Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiahui Xu, Xiaoli Yang, Qiaodan Deng, Cong Yang, Dong Wang, Guojuan Jiang, Xiaohong Yao, Xueyan He, Jiajun Ding, Jiankun Qiang, Juchuanli Tu, Rui Zhang, Qun-Ying Lei, Zhi-min Shao, Xiuwu Bian, Ronggui Hu, Lixing Zhang, Suling Liu
Summary: Enhanced neovasculogenesis, especially vasculogenic mimicry (VM), contributes to the development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We identified TEM8 as a functional marker for VM-forming BTICs in TNBC, providing a target for the development of effective therapies against TNBC targeting both BTIC self-renewal and neovasculogenesis simultaneously. TEM8 promotes stemness and VM differentiation capacity through a RhoC/ROCK1/SMAD5 axis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Donatella Delle Cave, Silvia Buonaiuto, Bruno Sainz, Marco Fantuz, Maria Mangini, Alessandro Carrer, Annalisa Di Domenico, Tea Teresa Iavazzo, Gennaro Andolfi, Carme Cortina, Marta Sevillano, Christopher Heeschen, Vincenza Colonna, Marco Corona, Antonio Cucciardi, Martina Di Guida, Eduard Batlle, Annachiara De Luca, Enza Lonardo
Summary: This study identified a highly metastatic subpopulation of tumor-initiating cells marked by LAMC2 in pancreatic cancer. Targeting this LAMC2 population might be effective in reducing tumor aggressiveness.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessa L. Henneberg, Christiane A. Opitz
Summary: A recent study has revealed that hepatocellular carcinoma cells suppress the urea cycle enzymes and depend on the uptake of exogenous arginine and GCN2 kinase-induced cell-cycle arrest for survival. These findings present new possibilities for combination therapy in liver cancer.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
C. Megan Young, Laurent Beziaud, Pierre Dessen, Angela Madurga Alonso, Albert Santamaria-Martinez, Joerg Huelsken
Summary: This study examines the metabolic adaptations of metastasis-initiating cells (MICs) in female breast cancer and how those shape their metastatic phenotype. The findings demonstrate that MICs specifically alter their metabolism to efficiently colonize distant organs, and understanding these mechanisms may help control cancer progression.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Jae-Il Choi, Sung Ill Jang, Jaehyun Hong, Chul Hoon Kim, Soon Sung Kwon, Joon Seong Park, Jong-Baeck Lim
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated that CD44(+), CD24(+) and EpCAM(+) cancer-initiating cells (CICs) were enriched in patient-derived organoids of PDAC. CD44-expressing CICs formed lumen structures within the organoids. Additionally, CD44(-) cancer cells from the organoids could re-form organoids and be re-programed as CD44-expressing CICs. The study also showed that the maintenance of CICs in PDAC organoids was mediated by interactions with endothelial cells through Wnt and Notch signaling pathways.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Masaya Yamazaki, Shinjiro Hino, Shingo Usuki, Yoshihiro Miyazaki, Tatsuya Oda, Mitsuyoshi Nakao, Takaaki Ito, Kazuya Yamagata
Summary: Tumor-initiating cells with high expression of receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) have partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like signature and act as the origin of heterogeneous tumor cells in PDAC. ROR1 depletion suppresses tumor growth, recurrence after chemotherapy, and metastasis by inducing the expression of Aurora kinase B (AURKB) through activating E2F via c-Myc. ROR1 is transcriptionally dependent on YAP/BRD4 binding at the enhancer region and targeting this pathway reduces ROR1 expression and prevents PDAC growth.
