Review
Cell Biology
Yuan Gu, Maximilian A. Becker, Luisa Mueller, Katharina Reuss, Frederik Umlauf, Tianci Tang, Michael D. Menger, Matthias W. Laschke
Summary: Tumor endothelial cells (TECs) are crucial for tumor angiogenesis, growth and metastasis, and small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in regulating TEC function and blood vessel formation. This review provides an overview of the regulatory mechanisms and effects of endothelial miRNAs, highlighting their involvement in fundamental angiogenesis-related signaling pathways. Targeting endothelial miRNAs represents a potential strategy for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy, but further research is needed to understand their networks and develop specific delivery technologies.
Article
Oncology
Miran Rada, Anthoula Lazaris, Audrey Kapelanski-Lamoureux, Thomas Z. Mayer, Peter Metrakos
Summary: Vessel co-option is an alternative strategy adopted by tumor cells to vascularize and obtain nutrients, supporting tumor growth and survival. It is commonly observed in a wide range of human tumors, including CRCLM, and is associated with resistance to anti-angiogenic treatments. Researchers have proposed a theoretical model and identified key unanswered questions for improving understanding of CRCLM vessel co-option.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Andre Marquardt, Philipp Hartrampf, Philip Kollmannsberger, Antonio G. Solimando, Svenja Meierjohann, Hubert Kuebler, Ralf Bargou, Bastian Schilling, Sebastian E. Serfling, Andreas Buck, Rudolf A. Werner, Constantin Lapa, Markus Krebs
Summary: Imaging based on positron emission tomography (PET) is crucial in modern cancer care. C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 4 (CXCR4) and Fibroblast Activation Protein Alpha (FAP) have emerged as clinically significant PET targets. Using machine learning, the study found that high levels of CXCR4 in solid tumors were associated with immune cell infiltration, while FAP-positive tumors were characterized by high levels of tumor vessels. This approach has the potential to identify vulnerabilities in tumors without invasive procedures.
Review
Pathology
Bashdar Mahmud Hussen, Abbas Salihi, Sara Tharwat Abdullah, Mohammed Fatih Rasul, Hazha Jamal Hidayat, Mohammadreza Hajiesmaeili, Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
Summary: This article investigates the mechanisms of miRNA regulation in tumor angiogenesis and highlights the applications of anti-angiogenic therapy and miRNA delivery methods in inhibiting angiogenesis.
PATHOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Annalisa Schirizzi, Giampiero De Leonardis, Vincenza Lorusso, Rossella Donghia, Alessandro Rizzo, Simona Vallarelli, Carmela Ostuni, Laura Troiani, Ivan Roberto Lolli, Gianluigi Giannelli, Angela Dalia Ricci, Rosalba D'Alessandro, Claudio Lotesoriere
Summary: The incidence of biliary tract cancers is increasing, and researchers believe that blocking angiogenesis can create better conditions for immunotherapy. In addition, clinical trials are evaluating the treatment strategy of combining immunotherapy with angiogenesis inhibitors to improve treatment efficacy.
Review
Cell Biology
Tan-Jun Zhao, Neng Zhu, Ya-Ning Shi, Yu-Xiang Wang, Chan-Juan Zhang, Chang-Feng Deng, Duan-Fang Liao, Li Qin
Summary: High-density lipoprotein is closely related to the risk of various cancers and plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and cancer development by influencing the tumor microenvironment and immune response, suggesting a potential strategy for cancer therapy.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zheng Ye, Delin Liu, Dechen Liu, Yinqi Lv, Yidi Zhang, Jun Zhang, Jiantong Bao, Xuelu Yuan, Jiaying Hou, Ling Li
Summary: This study found that immune-related signal transduction pathways are activated in diabetic pancreatic cancer patients, with high infiltration scores of CD8+ T cells and low infiltration scores of malignant tumor cells. A Bayesian classifier can distinguish diabetic pancreatic cancer patients from non-diabetic pancreatic cancer patients based on 10 signature genes. The miRNA-mRNA regulatory network may be the main cause of the differences in the tumor inflammatory microenvironment between the two groups of patients.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Yufei Tang, Shaoqi Zong, Hailun Zeng, Xiaofeng Ruan, Liting Yao, Susu Han, Fenggang Hou
Summary: MiRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules consisting of only 20-22 nucleotides, involved in gene silencing and translation suppression by targeting and binding to mRNA. They play a crucial role in maintaining a normal physiological environment by influencing various cellular pathways, including those related to cancer development. MiRNAs are actively studied for their bidirectional regulation of angiogenesis in colorectal cancer, with implications for developing new therapeutic strategies.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Liwei Du, Yuchen Liu, Chenxi Li, Jinkuang Deng, Yi Sang
Summary: In this review, the authors discuss the role and progress of ETS factors and miRNAs in cancer research, with a focus on their interactions with ceRNAs, posttranslational modifications, and the tumor microenvironment. They find that the interplay between ETS factors and miRNAs offers new insights into tumorigenesis and development, as well as novel therapeutic approaches for malignant tumors.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Surendar Aravindhan, Sura Salman Ejam, Methaq Hadi Lafta, Alexander Markov, Alexei Valerievich Yumashev, Majid Ahmadi
Summary: The interaction between the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells plays a crucial role in tumor progression, with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) being key players in modulating the tumor microenvironment and influencing the fate of tumor cells. MSCs exhibit dual functions in the tumor microenvironment, either promoting tumorigenicity or inhibiting tumor growth. Their ability to release mediators such as exosomes and migrate to tumor sites facilitates efficient drug delivery and targeting of migrating tumor cells.
