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Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2022) | Viewed by 22326

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Prof. Dr. Sunga Choi

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Department of Bioinformatics & Biosystems, Korea Polytechnics 398, Sujeong-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Interests: triple negative breast cancer; acetylation; anti-tumor drug; resistancy; natural compounds
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Dear Colleagues,

Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death despite remarkable advances in diagnostics and therapy represented by targeted treatments in recent decades. Multi-faceted approaches and better access are further required for complicated tumor patients. One such approach is therapeutic intervention targeting the signaling network formed between the cancer and inflammatory-related immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. A tumor is formed as a result of chronic inflammation that promotes malignant cellular transformation. Tumor cells are influenced by the surrounding tumor microenvironment; several pro-inflammatory mediators and chemokines have been shown to participate in tumorigenesis, even in its pleiotropic roles in biological processes. Therefore, immunological modulation of cytokine-mediated inflammation has been determined in malignant tumors, and it has shown tumor immune evasion.

This Special Issue aims to collect recent topics and aspects of cross-talk between tumor and inflammatory immune cells. In addition, it will discuss the relationship between metastasis and its drug resistance to anti-cancer agents. The knowledge developed may finally lead to breakthroughs in treating chronic and complicated tumor cells. We welcome experts in this field to contribute with original research, full reviews, and perspectives.

Dr. Sunga Choi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

tumor microenvironment
cancer progression and metastasis
inflammatory-related immune cells in the tumor microenvironment
signal transduction in cancer cells
drug resistance
potential agents causing epigenetic modification
epithelial–mesenchymal transition and agents leading reverse emt
receptor blockers

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Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention 2.0 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (3 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 5317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Premetastatic Lymph Node Niche in Gynecologic Cancer

by Georgia Karpathiou, Fabio Orlando, Jean Marc Dumollard, Mousa Mobarki, Celine Chauleur and Michel Péoc’h

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 4171; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24044171 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2196

Abstract

It has been suggested that a primary tumor can “prepare” the draining of lymph nodes to “better accommodate” future metastatic cells, thus implying the presence of a premetastatic lymph node niche. However, this phenomenon remains unclear in gynecological cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate lymph-node draining in gynecological cancers for premetastatic niche factors, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), immunosuppressive macrophages, cytotoxic T cells, immuno-modulatory molecules, and factors of the extracellular matrix. This is a monocentric retrospective study of patients who underwent lymph-node excision during their gynecological-cancer treatment. In all, 63 non-metastatic pelvic or inguinal lymph nodes, 25 non-metastatic para-aortic lymph nodes, 13 metastatic lymph nodes, and 21 non-cancer-associated lymph nodes (normal controls) were compared for the immunohistochemical presence of CD8 cytotoxic T cells, CD163 M2 macrophages, S100A8/A9 MDSCs, PD-L1+ immune cells, and tenascin-C, which is a matrix remodeling factor. PD-L1-positive immune cells were significantly higher in the control group, in comparison to the regional and distant cancer-draining lymph nodes. Tenascin-C was higher in metastatic lymph nodes than in both non-metastatic nodes and control lymph nodes. Vulvar cancer-draining lymph nodes showed higher PD-L1 values than endometrial cancer and cervical cancer-draining lymph nodes. Endometrial cancer-draining nodes had higher CD163 values and lower CD8 values, compared to vulvar cancer-draining nodes. Regarding regional draining nodes in low- and high-grade endometrial tumors, the former showed lower S100A8/A9 and CD163 values. Gynecological cancer-draining lymph nodes are generally immunocompetent, but vulvar cancer draining nodes, as well as high-grade endometrial cancer draining nodes, are more susceptible to harboring premetastatic niche factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention)

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21 pages, 6731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discovery of New Heterocyclic/Benzofuran Hybrids as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of the Inhibitory Activity of Their Related Inflammatory Factors Based on NF-κB and MAPK Signaling Pathways

by Yangling Chen, Rui Chen, Renyikun Yuan, Lini Huo, Hongwei Gao, Youqiong Zhuo, Xinxin Chen, Chenwei Zhang and Shilin Yang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 3575; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043575 - 10 Feb 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2242

Abstract

NF-κB and MAPK are classic inflammation signaling pathways which regulate inflammation signal transmission and induce the expression of many inflammatory factors. Based on the potent anti-inflammatory activity of benzofuran and its derivatives, several new heterocyclic/benzofuran hybrids were first designed and synthesized by molecular hybridization. Their structure was confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, HRMS or X-single crystal diffraction. The anti-inflammatory activity of these new compounds was screened by compounds; compound 5d exhibited an excellent inhibitory effect on the generation of NO (IC₅₀ = 52.23 ± 0.97 μM), and low cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ > 80 μM) against the RAW-264.7 cell lines. To further elucidate the possible anti-inflammatory mechanisms of compound 5d, the hallmark protein expressions of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways were studied in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The results indicate that compound 5d not only significantly inhibits the phosphorylation levels of IKKα/IKKβ, IKβα, P65, ERK, JNK and P38 in the classic MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner, but also down-regulates the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors such as NO, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-6. Further, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of compound 5d indicated that it could regulate the involvement of neutrophils, leukocytes and lymphocytes in inflammation processes, and reduce the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and tissues. These results strongly suggest that the piperazine/benzofuran hybrid 5d has a good potential for developing an anti-inflammatory lead compound, and the anti-inflammatory mechanism might be related to the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention)

