Background: Evidences have shown that local anaesthetics are clinically useful compounds that exert a pharmacological effect by blocking nerve impulse propagation and also it is able to provoke proliferation and cell ...Background: Evidences have shown that local anaesthetics are clinically useful compounds that exert a pharmacological effect by blocking nerve impulse propagation and also it is able to provoke proliferation and cell growth. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the proliferation and cell growth capacity of lidocaine on human gingival fibroblast cells and the different signal pathways involved in its effect. Method: For this purpose in vitro cultures of human gingival fibroblasts were assayed and the effects of lidocaine on proliferation and cell DNA synthesis, Na+-K+-ATPase and PKC activities and K+ efflux were also evaluated. Results: Lidocaine stimulated in a concentration-dependent manner proliferation and cell growth of human gingival cells and the mechanism involve an increment in Na+-K+-ATPase and PKC activities, which led to an increase in K+ release. All of these effects were blocked by tetrodotoxin, ouabain and calphostin C. In addition, PMA (activator of PKC) increased per se the DNA synthesis of human gingival fibroblast cells. Conclusions: This work demonstrates that lidocaine increase human gingival fibroblasts DNA synthesis and proliferation through an activation of PKC pathway accompanied by the stimulation of Na+-K+-ATPase activity with an increase in K+ efflux. These results contribute to showing another action of lidocaine different to its general use as a drug that relieves odontologic pain or acts as an anti-arrithmogenic agent.展开更多
Prostate cancer(PCa)remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality in men,largely due to therapy resistance and metastatic progression.Increasing evidence highlights the tumor microenvironment(TME),particularly can...Prostate cancer(PCa)remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality in men,largely due to therapy resistance and metastatic progression.Increasing evidence highlights the tumor microenvironment(TME),particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),as a critical determinant of disease behavior.CAFs constitute a heterogeneous population originating from fibroblasts,mesenchymal stem cells,endothelial cells,epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT),and adipose tissue.Through dynamic crosstalk with tumor,immune,endothelial,and adipocyte compartments,CAFs orchestrate oncogenic processes including tumor proliferation,invasion,immune evasion,extracellular matrix remodeling,angiogenesis,and metabolic reprogramming.This review comprehensively summarizes the cellular origins,phenotypic and functional heterogeneity,and spatial distribution of CAFs within the prostate TME.We further elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which CAFs regulate PCa progression and therapeutic resistance,and critically evaluate emerging strategies to therapeutically target CAFmediated signaling,metabolic,and immune pathways.By integrating recent advances from single-cell and spatial transcriptomics(ST),our objective is to provide a holistic framework for understanding CAF biology and to highlight potential avenues for stromal reprogramming as an adjunct to current PCa therapies.展开更多
Objectives:High-grade serous ovarian cancer(HGSOC),the most common subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC),exhibits a mesenchymal phenotype characterized by fibrotic stroma and poor prognosis.Human epididymis protei...Objectives:High-grade serous ovarian cancer(HGSOC),the most common subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC),exhibits a mesenchymal phenotype characterized by fibrotic stroma and poor prognosis.Human epididymis protein 4(HE4),a key diagnostic biomarker for ovarian cancer,is involved in fibrotic processes in several non-malignant diseases.Given the clinical significance of stromal fibrosis in HGSOC and the potential link between HE4 and fibrosis,this study aimed to investigate the role of HE4 in the formation of stromal fibrosis in HGSOC.Methods:A total of 126 patients with gynecological conditions were included and divided into normal,benign,and EOC groups.Tissue stiffness was quantitatively measured and analyzed for its correlation with clinicopathological features.We further investigated the correlation between tumor stiffness and the expression levels of HE4 and fibroblast activation markers(α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and fibroblast activation protein(FAP))in tumor tissues from 22 HGSOC patients.In vitro,primary fibroblasts were treated with recombinant HE4(rHE4)or conditioned media from HE4-knockdown ovarian cancer cells to assess fibroblasts activation and matrix contractility(Collagen gel contraction assays).In vivo,a subcutaneous xenograft model using HE4-knockdown cells was established to evaluate the effects of HE4 suppression on tumor growth and extensive extracellular matrix(ECM)remodeling.Results:Ovarian cancer tissues showed significantly increased stiffness compared to benign/normal groups,showing positive correlation with serum HE4 levels.High-stiffness HGSOC tumors exhibited upregulated expression of HE4,α-SMA,FAP,and collagen I.rHE4 stimulated fibroblast activation and enhanced matrix contractility,whereas HE4 knockdown in cancer cells abrogated these pro-fibrotic effects.In vivo,HE4-silenced xenografts displayed restricted tumor growth accompanied by reduced stromal expression ofα-SMA,FAP,and collagen I.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that HE4 may facilitate ECM remodeling in HGSOC through promoting fibroblast activation and increasing collagen deposition.展开更多