Article
Oncology
Brittney S. Harrington, Rahul Kamdar, Franklin Ning, Soumya Korrapati, Michael W. Caminear, Lidia F. Hernandez, Donna Butcher, Elijah F. Edmondson, Nadia Traficante, Joy Hendley, Madeline Australian Ovarian Canc Study, Madeline Gough, Rebecca Rogers, Rohan Lourie, Jyoti Shetty, Bao Tran, Fathi Elloumi, Abdalla Abdelmaksoud, Madhu Lal Nag, Krystyna Mazan-Mamczarz, Carrie D. House, John D. Hooper, Christina M. Annunziata
Summary: The study found that UGDH plays distinct roles in different molecular subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer, influencing the tumor microenvironmental composition. UGDH is a strong potential therapeutic target in TICs, particularly in patients with the mesenchymal molecular subtype of EOC.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Valentin J. A. Barthet, Martina Brucoli, Marcus J. G. W. Ladds, Christoph Nossing, Christos Kiourtis, Alice D. Baudot, James O'Prey, Barbara Zunino, Miryam Muller, Stephanie May, Colin Nixon, Jaclyn S. Long, Thomas G. Bird, Kevin M. Ryan
Summary: The study presents a genetically engineered mouse model of HCC driven by loss of autophagy and hemizygosity of PTEN, showing the involvement of ductular reaction in HCC development. Following loss of autophagy, mature hepatocytes dedifferentiate into biliary-like liver progenitor cells, leading to HCC. Deletion of YAP and TAZ transcription factors reverses the dedifferentiation and tumorigenesis, suggesting new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jun Li, Xingyang Zhong, Xinjun Wang, Feng Xu, Jiamei Yang, Junhua Lu, Caifeng Liu, Jiongjiong Lu
Summary: MiR-93 is highly expressed in liver T-ICs, enhancing their self-renewal and tumorigenesis abilities by regulating MTMR3 and contributing to drug resistance. Patients with low miR-93 levels benefit more from TACE or sorafenib treatment in HCC cases.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Keigo Machida, Stanley M. Tahara
Summary: This review discusses the pharmacological and immune therapeutic targeting for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma, as well as the role of immunotherapies and microbiota in tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs). Gut dysbiosis inhibits the efficacy of immunotherapies, and personalized medicine approaches targeting TIC/metastasis-initiating cells may be potential targets for HCC immunotherapy and microbiota modulation therapy.
Article
Oncology
Mikella Robinson, Samuel F. Gilbert, Jennifer A. Waters, Omar Lujano-Olazaba, Jacqueline Lara, Logan J. Alexander, Samuel E. Green, Gregory A. Burkeen, Omid Patrus, Zinia Sarwar, Ryne Holmberg, Christine Wang, Carrie D. House
Summary: The findings suggest that SOX2 may be a more consistent indicator of ovarian tumor initiating cells (TICs) that contribute to tumor repopulation following chemotherapy. Further studies evaluating SOX2 in TIC biology will enhance understanding of mechanisms driving ovarian cancer relapse.
Article
Oncology
Shuping Qu, Xiaobing Zhang, Yue Wu, HengYu Li, Jian Zhai, Dong Wu
Summary: Evidence suggests that miR-361-3p plays a crucial role in the expansion of liver tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) and their response to TACE or sorafenib treatment. Upregulation of miR-361-3p enhances self-renewal and tumorigenicity of liver T-ICs, while knockdown of miR-361-3p impairs these abilities. Furthermore, miR-361-3p directly targets SOX1 in liver T-ICs, revealing its potential as a therapeutic target for the prevention and intervention in HCC.
Article
Oncology
Miaoling Tang, Meisongzhu Yang, Geyan Wu, Shuang Mo, Xingui Wu, Shuxia Zhang, Ruyuan Yu, Yameng Hu, Yingru Xu, Ziwen Li, Xinyi Liao, Jun Li, Libing Song
Summary: In liver cancer cells, the upregulation of MFF mediated by the TBX19/PRMT1 complex promotes mitochondrial fission and tumor-initiating capacity, indicating that PRMT1 may be a viable therapeutic target in liver cancer.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wenlong Zhu, Qianhua Li, Shengyi Gong, Guoqiang Feng
Summary: A highly sensitive cell membrane polarity probe (Cal-M) was developed for early cancer diagnosis. It has low cytotoxicity, good photostability, high sensitivity for polarity, and the ability to selectively light up cancer cells. Cal-M demonstrates excellent sensitivity and selectivity, and shows promise for early diagnosis of cancer.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Priya Dharmalingam, Krishnan Venkatakrishnan, Bo Tan
Summary: This study developed a multimode nanoplatform to investigate epigenetic changes in tumor-initiating cancer stem cells and explore their transformation signals following drug therapy. By utilizing surface-enhanced Raman scattering technology and dopant functionalization, biomarkers in tiCSCs can be analyzed label-free at the cellular level.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yannick S. Rakke, Lucia Campos Carrascosa, Adriaan A. van Beek, Valeska de Ruiter, Rachelle S. van Gemerden, Michail Doukas, Pascal G. Doornebosch, Maarten Vermaas, Susan ter Borg, Erwin van der Harst, Peter Paul L. O. Coene, Mike Kliffen, Dirk J. Grunhagen, Cornelis Verhoef, Jan N. M. IJzermans, Jaap Kwekkeboom, Dave Sprengers
Summary: Overexpression of glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR) was found in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from MMR proficient (pMMR) colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and liver metastases (CRLM). Agonistic targeting of GITR enhances ex vivo human TIL functionality and may be a promising approach for novel monotherapy or combined immunotherapies in primary pMRR CRC and CRLM.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Gilles S. van Tienderen, Oskar Rosmark, Ruby Lieshout, Jorke Willemse, Floor de Weijer, Linda Elowsson Rendin, Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson, Michail Doukas, Bas Groot Koerkamp, Martin E. van Royen, Luc J. W. van der Laan, Monique M. A. Verstegen
