BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most aggressive tumors worldwide.Chronic inflammation contributes to tumor evolution,and the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),also known as M2-li...BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most aggressive tumors worldwide.Chronic inflammation contributes to tumor evolution,and the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),also known as M2-like macrophages,is associated with the most aggressive behavior.Therefore,these macrophages provide the primary growth and migratory factors to the tumor cells,including those of HCC.Current therapies are not well optimized for eliminating trans-formed cells or neutralizing the tumor immune microenvironment leukocytes,such as TAMs.Growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11)may represent a promi-sing dual therapeutic target due to its reported anti-tumorigenic and immuno-modulatory properties.AIM To characterize the effects of GDF11 in M2-like macrophages and the HCC cell interaction using a functional in vitro model.METHODS This research used THP-1 and Huh7 cell lines.We applied recombinant GDF11(50 ng/mL)every 24 hours on THP-1 differentiated macrophages with M2-like polarization using interleukin-4 and interleukin-13.Firstly,the GDF11 effects on signaling,viability,proliferation,metabolism,and redox state in macrophages were charac-terized.Subsequently,we extracted conditioned media(CM)from macrophages and performed indirect co-cultures with Huh7 cells.The functional parameters were proliferation and migration assays.Finally,we charac-terized secretion in the CM using the cytokine array membrane assay.RESULTS The present study demonstrated that GDF11 activates the canonical pathway Smad2/3 without cytotoxic or prolif-erative effects.We provide evidence that GDF11 also diminishes the pro-tumoral properties of M2-like macrophages.GDF11 promoted the reduction of the M2-like macrophage marker,cluster of differentiation 206,indicating a loss of pro-tumoral properties in these leukocytes.Furthermore,this molecule induced changes in metabolism and an increase in reactive oxygen species.Using CM derived from GDF11-treated M2-like macrophages,we observed a reduction in the proliferation and migratory capacity of liver cancer cells.Moreover,the cytokine profile was affected by GDF11 stimulus,demonstrating that this molecule alters the pro-tumoral properties of TAMs,which in turn impact the behavior of HCC-derived cells.CONCLUSION This in vitro study suggests that mitigating tumor-promoting or M2-like macrophages with GDF11 may be an effective strategy for controlling the aggressiveness of HCC.展开更多
Objectives:Proteasomes,multi-subunit proteases,are key actors of cellular protein catabolism and a number of regulatory processes.The detection of subtle proteasome functioning in tumors may contribute to our understa...Objectives:Proteasomes,multi-subunit proteases,are key actors of cellular protein catabolism and a number of regulatory processes.The detection of subtle proteasome functioning in tumors may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development.The current study aimed to identify the role of low molecular mass protein 2(LMP2),a proteasome immune subunit,in the development of mouse colon 26(C26)adenocarcinoma.Methods:The functions of the LMP2 subunit in tumor development in Balb/c mice were studied using its irreversible inhibitor KZR-504.LMP2 activity was detected by the hydrolysis of the fluorogenic substrate Ac-Pro-Ala-Leu-AMC.Western blotting and Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction(qRT-PCR)were used.We applied fluorescent tests for cell proliferation and apoptosis.M2 macrophages were obtained by polarization of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages using the corresponding cytokines.Results:KZR-504 showed high specificity only for the LMP2 subunit and had no negative effect on C26 cells in culture.However,KZR-504 suppressed the formation of tumor conglomerates(by 74%,p<0.001)after C26 cell transplantation in vivo,inhibited the expression of chitinase-<3-like protein 3(Chil3)gene(by 90%,p<0.001),a key marker of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages,in the tumor<microenvironment,and reduced the tumor weight compared to the control(by 48%,p<0.01).KZR-504 also suppressed<the expression of Chil3(by 68%,p<0.05)and arginase-1(Arg1)(by 90%,p<0.001),another marker gene,in M2<<macrophages and violated M0-M2 macrophage polarization in culture.Conclusion:We discovered earlier unknown functions of the proteasome LMP2 subunit to facilitate the formation of tumor conglomerates and maintain Chil3 and Arg1 expression in immunosuppressive M2 macrophages.Our work demonstrates that the proteasome LMP2 subunit can be a target for antitumor treatment.展开更多
