scholarly journals Pancreatic Cancers with High Grade Tumor Budding Exhibit Hallmarks of Diminished Anti-Tumor Immunity

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1090
Author(s):  
Hassan Sadozai ◽  
Animesh Acharjee ◽  
Thomas Gruber ◽  
Beat Gloor ◽  
Eva Karamitopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Immune Escape ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tumor Budding ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Tumor budding is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and diminished survival in a number of cancer types including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In this study, we dissect the immune landscapes of patients with high grade versus low grade tumor budding to determine the features associated with immune escape and disease progression in pancreatic cancer. We performed immunohistochemistry-based quantification of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes and tumor bud assessment in a cohort of n = 111 PDAC patients in a tissue microarray (TMA) format. Patients were divided based on the ITBCC categories of tumor budding as Low Grade (LG: categories 1 and 2) and High Grade (HG: category 3). Tumor budding numbers and tumor budding grade demonstrated a significant association with diminished overall survival (OS). HG cases exhibit notably reduced densities of stromal (S) and intratumoral (IT) T cells. HG cases also display lower M1 macrophages (S) and increased M2 macrophages (IT). These findings were validated using gene expression data from TCGA. A published tumor budding gene signature demonstrated a significant association with diminished survival in PDAC patients in TCGA. Immune-related gene expression revealed an immunosuppressive TME in PDAC cases with high expression of the budding signature. Our findings highlight a number of immune features that permit an improved understanding of disease progression and EMT in pancreatic cancer.

scholarly journals Exosome-Derived LINC00960 and LINC02470 Promote the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Aggressiveness of Bladder Cancer Cells

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1419
Author(s):  
Cheng-Shuo Huang ◽  
Jar-Yi Ho ◽  
Jung-Hwa Chiang ◽  
Cheng-Ping Yu ◽  
Dah-Shyong Yu
Keyword(s):  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Bladder Cancer Cells

Exosomes are essential for several tumor progression-related processes, including the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise a major group of exosomal components and regulate the neoplastic development of several cancer types; however, the progressive role of exosomal lncRNAs in bladder cancer have rarely been addressed. In this study, we identified two potential aggressiveness-promoting exosomal lncRNAs, LINC00960 and LINC02470. Exosomes derived from high-grade bladder cancer cells enhanced the viability, migration, invasion and clonogenicity of recipient low-grade bladder cancer cells and activated major EMT-upstream signaling pathways, including β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Smad2/3 signaling pathways. Nevertheless, LINC00960 and LINC02470 were expressed at significantly higher levels in T24 and J82 cells and their secreted exosomes than in TSGH-8301 cells. Moreover, exosomes derived from LINC00960 knockdown or LINC02470 knockdown T24 cells significantly attenuated the ability of exosomes to promote cell aggressiveness and activate EMT-related signaling pathways in recipient TSGH-8301 cells. Our findings indicate that exosome-derived LINC00960 and LINC02470 from high-grade bladder cancer cells promote the malignant behaviors of recipient low-grade bladder cancer cells and induce EMT by upregulating β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Smad2/3 signaling. Both lncRNAs may serve as potential liquid biomarkers for the prognostic surveillance of bladder cancer progression.

scholarly journals RNA m6A Demethylase ALKBH5 Protects Against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma via Targeting Regulators of Iron Metabolism

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Huang ◽  
Lin Yang ◽  
Zhiwen Zhang ◽  
Xiaoding Liu ◽  
Yi Fei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Iron Metabolism ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Stable Cell Line ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Although RNA m6A regulators have been implicated in the tumorigenesis of several different types of tumors, including pancreatic cancer, their clinical relevance and intrinsic regulatory mechanism remain elusive. This study analyzed eight m6A regulators (METTL3, METTL14, WTAP, FTO, ALKBH5, and YTHDF1-3) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and found that only RNA m6A demethylase ALKBH5 serves as an independent favorable prognostic marker for this tumor. To better understand the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effect conferred by ALKBH5 against pancreatic tumorigenesis, we performed a transcriptome-wide analysis of m6A methylation, gene expression, and alternative splicing (AS) using the MIA PaCa-2 stable cell line with ALKBH5 overexpression. We demonstrated that ALKBH5 overexpression induced a reduction in RNA m6A levels globally. Furthermore, mRNAs encoding ubiquitin ligase FBXL5, and mitochondrial iron importers SLC25A28 and SLC25A37, were identified as substrates of ALKBH5. Mechanistically, the RNA stabilities of FBXL5 and SLC25A28, and the AS of SLC25A37 were affected, which led to their upregulation in pancreatic cancer cell line. Particularly, we observed that downregulation of FBXL5 in tumor samples correlated with shorter survival time of patients. Owing to FBXL5-mediated degradation, ALKBH5 overexpression incurred a significant reduction in iron-regulatory protein IRP2 and the modulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) SNAI1. Notably, ALKBH5 overexpression led to a significant reduction in intracellular iron levels as well as cell migratory and invasive abilities, which could be rescued by knocking down FBXL5. Overall, our results reveal a previously uncharacterized mechanism of ALKBH5 in protecting against PDAC through modulating regulators of iron metabolism and underscore the multifaceted role of m6A in pancreatic cancer.

