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Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
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Tumor Microenvironment and Nitric Oxide: Concepts and Mechanisms
Anastasia Vedenko1, Kush Panara2, Gabriella Goldstein3
1Department of Urology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|October 29, 2020
Summary
The tumor microenvironment (TME) comprises diverse cells and processes that promote cancer progression and metastasis. Nitric oxide, though often damaging, shows dose-dependent effects and potential therapeutic benefits within the TME.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of diverse cellular phenotypes, stromal components, and vasculature.
- These elements cooperate to drive cancer progression, immune evasion, and metastasis.
- While some immune cells can fight tumors, the TME often favors resistant cancer cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of various cellular and molecular components within the TME.
- To understand the mechanisms driving tumor progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
- To explore the dual role of nitric oxide in the TME and its therapeutic implications.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of existing literature on tumor microenvironment composition and function.
- Analysis of cellular interactions, including immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and endothelial cells.
- Investigation of molecular signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis, hypoxia, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and DNA damage.
- Examination of the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in tumor progression and immune modulation.
Main Results:
- The TME is characterized by a dynamic interplay of pro-tumorigenic factors, including angiogenesis driven by CAFs and ECM degradation.
- Hypoxia and associated processes like EMT, ROS production, and DNA damage contribute to cancer cell survival and treatment resistance.
- Nitric oxide (NO) exhibits complex, dose-dependent effects, potentially promoting immunosuppression at low concentrations but offering broad TME targeting potential.
Conclusions:
- The TME is an interconnected system where various cellular and molecular processes synergistically promote tumor growth and metastasis.
- Understanding the intricate mechanisms within the TME is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.
- Targeting specific components or pathways, including the dose-dependent effects of nitric oxide, holds promise for novel therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
AngiogenesisAngiogenic switchCancerCancer metabolismCancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)HypoxiaImmune elimination/equilibrium/escapeImmune surveillanceImmunosuppressionImmunotherapyInnate and adaptive immunityNitric oxideSprouting angiogenesisStromal cellsTreatment resistanceTumor microenvironment (TME)Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs)More Related Videos
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