Article
Oncology
Wenlong Chen, Yiwen Wang, Haitao Gu, Yi Zhang, Cong Chen, Tingting Yu, Tao Chen
Summary: This study systematically evaluated the interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and prognosis and the immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. It developed a prognostic model based on two ECM remodeling-related genes (MEIS2, SLC2A3) and showed their reliable predictive ability. The study also found significant differences in the tumor microenvironment and immune function between high- and low-risk CRC patients. Overall, this study has important clinical implications for immunotherapy and individualized treatment in CRC.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Xinyi Hu, Yukang Lu, Jiajun Zhou, Lanfeng Wang, Mengting Zhang, Yiping Mao, Zhiping Chen
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor with high mortality and incidence rates. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play a significant role in the communication and progression of cancer cells. Regulatory RNAs have emerged as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer, influencing various cancer-related processes. This review highlights the importance of sEVs as biomarkers in colorectal cancer diagnosis and suggests their potential application in treatment, emphasizing the need for further research.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Bian Yanes, Elena Rainero
Summary: Mitochondria play essential roles in cellular functions, and dysfunctions have been observed in cancer. The interaction between cancer cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for tumor initiation and progression. Remodeling of ECM associated with tumorigenesis contributes to the regulation of mitochondrial function, promoting cancer cell metabolic plasticity that fuels invasion and metastasis.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Menekse Ermis, Natashya Falcone, Natan Roberto De Barros, Marvin Mecwan, Reihaneh Haghniaz, Auveen Choroomi, Mahsa Monirizad, Yeji Lee, Jihyeon Song, Hyun-Jong Cho, Yangzhi Zhu, Heemin Kang, Mehmet R. Dokmeci, Ali Khademhosseini, Junmin Lee, Han -Jun Kim
Summary: The tumor microenvironment, particularly the matrix component, plays a crucial role in the progression and therapeutic responsiveness of PDAC. By engineering hyaluronic acid and gelatin-based hydrogels to mimic desmoplastic matrices, a multicellular pancreatic tumor model is developed that allows for a better understanding and monitoring of PDAC progression, with potential applications in personalized medicine and drug testing.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Chao Yang, Fengyu Cao, Shuoyang Huang, Yongbin Zheng
Summary: This study identified crucial ECM-related genes responsible for LNM in CRC through multi-omics analysis, highlighting the impact of FSTL3 on LNM and prognosis in CRC, as well as its potential role in promoting an inhibitory immune microenvironment leading to chemoresistance but immunotherapy sensitivity.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Samuel Alkmin, Manish S. Patankar, Paul J. Campagnola
Summary: Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer due to poor screening and imaging tools as well as limited understanding of the tumor microenvironment. This study used multiphoton excited fabrication to create orthogonal models representing the collagen matrix morphology and stiffness of normal ovarian stroma and high grade serous ovarian cancers. The study found that fiber morphology and matrix stiffness play important roles in migration and cytoskeletal dynamics of normal and cancer cells, and cell-specific differences highlight the importance of presenting both morphology and stiffness cues.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Samantha C. Schwager, Katherine M. Young, Lauren A. Hapach, Caroline M. Carlson, Jenna A. Mosier, Tanner J. McArdle, Wenjun Wang, Curtis Schunk, Anissa L. Jayathilake, Madison E. Bates, Francois Bordeleau, Marc A. Antonyak, Richard A. Cerione, Cynthia A. Reinhart-King
Summary: Weakly migratory cancer cells disseminate from the primary tumor via communication with stromal cells and enhance cancer cell migration and metastasis by releasing microvesicles rich in Tg2.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Seung Woo Chung, Yunxuan Xie, Jung Soo Suk
