The Role of Tumor Microenvironment Cells in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Cachexia

Cancer cachexia (CC) is a multifactorial syndrome in patients with advanced cancer characterized by weight loss via skeletal-muscle and adipose-tissue atrophy, catabolic activity, and systemic inflammation. CC is correlated with functional impairment, reduced therapeutic responsiveness, and poor prognosis, and is a major cause of death in cancer patients. In colorectal cancer (CRC), cachexia affects around 50–61% of patients, but remains overlooked, understudied, and uncured. The mechanisms driving CC are not fully understood but are related, at least in part, to the local and systemic immune response to the tumor. Accumulating evidence demonstrates a significant role of tumor microenvironment (TME) cells (e.g., macrophages, neutrophils, and fibroblasts) in both cancer progression and tumor-induced cachexia, through the production of multiple procachectic factors. The most important role in CRC-associated cachexia is played by pro-inflammatory cytokines, including the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), originally known as cachectin, Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and certain chemokines (e.g., IL-8). Heterogeneous CRC cells themselves also produce numerous cytokines (including chemokines), as well as novel factors called “cachexokines”. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to systemic inflammation and increased oxidative stress and fibrosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of TME cellular components in CRC-associated cachexia, as well as discusses the potential role of selected mediators secreted by colorectal cancer cells in cooperation with tumor-associated immune and non-immune cells of tumor microenvironment in inducing or potentiating cancer cachexia. This knowledge serves to aid the understanding of the mechanisms of this process, as well as prevent its consequences.

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Biological mechanisms linked to inflammation in cancer: Discovery of tumor microenvironment-related biomarkers and their clinical application in solid tumors

The International Journal of Biological Markers ◽

10.1177/1724600820906155 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (1_suppl) ◽

pp. 8-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Paola Nisticò ◽

Gennaro Ciliberto

Keyword(s):

Tumor Microenvironment ◽

Tumor Cells ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Cancer Biology ◽

Tumor Development ◽

Short Paper ◽

Great Relevance ◽

Cellular Components ◽

The Relationship

Our view of cancer biology radically shifted from a “cancer-cell-centric” vision to a view of cancer as an organ disease. The concept that genetic and/or epigenetic alterations, at the basis of cancerogenesis, are the main if not the exclusive drivers of cancer development and the principal targets of therapy, has now evolved to include the tumor microenvironment in which tumor cells can grow, proliferate, survive, and metastasize only within a favorable environment. The interplay between cancer cells and the non-cellular and cellular components of the tumor microenvironment plays a fundamental role in tumor development and evolution both at the primary site and at the level of metastasis. The shape of the tumor cells and tumor mass is the resultant of several contrasting forces either pro-tumoral or anti-tumoral which have at the level of the tumor microenvironment their battle field. This crucial role of tumor microenvironment composition in cancer progression also dictates whether immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies is going to be efficacious. Hence, tumor microenvironment deconvolution has become of great relevance in order to identify biomarkers predictive of efficacy of immunotherapy. In this short paper we will briefly review the relationship between inflammation and cancer, and will summarize in 10 short points the key concepts learned so far and the open challenges to be solved.

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Genetic and Epigenetic Events Generate Multiple Pathways in Colorectal Cancer Progression

Pathology Research International ◽

10.1155/2012/509348 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Massimo Pancione ◽

Andrea Remo ◽

Vittorio Colantuoni

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Cancer Biology ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Alternative Pathway ◽

Epigenetic Events ◽

Cells Of Origin ◽

Common Causes ◽

Colorectal Cancer Progression

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of death, despite decades of research. Initially considered as a disease due to genetic mutations, it is now viewed as a complex malignancy because of the involvement of epigenetic abnormalities. A functional equivalence between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms has been suggested in CRC initiation and progression. A hallmark of CRC is its pathogenetic heterogeneity attained through at least three distinct pathways: a traditional (adenoma-carcinoma sequence), an alternative, and more recently the so-called serrated pathway. While the alternative pathway is more heterogeneous and less characterized, the traditional and serrated pathways appear to be more homogeneous and clearly distinct. One unsolved question in colon cancer biology concerns the cells of origin and from which crypt compartment the different pathways originate. Based on molecular and pathological evidences, we propose that the traditional and serrated pathways originate from different crypt compartments explaining their genetic/epigenetic and clinicopathological differences. In this paper, we will discuss the current knowledge of CRC pathogenesis and, specifically, summarize the role of genetic/epigenetic changes in the origin and progression of the multiple CRC pathways. Elucidation of the link between the molecular and clinico-pathological aspects of CRC would improve our understanding of its etiology and impact both prevention and treatment.

