Article
Oncology
Yunjian Wu, Kimberley C. Clark, Birunthi Niranjan, Anderly C. Chueeh, Lisa G. Horvath, Renea A. Taylor, Roger J. Daly
Summary: Reciprocal interactions between prostate cancer cells and carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) mediate cancer development and progression. Through secretome analysis, this study identifies follistatin (FST) as a key factor in the communication between cancer cells and fibroblasts. FST promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation and migration, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justyna Mazurkiewicz, Aleksandra Simiczyjew, Ewelina Dratkiewicz, Marcin Zietek, Rafal Matkowski, Dorota Nowak
Summary: Malignant melanoma is a highly metastatic type of cancer that often arises from long-term UV exposure. Despite advancements in targeted therapies, patients' response is often limited due to drug resistance. The tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated cells, plays a crucial role in melanoma progression and drug resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jicheng Zhang, Hanlin Yin, Qiangda Chen, Guochao Zhao, Wenhui Lou, Wenchuan Wu, Ning Pu
Summary: Basophils, previously overlooked, have been found to potentially play a role in cancer development, with their function as tumor-protecting or tumor-promoting components still being debated and possibly dependent on tumor biology and the microenvironment.
JOURNAL OF ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY-SCIENCE B
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Gabriela A. Pizzurro, Chang Liu, Kathryn Bridges, Amanda F. Alexander, Alice Huang, Janani P. Baskaran, Julie Ramseier, Marcus W. Bosenberg, Michael Mak, Kathryn Miller-Jensen
Summary: The study developed a tumor-in-a-dish experimental system to investigate early events promoting tumor growth and immune suppression in metastatic melanoma. Through co-culturing murine melanoma tumor cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages in a 3D collagen matrix, the researchers found that macrophages acquired features consistent with those in in vivo melanoma tumors over 7 days. This system provides a platform for studying macrophage-stromal interactions in the melanoma microenvironment and testing potential therapies to stimulate immune activity in macrophages.
Review
Physiology
Giulia Biffi, David A. Tuveson
Summary: Efforts to develop anti-cancer therapies have mainly targeted the epithelial compartment, but recent studies have shown the significant influence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumor progression. CAFs not only promote cancer cell proliferation, therapy resistance, and immune exclusion, but may also restrain tumor progression in certain contexts. Research on CAFs has focused on their heterogeneity, plasticity, and functions across different cancer types and states, as well as advancements in therapeutic strategies targeting CAFs currently undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation.
PHYSIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federica Papaccio, Daniela Kovacs, Barbara Bellei, Silvia Caputo, Emilia Migliano, Carlo Cota, Mauro Picardo
Summary: Research indicates that cancer-associated fibroblasts play significant roles in tumor growth, extracellular matrix remodeling, and inflammatory response. A thorough understanding of the melanoma-fibroblast relationship can expand treatment options.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Guokun Zhang, Pengfei Ji, Peng Xia, Haoyun Song, Zhao Guo, Xiaohui Hu, Yanan Guo, Xinyi Yuan, Yanfeng Song, Rong Shen, Degui Wang
Summary: This study identified FBLN1 and COL5A1 as CAF signature genes in CM, which are associated with the progression, treatment, and prognosis of CM. The comprehensive exploration of CAF signature genes provides new insights for clinical CM therapy.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Huan Cao, Hong Sheng Cheng, Jun Kit Wang, Nguan Soon Tan, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: By tuning the extracellular microstructure and biomechanical properties, reversible conversion of colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) phenotypic states can be achieved in a tumor stroma proxy system, affecting cytokine secretion and promotion of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The study highlights the critical role of adjusting extracellular microstructure and mechanics in influencing CAF states, intercellular signaling, and tumor progression.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Aitor Benedicto, Iera Hernandez-Unzueta, Eduardo Sanz, Joana Marquez
Summary: Research has shown that Ocoxin has a potent cytotoxic effect on melanoma cells, with a synergistic effect when used in combination with BRAF inhibitor. Additionally, Ocoxin interferes with the cell cycle, impairs cell migration, and reduces resistance to BRAF inhibition. Proteomic analysis revealed reduced inflammatory factors secretion upon treatment with Ocoxin.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jasmine S. Owen, Aled Clayton, Helen B. Pearson
Summary: The continuous remodeling of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for prostate tumor growth, progression, and drug-resistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key players in TME and mediate various oncogenic events. Understanding fibroblast heterogeneity, recruitment, and differential functions can help in developing new therapies and biomarkers for prostate cancer patients.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zhenzhen Li, Chanjun Sun, Zhihai Qin
Summary: Cancer cells adapt their metabolism to proliferate and survive in harsh environments, with a close relationship between tumor microenvironment and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) playing key roles in tumor growth and metastasis. CAFs act as major regulators in shaping tumor metabolism, especially through dysregulation of metabolic pathways, influencing cancer cell behavior and response to therapy. The interaction and crosstalk between cancer cells and CAFs contribute to metabolic reprogramming that impacts cancer cell growth and progression.
