was observed. Our work highlights the importance of enzymatic capacity limitations for cell behaviors and exemplifies the utility of enzyme-constrained models for accurate prediction of metabolism in cells and tumor microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Gustafsson
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, SE- 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fariba Roshanzamir
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, SE- 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Sagar M. Patel
- Department of Biochemistry and Redox Biology Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Oseeyi I. Daudu
- Department of Biochemistry and Redox Biology Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Donald F. Becker
- Department of Biochemistry and Redox Biology Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Robinson
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, SE- 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
- BioInnovation Institute, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Nielsen
- Department of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, SE- 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
- BioInnovation Institute, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Uddin MH, Zhang D, Muqbil I, El-Rayes BF, Chen H, Philip PA, Azmi AS. Deciphering cellular plasticity in pancreatic cancer for effective treatments. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:393-408. [PMID: 38194153 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10164-5] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity and therapy resistance are critical features of pancreatic cancer, a highly aggressive and fatal disease. The pancreas, a vital organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, is often affected by two main types of cancer: the pre-dominant ductal adenocarcinoma and the less common neuroendocrine tumors. These cancers are difficult to treat due to their complex biology characterized by cellular plasticity leading to therapy resistance. Cellular plasticity refers to the capability of cancer cells to change and adapt to different microenvironments within the body which includes acinar-ductal metaplasia, epithelial to mesenchymal/epigenetic/metabolic plasticity, as well as stemness. This plasticity allows heterogeneity of cancer cells, metastasis, and evasion of host's immune system and develops resistance to radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. To overcome this resistance, extensive research is ongoing exploring the intrinsic and extrinsic factors through cellular reprogramming, chemosensitization, targeting metabolic, key survival pathways, etc. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of cellular plasticity involving cellular adaptation and tumor microenvironment and provided a comprehensive understanding of its role in therapy resistance and ways to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Dingqiang Zhang
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Irfana Muqbil
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Philip A Philip
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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47
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Szczepanski JM, Rudolf MA, Shi J. Clinical Evaluation of the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment: Opportunities and Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:794. [PMID: 38398185 PMCID: PMC10887250 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040794] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its tumor microenvironment (TME) have the potential to transform treatment for the hundreds of thousands of patients who are diagnosed each year. Whereas the clinical assessment of cancer cell genetics has grown increasingly sophisticated and personalized, current protocols to evaluate the TME have lagged, despite evidence that the TME can be heterogeneous within and between patients. Here, we outline current protocols for PDAC diagnosis and management, review novel biomarkers, and highlight potential opportunities and challenges when evaluating the PDAC TME as we prepare to translate emerging TME-directed therapies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jiaqi Shi
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.M.S.); (M.A.R.)
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48
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Zhang H, Xu W, Zhu H, Chen X, Tsai HI. Overcoming the limitations of immunotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Combining radiotherapy and metabolic targeting therapy. J Cancer 2024; 15:2003-2023. [PMID: 38434964 PMCID: PMC10905401 DOI: 10.7150/jca.92502] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
As a novel anticancer therapy, immunotherapy has demonstrated robust efficacy against a few solid tumors but poor efficacy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This poor outcome is primarily attributable to the intrinsic cancer cell resistance and T-cell exhaustion, which is also the reason for the failure of conventional therapy. The present review summarizes the current PDAC immunotherapy avenues and the underlying resistance mechanisms. Then, the review discusses synergistic combination therapies, such as radiotherapy (RT) and metabolic targeting. Research suggests that RT boosts the antigen of PDAC, which facilitates the anti-tumor immune cell infiltration and exerts function. Metabolic reprogramming contributes to restoring the exhausted T cell function. The current review will help in tailoring combination regimens to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. In addition, it will help provide new approaches to address the limitations of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) by examining the relationship among immunotherapy, RT, and metabolism targeting therapy in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wenjin Xu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xuelian Chen
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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49