CANCER CELL INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lifu Long, Zhenjie Yi, Yu Zeng, Zhixiong Liu
Summary: The incidence of brain metastases has been increasing and poses a significant challenge in the medical field. Currently available therapies, such as systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, face difficulties like drug resistance and low permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Recent research shows that malignant tumor cells can manipulate the brain microenvironment, leading to a pro-tumoral environment. This review compares the characteristics of the brain microenvironment in brain metastases with other sites or primary tumors and evaluates microenvironment-targeted therapies for brain metastases.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinyue Chen, Russell Hughes, Nic Mullin, Rhoda J. Hawkins, Ingunn Holen, Nicola J. Brown, Jamie K. Hobbs
Summary: The study quantified the micro-mechanical properties of metastatic breast tumors and their surrounding bone microenvironment using atomic force microscopy. It found that metastatic tumors have extremely low elastic modulus and viscosity, making them significantly more compliant than 2D in vitro cultured cancer cells and subcutaneous tumor explants. These findings demonstrate the utility of atomic force microscopy in studying complex tissues and provide new insights into the mechanical properties of cancer metastases in bone.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ambre Giguelay, Evgenia Turtoi, Lakhdar Khelaf, Guillaume Tosato, Ikrame Dadi, Tommy Chastel, Marie-Alix Poul, Marine Pratlong, Stefan Nicolescu, Dany Severac, Antoine Adenis, Olivia Sgarbura-Popescu, Sebastien Carrere, Philippe Rouanet, Marc Ychou, Francois Quenet, Didier Pourqier, Pierre-Emmanuel Colombo, Andrei Turtoi, Jacques Colinge
Summary: This study confirms the heterogeneity of CRC-LM CAFs through single-cell transcriptomic analysis and proposes a model for recruiting different origins of CAFs to the liver in different liver malignancies. Additionally, the study finds that targeting LTBP2 with antibodies may help deplete ECM-remodeling CAFs in CRC-LMs.
Review
Oncology
Rachel M. Morris, Toni O. Mortimer, Kim L. O'Neill
Summary: Cytokines play a crucial role in cancer development, influencing immune function, inflammation, and tumor cell survival. They also have a significant impact on the molecular biology and microbiology of the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, cytokines have become attractive targets for cancer treatment.