Osteosarcoma(OS)is a prevalent primary bone malignancy with limited treatment options.Therefore,it is imperative to investigate and understand the mechanisms underlying OS pathogenesis.Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CA...Osteosarcoma(OS)is a prevalent primary bone malignancy with limited treatment options.Therefore,it is imperative to investigate and understand the mechanisms underlying OS pathogenesis.Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are markedly abundant in tumor stromal cells and are essentially involved in the modulation of tumor occurrence and development.In recent years,CAFs have become a hotspot as researchers aim to elucidate CAF mechanisms that regulate tumor progression.However,most studies on CAFs are limited to a few common cancers,and their association with OS remains elusive.This review describes the role and current knowledge of CAFs in OS,focusing on their potential cellular origin,classification,and diverse functionality.It was found that CAFs influenced OS tumor cell signaling,proliferation,invasion,metastasis,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,stemness maintenance,angiogenesis,and the ability to modify immune system components.Furthermore,findings on other common cancers indicated that effective therapeutic strategies included the manipulation of CAF activation,targeting CAF-derived components,and depletion of CAFs by biomarkers.This review provides new insights and a theoretical basis for OS research.展开更多
Fibroblasts support a broad range of essential organ functions via microarchitectural,biomechanical,and biochemical cues.Despite great advances in fluorescence,photoacoustic conversion,and Raman scattering over the pa...Fibroblasts support a broad range of essential organ functions via microarchitectural,biomechanical,and biochemical cues.Despite great advances in fluorescence,photoacoustic conversion,and Raman scattering over the past decades,their invasiveness and limited spatial resolution hinder the characterization of fibroblasts in a single cell.Here,taking mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs)as an example,we propose a novel noninvasive approach to investigate the compositional distribution of MEFs at the single-cell scale via terahertz(THz)nanos⁃copy.Compared to the topological morphology,THz nano-imaging enables the component-based visualization of MEFs,such as the membrane,cytoplasm,nucleus,and extracellular vesicles(EVs).Notably,we demonstrate the real-space observation of the influence of rapamycin treatment on the increase of EVs in MEFs.Moreover,the line-cut and area-statistical analysis establishes the relationship between the topological morphology and the THz near-field amplitudes for different cellular components of MEFs.This work provides a new pathway to char⁃acterize the effects of pharmaceutical treatments,with potential applications in disease diagnosis and drug devel⁃opment.展开更多
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma stands out as an exceptionally fatal cancer owing to the complexities associated with its treatment and diagnosis,leading to a notably low five-year survival rate.This study offers a d...Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma stands out as an exceptionally fatal cancer owing to the complexities associated with its treatment and diagnosis,leading to a notably low five-year survival rate.This study offers a detailed exploration of epidemiological trends in pancreatic cancer and key molecular drivers,such as mutations in CDKN2A,KRAS,SMAD4,and TP53,along with the influence of cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)on disease progression.In particular,we focused on the pivotal roles of signaling pathways such as the transforming growth factor-βand Wnt/β-catenin pathways in the development of pancreatic cancer and investigated their application in emerging therapeutic strategies.This study provides new scientific perspectives on pancreatic cancer treatment,especially in the development of precision medicine and targeted therapeutic strategies,and demonstrates the importance of signaling pathway research in the development of effective therapeutic regimens.Future studies should explore the subtypes of CAFs and their specific roles in the tumor microenvironment to devise more effective therapeutic methods.展开更多
Fibroblast activation protein(FAP)is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts across various cancer types.Numerous radiolabeled FAP inhibitors(FAPIs)(Fig.S1A)currently under clinical investigation have shown rem...Fibroblast activation protein(FAP)is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts across various cancer types.Numerous radiolabeled FAP inhibitors(FAPIs)(Fig.S1A)currently under clinical investigation have shown remarkable potential in cancer theranostics.展开更多
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is a major cause of cancer-related mortality among women.Beyond tumor cells,the tumor microenvironment(TME)also plays an important role in cancer prog...Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is a major cause of cancer-related mortality among women.Beyond tumor cells,the tumor microenvironment(TME)also plays an important role in cancer progression,therapy resistance,and metastasis.The TME is a complex ecosystem consisting of stromal and immune cells,extracellular matrix(ECM),and various signaling molecules that dynamically interact with tumor cells.Cancer-associated fibro-blasts remodel the ECM and secrete growth factors that promote tumor growth and invasion.Immune cells,such as tumor-associated macrophages,regulatory T cells,and myeloid-derived suppressor cells,often contribute to an immunosup-pressive environment that hinders anti-tumor immune responses.The ECM pro-vides structural support and acts as a reservoir for signaling molecules that in-fluence cancer cell behavior.These components evolve together with tumor cells,facilitating immune evasion,therapy resistance,and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,which promotes metastasis.Understanding these interactions is nece-ssary to develop novel therapeutic strategies that target both tumor and micro-environmental components.This minireview highlights the key stromal and immune elements within the breast cancer microenvironment,discussing their individual and collective roles in tumor progression and clinical outcomes,while emphasizing emerging therapeutic approaches aiming to reprogram the TME to improve treatment efficacy.展开更多
BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),crucial components of the tumor microenvironment in primary and metastatic tumors,can impact the activity of cancer cells and contribute to their progression.Given their ...BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),crucial components of the tumor microenvironment in primary and metastatic tumors,can impact the activity of cancer cells and contribute to their progression.Given their extensive interactions with cancer cells and other stromal cells,we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of CAFs in patients with liver cancer(LC).AIM To investigate the association between CAF expression and clinicopathological characteristics as well as overall survival(OS)in patients with LC,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(iCCA).METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of cohort studies with available data on the effects of CAF expression on both clinicopathological characteristics and OS via hazard ratios(HRs)and risk ratios with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).Studies were subgrouped on the basis of CAF markers and cancer type,and the subgroup effects of CAF expression on both HCC and iCCA were analyzed through meta-regression.The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the included studies to guarantee their quality and minimize the possibility of bias.RESULTS Nine trials were selected and included a total of 1518 patients.According to our primary meta-analysis,the expression of CAFs in LC patients was significantly associated with a decrease in OS(LC:HR:1.62;95%CI:1.34-1.97;P<0.001;HCC:HR:1.67;95%CI:1.34-2.07;P<0.001;iCCA:HR:1.47;95%CI:0.97-2.23;P=0.07);nevertheless,it was not significantly associated with almost all clinicopathologic characteristics,including tumor size,venous infiltration,alpha-fetoprotein level,and differentiation grade.According to the subgroup analysis of smooth muscle actin(SMA)markers in both HCC patients and iCCA patients,high CAF expression in HCC(HR:2.29;95%CI:1.01-5.22;P=0.048)and iCCA(HR:2.04;95%CI:1.09-3.81;P=0.025)patients was a significant indicator of poor OS.Moreover,the clinicopathological characteristics were also verified by the SMA marker,which had a nearly significant effect on the venous infiltration of iCCA(risk ratio:2.70;95%CI:0.97-7.49;P=0.057).CONCLUSION High CAF expression,evaluated by both mixed markers and SMAs,is significantly associated with poor OS in patients with LC,including both HCC patients and iCCA patients.However,further research is necessary since how CAF expression and clinicopathologic features are related is yet unknown.展开更多
Pancreatic cancer(PC)is a highly aggressive cancer characterized by a unique tumor microenvironment(TME)that confers resistance to traditional therapies.As the dominant stromal cells in the TME,cancer-associated fibro...Pancreatic cancer(PC)is a highly aggressive cancer characterized by a unique tumor microenvironment(TME)that confers resistance to traditional therapies.As the dominant stromal cells in the TME,cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)promote PC progression by modulating the extracellular matrix and interacting with surrounding cells.Numerous PC treatment strategies targeting CAFs have been explored in the past decade.However,targeting different subtypes of CAFs leads to varying therapeutic outcomes,highlighting the intricate and multifaceted nature of CAFs.The heterogeneity and dynamism of CAFs increase the complexity and challenges associated with tumor therapeutics.Currently,combination therapies incorporating CAF-targeted approaches in PC treatment have shown encouraging outcomes in select clinical trials.A comprehensive understanding of CAFs is essential for developing individualized therapeutic approaches.This review outlines the current knowledge of CAF heterogeneity,crosstalk with surrounding cells,and strategies for targeting CAFs in PC,aiming to keep researchers and clinicians up-to-date with the latest information on CAFs in PC.展开更多
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.The tumor microenvironment(TME),including cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),plays a pivotal role in tumor pro...Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.The tumor microenvironment(TME),including cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and therapy resistance.Senescent CAFs,which exhibit a senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),further exacerbate cancer growth through inflammatory cytokine secretion.This editorial highlights a study by Jiang et al,which investigates the potential of resveratrol,a natural polyphenolic compound,in targeting senescent CAFs to inhibit pancreatic cancer progression.The study demonstrates that resveratrol reduces senescent CAFs and downregulates SASP factors,thereby disrupting the pro-tumorigenic activities of these cells.Resveratrol’s ability to modulate the TME,induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells,and inhibit metastasis underscores its potential as an adjunctive therapy.This research offers promising insights into novel strategies for improving therapeutic outcomes in pancreatic cancer by targeting the TME and senescent CAFs.展开更多
Objectives:The present study investigated whether Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 32(TRIM32)contributes to the aberrant activation of keloid fibroblasts(KFs)via glycolysis.Methods:The expression levels of TRIM32,p...Objectives:The present study investigated whether Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 32(TRIM32)contributes to the aberrant activation of keloid fibroblasts(KFs)via glycolysis.Methods:The expression levels of TRIM32,pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1(PDK1),hexokinase 2(HK2),and glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)in normal human skin fibroblasts(NFs)and KFs were analyzed using RT-qPCR analyses and western blotting.Cellular proliferation,invasion,and migration were evaluated using Transwell,wound healing,5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU),and cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assays.The extracellular acidification rate(ECAR)was measured using the XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer.Glucose uptake and ATP production were measured using specific assay kits.The expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)was determined by immunofluorescence assays.The expression levels of collagen I,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin(FN),and components of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway were quantified by western blotting.Results:The expression of TRIM32 and glycolysis-related proteins was significantly elevated in KFs compared to that in NFs.TRIM32 overex-pression enhanced the proliferation,invasion,and migration of KFs,as well as extracellular matrix(ECM)deposition,glucose uptake,and ATP production,while TRIM32 silencing produced the opposite effects.The glycolysis inhibitor,2-deoxy-glucose(2-DG),significantly suppressed the biological functions of KFs;however,TRIM32 overexpression effectively counteracted the inhibitory effects of 2-DG.TRIM32 activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in KFs.The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 decreased cellular glycolysis,with TRIM32 overexpression mitigated these inhibitory effects.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that TRIM32 enhances the viability of KFs by regulating glycolytic activity,potentially mediated via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,thereby suggesting novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of keloids.展开更多
