scholarly journals Multifaceted Functions of Platelets in Cancer: From Tumorigenesis to Liquid Biopsy Tool and Drug Delivery System

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9585
Author(s):  
Melania Dovizio ◽  
Patrizia Ballerini ◽  
Rosa Fullone ◽  
Stefania Tacconelli ◽  
Annalisa Contursi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Antiplatelet Agents ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Disease Monitoring ◽  
Crucial Component ◽  
Numerous Cell

Platelets contribute to several types of cancer through plenty of mechanisms. Upon activation, platelets release many molecules, including growth and angiogenic factors, lipids, and extracellular vesicles, and activate numerous cell types, including vascular and immune cells, fibroblasts, and cancer cells. Hence, platelets are a crucial component of cell–cell communication. In particular, their interaction with cancer cells can enhance their malignancy and facilitate the invasion and colonization of distant organs. These findings suggest the use of antiplatelet agents to restrain cancer development and progression. Another peculiarity of platelets is their capability to uptake proteins and transcripts from the circulation. Thus, cancer-patient platelets show specific proteomic and transcriptomic expression patterns, a phenomenon called tumor-educated platelets (TEP). The transcriptomic/proteomic profile of platelets can provide information for the early detection of cancer and disease monitoring. Platelet ability to interact with tumor cells and transfer their molecular cargo has been exploited to design platelet-mediated drug delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and reduce toxicity often associated with traditional chemotherapy. Platelets are extraordinary cells with many functions whose exploitation will improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles-Based Drug Delivery Systems: A New Challenge and the Exemplum of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Burgio ◽  
Leila Noori ◽  
Antonella Marino Gammazza ◽  
Claudia Campanella ◽  
Mariantonia Logozzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Delivery System ◽  
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Delivery Systems ◽  
Pleural Mesothelioma ◽  
Potential Use

Research for the most selective drug delivery to tumors represents a fascinating key target in science. Alongside the artificial delivery systems identified in the last decades (e.g., liposomes), a family of natural extracellular vesicles (EVs) has gained increasing focus for their potential use in delivering anticancer compounds. EVs are released by all cell types to mediate cell-to-cell communication both at the paracrine and the systemic levels, suggesting a role for them as an ideal nano-delivery system. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) stands out among currently untreatable tumors, also due to the difficulties in achieving an early diagnosis. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment of MPM are both unmet clinical needs. This review looks at indirect and direct evidence that EVs may represent both a new tool for allowing an early diagnosis of MPM and a potential new delivery system for more efficient therapeutic strategies. Since MPM is a relatively rare malignant tumor and preclinical MPM models developed to date are very few and not reliable, this review will report data obtained in other tumor types, suggesting the potential use of EVs in mesothelioma patients as well.

scholarly journals Metabolites in the Tumor Microenvironment Reprogram Functions of Immune Effector Cells Through Epigenetic Modifications

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yijia Li ◽  
Yangzhe Wu ◽  
Yi Hu
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Metabolic Plasticity ◽  
Signal Transduction Networks ◽  
Immune Effector Cells

Cellular metabolism of both cancer and immune cells in the acidic, hypoxic, and nutrient-depleted tumor microenvironment (TME) has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Accumulating evidence has shown that cancer cells in TME could outcompete immune cells for nutrients and at the same time, producing inhibitory products that suppress immune effector cell functions. Recent progress revealed that metabolites in the TME could dysregulate gene expression patterns in the differentiation, proliferation, and activation of immune effector cells by interfering with the epigenetic programs and signal transduction networks. Nevertheless, encouraging studies indicated that metabolic plasticity and heterogeneity between cancer and immune effector cells could provide us the opportunity to discover and target the metabolic vulnerabilities of cancer cells while potentiating the anti-tumor functions of immune effector cells. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic impacts on the immune effector cells in TME and explore the therapeutic opportunities for metabolically enhanced immunotherapy.

scholarly journals Cell to cell hijacking: Role of membrane nanotubes

2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Karthikeyan Pethusamy ◽  
Ruby Dhar ◽  
Arun Kumar ◽  
Subhradip Karmakar
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Physiological Function ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Treatment Resistance ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Chemotherapy Treatment ◽  
Tunneling Nanotubes ◽  
Membrane Nanotubes ◽  
Membrane Protrusions