Review
Immunology
MingHua Cui, YueHui Liu, Li Cheng, Tao Li, YongZhi Deng, Da Liu
Summary: Ovarian cancer is a highly deadly malignancy among women, and its complex pathogenesis remains largely unknown. The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in tumor progression and treatment. MicroRNAs have been shown to regulate ovarian cancer development by affecting the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, identifying new tumor biomarkers and therapeutic targets is of great significance for ovarian cancer treatment.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Federico Virga, Lorena Quirico, Stefania Cucinelli, Massimiliano Mazzone, Daniela Taverna, Francesca Orso
Summary: Recent studies highlight the significant role of metabolism in cancer progression, with metabolic alterations occurring not only in cancer cells but also in the tumor microenvironment. This metabolic rewiring is deeply influenced by the continuous communication between tumor cells, stromal cells, and immune cells, wherein miRs play a crucial role as important mediators. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing new therapies and managing cancer progression.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Federico Virga, Federica Cappellesso, Benoit Stijlemans, Anne-Theres Henze, Rosa Trotta, Jonas Van Audenaerde, Ananda S. Mirchandani, Manuel A. Sanchez-Garcia, Jolien Vandewalle, Francesca Orso, Carla Riera-Domingo, Alberto Griffa, Cristina Ivan, Evelien Smits, Damya Laoui, Fabio Martelli, Lies Langouche, Greet Van den Berghe, Olivier Feron, Bart Ghesquiere, Hans Prenen, Claude Libert, Sarah R. Walmsley, Cyril Corbet, Jo A. Van Ginderachter, Mircea Ivan, Daniela Taverna, Massimiliano Mazzone
Summary: The study demonstrates that miR-210 plays a crucial role in regulating macrophage metabolism and inflammatory responses. Up-regulation of miR-210 exacerbates inflammatory responses, while inhibition of miR-210 can improve the survival rate of septic patients.
Article
Oncology
Roberto Coppo, Francesca Orso, Federico Virga, Alberto Dalmasso, Desiree Baruffaldi, Lei Nie, Fabiana Clapero, Daniela Dettori, Lorena Quirico, Elena Grassi, Paola Defilippi, Paolo Provero, Donatella Valdembri, Guido Serini, Mehran M. Sadeghi, Massimiliano Mazzone, Daniela Taverna
Summary: ESDN plays a critical role in melanoma progression by regulating the expression of E-selectin in endothelial cells, affecting melanoma cell adhesion, extravasation, and metastasis formation. The study proposes a protective role for ESDN in melanoma spread and highlights its therapeutic potential.
Article
Polymer Science
Michael Zanon, Desiree Baruffaldi, Marco Sangermano, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Francesca Frascella, Annalisa Chiappone
Summary: A hybrid natural-synthetic hydrogel using cold-water fish gelatin as an innovative co-initiating species of a camphorquinone photo-initiator has been developed, allowing for the production of DLP-3D printable hydrogels with improved mechanical and biological properties by increasing gelatin content. This material, created with digital light processing, produces precise and rapidly printed structures that are biocompatible and supportive of cell viability and proliferation, making it a promising candidate for 3D-printed devices for cell culture.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Camilla Paoletti, Valeria Chiono
Summary: Ischemic heart disease is a major cause of mortality worldwide, and current pharmacological approaches have not yet achieved cardiac regeneration. Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes and the use of microRNAs for transfection show promising potential for myocardial regeneration. Further advancements in nanocarrier technology and 3D culture microenvironments are enhancing the efficiency of this approach for future clinical translation.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lorena Quirico, Francesca Orso, Stefania Cucinelli, Mladen Paradzik, Dora Natalini, Giorgia Centonze, Alberto Dalmasso, Sofia La Vecchia, Martina Coco, Valentina Audrito, Chiara Riganti, Paola Defilippi, Daniela Taverna
Summary: miRNAs play a crucial role in cancer progression by regulating gene expression. They can impact cell behaviors such as adhesion and migration by modulating metabolic gene expression. This review focuses on how miRNA alterations interfere with cancer cell movement and analyzes the signaling pathways connecting metabolism and adhesion/migration.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Mohammad Houshmand, Nicoletta Vitale, Francesca Orso, Alessandro Cignetti, Ivan Molineris, Valentina Gaidano, Stefano Sainas, Marta Giorgis, Donatella Boschi, Carmen Fava, Alice Passoni, Marta Gai, Massimo Geuna, Federica Sora, Alessandra Iurlo, Elisabetta Abruzzese, Massimo Breccia, Olga Mulas, Giovanni Caocci, Fausto Castagnetti, Daniela Taverna, Salvatore Oliviero, Fabrizio Pane, Marco Lucio Lolli, Paola Circosta, Giuseppe Saglio