Despite significant advances in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of liver cancer and the availability of novel pharmacotherapies,liver cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality...Despite significant advances in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of liver cancer and the availability of novel pharmacotherapies,liver cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Tumor relapse,resistance to current anti-cancer drugs,metastasis,and organ toxicity are the major challenges that prevent considerable improvements in patient survival and quality of life.Calculus bovis(CB),an ancient Chinese medicinal drug,has been used to treat various pathologies,including stroke,convulsion,epilepsy,pain,and cancer.In this editorial,we discuss the research findings recently published by Huang et al on the therapeutic effects of CB in inhibiting the development of liver cancer.Utilizing the comprehensive transcriptomic analyses,in vitro experiments,and in vivo studies,the authors demonstrated that CB treatment inhibits the tumor-promoting M2 phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages via downregulating Wnt pathway.While multiple studies have been performed to explore the molecular mechanisms regulated by CB,this study uniquely shows its role in modulating the M2 phenotype of macrophages present within the tumor microenvironment.This study opens new avenues of future investigations aimed at investigating this drug’s efficacy in various mouse models including the effects of combination therapy,and against drug-resistant tumors.展开更多
Photothermal therapy(PTT)has received a lot of attention as a promising strategy for eliminating tumors quickly.However,the unavoidable inflammatory response during the treatment might result in a high concentration o...Photothermal therapy(PTT)has received a lot of attention as a promising strategy for eliminating tumors quickly.However,the unavoidable inflammatory response during the treatment might result in a high concentration of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),increasing the risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis.To address this problem,gold-based nanocarriers(PGMP-small interfering RNA(siRNA)nanoparticles(NPs))containing STAT6siRNA,that inhibited M2-like TAM polarization,were designed and investigated for PTT and gene therapy of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).In an NSCLC model,the nanocarriers demonstrated excellent siRNA delivery ability and a high gene transfection rate of up to 90%in macrophages,thus inhibiting the polarization of about 87%of M2-like TAMs and effectively suppressing the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC.Meanwhile,the unique gold nanosphere structure offered improved PTT and contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging,thus contributing to the efficient elimination and real-time monitoring of the tumor tissues.These nanocarriers with combined gene and photothermal therapeutic capabilities improved the efficacy of single-modality treatment,and showed the potential to inhibit cancer cell recurrence and metastasis to ultimately cure NSCLC.展开更多
Background:Understanding how the tumor microenvironment is shaped by various factors is important for the development of new therapeutic strategies.Tumor cells often undergo spontaneous apoptotic cell death in tumor m...Background:Understanding how the tumor microenvironment is shaped by various factors is important for the development of new therapeutic strategies.Tumor cells often undergo spontaneous apoptotic cell death in tumor microen-vironment,these apoptotic cells are histologically co-localized with immunosup-pressive macrophages.However,the mechanism by which tumor cell apoptosis modulates macrophage polarization is not fully understood.In this study,we aimed to explore the tumor promoting effects of apoptotic tumor cells and the signal pathways involved.Methods:Apoptotic cells and macrophages in tumors were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Morphological analysis was performed with Giemsa staining.Lipids generated from apoptotic cells were detected by liq-uid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Phosphatidylserine-containing lipo-somes were prepared to mimic apoptotic cells.The expression of protein was determined by real-time PCR,immunohistochemistry enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting.Mouse malignant ascites and subcu-taneous tumor models were designed for in vivo analysis.Transgenic mice with specific genes knocked out and inhibitors specific to certain proteins were used for the mechanistic studies.Results:The location and the number of apoptotic cells were correlated with that of macrophages in several types of carcinomas.Phosphatidylserine,a lipid molecule generated in apoptotic cells,induced polarization and accumulation of M2-like macrophages in vivo and in vitro.Moreover,sustained administration of phosphoserine promoted tumor growth in the malignant ascites and subcuta-neous tumor models.Further analyses suggested that phosphoserine induced a M2-like phenotype in macrophages,which was related to the activation of phosphoserine receptors including T-cell immunoglobin mucin 4(TIM4)and the FAK-SRC-STAT3 signaling pathway as well as elevated the expression