Summary: Immunotherapy offers hope for refractory cancers, but resistance mechanisms limit its effectiveness. Physical stromal barriers, such as abnormal tumor vasculature and excessive extracellular matrix, hinder the access of immunotherapeutic agents to cancer tissues, contributing to treatment resistance. Efforts are ongoing to overcome these barriers and improve therapeutic outcomes.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dorothea Plundrich, Sophia Chikhladze, Stefan Fichtner-Feigl, Reinhild Feuerstein, Priscilla S. Briquez
Summary: This review provides an overview of molecular interactions that regulate tumor inflammation and discusses tumor immunomodulation in colorectal cancer, focusing on cell-cell interactions, cell-soluble factor interactions, cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and cell-microbiome interactions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Albina Fejza, Maurizio Polano, Lucrezia Camicia, Evelina Poletto, Greta Carobolante, Giuseppe Toffoli, Maurizio Mongiat, Eva Andreuzzi
Summary: The study suggests that EMILIN-2 plays a role in the response to PD-L1 inhibitors in melanoma patients, with its absence associated with increased PD-L1 expression and improved immunotherapy efficacy. EMILIN-2 regulates PD-L1 expression in melanoma cells through immune-dependent mechanisms, impacting treatment outcomes and angiogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Dominika Czaplinska, Renata Ialchina, Henriette Berg Andersen, Jiayi Yao, Arnaud Stigliani, Johs Dannesboe, Mette Flinck, Xiaoming Chen, Jakub Mitrega, Sebastian Peter Gnosa, Oksana Dmytriyeva, Frauke Alves, Joanna Napp, Albin Sandelin, Stine Falsig Pedersen
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options and increasing prevalence worldwide. This study reveals a complex interplay between tumor acidosis, extracellular matrix composition, and genotype in PDAC development. The findings may provide guidance for future acidosis-targeted therapies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tahani Bakhsh, Safiah Alhazmi, Najla Ali Alburae, Ali Farsi, Faisal Alzahrani, Hani Choudhry, Ahmed Bahieldin
Summary: Colorectal cancer is a common type of cancer worldwide, and early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Current blood biomarkers for CRC diagnosis are not accurate enough. Studies have found that specific miRNAs in extracellular vesicles can be used as noninvasive biomarkers for the screening and diagnosis of CRC.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Kellen Wright, Thuc Ly, Matthew Kriet, Andras Czirok, Sufi Mary Thomas
Summary: Cancer cells rely on the tumor microenvironment (TME) for growth and metastasis. Among the components of TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role. CAFs are heterogeneous and can remodel the microenvironment, as well as communicate with immune cells to aid in immune evasion. This review focuses on the factors and signaling pathways of CAFs.
Article
Oncology
Yao Wang, Xiaoyue Xu, Jacqueline E. Marshall, Muxue Gong, Yang Zhao, Kamal Dua, Philip M. Hansbro, Jincheng Xu, Gang Liu
Summary: HAPLN1 is downregulated in CRC patients, and it controls collagen deposition through the TGF-beta signaling pathway to regulate tumor growth. Therefore, increasing HAPLN1 levels may be a novel therapeutic option for CRC.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Arkadiusz Lepucki, Kinga Orlinska, Aleksandra Mielczarek-Palacz, Jacek Kabut, Pawel Olczyk, Katarzyna Komosinska-Vassev
Summary: The extracellular matrix is a dynamic molecular network composed of various molecules that play a critical role in regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, influencing cell growth, migration, and differentiation, as well as serving as a reservoir for cytokines and growth factors. The breakdown of normal ECM and its replacement with tumor ECM is a key driver for tumorigenesis and metastasis, affecting the composition of the tumor microenvironment and promoting malignant progression. Abnormal ECM also affects stromal cells, tumor-associated angiogenesis, inflammation, and the immune response. Understanding the role of ECM in breast cancer can help identify disease markers and therapeutic targets.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefano Barbera, Luisa Raucci, Giusy Tassone, Laura Tinti, Filippo Prischi, Annalisa Santucci, Maurizio Mongiat, Gian Marco Tosi, Federico Galvagni, Anna Dimberg, Cecilia Pozzi, Maurizio Orlandini