Summary: The study shows that the newly developed DHODH inhibitor, Meds433, is highly effective in targeting CML cells by activating the apoptotic pathway and inducing metabolic stress. This finding suggests that DHODH inhibition is a promising approach for targeting CML stem/progenitor cells.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Francesca Orso, Federico Virga, Daniela Dettori, Alberto Dalmasso, Mladen Paradzik, Aurora Savino, Margherita A. C. Pomatto, Lorena Quirico, Stefania Cucinelli, Martina Coco, Katia Mareschi, Franca Fagioli, Leonardo Salmena, Giovanni Camussi, Paolo Provero, Valeria Poli, Massimiliano Mazzone, Pier Paolo Pandolfi, Daniela Taverna
Summary: This study investigates the role of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs), Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), and microRNAs (miRs) in breast cancer and melanoma malignancy. The findings show that the expression of miR-214 correlates with stroma components, particularly CAFs and MSCs, in human cancer and metastasis samples. The study also demonstrates that miR-214 promotes tumor cell extravasation and metastasis formation, and treatment with miR-214-rich stroma-derived conditioned medium or extracellular vesicles enhances cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. These findings provide insight into the importance of stroma-derived miR-214 for tumor dissemination and suggest potential therapeutic interventions targeting the tumor microenvironment.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Federica Cappellesso, Marie-Pauline Orban, Niranjan Shirgaonkar, Emanuele Berardi, Jens Serneels, Marie-Aline Neveu, Daria Di Molfetta, Francesca Piccapane, Rosa Caroppo, Lucantonio Debellis, Tessa Ostyn, Nicolas Joudiou, Lionel Mignion, Elena Richiardone, Benedicte F. Jordan, Bernard Gallez, Cyril Corbet, Tania Roskams, Ramanuj DasGupta, Sabine Tejpar, Mario Di Matteo, Daniela Taverna, Stephan J. Reshkin, Baki Topal, Federico Virga, Massimiliano Mazzone
Summary: SLC4A4 inhibition in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) improves the acidic tumor microenvironment, enhances T cell-mediated immune response, and suppresses tumor growth and metastasis.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Simona Villata, Marta Canta, Desiree Baruffaldi, Alice Pavan, Annalisa Chiappone, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Francesca Frascella, Ignazio Roppolo
Summary: Currently, most microfluidic devices for biological applications are made of a few well-established materials, with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) being the most commonly used. However, PDMS has several limitations, such as the reliance on operator-dependent and time-consuming manufacturing techniques as well as high molecule retention. In this study, we developed 3D printed Acrylate PDMS-based devices for cell culture and drug testing. The results demonstrate that Acrylate PDMS is a promising alternative to PDMS, as it allows for stretchable platforms for cell culture and drug testing without causing genotoxic effects and with negligible drug retention.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Roberta Visone, Camilla Paoletti, Alessandro Cordiale, Letizia Nicoletti, Carla Divieto, Marco Rasponi, Valeria Chiono, Paola Occhetta
Summary: Cardiac fibrosis is a major cause of heart failure, and finding effective therapies is crucial. Researchers developed a 3D in vitro model called uScar by applying mechanical stimulation to human cardiac fibroblasts. This model was used to screen drugs and advanced therapeutics. The mechanical stimulation induced fibrotic traits, which could be prevented by anti-fibrotic drugs. However, a miRNA therapy showed limitations in reprogramming fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. Incorporating in vivo-like stimulation in 3D models is important to predict therapy efficacy in patients.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Cacocciola Nicol, Matteo Parmeggiani, Simona Villata, Desiree Baruffaldi, Simone Luigi Marasso, Giancarlo Canavese, Matteo Cocuzza, Candido Fabrizio Pirri, Francesca Frascella
Summary: In this study, a programmable dynamic cell culture stimulation platform compatible with a standard multi-well plate in a CO2 incubator was developed. Mechanical stimulation of epithelial lung cell culture was achieved by cyclically increasing hydrostatic pressure within the culture chamber in a range of 1-12 kPa, mimicking human respiration rate. In addition, an in situ live pH-monitoring system based on PEDOT:PSS Organic ElectroChemical Transistors was designed and integrated into the compact platform, allowing simultaneous stimulation and pH sensing.
MICRO AND NANO ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Desiree Baruffaldi, Gianluca Palmara, Candido Pirri, Francesca Frascella
Summary: Three-dimensional cell culture systems are believed to better simulate physiological conditions compared to traditional two-dimensional systems. Mechanosensing plays a crucial role in controlling various cell functions, and alterations in extracellular matrix structure due to pathologies can impact tissue stiffness. Development of platforms with modulable stiffness may enhance understanding of cell behavior under mechanical stress stimuli.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2021)