Perineural invasion(PNI)by tumor cells is a key phenotype of highly-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Since Schwann cells(SCs)and fibroblasts maintain the physiological homeostasis of the peripheral nervous ...Perineural invasion(PNI)by tumor cells is a key phenotype of highly-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Since Schwann cells(SCs)and fibroblasts maintain the physiological homeostasis of the peripheral nervous system,and we have focused on cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)for decades,it’s imperative to elucidate the impact of CAFs on SCs in PNI+OSCCs.We describe a disease progression-driven shift of PNI−towards PNI+during the progression of early-stage OSCC(31%,n=125)to late-stage OSCC(53%,n=97),characterized by abundant CAFs and nerve demyelination.CAFs inhibited SC proliferation/migration and reduced neurotrophic factors and myelin in vitro,and this involved up-regulated ER stress and decreased MAPK signals.Moreover,CAFs also aggravated the paralysis of the hind limb and PNI in vivo.Unexpectedly,leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)was exclusively expressed on CAFs and up-regulated in metastatic OSCC.The LIF inhibitor EC330 restored CAF-induced SC inactivation.Thus,OSCC-derived CAFs inactivate SCs to aggravate nerve injury and PNI development.展开更多
Objectives:Recently,pre-/post-operative Local Estrogen Therapy(LET)has shown effectiveness in alleviating Pelvic Organ Prolapse(POP)symptoms in clinical therapy.However,there is a lack of scientific evidence to suppor...Objectives:Recently,pre-/post-operative Local Estrogen Therapy(LET)has shown effectiveness in alleviating Pelvic Organ Prolapse(POP)symptoms in clinical therapy.However,there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.Therefore,we aimed to explore the anti-senescence effects and mechanisms of 17β-estradiol(E2)on POP-derived fibroblasts.Methods:The primary fibroblast cells were isolated and cultured fromthe surgical samples of postmenopausal women clinically diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse(POP)at stages III-IV(quantified using the POP-Q system)and without any other treatment within 6 months.(n=12,age 50–75).Colorimetric Cell Counting Kit(CCK-8)assay and Senescence-Associated-β-Galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining were used to test the cell proliferative capacity and the senescence rate.Western blotting(WB)was used to detect the expression of Collagen Type I(COL-I),Collagen Type III(COL-III),Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitor A(p16INK4a),Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A(p21),Tumor Protein 53(p53),Sirtuin 1(SIRT-1)and Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-I/II(LC3-I/II)protein.A transmission ElectronMicroscope(TEM)was used to observe the ultrastructure of fibroblasts.Results:The results showed that E2 significantly promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts derived from POP and reduced the staining rate of SA-β-Gal.It markedly enhanced the extracellular matrix proteins COL-I and COL-III,accompanied by inhibition of the senescent maker p16INK4a.Additionally,our results improved the cells’autophagy and metabolic activity.Additionally,our results indicate the anti-senescence mechanism of E2 through the mediated SIRT-1/p53/p21 axis pathway.Conclusion:We provide preliminary evidence for the anti-aging effects and mechanisms of E2 on POP,hoping to provide a theoretical basis for estrogen against POP senescence and guide the clinical application and local administration of estrogen in POP treatment.展开更多
AIM:To explore the effect of co-host non-coding RNA(ncRNA)MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on the angiogenesis of pterygium.METHODS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)expression levels in pterygium tissues,control...AIM:To explore the effect of co-host non-coding RNA(ncRNA)MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on the angiogenesis of pterygium.METHODS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)expression levels in pterygium tissues,control conjunctival tissues,and human pterygium fibroblasts(HPF)were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and immunohistochemical methods.Effects of MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on low molecular weight FGF2(LWM FGF2),migration and angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMEC)were determined in an HPF and HRMEC co-culture model using Western blots,wound healing assay,Matrigel-based tube formation assay,and Transwell assay.RESULTS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/FGF2 pathway was actively increased in pterygium tissue and there was a negative correlation between the expression of the two ncRNAs.FGF2 expression level was positively correlated with MIR503HG and negatively correlated with miR-503-5p.Overexpressed MIR503HG/miR-503-5p did not affect the migration and angiogenesis of HRMECs cultured separately,but significantly affected migration and angiogenesis of HRMEC in HPF and HRMEC co-culture models.Western blotting revealed that MIR503HG/miR-503-5p overexpression significantly increased LMW FGF2 expression in HPF.CONCLUSION:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p inhibits HRMEC migration and angiogenic function by interfering with the interaction between HPF and endothelial cells via reducing LMW FGF2 in HPF.展开更多
Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust in the workplace.It has a complex pathogenesis and currently lacks effective treatments.Homoharringtonine(HHT)is a natural compound...Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust in the workplace.It has a complex pathogenesis and currently lacks effective treatments.Homoharringtonine(HHT)is a natural compound approved for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia,but its effects on silicosis remain unclear.In the present study,we constructed a mouse model of silica(SiO_(2))-induced pulmonary fibrosis and evaluated the preventive and therapeutic effects of HHT.The results showed that HHT significantly attenuated the progression of SiO_(2)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.We then used MRC-5,a human lung fibroblast cell line,to explore the mechanisms underlying HHT's inhibitory effects in vitro and found that HHT significantly inhibited the activation and migratory capacity of MRC-5 cells.Mechanistically,these effects were mediated by enhanced ubiquitination and degradation of the CCR1 protein.Furthermore,HHT exhibited favorable biocompatibility in vivo,and its preventive and therapeutic effects were validated in SiO_(2)-treated mice.Collectively,the current study demonstrates that HHT shows significant potential as a therapeutic agent for silicosis by targeting CCR1 and the PI3K/AKT/m TOR signaling pathway,highlighting it as a promising candidate for clinical translation for silicosis treatment.展开更多
文摘Background: Evidences have shown that local anaesthetics are clinically useful compounds that exert a pharmacological effect by blocking nerve impulse propagation and also it is able to provoke proliferation and cell growth. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the proliferation and cell growth capacity of lidocaine on human gingival fibroblast cells and the different signal pathways involved in its effect. Method: For this purpose in vitro cultures of human gingival fibroblasts were assayed and the effects of lidocaine on proliferation and cell DNA synthesis, Na+-K+-ATPase and PKC activities and K+ efflux were also evaluated. Results: Lidocaine stimulated in a concentration-dependent manner proliferation and cell growth of human gingival cells and the mechanism involve an increment in Na+-K+-ATPase and PKC activities, which led to an increase in K+ release. All of these effects were blocked by tetrodotoxin, ouabain and calphostin C. In addition, PMA (activator of PKC) increased per se the DNA synthesis of human gingival fibroblast cells. Conclusions: This work demonstrates that lidocaine increase human gingival fibroblasts DNA synthesis and proliferation through an activation of PKC pathway accompanied by the stimulation of Na+-K+-ATPase activity with an increase in K+ efflux. These results contribute to showing another action of lidocaine different to its general use as a drug that relieves odontologic pain or acts as an anti-arrithmogenic agent.
文摘Prostate cancer(PCa)remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality in men,largely due to therapy resistance and metastatic progression.Increasing evidence highlights the tumor microenvironment(TME),particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),as a critical determinant of disease behavior.CAFs constitute a heterogeneous population originating from fibroblasts,mesenchymal stem cells,endothelial cells,epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT),and adipose tissue.Through dynamic crosstalk with tumor,immune,endothelial,and adipocyte compartments,CAFs orchestrate oncogenic processes including tumor proliferation,invasion,immune evasion,extracellular matrix remodeling,angiogenesis,and metabolic reprogramming.This review comprehensively summarizes the cellular origins,phenotypic and functional heterogeneity,and spatial distribution of CAFs within the prostate TME.We further elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which CAFs regulate PCa progression and therapeutic resistance,and critically evaluate emerging strategies to therapeutically target CAFmediated signaling,metabolic,and immune pathways.By integrating recent advances from single-cell and spatial transcriptomics(ST),our objective is to provide a holistic framework for understanding CAF biology and to highlight potential avenues for stromal reprogramming as an adjunct to current PCa therapies.
文摘Objectives:High-grade serous ovarian cancer(HGSOC),the most common subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC),exhibits a mesenchymal phenotype characterized by fibrotic stroma and poor prognosis.Human epididymis protein 4(HE4),a key diagnostic biomarker for ovarian cancer,is involved in fibrotic processes in several non-malignant diseases.Given the clinical significance of stromal fibrosis in HGSOC and the potential link between HE4 and fibrosis,this study aimed to investigate the role of HE4 in the formation of stromal fibrosis in HGSOC.Methods:A total of 126 patients with gynecological conditions were included and divided into normal,benign,and EOC groups.Tissue stiffness was quantitatively measured and analyzed for its correlation with clinicopathological features.We further investigated the correlation between tumor stiffness and the expression levels of HE4 and fibroblast activation markers(α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and fibroblast activation protein(FAP))in tumor tissues from 22 HGSOC patients.In vitro,primary fibroblasts were treated with recombinant HE4(rHE4)or conditioned media from HE4-knockdown ovarian cancer cells to assess fibroblasts activation and matrix contractility(Collagen gel contraction assays).In vivo,a subcutaneous xenograft model using HE4-knockdown cells was established to evaluate the effects of HE4 suppression on tumor growth and extensive extracellular matrix(ECM)remodeling.Results:Ovarian cancer tissues showed significantly increased stiffness compared to benign/normal groups,showing positive correlation with serum HE4 levels.High-stiffness HGSOC tumors exhibited upregulated expression of HE4,α-SMA,FAP,and collagen I.rHE4 stimulated fibroblast activation and enhanced matrix contractility,whereas HE4 knockdown in cancer cells abrogated these pro-fibrotic effects.In vivo,HE4-silenced xenografts displayed restricted tumor growth accompanied by reduced stromal expression ofα-SMA,FAP,and collagen I.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that HE4 may facilitate ECM remodeling in HGSOC through promoting fibroblast activation and increasing collagen deposition.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant number 81773285)Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Golden Seeds Foundation(grant number CYJZ202341).