Summary: Patient-derived tumor organoids were combined with native tumor and liver scaffolds through decellularization to study the interaction between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The use of decellularized scaffolds resulted in a more accurate representation of the in vivo tumor environment and increased chemoresistance. This method also revealed environment-dependent proliferation dynamics and stimulated the production of collagen types.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Ruby Lieshout, Eline J. C. A. Kamp, Monique M. A. Verstegen, Michail Doukas, Winand N. M. Dinjens, Kubra Koten, Jan N. M. IJzermans, Marco J. Bruno, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch, Luc J. W. van der Laan, Annemarie C. de Vries
Summary: This study reveals that primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)-related cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells have a higher proliferation rate compared to sporadic CCA cells. The cytokine IL-17A, which is related to inflammation, stimulates the proliferation of CCA cells and may contribute to the high proliferation rate in PSC-CCA. IL-17A represents a potential therapeutic target for (PSC-)CCA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Pengfei Li, Jiajing Li, Ibrahim Ayada, Amine Avan, Qinyue Zheng, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch, Annemarie C. de Vries, Qiuwei Pan
Summary: This study aims to compare clinical features, treatment, and patient outcomes between previous and the 2022 mpox outbreaks. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, it was found that previous outbreaks mainly affected children, whereas the 2022 outbreak mainly affected male adults, particularly men who have sex with men. Skin lesions remain the typical symptom, but their anatomic distribution differed. Furthermore, distinct epidemiological and clinical features were identified between the previous and the 2022 mpox outbreaks.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Gilles S. van Tienderen, James Conboy, Iain Muntz, Jorke Willemse, Jantine Tieleman, Kathryn Monfils, Ivo J. Schurink, Jeroen A. A. Demmers, Michail Doukas, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Luc J. W. Van der Laan, Monique M. A. Verstegen
Summary: Tumor initiation and progression depend on the interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix (ECM). This study extensively characterized the ECM of liver cancer tumors, identifying distinct malignancy-related ECM signatures and divergent mechanical properties. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the alterations to the tumor ECM during liver cancer development.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yunlong Li, Ruyi Zhang, Yining Wang, Pengfei Li, Yang Li, Harry L. A. Janssen, Robert A. de Man, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch, Xumin Ou, Qiuwei Pan
Summary: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection activates NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome by remodeling mature tRNAome in macrophages, leading to pathological inflammation. Inhibition of inflammasome activation abrogates tRNAome remodeling induced by HEV, suggesting a reciprocal interaction between mature tRNAome and NLRP3 inflammasome response. Remodeling of tRNAome improves decoding of codons directing synthesis of leucine and proline, which are major components of IL-1β protein, thereby enhancing inflammasome activation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Renske W. M. Pauwels, S. Ten Bokkel Huinink, Christien J. van der Woude, M. Doukas, L. Oudijk, Annemarie C. de Vries
Summary: Background: Evaluating the response to ustekinumab (UST) induction therapy is crucial for making decisions about maintenance therapy in Crohn's disease (CD). In this study, we evaluated the potential of fecal calprotectin (FC) levels to predict endoscopic response at week 16.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Quisette P. Janssen, Rutger Quispel, Marc G. Besselink, Bert A. Bonsing, Marco J. Bruno, Michael Doukas, Arantza F. Sarasqueta, Marjolein Y. V. Homs, Jeanin E. van Hooft, Geertjan van Tienhoven, Marie-Louise F. van Velthuysen, Joanne Verheij, Rogier P. Voermans, Johanna W. Wilmink, Bas Groot Koerkamp, Casper H. J. van Eijck, Lydi M. J. W. van Driel
Summary: This study evaluates the performance of endoscopic tissue acquisition procedures for borderline resectable and resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The results show that EUS-guided tissue acquisition had a sensitivity of over 85% for both initial and repeat procedures, meeting international standards.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yining Wang, Pengfei Li, Marla Lavrijsen, Robbert J. Rottier, Caroline M. den Hoed, Marco J. Bruno, Nassim Kamar, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch, Annemarie C. de Vries, Qiuwei Pan
Summary: Immunosuppressants have different effects on coronavirus replication, and 6-TG, MPA, tofacitinib, and filgotinib have pan-coronavirus antiviral activity. The combinations of MPA, 6-TG, tofacitinib, and filgotinib with antiviral drugs exhibit additive or synergistic antiviral activity. These findings provide an important reference for the optimal management of immunocompromised patients infected with coronaviruses.