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16 pages, 3911 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dual Function of Secreted APE1/Ref-1 in TNBC Tumorigenesis: An Apoptotic Initiator and a Regulator of Chronic Inflammatory Signaling

by Sunga Choi, Yu-Ran Lee, Ki-Mo Kim, Euna Choi and Byeong-Hwa Jeon

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9021; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169021 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1850

Abstract

The simultaneous regulation of cancer cells and inflammatory immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can be an effective strategy in treating aggressive breast cancer types, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox effector factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) is a multi-functional nuclear protein that can be stimulated and then secreted. The extracellular APE1/Ref-1 causes a reduction in disulfide bonds in cytokine receptors, resulting in their conformational changes, thereby inhibiting inflammatory signaling. Furthermore, the secreted APE1/Ref-1 in response to acetylation has been shown to bind to a receptor for the advanced glycation end product (RAGE), initiating the apoptotic cell death of TNBC in vitro and in vivo. This study used PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 in an adenovirus vector (Ad-PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1) for the constant expression of extracellular APE1/Ref-1, and our results demonstrated its dual function as an apoptotic initiator and inflammation regulator. Injecting MDA-MB 231 orthotopic xenografts with the Ad-PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 inhibited tumor growth and development in response to acetylation. Moreover, Ad-PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and tumor tissues derived from these xenografts exhibited apoptotic bodies. Compared to normal mice, a comparable ratio of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines was observed in the plasma of Ad-PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1-injected mice. Mechanistically, the disturbed cytokine receptor by reducing activity of PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 inhibited inflammatory signaling leading to the inactivation of the p21-activated kinase 1-mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/nuclear factor-κB axis in tumor tissues. These results suggest that the regulation of inflammatory signaling with adenoviral-mediated PPTLS-APE1/Ref-1 in tumors modulates the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in TME, thereby inhibiting aggressive cancer cell progression, and could be considered as a promising and safe therapeutic strategy for treating TNBCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention)

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16 pages, 4427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Therapeutic Potential of Fingolimod and Dimethyl Fumarate in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Preclinical Models

by Tristan Rupp, Solène Debasly, Laurie Genest, Guillaume Froget and Vincent Castagné

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8192; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158192 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2913

Abstract

New therapies are required for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for which the current standards of care poorly affect the patient prognosis of this aggressive cancer subtype. In this preclinical study, we aim to investigate the efficacy of Fingolimod, a described inhibitor of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptors axis, and Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF), a methyl ester of fumaric acid, both already approved as immunomodulators in auto-immune diseases with additional expected anti-cancer effects. The impact of both drugs was analyzed with in vitro cell survival analysis and in vivo graft models using mouse and human NSCLC cells implanted in immunocompetent or immunodeficient mice, respectively. We demonstrated that Fingolimod and DMF repressed tumor progression without apparent adverse effects in vivo in three preclinical mouse NSCLC models. In vitro, Fingolimod did not affect either the tumor proliferation or the cytotoxicity, although DMF reduced tumor cell proliferation. These results suggest that Fingolimod and DMF affected tumor progression through different cellular mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. Fingolimod and DMF might uncover potential therapeutic opportunities in NSCLC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention)

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Review

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13 pages, 858 KiB

Open AccessReview

Deciphering the Immunomodulatory Role of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors in the Tumor Microenvironment

by Pratibha Pandey, Fahad Khan, Tarun Kumar Upadhyay and Amit Baran Sharangi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24032236 - 23 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2884

Abstract

Cancer is characterized by persistent cell proliferation driven by aberrant cell cycle regulation and stimulation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). A very intriguing and potential approach for the development of antitumor medicines is the suppression of CDKs that lead to induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The shift of the cell cycle from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase, which is characterized by active transcription and synthesis, depends on the development of the cyclin D-CDK4/6 complex. A precise balance between anticancer activity and general toxicity is demonstrated by CDK inhibitors, which can specifically block CDK4/6 and control the cell cycle by reducing the G1 to S phase transition. CDK4/6 inhibitors have recently been reported to exhibit significant cell growth inhibition via modulating the tumour microenvironment in cancerous cells. One significant new understanding is that these inhibitors serve important functions in the interaction among tumour cells and the host immune system in addition to being cytostatic. Herein, we discuss the biological significance of CDK4/6 inhibitors in cancer therapeutics, as well as their biological impact on T cells and other important immune cells. Furthermore, we explore the integration of preclinical findings of these pharmaceuticals’ ability to enhance antitumor immunity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention)