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Ji X, Zhu R, Gao C, Xie H, Gong X, Luo J. Hypoxia-Derived Exosomes Promote Lung Adenocarcinoma by Regulating HS3ST1-GPC4-Mediated Glycolysis. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:695. [PMID: 38398086 PMCID: PMC10886556 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040695] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is often delayed due to the typically asymptomatic nature of the early-stage disease, causing advanced-stage LUAD diagnosis in most patients. Hypoxia is widely recognized as a driving force in cancer progression. Exosomes originating from hypoxic tumor cells promote tumorigenesis by influencing glycolysis, migration, invasion, and immune infiltration. Given these insights, our study aimed to explore the role of hypoxia-derived exosomal long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) OIP5-AS1 in LUAD cell lines and mouse models. MATERIALS AND METHODS Exosomes were meticulously isolated and authenticated based on their morphology and biomarkers. The interaction between heparan sulfate (glucosamine) 3-O-sulfotransferase 1 (HS3ST1) and Glypican 4 (GPC4) was examined using immunoprecipitation. The influence of the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 on glycolysis was assessed in LUAD cell lines. The effect of the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 on cell proliferation and metastasis was evaluated using colony formation, cell viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis analyses. Its effects on tumor size were confirmed in xenograft animal models. RESULTS Our study revealed the mechanism of the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in LUAD progression. We discovered that GPC4 promotes HS3ST1-mediated glycolysis and that the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 enhances glycolysis by regulating miR-200c-3p in LUAD cells. Notably, this lncRNA stimulates LUAD cell proliferation and metastasis and fosters LUAD tumor size via miR-200c-3p. Our findings underscore the potential role of the hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 in LUAD progression. CONCLUSIONS The hypoxia-derived exosomal lncRNA OIP5-AS1 promotes LUAD by regulating HS3ST1-GPC4-mediated glycolysis via miR-200c-3p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxiu Ji
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ren Zhu
- Department of Medical Administration, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Caixia Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huikang Xie
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaomei Gong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, China
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50
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Yao Y, Xu Y, Yu L, Xue T, Xiao Z, Tin P, Fung H, Ma H, Yun J, Yam JWP. NHE7 upregulation potentiates the uptake of small extracellular vesicles by enhancing maturation of macropinosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:251-272. [PMID: 38152992 PMCID: PMC10876205 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12515] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) mediate intercellular communication that contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression via multifaceted pathways. The success of cell entry determines the effect of sEV on recipient cells. Here, we aimed to delineate the mechanisms underlying the uptake of sEV in HCC. METHODS Macropinocytosis was examined by the ability of cells to internalize dextran and sEV. Macropinocytosis was analyzed in Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 7 (NHE7)-knockdown and -overexpressing cells. The properties of cells were studied using functional assays. pH biosensor was used to evaluate the intracellular and endosomal pH. The expression of NHE7 in patients' liver tissues was examined by immunofluorescent staining. Inducible silencing of NHE7 in established tumors was performed to reveal the therapeutic potential of targeting NHE7. RESULTS The data revealed that macropinocytosis controlled the internalization of sEVs and their oncogenic effect on recipient cells. It was found that metastatic HCC cells exhibited the highest efficiency of sEV uptake relative to normal liver cells and non-metastatic HCC cells. Attenuation of macropinocytic activity by 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA) limited the entry of sEVs and compromised cell aggressiveness. Mechanistically, we delineated that high level of NHE7, a sodium-hydrogen exchanger, alkalized intracellular pH and acidized endosomal pH, leading to the maturation of macropinosomes. Inducible inhibition of NHE7 in established tumors developed in mice delayed tumor development and suppressed lung metastasis. Clinically, NHE7 expression was upregulated and linked to dismal prognosis of HCC. CONCLUSIONS This study advances the understanding that NHE7 enhances sEV uptake by macropinocytosis to promote the malignant properties of HCC cells. Inhibition of sEV uptake via macropinocytosis can be exploited as a treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapeutic approaches for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yao
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismSecond Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjingP. R. China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgerySecond Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjingP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCancer Center of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Liang Yu
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary SurgerySecond Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinHeilongjingP. R. China
| | - Ting‐Mao Xue
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery IIZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Zhi‐Jie Xiao
- Scientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Pui‐Chi Tin
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
| | - Hiu‐Ling Fung
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
| | - Hoi‐Tang Ma
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
| | - Jing‐Ping Yun
- Department of PathologyCancer Center of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of PathologySchool of Clinical MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongHong KongP. R. China
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