scholarly journals Prognostic Role of High-Grade Tumor Budding in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with a Focus on Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Lawlor ◽  
Nicola Veronese ◽  
Alessia Nottegar ◽  
Giuseppe Malleo ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Tumor Budding ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Prognostic Role ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

This study aims at clarifying the prognostic role of high-grade tumor budding (TB) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with the first systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic. Furthermore, we analyzed with a systematic review the relationship between TB and a recently suggested TB-associated mechanism: the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Analyzing a total of 613 patients, 251 of them (40.9%) with high grade-TB, we found an increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.13–1.88, p = 0.004; HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.79–3.91; p < 0.0001) and of recurrence (RR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.05–2.47, p = 0.03) for PDAC patients with high-grade TB. Moreover, we found that EMT is a central process in determining the presence of TB in PDAC. Thanks to this meta-analysis, we demonstrate the potential clinical significance of high-grade TB for prognostic stratification of PDAC. TB also shows a clear association with the process of EMT. Based on the results of the present study, TB should be conveyed in pathology reports and taken into account by future oncologic staging systems.

scholarly journals Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling: The Culprit in Pancreatic Carcinogenesis and Therapeutic Resistance

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 4242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monish Ram Makena ◽  
Himavanth Gatla ◽  
Dattesh Verlekar ◽  
Sahithi Sukhavasi ◽  
Manoj K. Pandey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Patient Survival ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Steady Increase ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Pancreatic Carcinogenesis ◽  
Tumor Immune Microenvironment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is responsible for 7.3% of all cancer deaths. Even though there is a steady increase in patient survival for most cancers over the decades, the patient survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains low with current therapeutic strategies. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway controls the maintenance of somatic stem cells in many tissues and organs and is implicated in pancreatic carcinogenesis by regulating cell cycle progression, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, stemness, tumor immune microenvironment, etc. Further, dysregulated Wnt has been shown to cause drug resistance in pancreatic cancer. Although different Wnt antagonists are effective in pancreatic patients, limitations remain that must be overcome to increase the survival benefits associated with this emerging therapy. In this review, we have summarized the role of Wnt signaling in pancreatic cancer and suggested future directions to enhance the survival of pancreatic cancer patients.

scholarly journals Crosstalk between KRAS, SRC and YAP Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer: Interactions Leading to Aggressive Disease and Drug Resistance

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 5126
Author(s):  
Enrique Rozengurt ◽  
Guido Eibl
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Src Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Predominant Form

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the predominant form of pancreatic cancer, remains a devastating disease. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent literature on mechanistic and translational developments that advance our understanding of a complex crosstalk between KRAS, YAP and Src tyrosine kinase family (SFK) in PDAC development and maintenance. We discuss recent studies indicating the importance of RAS dimerization in signal transduction and new findings showing that the potent pro-oncogenic members of the SFK phosphorylate and inhibit RAS function. These surprising findings imply that RAS may not play a crucial role in maintaining certain subtypes of PDAC. In support of this interpretation, current evidence indicates that the survival of the basal-like subtype of PDAC is less dependent on RAS but relies, at least in part, on the activity of YAP/TAZ. Based on current evidence, we propose that SFK propels PDAC cells to a state of high metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced dependence on KRAS signaling, salient features of the aggressive basal-like/squamous subtype of PDAC. Strategies for PDAC treatment should consider the opposite effects of tyrosine phosphorylation on KRAS and SFK/YAP in the design of drug combinations that target these novel crosstalk mechanisms and overcome drug resistance.

scholarly journals Morphological Changes in the Cells of the Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas at Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 59-65
Author(s):  
T. N. Sotnikova ◽  
G. R. Setdikova ◽  
O. V. Paklina ◽  
V. P. Shubin ◽  
M. V. Mnikhovich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Molecular Genetic ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Marker Genes ◽  
Muscle Actin ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Adenocarcinoma Of The Pancreas

The aim of the research was to study the expression of marker genes for the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.Material and methods. Surgical material from 44 patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas was subjected to morphological analysis with molecular genetic research. Total RNA was detected in the detected sections of the anaplastic component using the RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany). 5 marker genes were used for molecular genetic studies of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT): ZEB1, ZEB2, CDH1, VIM, SNAIL1 (SLUG). Gene expression was measured in triplicate using an EvaGreen intercalating dye. On serial paraffin sections using tissue microarrays technology, immunohistochemical detection of p63, smooth muscle actin, total cytokeratin, cytokeratin 7, vimentin, E-cadherin (Ventana) was performed.Results. As a result of the study, a positive reaction with mesenchymal markers (vimentin, p63, smooth muscle actin) was detected in the cells of the anaplastic component, in contrast to the glandular component. In a molecular study of the anaplastic component, changes in gene expression were characterized as EMT-positive.Conclusion. The heterogeneity of ductal cancer is manifested in the appearance of an anaplastic (sarcomalike) component, in which the ability of epithelial tumor cells to acquire the property of mesenchymal cells that do not require stroma and have aggressive malignant potential that affects the survival of patients is traced.

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