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TNF-alpha Induces Pro-Inflammatory Factors in Colorectal Cancer Microenvironment

Medical Science and Discovery ◽

10.36472/msd.v7i4.368 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 466-469

Author(s):

Ahu Pakdemirli ◽

Gizem Calibasi Kocal

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Tumor Microenvironment ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Interleukin 6 ◽

Interleukin 8 ◽

Soluble Factors ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Colorectal Cancer Cells ◽

Cancer Tumor ◽

Cellular Components

Objective: The tumor microenvironment has a crucial role in organizing cancer malignancy, progression, drug resistance and survival. It consists of cellular and non-cellular components. These non-cellular components such as cytokines, extracellular matrix, growth factors and metabolites are responsible for shifting the action from pro-cancer to anti-cancer effects. Twenty percent of all cancers occur in association with chronic inflammation via cytokines. Even cancers that are not caused by chronic inflammation, present high levels of cytokine expression pattern in their tumor microenvironment. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and some interleukins are characterized as pro-tumorigenic cytokines and they were involved in cancer by presenting their ability to activate the oncogenic transcription factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the remodeling of colorectal cancer tumor microenvironment by TNF-α. Material and Methods: TNF-α (5ng/ml) was applied to HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, then human soluble factors were determined by using Human Cytokine Group 1, 8 plex Panel (Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. USA) and Magpix Luminex instrument and xPONENT software (version 4.2, Luminex Corp, Austin, Texas, US). The results were normalized to total protein concentration estimated via Bradford assay. Results: Current research highlights the effect of TNF-α on the tumor microenvironment. Interleukin-6 and interleukin -8 soluble factors were higher in TNF-α treated colorectal cancer cells when compared with untreated control group. Conclusion: The results of the study show that TNF-α is responsible for elevating the levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, which are associated with inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. Key words: Colorectal Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment, Cytokines, TNF-α, Interleukin-6, interleukin -8

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Resveratrol Suppresses Cross-Talk between Colorectal Cancer Cells and Stromal Cells in Multicellular Tumor Microenvironment: A Bridge between In Vitro and In Vivo Tumor Microenvironment Study

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25184292 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (18) ◽

pp. 4292

Author(s):

Constanze Buhrmann ◽

Parviz Shayan ◽

Aranka Brockmueller ◽

Mehdi Shakibaei

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Tumor Microenvironment ◽

T Lymphocytes ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

T Lymphocyte ◽

Stromal Cells ◽

Colorectal Cancer Cells ◽

Hct116 Cells

The interaction between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important process for the development of tumor malignancy. Modulation of paracrine cross-talk could be a promising strategy for tumor control within the TME. The exact mechanisms of multi-targeted compound resveratrol are not yet fully understood. Whether resveratrol can modulate paracrine signal transduction-induced malignancy in the multicellular-TME of colorectal cancer cells (CRC) was investigated. An in vitro model with 3D-alginate HCT116 cells in multicellular-TME cultures (fibroblast cells, T-lymphocytes) was used to elucidate the role of TNF-β, Sirt1-ASO and/or resveratrol in the proliferation, invasion and cancer stem cells (CSC) of CRC cells. We found that multicellular-TME, similar to TNF-β-TME, promoted proliferation, colony formation, invasion of CRC cells and enabled activation of CSCs. However, after co-treatment with resveratrol, the malignancy of multicellular-TME reversed to HCT116. In addition, resveratrol reduced the secretion of T-lymphocyte/fibroblast (TNF-β, TGF-β3) proteins, antagonized the T-lymphocyte/fibroblast-promoting NF-κB activation, NF-κB nuclear translocation and thus the expression of NF-κB-promoting biomarkers, associated with proliferation, invasion and survival of CSCs in 3D-alginate cultures of HCT116 cells induced by TNF-β- or multicellular-TME, but not by Sirt1-ASO, indicating the central role of this enzyme in the anti-tumor function of resveratrol. Our results suggest that in vitro multicellular-TME promotes crosstalk between CRC and stromal cells to increase survival, migration of HCT116 and the resveratrol/Sirt1 axis suppresses this loop by modulating paracrine agent secretion and NF-κB signaling. Fibroblasts and T-lymphocytes are promising targets for resveratrol in the prevention of CRC metastasis.