文摘Osteosarcoma(OS)is a prevalent primary bone malignancy with limited treatment options.Therefore,it is imperative to investigate and understand the mechanisms underlying OS pathogenesis.Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are markedly abundant in tumor stromal cells and are essentially involved in the modulation of tumor occurrence and development.In recent years,CAFs have become a hotspot as researchers aim to elucidate CAF mechanisms that regulate tumor progression.However,most studies on CAFs are limited to a few common cancers,and their association with OS remains elusive.This review describes the role and current knowledge of CAFs in OS,focusing on their potential cellular origin,classification,and diverse functionality.It was found that CAFs influenced OS tumor cell signaling,proliferation,invasion,metastasis,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,stemness maintenance,angiogenesis,and the ability to modify immune system components.Furthermore,findings on other common cancers indicated that effective therapeutic strategies included the manipulation of CAF activation,targeting CAF-derived components,and depletion of CAFs by biomarkers.This review provides new insights and a theoretical basis for OS research.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(61988102,62401113,92463308)the National Safety Academic Fund(U2130113)+2 种基金the Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2022JDJQ0065)the Chengdu Science and Technology Program(2024-YF05-01803-SN)the Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(2024MS512)and the from Key Laboratory of THz Technology,Ministry of Education.
文摘Fibroblasts support a broad range of essential organ functions via microarchitectural,biomechanical,and biochemical cues.Despite great advances in fluorescence,photoacoustic conversion,and Raman scattering over the past decades,their invasiveness and limited spatial resolution hinder the characterization of fibroblasts in a single cell.Here,taking mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs)as an example,we propose a novel noninvasive approach to investigate the compositional distribution of MEFs at the single-cell scale via terahertz(THz)nanos⁃copy.Compared to the topological morphology,THz nano-imaging enables the component-based visualization of MEFs,such as the membrane,cytoplasm,nucleus,and extracellular vesicles(EVs).Notably,we demonstrate the real-space observation of the influence of rapamycin treatment on the increase of EVs in MEFs.Moreover,the line-cut and area-statistical analysis establishes the relationship between the topological morphology and the THz near-field amplitudes for different cellular components of MEFs.This work provides a new pathway to char⁃acterize the effects of pharmaceutical treatments,with potential applications in disease diagnosis and drug devel⁃opment.
基金Supported by National Key Research and Development Program Project,No.2017YFC1700601Shaanxi Provincial Key Research and Development Program Project,No.2018SF-350Leading Talents in Scientific and Technological Innovation of the Shaanxi Province Special Support Plan,No.00518。
文摘Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma stands out as an exceptionally fatal cancer owing to the complexities associated with its treatment and diagnosis,leading to a notably low five-year survival rate.This study offers a detailed exploration of epidemiological trends in pancreatic cancer and key molecular drivers,such as mutations in CDKN2A,KRAS,SMAD4,and TP53,along with the influence of cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)on disease progression.In particular,we focused on the pivotal roles of signaling pathways such as the transforming growth factor-βand Wnt/β-catenin pathways in the development of pancreatic cancer and investigated their application in emerging therapeutic strategies.This study provides new scientific perspectives on pancreatic cancer treatment,especially in the development of precision medicine and targeted therapeutic strategies,and demonstrates the importance of signaling pathway research in the development of effective therapeutic regimens.Future studies should explore the subtypes of CAFs and their specific roles in the tumor microenvironment to devise more effective therapeutic methods.
基金supported by the grants provided by Zhuhai People's Hospital,China(Grant No.:2021KYQD-03)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.:22176016).
文摘Fibroblast activation protein(FAP)is overexpressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts across various cancer types.Numerous radiolabeled FAP inhibitors(FAPIs)(Fig.S1A)currently under clinical investigation have shown remarkable potential in cancer theranostics.
文摘Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and is a major cause of cancer-related mortality among women.Beyond tumor cells,the tumor microenvironment(TME)also plays an important role in cancer progression,therapy resistance,and metastasis.The TME is a complex ecosystem consisting of stromal and immune cells,extracellular matrix(ECM),and various signaling molecules that dynamically interact with tumor cells.Cancer-associated fibro-blasts remodel the ECM and secrete growth factors that promote tumor growth and invasion.Immune cells,such as tumor-associated macrophages,regulatory T cells,and myeloid-derived suppressor cells,often contribute to an immunosup-pressive environment that hinders anti-tumor immune responses.The ECM pro-vides structural support and acts as a reservoir for signaling molecules that in-fluence cancer cell behavior.These components evolve together with tumor cells,facilitating immune evasion,therapy resistance,and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,which promotes metastasis.Understanding these interactions is nece-ssary to develop novel therapeutic strategies that target both tumor and micro-environmental components.This minireview highlights the key stromal and immune elements within the breast cancer microenvironment,discussing their individual and collective roles in tumor progression and clinical outcomes,while emphasizing emerging therapeutic approaches aiming to reprogram the TME to improve treatment efficacy.
基金Supported by the Sichuan Science and Technology Program,No.2024NSFSC1936.