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16 pages, 2571 KiB

Open AccessReview

NLRP1 in Cutaneous SCCs: An Example of the Complex Roles of Inflammasomes in Cancer Development

by Michela Di Filippo, Paulina Hennig, Tugay Karakaya, Marta Slaufova and Hans-Dietmar Beer

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(20), 12308; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232012308 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2271

Abstract

Protein complexes termed inflammasomes ensure tissue protection from pathogenic and sterile stressors by induction of inflammation. This is mediated by different caspase-1-induced downstream pathways, including activation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines proIL-1β and -18, induction of a lytic type of cell death, and regulation of the release of other pro-inflammatory molecules. Aberrant inflammasome activation underlies the pathology of numerous (auto)inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, inflammasomes support or suppress tumor development in a complex cell-type- and stage-dependent manner. In human keratinocytes and skin, NLRP1 is the central inflammasome sensor activated by cellular perturbation induced, for example, by UVB radiation. UVB represents the main inducer of skin cancer, which is the most common type of malignancy in humans. Recent evidence demonstrates that activation of NLRP1 in human skin supports the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) by inducing skin inflammation. In contrast, the NLRP1 inflammasome pathway is restrained in established cSCCs, suggesting that, at this stage, the protein complex has a tumor suppressor role. A better understanding of the complex functions of NLRP1 in the development of cSCCs and in general of inflammasomes in cancer might pave the way for novel strategies for cancer prevention and therapy. These strategies might include stage-specific modulation of inflammasome activation or its downstream pathways by mono- or combination therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention)

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36 pages, 1466 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of the Ghrelin System in Colitis and Hepatitis as Risk Factors for Inflammatory-Related Cancers

by Aldona Kasprzak and Agnieszka Adamek

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911188 - 23 Sep 2022

Viewed by 2695

Abstract

It is not known exactly what leads to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there are specific risk factors that increase the probability of their occurrence. The unclear pathogenesis, too-late diagnosis, poor prognosis as a result of high recurrence and metastasis rates, and repeatedly ineffective therapy of both cancers continue to challenge both basic science and practical medicine. The ghrelin system, which is comprised of ghrelin and alternative peptides (e.g., obestatin), growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHS-Rs), and ghrelin-O-acyl-transferase (GOAT), plays an important role in the physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It promotes various physiological effects, including energy metabolism and amelioration of inflammation. The ghrelin system plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which are well known risk factors for the development of CRC, as well as inflammatory liver diseases which can trigger the development of HCC. Colitis-associated cancer serves as a prototype of inflammation-associated cancers. Little is known about the role of the ghrelin system in the mechanisms of transformation of chronic inflammation to low- and high-grade dysplasia, and, finally, to CRC. HCC is also associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis arising from different etiologies, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), and/or hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. However, the exact role of ghrelin in the progression of the chronic inflammatory lesions into HCC is still unknown. The aim of this review is to summarize findings on the role of the ghrelin system in inflammatory bowel and liver diseases in order to better understand the impact of this system on the development of inflammatory-related cancers, namely CRC and HCC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention)

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26 pages, 3127 KiB

Open AccessReview

S100 Proteins in Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

by Etienne Delangre, Ezia Oppliger, Serkan Berkcan, Monika Gjorgjieva, Marta Correia de Sousa and Michelangelo Foti

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911030 - 20 Sep 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4108

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent and slow progressing hepatic pathology characterized by different stages of increasing severity which can ultimately give rise to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Besides drastic lifestyle changes, few drugs are effective to some extent alleviate NAFLD and HCC remains a poorly curable cancer. Among the deregulated molecular mechanisms promoting NAFLD and HCC, several members of the S100 proteins family appear to play an important role in the development of hepatic steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and HCC. Specific members of this Ca²⁺-binding protein family are indeed significantly overexpressed in either parenchymal or non-parenchymal liver cells, where they exert pleiotropic pathological functions driving NAFLD/NASH to severe stages and/or cancer development. The aberrant activity of S100 specific isoforms has also been reported to drive malignancy in liver cancers. Herein, we discuss the implication of several key members of this family, e.g., S100A4, S100A6, S100A8, S100A9 and S100A11, in NAFLD and HCC, with a particular focus on their intracellular versus extracellular functions in different hepatic cell types. Their clinical relevance as non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers for the different stages of NAFLD and HCC, or their pharmacological targeting for therapeutic purpose, is further debated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inflammation and Tumor Progression: Signaling Pathways and Targeted Intervention)

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