UNITED EUROPEAN GASTROENTEROLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Qinyue Zheng, Jaffar A. Al-Taw, Ziad A. Memish, Chunbing Bao, Qiuwei Pan
NEW MICROBES AND NEW INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yang Li, Yining Wang, Yunlong Li, Annemarie C. de Vries, Pengfei Li, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch, Qiuwei Pan
Summary: Seasonal coronaviruses are prevalent globally and can cause severe complications in vulnerable populations. Little is known about their pathogenic mechanisms and there are no approved treatments available. This study found that IL-1β levels were elevated in some seasonal coronavirus infected patients, indicating inflammasome activation. Cultured human macrophages supported the lifecycle of three cultivatable seasonal coronaviruses, which activated the NLRP3 inflammasome through TLR4 and NF-κB. Specific inhibitors and clinically used medications attenuated this activation. Combination of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs inhibited both the inflammatory response and viral replication. These findings suggest that targeting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 axis could be a viable therapeutic approach.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iris J. M. Levink, Maurice P. H. M. Jansen, Zakia Azmani, Wilfred van IJcken, Ronald van Marion, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch, Djuna L. Cahen, Gwenny M. Fuhler, Marco J. Bruno
Summary: Molecular profiling may aid in earlier detection and personalized treatment of pancreatic cancer. This study found higher cfDNA concentration in pancreatic juice (PJ) than in plasma, but similar mutation detection rates, suggesting the need for further research on the suitability of plasma and PJ for early PC detection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Xiaopei Guo, Marco W. J. Schreurs, Fleur E. Marijnissen, Michiel C. Mommersteeg, Stella A. V. Nieuwenburg, Michail Doukas, Nicole S. Erler, Lisette G. Capelle, Marco J. Bruno, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch, Manon C. W. Spaander, Gwenny M. Fuhler
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and characteristics of autoimmune gastritis (AIG) in gastric precancerous lesion (GPL) patients. The results showed that the prevalence of AIG is higher in GPL patients but often goes undiagnosed. Using G17 and PG I/II as diagnostic markers can help identify patients with AIG and improve surveillance programs for GPL patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yining Wang, Pengfei Li, Lei Xu, Annemarie C. de Vries, Robbert J. Rottier, Wenshi Wang, Marie-Rose B. S. Crombag, Maikel P. Peppelenbosch, Denis E. Kainov, Qiuwei Pan
Summary: Indomethacin can inhibit coronavirus infection and activate interferon response, showing potential therapeutic effects against coronavirus infections.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Maarten de Jong, Francesca Cala Campana, Pengfei Li, Qiuwei Pan, Giulia Giordano
Summary: In 2022, the global outbreaks of mpox virus have raised awareness of mpox virus infection and treatment opportunities using drugs cidofovir and tecovirimat, which target different stages of in-host viral proliferation. A new model of in-host viral infection dynamics is proposed to distinguish between the two stages and analyze the effects of the drugs. The model can be simplified to the classical target-cell limited model, and an optimal control problem is solved to schedule optimal combined treatments leveraging the model dynamics.
IEEE CONTROL SYSTEMS LETTERS
(2023)