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The Interplay of Autophagy and Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer—Ways of Enhancing Immunotherapy Action

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers11040533 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 533 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Evangelos Koustas ◽

Panagiotis Sarantis ◽

Georgia Kyriakopoulou ◽

Athanasios G. Papavassiliou ◽

Michalis V. Karamouzis

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Immune Response ◽

Tumor Microenvironment ◽

Tumor Stroma ◽

Cellular Functions ◽

Different Types ◽

Cellular Immune ◽

Cellular Components ◽

Catabolic Process

Autophagy as a primary homeostatic and catabolic process is responsible for the degradation and recycling of proteins and cellular components. The mechanism of autophagy has a crucial role in several cellular functions and its dysregulation is associated with tumorigenesis, tumor–stroma interactions, and resistance to cancer therapy. A growing body of evidence suggests that autophagy is also a key regulator of the tumor microenvironment and cellular immune response in different types of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Furthermore, autophagy is responsible for initiating the immune response especially when it precedes cell death. However, the role of autophagy in CRC and the tumor microenvironment remains controversial. In this review, we identify the role of autophagy in tumor microenvironment regulation and the specific mechanism by which autophagy is implicated in immune responses during CRC tumorigenesis and the context of anticancer therapy.

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Hypoxic colorectal cancer-secreted exosomes deliver miR-210-3p to normoxic tumor cells to elicit a protumoral effect

Experimental Biology and Medicine ◽

10.1177/15353702211011576 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 153537022110115

Author(s):

Liuqing Ge ◽

Feng Zhou ◽

Jiayan Nie ◽

Xiaobing Wang ◽

Qiu Zhao

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Tumor Microenvironment ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Tumor Cells ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Preclinical Study ◽

Mechanistic Investigation ◽

Colorectal Cancer Cells ◽

Colorectal Cancer Progression

Hypoxia, the most common feature in the tumor microenvironment, is closely related to tumor malignant progression and poor patient’s prognosis. Exosomes, initially recognized as cellular “garbage dumpsters”, are now known to be important mediums for mediating cellular communication in tumor microenvironment. However, the mechanisms of hypoxic tumor cell-derived exosomes facilitate colorectal cancer progression still need further exploration. In the present study, we found that exosomes from hypoxic colorectal cancer cells (H-Exos) promoted G1-S cycle transition and proliferation while preventing the apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells by transmitting miR-210-3p to normoxic tumor cells. Mechanistic investigation indicated that miR-210-3p from H-Exos elicited its protumoral effect via suppressing CELF2 expression. A preclinical study further confirmed that H-Exos could promote tumorigenesis in vivo. Clinically, the expression of miR-210-3p in circulating plasma exosomes was markedly upregulated in colorectal cancer patients, which were closely associated with multiple unfavorable clinicopathological features. Taken together, these results suggest that hypoxia may stimulate colorectal cancer cells to secrete miR-210-3p-enriched exosomes in tumor microenvironment, which elicit protumoral effects by inhibiting CELF2 expression. These findings provide new insights on the mechanism of colorectal cancer progression and potential therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.