of the histone demethylase Jumonji domain-containing protein 3(JMJD3).Adminis-tration of specific inhibitors of these pathways could reduce tumor progression.Conclusions:This study suggest that apoptotic cell-generated phosphoserine might be a notable signal for immunosuppressive macrophages in tumors,and the related pathways might be potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most aggressive tumors worldwide.Chronic inflammation contributes to tumor evolution,and the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),also known as M2-like macrophages,is associated with the most aggressive behavior.Therefore,these macrophages provide the primary growth and migratory factors to the tumor cells,including those of HCC.Current therapies are not well optimized for eliminating trans-formed cells or neutralizing the tumor immune microenvironment leukocytes,such as TAMs.Growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11)may represent a promi-sing dual therapeutic target due to its reported anti-tumorigenic and immuno-modulatory properties.AIM To characterize the effects of GDF11 in M2-like macrophages and the HCC cell interaction using a functional in vitro model.METHODS This research used THP-1 and Huh7 cell lines.We applied recombinant GDF11(50 ng/mL)every 24 hours on THP-1 differentiated macrophages with M2-like polarization using interleukin-4 and interleukin-13.Firstly,the GDF11 effects on signaling,viability,proliferation,metabolism,and redox state in macrophages were charac-terized.Subsequently,we extracted conditioned media(CM)from macrophages and performed indirect co-cultures with Huh7 cells.The functional parameters were proliferation and migration assays.Finally,we charac-terized secretion in the CM using the cytokine array membrane assay.RESULTS The present study demonstrated that GDF11 activates the canonical pathway Smad2/3 without cytotoxic or prolif-erative effects.We provide evidence that GDF11 also diminishes the pro-tumoral properties of M2-like macrophages.GDF11 promoted the reduction of the M2-like macrophage marker,cluster of differentiation 206,indicating a loss of pro-tumoral properties in these leukocytes.Furthermore,this molecule induced changes in metabolism and an increase in reactive oxygen species.Using CM derived from GDF11-treated M2-like macrophages,we observed a reduction in the proliferation and migratory capacity of liver cancer cells.Moreover,the cytokine profile was affected by GDF11 stimulus,demonstrating that this molecule alters the pro-tumoral properties of TAMs,which in turn impact the behavior of HCC-derived cells.CONCLUSION This in vitro study suggests that mitigating tumor-promoting or M2-like macrophages with GDF11 may be an effective strategy for controlling the aggressiveness of HCC.
基金funded by the Government program of basic research in Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences,number 0088-2024-0009the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation,project number 075-15-2020-773(NPS).
文摘Objectives:Proteasomes,multi-subunit proteases,are key actors of cellular protein catabolism and a number of regulatory processes.The detection of subtle proteasome functioning in tumors may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development.The current study aimed to identify the role of low molecular mass protein 2(LMP2),a proteasome immune subunit,in the development of mouse colon 26(C26)adenocarcinoma.Methods:The functions of the LMP2 subunit in tumor development in Balb/c mice were studied using its irreversible inhibitor KZR-504.LMP2 activity was detected by the hydrolysis of the fluorogenic substrate Ac-Pro-Ala-Leu-AMC.Western blotting and Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction(qRT-PCR)were used.We applied fluorescent tests for cell proliferation and apoptosis.M2 macrophages were obtained by polarization of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages using the corresponding cytokines.Results:KZR-504 showed high specificity only for the LMP2 subunit and had no negative effect on C26 cells in culture.However,KZR-504 suppressed the formation of tumor conglomerates(by 74%,p<0.001)after C26 cell transplantation in vivo,inhibited the expression of chitinase-<3-like protein 3(Chil3)gene(by 90%,p<0.001),a key marker of immunosuppressive M2 macrophages,in the tumor<microenvironment,and reduced the tumor weight compared to the control(by 48%,p<0.01).KZR-504 also suppressed<the expression of Chil3(by 68%,p<0.05)and arginase-1(Arg1)(by 90%,p<0.001),another marker gene,in M2<<macrophages and violated M0-M2 macrophage polarization in culture.Conclusion:We discovered earlier unknown functions of the proteasome LMP2 subunit to facilitate the formation of tumor conglomerates and maintain Chil3 and Arg1 expression in immunosuppressive M2 macrophages.Our work demonstrates that the proteasome LMP2 subunit can be a target for antitumor treatment.
基金Supported by the National Institutes of Health grants,No.K99HL146954 and No.R00HL146954the UTHSC College of Pharmacy Research Seed Grant award,No.2023.