Cell to Cell communications is the pivot for life processes. Any event that disrupts this leads to the loss of physiological function, eventually leading to cell death. Evolutionarily, cells developed an elaborate mechanism to undertake this paramount responsibility through cell surface glycocalyx, receptors, integrins, and other recognition molecules. Cells also exchange through local acting soluble mediators as well as through vesicles and exosomes. Recent development in this field led to the identification of a spectacular network of membrane process that seems to be the supremo of all that was known about cellular communications. These are called membrane nanotubes or tunneling nanotubes (TNT). Cellular communication can be subdivided into contact and contactless. The former provides more rapid and molecule transfer as compared to the latter. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are a novel type of contact-based communication. TNTs are straight, thin membrane extensions connecting cells over long distances first reported in PC12 cells in 2004. TNT is believed to form from actin-based membrane protrusion. There are three different models of TNT formation. a>Protrusions from one cell grow and extend until it reaches the other cell, followed by a membrane fusion. b> Membrane protrusions grow from both cells until they meet and establish a connection c> TNT formation by cell dislodgement when cells migrate further apart from each other, and during this movement, TNT is formed. It is possible that all these three models may be operational depending on cell types and context. Tunneling nanotubes (TNT) are dynamic connections between cells, representing a novel route for cell-to-cell communication. TNT was reported in various cell types, like epithelial cells, neuronal cells, mesenchyma cells, and immune cells engaged in intercellular exchanges of molecules, subcellular organelles, and pathogen and viruses transport routes. TNT can extend up to 200 µm in length and about 50 nm to 1500 nm in diameter in macrophages. TNT can be established between similar cell types (homo-TNT) or between one cell type and another ( hetro TNT) and thus may be involved in the initiation and growth of cancer as well as dissemination of cancer cells. TNTs are also assumed to play a role in treatment resistance, e.g., in chemotherapy treatment of cancer. Recently, TNT has been used to hijack mitochondria from healthy cells by the cancer cells as a source of energy. TNT was also reported to transport miRNA and other RNA to the surrounding stroma creating an environment suitable for cancer growth. More research in this discipline is needed to understand the full function of these wonderful nanostructures.

scholarly journals AFP-Inhibiting Fragments for Drug Delivery: The Promise and Challenges of Targeting Therapeutics to Cancers

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Lin ◽  
Xu Dong ◽  
Qiujiao Wang ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Mingyue Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Targeted Chemotherapy ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Important Target ◽  
Intracellular Proteins ◽  
New Strategy

Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) plays a key role in stimulating the growth, metastasis and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AFP is an important target molecule in the treatment of HCC. The application of AFP-derived peptides, AFP fragments and recombinant AFP (AFP-inhibiting fragments, AIFs) to inhibit the binding of AFP to intracellular proteins or its receptors is the basis of a new strategy for the treatment of HCC and other cancers. In addition, AIFs can be combined with drugs and delivery agents to target treatments to cancer. AIFs conjugated to anticancer drugs not only destroy cancer cells with these drugs but also activate immune cells to kill cancer cells. Furthermore, AIF delivery of drugs relieves immunosuppression and enhances chemotherapy effects. The synergism of immunotherapy and targeted chemotherapy is expected to play an important role in enhancing the treatment effect of patients with cancer. AIF delivery of drugs will be an available strategy for the targeted treatment of cancer in the future.

scholarly journals Concise review: The role of cancer-derived exosomes in tumorigenesis and immune cell modulation

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 4158-4169
Author(s):  
Nhi Thao Huynh ◽  
Khuong Duy Pham ◽  
Nhat Chau Truong
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Immune Surveillance ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
Concise Review ◽  
The Relationship

Exosomes are subcellular entities which were first discovered in the 1980s. Over the past decade, scientists have discovered that they carry components of genetic information that allow for cell-cell communication and cell targeting. Exosomes secreted by cancer cells are termed cancer-derived exosomes (CDEs), and play an important role in tumor formation and progression. Specifically, CDEs mediate the communication between cancer cells, as well as between cancer cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and effector immune cells. Additionally, through the vascular system and body fluids, CDEs can modulate response to drugs, increase angiogenesis, stimulate proliferation, promote invasion and metastasis, and facilitate escape from immune surveillance. This review will discuss the relationship between cancer cells and other cells (particularly immune cells), as mediated through CDEs, as well as the subsequent impact on tumorigenesis and immunomodulation. Understanding the role of CDEs in tumorigenesis and immune cell modulation will help advance their utilization in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer.

scholarly journals Microvesicles from platelets: novel drivers of vascular inflammation

2015 ◽  
Vol 114 (08) ◽  
pp. 228-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Vajen ◽  
Sebastian Mause ◽  
Rory Koenen
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Vascular Inflammation ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Cell Types