Summary: Blocking the signaling activated by the plasma membrane receptor CD93 has been shown to be useful in antiangiogenic treatment and oncotherapy. CD93 structurally exists as a dimer in endothelial cells and its oligomeric form is important for binding to its ligand Multimerin-2. Crystallographic analysis reveals the role of the C-type lectin-like and sushi-like domains in achieving a functional binding state, which provides valuable information for the development of drugs targeting CD93 in neovascular pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maurizio Polano, Luca Bedon, Michele Dal Bo, Roberto Sorio, Michele Bartoletti, Elena De Mattia, Erika Cecchin, Carmela Pisano, Domenica Lorusso, Andrea Alberto Lissoni, Andrea De Censi, Sabrina Chiara Cecere, Paolo Scollo, Sergio Marchini, Laura Arenare, Ugo De Giorgi, Daniela Califano, Elena Biagioli, Paolo Chiodini, Francesco Perrone, Sandro Pignata, Giuseppe Toffoli
Summary: Pharmacogenomics explores how genes affect individual responses to treatment. Utilizing machine learning techniques, this study investigated the relationship between genetic variations and drug-induced toxicities in ovarian cancer patients. The proposed method identified key genetic variations for predicting toxicities and provided valuable data for precision medicine.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eros Azzalini, Giorgio Stanta, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Serena Bonin
Summary: Ovarian cancers are a group of neoplasms with distinct clinical, pathological, and molecular features. Among these, high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs) are the most prevalent and exhibit high intratumor heterogeneity. The histological patterns and clonal evolution of HGSOCs have prognostic implications and are influenced by non-clonal intratumor heterogeneity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Michele Dal Bo, Maurizio Polano, Tamara Ius, Federica Di Cintio, Alessia Mondello, Ivana Manini, Enrico Pegolo, Daniela Cesselli, Carla Di Loreto, Miran Skrap, Giuseppe Toffoli
Summary: Machine learning was utilized to investigate the contribution of different available data in predicting overall survival of patients with glioma grade 4 (GG4). The study found that radiological parameters, gene mutations, and tumor mutational burden (TMB) played important roles in predicting the survival of GG4 patients.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Albina Fejza, Lucrezia Camicia, Greta Carobolante, Evelina Poletto, Alice Paulitti, Giorgia Schinello, Emanuele Di Siena, Renato Cannizzaro, Renato V. Iozzo, Gustavo Baldassarre, Eva Andreuzzi, Paola Spessotto, Maurizio Mongiat
Summary: Angiogenesis is a complex process regulated by various factors. This study reveals the significant role of Emilin2 in pericyte physiology and vascular stabilization. Emilin2 affects multiple mechanisms involved in pericyte recruitment and vascular stability. The findings suggest that Emilin2 could be a promising marker for predicting the clinical outcome of patients with melanoma, ovarian, and potentially other forms of cancer.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kanwal Asif, Muhammad Adeel, Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Isabella Caligiuri, Tiziana Perin, Maja Cemazar, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Flavio Rizzolio
Summary: ChemoDynamic Therapy (CDT) utilizes Fenton/Fenton-like reactions to generate oxidative stress for cancer treatment. However, the limited catalyst ions and ROS scavenging activity of GPX4 restrict its application. Therefore, an efficient strategy to regulate the Fenton reaction (using dual metal cations) and inhibit GPX4 activity is highly desired.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Nicolo Clemente, Andrea Ciavattini, Gaetano Valenti, Federica Zannier, Jacopo Di Giuseppe, Giovanni Delli Carpini, Mariasole Fichera, Anna Del Fabro, Giorgio Giorda, Gaia Goteri, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Francesco Sopracordevole