Review
Cell Biology
Zhanhuai Wang, Qi Yang, Yinuo Tan, Yang Tang, Jun Ye, Bin Yuan, Wei Yu
Summary: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are heterogeneous cells in the tumor microenvironment that can both promote and inhibit tumor development. The activation state of CAFs can vary, leading to different roles in early-stage and advanced-stage cancer. Understanding the diverse functions and origins of CAFs is crucial for developing precise cancer therapies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Romano, Immacolata Belviso, Alessandro Venuta, Maria Rosaria Ruocco, Stefania Masone, Federica Aliotta, Giuseppe Fiume, Stefania Montagnani, Angelica Avagliano, Alessandro Arcucci
Summary: Cutaneous melanoma tissue is a network of cancer cells and tumor microenvironment characterized by high structural and cellular plasticity. The interactions between TME components and cancer cells lead to dramatic alterations in ECM remodelling, stromal cell phenotypes, and therapeutic responses. Melanoma-associated fibroblasts (MAFs) and normal fibroblasts within TME play crucial roles in influencing melanoma growth and outcomes through their cellular interactions and secretory profiles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Mo Zhang, Zhixian Chen, Yan Wang, Hongbo Zhao, Yan Du
Summary: This review focuses on the important role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the ovarian cancer tumor microenvironment. Different subtypes of CAFs have specific functions in tumor pathogenesis and can be potential treatment targets. Several clinical or preclinical trials have targeted CAFs to enhance ovarian cancer treatment outcomes.
Review
Cell Biology
Erica C. F. Yeo, Michael P. Brown, Tessa Gargett, Lisa M. Ebert
Summary: Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults, with conventional treatments showing limited improvement in patient survival over the past decade. The immunosuppressive mechanisms employed by tumor cells can hinder treatment efficacy, highlighting the importance of understanding intercellular interactions for potential immunotherapeutic targeting and better patient outcomes.
Article
Cell Biology
Karolina Strnadova, Lucie Pfeiferova, Petr Prikryl, Barbora Dvorankova, Erik Vlcak, Jana Frydlova, Martin Vokurka, Jiri Novotny, Jana Sachova, Miluse Hradilova, Jan Brabek, Jana Smigova, Daniel Rosel, Karel Smetana, Michal Kolar, Lukas Lacina
Summary: Melanoma-produced exosomes can significantly stimulate the proinflammatory activity of cancer-associated fibroblasts, potentially representing a novel target for oncologic therapy.
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sona Stemberkova-Hubackova, Renata Zobalova, Maria Dubisova, Jana Smigova, Sarka Dvorakova, Klara Korinkova, Zuzana Ezrova, Berwini Endaya, Kristyna Blazkova, Erik Vlcak, Petra Brisudova, Dan-Diem Thi Le, Stefan Juhas, Daniel Rosel, Cristina Daniela Kelemen, Dana Sovilj, Eliska Vacurova, Tomas Cajka, Vlada Filimonenko, Lanfeng Dong, Ladislav Andera, Pavel Hozak, Jan Brabek, Zuzana Bielcikova, Jan Stursa, Lukas Werner, Jiri Neuzil
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jindriska Leischner Fialova, Katerina Honigova, Martina Raudenska, Lucie Miksatkova, Renata Zobalova, Jiri Navratil, Jana Smigova, Taraka Ramji Moturu, Tomas Vicar, Jan Balvan, Katerina Vesela, Nikita Abramenko, Zdenek Kejik, Robert Kaplanek, Jaromir Gumulec, Daniel Rosel, Pavel Martasek, Jan Brabek, Milan Jakubek, Jiri Neuzil, Michal Masarik
Summary: Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular growth and function, and recent studies have challenged the notion that they are not involved in cancer growth. This study shows that pentamethinium salts, originally designed as mitochondrial probes, have a strong inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation and migration by interfering with mitochondrial respiration and causing oxidative stress. These findings suggest that pentamethinium salts could be potential novel anti-cancer agents.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Veronika Talianova, Zdenek Kejik, Robert Kaplanek, Katerina Vesela, Nikita Abramenko, Lukas Lacina, Karolina Strnadova, Barbora Dvorankova, Pavel Martasek, Michal Masarik, Magdalena Houdova Megova, Petr Busek, Jana Krizova, Lucie Zdrazilova, Hana Hansikova, Erik Vlcak, Vlada Filimonenko, Aleksi Sedo, Karel Smetana, Milan Jakubek
Summary: IL-6 signaling plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of serious diseases such as chronic inflammation and cancer. Two newly designed bis-pentamethinium salts compounds showed potential in binding IL-6 receptor and inhibiting mitochondrial metabolism in cancer cells.