SummaryMicrovesicles are receiving increased attention not only as biomarkers but also as mediators of cell communication and as integral effectors of disease. Platelets present a major source of microvesicles and release these microvesicles either spontaneously or upon activation. Platelet-derived microvesicles retain many features of their parent cells and have been shown to exert modulatory effects on vascular and immune cells. Accordingly, microvesicles from platelets can be measured at increased levels in patients with cardiovascular disease or individuals at risk. In addition, isolated microvesicles from platelets were shown to exert immunomodulatory actions on various cell types. In this review the various aspects of platelet-derived microvesicles including release, clearance, measurement, occurrence during disease and relevance for the pathophysiology of vascular inflammation will be discussed.

scholarly journals Aging-associated alterations in the mammary gland revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carman Man-Chung Li ◽  
Hana Shapiro ◽  
Christina Tsiobikas ◽  
Laura Selfors ◽  
Huidong Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mammary Gland ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Single Cell Rna Sequencing ◽  
Numerous Cell ◽  
Luminal Cells ◽  
Increased Susceptibility ◽  
Mammary Tissues

AbstractAging of the mammary gland is closely associated with increased susceptibility to diseases such as cancer, but there have been limited systematic studies of aging-induced alterations within this organ. We performed high-throughput single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) profiling of mammary tissues from young and old nulliparous mice, including both epithelial and stromal cell types. Our analysis identified altered proportions and distinct gene expression patterns in numerous cell populations as a consequence of the aging process, independent of parity and lactation. In addition, we detected a subset of luminal cells that express both hormone-sensing and alveolar markers and decrease in relative abundance with age. These data provide a high-resolution landscape of aging mammary tissues, with potential implications for normal tissue functions and cancer predisposition.

scholarly journals Interleukin-34 promotes tumorigenic signals for colon cancer cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Franzè ◽  
Irene Marafini ◽  
Edoardo Troncone ◽  
Silvia Salvatori ◽  
Giovanni Monteleone
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Colon Carcinogenesis ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Western World ◽  
Cancer Associated Fibroblasts ◽  
Colon Cancer Cells ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
And Function

AbstractColorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common forms of malignancy in the Western world. Accumulating evidence indicates that colon carcinogenesis is tightly controlled by tumour-associated immune cells and stromal cells, which can either stimulate or suppress CRC cell growth and survival, mainly via the production of cytokines. Interleukin-34 (IL-34), a cytokine known to regulate mainly monocyte/macrophage survival and function, is highly produced within the CRC microenvironment by several cell types, including cancer cells, tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and regulates the pro-tumoural functions of such cells. In this article, we summarize the available data supporting the multiple effects of IL-34 in human CRC.

scholarly journals T-cells play the classics with a different spin

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (11) ◽  
pp. 1699-1703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Dustin
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Immunological Synapse ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Intraflagellar Transport ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Immune Synapse ◽  
And Function

The immune system uses much of the classic machinery of cell biology, but in ways that put a different spin on organization and function. Striking recent examples include the demonstration of intraflagellar transport protein and hedgehog contributions to the immune synapse, even though immune cells lack a primary cilium that would be the typical setting for this machinery. In a second example, lymphocytes have their own subfamily of integrins, the β2 subfamily, and only integrins in this family form a stable adhesion ring using freely mobile ligands, a key feature of the immunological synapse. Finally, we showed recently that T-cells use endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs) at the plasma membrane to generate T-cell antigen receptor–enriched microvesicles. It is unusual for the ESCRT pathway to operate at the plasma membrane, but this may allow a novel form of cell–cell communication by providing a multivalent ligand for major histocompatibility complex–peptide complexes and perhaps other receptors on the partnering B-cell. Immune cells are thus an exciting system for novel cell biology even with classical pathways that have been studied extensively in other cell types.

scholarly journals Mini Review: Current Trends and Understanding of Exosome Therapeutic Potential in Corneal Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil Tiwari ◽  
Aastha Singh ◽  
Sudhir Verma ◽  
Sarah Stephenson ◽  
Tuhin Bhowmick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Clinical Application ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Specific Therapy ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
Exosome Biogenesis ◽  
Purification Methods ◽  
Review Current

Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are secreted by most cell types. They are nanosized EVs ranging from 30 to 150 nm. The membrane-enclosed bodies originate by the process of endocytosis and mainly comprise DNA, RNA, protein, and lipids. Exosomes not only act as cell-to-cell communication signaling mediators but also have the potential to act as biomarkers for clinical application and as a promising carrier for drug delivery. Unfortunately, the purification methods for exosomes remain an obstacle. While most of the exosome researches are mainly focused on cancer, there are limited studies highlighting the importance of exosomes in ocular biology, specifically cornea-associated pathologies. Here, we summarize a brief description of exosome biogenesis, roles of exosomes and exosome-based therapies in corneal pathologies, and exosome bioengineering for tissue-specific therapy.

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