Summary: Extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva (EMPDV) is a rare disease, but it is often associated with other premalignant/malignant vulvar lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of concomitant vulvar cancers or premalignant lesions in women surgically treated for EMPDV. The medical records of 69 women with EMPDV were analyzed, and 31.9% of them had concomitant vulvar lesions, including VIN and LS. One patient had synchronous vulvar SCC. Women with EMPDV and concomitant premalignant/malignant vulvar lesions had a higher rate of invasive EMPDV and wider lesions. The significance of this association remains unclear, highlighting the importance of specialized healthcare providers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ombretta Repetto, Roberto Vettori, Agostino Steffan, Renato Cannizzaro, Valli De Re
Summary: Gastric cancer is a highly malignant disease with poor prognosis. Early detection and personalized treatment are important for improving patient survival. Recent advances in proteomics technologies have enabled the identification of novel biomarkers for gastric cancer, supporting the development of precision medicine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Gaya Spolverato, Matteo Fassan, Melania Scarpa, Astghik Stepanyan, Ottavia De Simoni, Federico Scognamiglio, Valentina Chiminazzo, Clarissa De Nardi, Giulia Tamponi, Silvia Negro, Imerio Angriman, Andromachi Kotsafti, Cesare Ruffolo, Chiara Vignotto, Maurizio Zizzo, Francesco Marchegiani, Luca Facci, Francesca Bergamo, Stefano Brignola, Gianluca Businello, Vincenza Guzzardo, Luca Dal Santo, Roberta Salmaso, Carlotta Ceccon, Marco Massani, Anna Pozza, Ivana Cataldo, Tommaso Stecca, Angelo Paolo Dei Tos, Vittorina Zagonel, Pierluigi Pilati, Boris Franzato, Antonio Scapinello, Giovanni Pirozzolo, Alfonso Recordare, Roberto Merenda, Giovanni Bordignon, Licia Laurino, Silvio Guerriero, Chiara Romiti, Giuseppe Portale, Chiara Cipollari, Salvatore Candioli, Laura Gavagna, Giulia Pozza, Mario Godina, Isabella Mondi, Giulia Noaro, Monica Ortenzi, Mario Guerrieri, Giovanni Tagliente, Monica Tomassi, Umberto Tedeschi, Andrea Porzionato, Marco Agostini, Isacco Maretto, Quoc Riccardo Bao, Francesco Cavallin, Barbara Di Camillo, Romeo Bardini, Ignazio Castagliuolo, Salvatore Pucciarelli, Marco Scarpa
Summary: The study found that early-onset rectal cancer is rarely associated with common hereditary syndromes. The tumor microenvironment is characterized by a high frequency of mutations impairing the local immune surveillance mechanisms and low expression of immune editing-related genes. A constitutively low number of CD4 T cells associated with a high number of T regulators indicates an imbalance in the immune surveillance mechanisms.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chiara Vignotto, Melania Scarpa, Astghik Stepanyan, Roberta Salmaso, Andromachi Kotsafti, Ottavia De Simoni, Giulia Becherucci, Silvia Negro, Gaya Spolverato, Federico Scognamiglio, Nicole Maddalena Maturi, Cesare Ruffolo, Imerio Angriman, Valentina Chiminazzo, Isacco Maretto, Maurizio Zizzo, Francesca Bergamo, Stefano Brignola, Gianluca Businello, Vincenza Guzzardo, Luca Dal Santo, Carlotta Ceccon, Marco Massani, Anna Pozza, Ivana Cataldo, Tommaso Stecca, Angelo Dei Tos, Vittorina Zagonel, Pierluigi Pilati, Boris Franzato, Antonio Scapinello, Beatrice Salmaso, Giovanni Pirozzolo, Alfonso Recordare, Licia Laurino, Andrea Porzionato, Marco Agostini, Quoc Riccardo Bao, Francesco Cavallin, Barbara Di Camillo, Romeo Bardini, Ignazio Castagliuolo, Salvatore Pucciarelli, Matteo Fassan, Marco Scarpa
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mara Fornasarig, Alessandra Capuano, Stefania Maiero, Eliana Pivetta, Vincenzo Canzonieri, Claudio Belluco, Maurizio Mongiat, Renato Cannizzaro, Paola Spessotto
Summary: This study found abnormal changes in vasculature in patients with Linitis plastica (LP) using probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (pCLE). The abnormal features included vessel enlargement, tortuosity, and leakage associated with the affected submucosal layer. This provides a new endoscopic approach and strategy for diagnosing LP.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)