文摘Despite significant advances in our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of liver cancer and the availability of novel pharmacotherapies,liver cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Tumor relapse,resistance to current anti-cancer drugs,metastasis,and organ toxicity are the major challenges that prevent considerable improvements in patient survival and quality of life.Calculus bovis(CB),an ancient Chinese medicinal drug,has been used to treat various pathologies,including stroke,convulsion,epilepsy,pain,and cancer.In this editorial,we discuss the research findings recently published by Huang et al on the therapeutic effects of CB in inhibiting the development of liver cancer.Utilizing the comprehensive transcriptomic analyses,in vitro experiments,and in vivo studies,the authors demonstrated that CB treatment inhibits the tumor-promoting M2 phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages via downregulating Wnt pathway.While multiple studies have been performed to explore the molecular mechanisms regulated by CB,this study uniquely shows its role in modulating the M2 phenotype of macrophages present within the tumor microenvironment.This study opens new avenues of future investigations aimed at investigating this drug’s efficacy in various mouse models including the effects of combination therapy,and against drug-resistant tumors.
基金This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81873898,81960316,81871411,32011530115,and 32025021)the Science&Technology Bureau of Ningbo City(Nos.2020Z094 and 2021Z072)+1 种基金the Excellent Member of Youth Innovation Promotion Association Foundation of CAS(No.Y2021079)the Ningbo 3315 Innovative Teams Program,China(No.2019A-14-C).
文摘Photothermal therapy(PTT)has received a lot of attention as a promising strategy for eliminating tumors quickly.However,the unavoidable inflammatory response during the treatment might result in a high concentration of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),increasing the risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis.To address this problem,gold-based nanocarriers(PGMP-small interfering RNA(siRNA)nanoparticles(NPs))containing STAT6siRNA,that inhibited M2-like TAM polarization,were designed and investigated for PTT and gene therapy of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).In an NSCLC model,the nanocarriers demonstrated excellent siRNA delivery ability and a high gene transfection rate of up to 90%in macrophages,thus inhibiting the polarization of about 87%of M2-like TAMs and effectively suppressing the invasion and metastasis of NSCLC.Meanwhile,the unique gold nanosphere structure offered improved PTT and contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging,thus contributing to the efficient elimination and real-time monitoring of the tumor tissues.These nanocarriers with combined gene and photothermal therapeutic capabilities improved the efficacy of single-modality treatment,and showed the potential to inhibit cancer cell recurrence and metastasis to ultimately cure NSCLC.
基金NationalNatural Science Foundation of China:National Science Foundation for ExcellentYoung Scholars,Grant/Award Number:32122052NationalNatural Sci-ence Foundation of China:NationalNat-ural Science FoundationRegional Inno-vation and Development,Grant/Award Number:U19A2003NationalNatural Science Foundation ofChina:National Science Foundation forYoung Scholars,Grant/Award Number:81902662。
文摘Background:Understanding how the tumor microenvironment is shaped by various factors is important for the development of new therapeutic strategies.Tumor cells often undergo spontaneous apoptotic cell death in tumor microen-vironment,these apoptotic cells are histologically co-localized with immunosup-pressive macrophages.However,the mechanism by which tumor cell apoptosis modulates macrophage polarization is not fully understood.In this study,we aimed to explore the tumor promoting effects of apoptotic tumor cells and the signal pathways involved.Methods:Apoptotic cells and macrophages in tumors were detected by immunohistochemical staining.Morphological analysis was performed with Giemsa staining.Lipids generated from apoptotic cells were detected by liq-uid chromatography-mass spectrometry.Phosphatidylserine-containing lipo-somes were prepared to mimic apoptotic cells.The expression of protein was determined by real-time PCR,immunohistochemistry enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting.Mouse malignant ascites and subcu-taneous tumor models were designed for in vivo analysis.Transgenic mice with specific genes knocked out and inhibitors specific to certain proteins were used for the mechanistic studies.Results:The location and the number of apoptotic cells were correlated with that of macrophages in several types of carcinomas.Phosphatidylserine,a lipid molecule generated in apoptotic cells,induced polarization and accumulation of M2-like macrophages in vivo and in vitro.Moreover,sustained administration of phosphoserine promoted tumor growth in the malignant ascites and subcuta-neous tumor models.Further analyses suggested that phosphoserine induced a M2-like phenotype in macrophages,which was related to the activation of phosphoserine receptors including T-cell immunoglobin mucin 4(TIM4)and the FAK-SRC-STAT3 signaling pathway as well as elevated the expression of the histone demethylase Jumonji domain-containing protein 3(JMJD3).Adminis-tration of specific inhibitors of these pathways could reduce tumor progression.Conclusions:This study suggest that apoptotic cell-generated phosphoserine might be a notable signal for immunosuppressive macrophages in tumors,and the related pathways might be potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.