文摘BACKGROUND Cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),crucial components of the tumor microenvironment in primary and metastatic tumors,can impact the activity of cancer cells and contribute to their progression.Given their extensive interactions with cancer cells and other stromal cells,we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of CAFs in patients with liver cancer(LC).AIM To investigate the association between CAF expression and clinicopathological characteristics as well as overall survival(OS)in patients with LC,including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(iCCA).METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of cohort studies with available data on the effects of CAF expression on both clinicopathological characteristics and OS via hazard ratios(HRs)and risk ratios with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).Studies were subgrouped on the basis of CAF markers and cancer type,and the subgroup effects of CAF expression on both HCC and iCCA were analyzed through meta-regression.The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the included studies to guarantee their quality and minimize the possibility of bias.RESULTS Nine trials were selected and included a total of 1518 patients.According to our primary meta-analysis,the expression of CAFs in LC patients was significantly associated with a decrease in OS(LC:HR:1.62;95%CI:1.34-1.97;P<0.001;HCC:HR:1.67;95%CI:1.34-2.07;P<0.001;iCCA:HR:1.47;95%CI:0.97-2.23;P=0.07);nevertheless,it was not significantly associated with almost all clinicopathologic characteristics,including tumor size,venous infiltration,alpha-fetoprotein level,and differentiation grade.According to the subgroup analysis of smooth muscle actin(SMA)markers in both HCC patients and iCCA patients,high CAF expression in HCC(HR:2.29;95%CI:1.01-5.22;P=0.048)and iCCA(HR:2.04;95%CI:1.09-3.81;P=0.025)patients was a significant indicator of poor OS.Moreover,the clinicopathological characteristics were also verified by the SMA marker,which had a nearly significant effect on the venous infiltration of iCCA(risk ratio:2.70;95%CI:0.97-7.49;P=0.057).CONCLUSION High CAF expression,evaluated by both mixed markers and SMAs,is significantly associated with poor OS in patients with LC,including both HCC patients and iCCA patients.However,further research is necessary since how CAF expression and clinicopathologic features are related is yet unknown.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province(Grant No.2025AFB849).
文摘Pancreatic cancer(PC)is a highly aggressive cancer characterized by a unique tumor microenvironment(TME)that confers resistance to traditional therapies.As the dominant stromal cells in the TME,cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)promote PC progression by modulating the extracellular matrix and interacting with surrounding cells.Numerous PC treatment strategies targeting CAFs have been explored in the past decade.However,targeting different subtypes of CAFs leads to varying therapeutic outcomes,highlighting the intricate and multifaceted nature of CAFs.The heterogeneity and dynamism of CAFs increase the complexity and challenges associated with tumor therapeutics.Currently,combination therapies incorporating CAF-targeted approaches in PC treatment have shown encouraging outcomes in select clinical trials.A comprehensive understanding of CAFs is essential for developing individualized therapeutic approaches.This review outlines the current knowledge of CAF heterogeneity,crosstalk with surrounding cells,and strategies for targeting CAFs in PC,aiming to keep researchers and clinicians up-to-date with the latest information on CAFs in PC.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82304151.
文摘Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.The tumor microenvironment(TME),including cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs),plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and therapy resistance.Senescent CAFs,which exhibit a senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),further exacerbate cancer growth through inflammatory cytokine secretion.This editorial highlights a study by Jiang et al,which investigates the potential of resveratrol,a natural polyphenolic compound,in targeting senescent CAFs to inhibit pancreatic cancer progression.The study demonstrates that resveratrol reduces senescent CAFs and downregulates SASP factors,thereby disrupting the pro-tumorigenic activities of these cells.Resveratrol’s ability to modulate the TME,induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells,and inhibit metastasis underscores its potential as an adjunctive therapy.This research offers promising insights into novel strategies for improving therapeutic outcomes in pancreatic cancer by targeting the TME and senescent CAFs.
文摘Objectives:The present study investigated whether Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 32(TRIM32)contributes to the aberrant activation of keloid fibroblasts(KFs)via glycolysis.Methods:The expression levels of TRIM32,pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1(PDK1),hexokinase 2(HK2),and glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)in normal human skin fibroblasts(NFs)and KFs were analyzed using RT-qPCR analyses and western blotting.Cellular proliferation,invasion,and migration were evaluated using Transwell,wound healing,5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU),and cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assays.The extracellular acidification rate(ECAR)was measured using the XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer.Glucose uptake and ATP production were measured using specific assay kits.The expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)was determined by immunofluorescence assays.The expression levels of collagen I,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin(FN),and components of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway were quantified by western blotting.Results:The expression of TRIM32 and glycolysis-related proteins was significantly elevated in KFs compared to that in NFs.TRIM32 overex-pression enhanced the proliferation,invasion,and migration of KFs,as well as extracellular matrix(ECM)deposition,glucose uptake,and ATP production,while TRIM32 silencing produced the opposite effects.The glycolysis inhibitor,2-deoxy-glucose(2-DG),significantly suppressed the biological functions of KFs;however,TRIM32 overexpression effectively counteracted the inhibitory effects of 2-DG.TRIM32 activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in KFs.The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 decreased cellular glycolysis,with TRIM32 overexpression mitigated these inhibitory effects.Conclusion:This study demonstrated that TRIM32 enhances the viability of KFs by regulating glycolytic activity,potentially mediated via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,thereby suggesting novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of keloids.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82373037 and 82403486)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20230054 and BK20230161)+1 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M741766)the Nanjing Medical Science and Technology Development Foundation,Nanjing Department of Health(YKK21182 and JQX23010).
文摘Perineural invasion(PNI)by tumor cells is a key phenotype of highly-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Since Schwann cells(SCs)and fibroblasts maintain the physiological homeostasis of the peripheral nervous system,and we have focused on cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)for decades,it’s imperative to elucidate the impact of CAFs on SCs in PNI+OSCCs.We describe a disease progression-driven shift of PNI−towards PNI+during the progression of early-stage OSCC(31%,n=125)to late-stage OSCC(53%,n=97),characterized by abundant CAFs and nerve demyelination.CAFs inhibited SC proliferation/migration and reduced neurotrophic factors and myelin in vitro,and this involved up-regulated ER stress and decreased MAPK signals.Moreover,CAFs also aggravated the paralysis of the hind limb and PNI in vivo.Unexpectedly,leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)was exclusively expressed on CAFs and up-regulated in metastatic OSCC.The LIF inhibitor EC330 restored CAF-induced SC inactivation.Thus,OSCC-derived CAFs inactivate SCs to aggravate nerve injury and PNI development.