Review
Cell Biology
Magdalena Raskova, Lukas Lacina, Zdenek Kejik, Anna Venhauerova, Marketa Skalickova, Michal Kolai, Milan Jakubek, Daniel Rosel, Karel Jr Jr Smetana, Jan Brabek
Summary: This review summarizes the role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in cancer biology, highlighting the potential of targeting IL-6 signaling pathways, particularly in metastasis suppression.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michaela Tesarova, Lenka Peterkova, Monika Stastna, Michal Kolar, Lukas Lacina, Jr Karel Smetana, Radovan Hynek, Jan Betka, Ales Vlasak, Petr Lukes, Zdenek Fik
Summary: Vestibular schwannoma, originating from Schwann cells of the vestibular nerve, is the most common benign neoplasm of the cerebellopontine angle. It presents with symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular symptoms. While most tumors do not progress in size or have low growth rates, the clinical outcome remains unpredictable with no reliable predictors of tumor behavior.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vaclav Mandys, Alexey Popov, Robert Gurlich, Jan Havranek, Lucie Pfeiferova, Michal Kolar, Jana Vranova, Karel Smetana Jr, Lukas Lacina, Pavol Szabo
Summary: Therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is challenging and a complete cure is rare. The role of miRNAs in controlling the biological properties of this tumor type has been extensively studied. In this study, the expression of miR-21, -96, -196a, -210, and -217 in different types of cells was compared, revealing significant differences in miRNA expression between cancer-associated fibroblasts and normal tissue. The findings suggest that miR-21 and -210 may play a role in the development of pancreatic cancer and could be potential therapeutic targets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katerina Strouhalova, Ondrej Tolde, Daniel Rosel, Jan Brabek
Summary: MT1-MMP (MMP-14) is a versatile protease involved in regulating extracellular matrix degradation, activation of other proteases, as well as various cellular processes such as migration and viability in both physiological and pathological conditions. The cytoplasmic tail of MT1-MMP, consisting of the final 20 C-terminal amino acids, plays a crucial role in determining its localization, signal transduction capabilities, and interaction with other proteins. This review summarizes the involvement of the cytoplasmic tail in regulating and executing the functions of MT1-MMP, providing insights into cellular adhesion and invasion mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Anna Legatova, Marketa Pelantova, Daniel Rosel, Jan Brabek, Aneta Skarkova
Summary: The ability of tumor cells to switch between different invasive modes, known as invasion plasticity, is important for their resistance to targeted treatment. While the role of the actin cytoskeleton in cell invasion is well described, the contribution of microtubules is not yet fully understood. Microtubules play an important role in tumor cell plasticity and can be targeted to affect cell proliferation and invasive properties.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Lukas Urban, Matus Coma, Lukas Lacina, Pavol Szabo, Jana Sabova, Tomas Urban, Hubert Suca, Stefan Lukacin, Robert Zajicek, Karel Smetana Jr, Peter Gal
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effects of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 on different types of fibroblasts and found extreme heterogeneity in the response of these cells. Activation of both canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways was observed, with TGF-β1 showing stronger activation compared to TGF-β3. Cancer-associated fibroblasts displayed the most diverse response to TGF-β1/3 treatments, and TGF-β3 showed potential for scar treatment.
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Lenka Koudelkova, Marketa Pelantova, Zuzana Bruhova, Martin Sztacho, Vojtech Pavlik, Dalibor Panek, Jakub Gemperle, Pavel Talacko, Jan Brabek, Daniel Roesel
Summary: The activation of Src kinase in cells is regulated by inhibitory interactions mediated by SH3 and SH2 domains. Phosphorylation of tyrosine 90 reduces the binding affinity of the SH3 domain, opening the Src structure and making it catalytically active. This mechanism allows Src to adopt multiple conformations and functions as a tunable regulator in cellular processes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zdenek Kejik, Nela Koubkova, Lucie Krcova, David Sykora, Nikita Abramenkoa, Katerina Vesela, Robert Kaplanek, Jan Hajduch, Magdalena Houdova Megova, Petr Busek, Aleksi Sedo, Lukas Lacina, Karel Smetana Jr, Pavel Martasek, Milan Jakubek
Summary: Pentamethinium indolium salts have high affinity for mitochondrial phospholipids and exhibit changes in fluorescence properties. Especially cPMS shows potential applications in mitochondrial imaging and as cytotoxic agents against cancer cells.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)