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Role of Regulatory Oncogenic or Tumor Suppressor miRNAs of PI3K/AKT Signaling Axis in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612825666190110151957 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (39) ◽

pp. 4605-4610 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Atena Soleimani ◽

Farzad Rahmani ◽

Gordon A. Ferns ◽

Mikhail Ryzhikov ◽

Amir Avan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Tumor Suppressor ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Akt Signaling ◽

Tumor Tissues ◽

Radio Therapy ◽

Signaling Axis ◽

Cancer Tumor ◽

Novel Biomarkers

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and its incidence is increasing. In most patients with CRC, the PI3K/AKT signaling axis is over-activated. Regulatory oncogenic or tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNAs) for PI3K/AKT signaling regulate cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, as well as resistance to chemo-/radio-therapy in colorectal cancer tumor tissues. Thus, regulatory miRNAs of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling represent novel biomarkers for new patient diagnosis and obtaining clinically invaluable information from post-treatment CRC patients for improving therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of miRNAs’ regulatory roles of PI3K/AKT signaling in CRC pathogenesis.

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The essential role of TAp73 in bortezomib-induced apoptosis in p53-deficient colorectal cancer cells

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-017-05813-z ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Yasamin Dabiri ◽

Sara Kalman ◽

Clara-Marie Gürth ◽

Jee Young Kim ◽

Viola Mayer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Cancer Cells ◽

Essential Role ◽

Colorectal Cancer Cells ◽

Induced Apoptosis

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B-Cell Activating Factor as a Cancer Biomarker and Its Implications in Cancer-Related Cachexia

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2015/792187 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Michal Rihacek ◽

Julie Bienertova-Vasku ◽

Dalibor Valik ◽

Jaroslav Sterba ◽

Katerina Pilatova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

B Cell ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Lupus Erythematosus ◽

Cancer Cachexia ◽

Plasma Cells ◽

Ongoing Research ◽

B Cell Activating Factor ◽

Proinflammatory Role ◽

Cachexia Syndrome

B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is a cytokine and adipokine of the TNF ligand superfamily. The main biological function of BAFF in maintaining the maturation of B-cells to plasma cells has recently made it a target of the first FDA-approved selective BAFF antibody, belimumab, for the therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus. Concomitantly, the role of BAFF in cancer has been a subject of research since its discovery. Here we review BAFF as a biomarker of malignant disease activity and prognostic factor in B-cell derived malignancies such as multiple myeloma. Moreover, anti-BAFF therapy seems to be a promising approach in treatment of B-cell derived leukemias/lymphomas. In nonhematologic solid tumors, BAFF may contribute to cancer progression by mechanisms both dependent on and independent of BAFF’s proinflammatory role. We also describe ongoing research into the pathophysiological link between BAFF and cancer-related cachexia. BAFF has been shown to contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance which are known to worsen cancer cachexia syndrome. Taking all the above together, BAFF is emerging as a biomarker of several malignancies and a possible hallmark of cancer cachexia.

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Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF): fuel for cancer progression

Current Molecular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1874467214666210120154929 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 ◽

Author(s):

Saurabh Satija ◽

Harpreet Kaur ◽

Murtaza M. Tambuwala ◽

Prabal Sharma ◽

Manish Vyas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biological Sciences ◽

Tumor Microenvironment ◽

Tumor Cells ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Oxygen Deficiency ◽

Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽

Transcription Factor Activation ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Adaptive Reactions

Hypoxia is an integral part of tumor microenvironment, caused primarily due to rapidly multiplying tumor cells and a lack of proper blood supply. Among the major hypoxic pathways, HIF-1 transcription factor activation is one of the widely investigated pathways in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME). HIF-1 is known to activate several adaptive reactions in response to oxygen deficiency in tumor cells. HIF-1 has two subunits, HIF-1β (constitutive) and HIF-1α (inducible). The HIF-1α expression is largely regulated via various cytokines (through PI3K-ACT-mTOR signals), which involves the cascading of several growth factors and oncogenic cascades. These events lead to the loss of cellular tumor suppressant activity through changes in the level of oxygen via oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent pathways. The significant and crucial role of HIF in cancer progression and its underlying mechanisms have gained much attention lately among the translational researchers in the fields of cancer and biological sciences, which have enabled them to correlate these mchanisms with various other disease modalities. In the present review, we have summarized the key findings related to the role of HIF in the progression of tumors.

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