基金supported by 1.3.5 project for disciplines of excellence,West China Hospital,Sichuan University(ZYJC21048)Foundation of Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Program(2022JDR0091,2023NSFSC0004,2023NSFSC0639,2023NSFSC1742)+5 种基金Cooperation Project for Academician&Expert Workstation(HXYS20001)Sichuan University Education Foundation(0040206107011)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82371883,82402191)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M732456)Postdoctor Research Fund of West China Hospital(2024HXBH142)Sichuan University“From 0 to 1”Innovation Research Project(2023SCUH0056).
文摘Objectives:Recently,pre-/post-operative Local Estrogen Therapy(LET)has shown effectiveness in alleviating Pelvic Organ Prolapse(POP)symptoms in clinical therapy.However,there is a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.Therefore,we aimed to explore the anti-senescence effects and mechanisms of 17β-estradiol(E2)on POP-derived fibroblasts.Methods:The primary fibroblast cells were isolated and cultured fromthe surgical samples of postmenopausal women clinically diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse(POP)at stages III-IV(quantified using the POP-Q system)and without any other treatment within 6 months.(n=12,age 50–75).Colorimetric Cell Counting Kit(CCK-8)assay and Senescence-Associated-β-Galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining were used to test the cell proliferative capacity and the senescence rate.Western blotting(WB)was used to detect the expression of Collagen Type I(COL-I),Collagen Type III(COL-III),Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 inhibitor A(p16INK4a),Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A(p21),Tumor Protein 53(p53),Sirtuin 1(SIRT-1)and Microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-I/II(LC3-I/II)protein.A transmission ElectronMicroscope(TEM)was used to observe the ultrastructure of fibroblasts.Results:The results showed that E2 significantly promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts derived from POP and reduced the staining rate of SA-β-Gal.It markedly enhanced the extracellular matrix proteins COL-I and COL-III,accompanied by inhibition of the senescent maker p16INK4a.Additionally,our results improved the cells’autophagy and metabolic activity.Additionally,our results indicate the anti-senescence mechanism of E2 through the mediated SIRT-1/p53/p21 axis pathway.Conclusion:We provide preliminary evidence for the anti-aging effects and mechanisms of E2 on POP,hoping to provide a theoretical basis for estrogen against POP senescence and guide the clinical application and local administration of estrogen in POP treatment.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81770898).
文摘AIM:To explore the effect of co-host non-coding RNA(ncRNA)MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on the angiogenesis of pterygium.METHODS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)expression levels in pterygium tissues,control conjunctival tissues,and human pterygium fibroblasts(HPF)were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and immunohistochemical methods.Effects of MIR503HG/miR-503-5p on low molecular weight FGF2(LWM FGF2),migration and angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMEC)were determined in an HPF and HRMEC co-culture model using Western blots,wound healing assay,Matrigel-based tube formation assay,and Transwell assay.RESULTS:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p/FGF2 pathway was actively increased in pterygium tissue and there was a negative correlation between the expression of the two ncRNAs.FGF2 expression level was positively correlated with MIR503HG and negatively correlated with miR-503-5p.Overexpressed MIR503HG/miR-503-5p did not affect the migration and angiogenesis of HRMECs cultured separately,but significantly affected migration and angiogenesis of HRMEC in HPF and HRMEC co-culture models.Western blotting revealed that MIR503HG/miR-503-5p overexpression significantly increased LMW FGF2 expression in HPF.CONCLUSION:MIR503HG/miR-503-5p inhibits HRMEC migration and angiogenic function by interfering with the interaction between HPF and endothelial cells via reducing LMW FGF2 in HPF.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.82473601 to Y.L.,82404234 to W.S.,and 82073518 to C.N.)the Foundation of Chongqing Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment for Occupational Diseases and Poisoning(Grant No.2022-2023ZYBKF04 to C.N.)。
文摘Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust in the workplace.It has a complex pathogenesis and currently lacks effective treatments.Homoharringtonine(HHT)is a natural compound approved for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia,but its effects on silicosis remain unclear.In the present study,we constructed a mouse model of silica(SiO_(2))-induced pulmonary fibrosis and evaluated the preventive and therapeutic effects of HHT.The results showed that HHT significantly attenuated the progression of SiO_(2)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.We then used MRC-5,a human lung fibroblast cell line,to explore the mechanisms underlying HHT's inhibitory effects in vitro and found that HHT significantly inhibited the activation and migratory capacity of MRC-5 cells.Mechanistically,these effects were mediated by enhanced ubiquitination and degradation of the CCR1 protein.Furthermore,HHT exhibited favorable biocompatibility in vivo,and its preventive and therapeutic effects were validated in SiO_(2)-treated mice.Collectively,the current study demonstrates that HHT shows significant potential as a therapeutic agent for silicosis by targeting CCR1 and the PI3K/AKT/m TOR signaling pathway,highlighting it as a promising candidate for clinical translation for silicosis treatment.
