51
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Diaconu I, Cerullo V, Hirvinen MLM, Escutenaire S, Ugolini M, Pesonen SK, Bramante S, Parviainen S, Kanerva A, Loskog ASI, Eliopoulos AG, Pesonen S, Hemminki A. Immune response is an important aspect of the antitumor effect produced by a CD40L-encoding oncolytic adenovirus. Cancer Res 2012; 72:2327-38. [PMID: 22396493 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-2975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic adenovirus is an attractive platform for immunotherapy because virus replication is highly immunogenic and not subject to tolerance. Although oncolysis releases tumor epitopes and provides costimulatory danger signals, arming the virus with immunostimulatory molecules can further improve efficacy. CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154) induces apoptosis of tumor cells and triggers several immune mechanisms, including a T-helper type 1 (T(H)1) response, which leads to activation of cytotoxic T cells and reduction of immunosuppression. In this study, we constructed a novel oncolytic adenovirus, Ad5/3-hTERT-E1A-hCD40L, which features a chimeric Ad5/3 capsid for enhanced tumor transduction, a human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter for tumor selectivity, and human CD40L for increased efficacy. Ad5/3-hTERT-E1A-hCD40L significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo via oncolytic and apoptotic effects, and (Ad5/3-hTERT-E1A-hCD40L)-mediated oncolysis resulted in enhanced calreticulin exposure and HMGB1 and ATP release, which were suggestive of immunogenicity. In two syngeneic mouse models, murine CD40L induced recruitment and activation of antigen-presenting cells, leading to increased interleukin-12 production in splenocytes. This effect was associated with induction of the T(H)1 cytokines IFN-γ, RANTES, and TNF-α. Tumors treated with Ad5/3-CMV-mCD40L also displayed an enhanced presence of macrophages and cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells but not B cells. Together, our findings show that adenoviruses coding for CD40L mediate multiple antitumor effects including oncolysis, apoptosis, induction of T-cell responses, and upregulation of T(H)1 cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Diaconu
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Transplantation Laboratory & Haartman Institute & Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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52
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Liu HG, Chen C, Yang H, Pan YF, Zhang XH. Cancer stem cell subsets and their relationships. J Transl Med 2011; 9:50. [PMID: 21542915 PMCID: PMC3096925 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that cancer stem cells account for the initiation and progression of cancer. While many types of cancer stem cells with specific markers have been isolated and identified, a variety of differences among them began to be appreciated. Cancer stem cells are hierarchical populations that consist of precancerous stem cells, primary cancer stem cells, migrating cancer stem cells and chemoradioresistant cancer stem cells, playing different roles in cancer initiation and progression. Here we propose a new concept "horizontal hierarchy of cancer stem cells" to distinguish them from vertical hierarchy cancer stem cells, cancer transient-amplifying cells and cancer differentiated cells, and summarize our current understanding of these subsets of cancer stem cells with the aim to open up novel therapeutic strategies for cancer based on this understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Guang Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou 325000, China
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53
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Hurst DR, Welch DR. Metastasis suppressor genes at the interface between the environment and tumor cell growth. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 286:107-80. [PMID: 21199781 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385859-7.00003-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms and genetic programs required for cancer metastasis are sometimes overlapping, but components are clearly distinct from those promoting growth of a primary tumor. Every sequential, rate-limiting step in the sequence of events leading to metastasis requires coordinated expression of multiple genes, necessary signaling events, and favorable environmental conditions or the ability to escape negative selection pressures. Metastasis suppressors are molecules that inhibit the process of metastasis without preventing growth of the primary tumor. The cellular processes regulated by metastasis suppressors are diverse and function at every step in the metastatic cascade. As we gain knowledge into the molecular mechanisms of metastasis suppressors and cofactors with which they interact, we learn more about the process, including appreciation that some are potential targets for therapy of metastasis, the most lethal aspect of cancer. Until now, metastasis suppressors have been described largely by their function. With greater appreciation of their biochemical mechanisms of action, the importance of context is increasingly recognized especially since tumor cells exist in myriad microenvironments. In this chapter, we assemble the evidence that selected molecules are indeed suppressors of metastasis, collate the data defining the biochemical mechanisms of action, and glean insights regarding how metastasis suppressors regulate tumor cell communication to-from microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas R Hurst
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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54
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Hemminki O, Bauerschmitz G, Hemmi S, Lavilla-Alonso S, Diaconu I, Guse K, Koski A, Desmond RA, Lappalainen M, Kanerva A, Cerullo V, Pesonen S, Hemminki A. Oncolytic adenovirus based on serotype 3. Cancer Gene Ther 2010; 18:288-96. [PMID: 21183947 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2010.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic adenoviruses have been safe in clinical trials but the efficacy has been mostly limited. All published trials have been performed with serotype 5 based viruses. The expression level of the Ad5 receptor CAR may be variable in advanced tumors. In contrast, the Ad3 receptor remains unclear, but is known to be abundantly expressed in most tumors. Therefore, we hypothesized that a fully serotype 3 oncolytic adenovirus might be useful for treating cancer. Patients exposed to adenoviruses develop high titers of serotype-specific neutralizing antibodies, which might compromise re-administration. Thus, having different serotype oncolytic viruses available might facilitate repeated dosing in humans. Ad3-hTERT-E1A is a fully serotype 3 oncolytic adenovirus controlled by the promoter of the catalytic domain of human telomerase. It was effective in vitro on cell lines representing seven major cancer types, although low toxicity was seen in non-malignant cells. In vivo, the virus had anti-tumor efficacy in three different animal models. Although in vitro oncolysis mediated by Ad3-hTERT-E1A and wild-type Ad3 occurred more slowly than with Ad5 or Ad5/3 (Ad3 fiber knob in Ad5) based viruses, in vivo the virus was at least as potent as controls. Anti-tumor efficacy was retained in presence of neutralizing anti-Ad5 antibodies whereas Ad5 based controls were blocked. In summary, we report generation of a non-Ad5 based oncolytic adenovirus, which might be useful for testing in cancer patients, especially in the context of high anti-Ad5 neutralizing antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program and Haartman Institute and Transplantation Laboratory and Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Pesonen S, Kangasniemi L, Hemminki A. Oncolytic Adenoviruses for the Treatment of Human Cancer: Focus on Translational and Clinical Data. Mol Pharm 2010; 8:12-28. [PMID: 21126047 DOI: 10.1021/mp100219n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sari Pesonen
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Transplantation Laboratory & Haartman Institute & Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 63, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, and Oncos Therapeutics Ltd., Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lotta Kangasniemi
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Transplantation Laboratory & Haartman Institute & Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 63, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, and Oncos Therapeutics Ltd., Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Transplantation Laboratory & Haartman Institute & Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, P.O. Box 63, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland, and Oncos Therapeutics Ltd., Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
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Cook LM, Hurst DR, Welch DR. Metastasis suppressors and the tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2010; 21:113-22. [PMID: 21168504 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2010.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The most lethal and debilitating attribute of cancer cells is their ability to metastasize. Throughout the process of metastasis, tumor cells interact with other tumor cells, host cells and a variety of molecules. Tumor cells are also faced with a number of insults, such as hemodynamic sheer pressure and immune selection. This brief review explores how metastasis suppressor proteins regulate interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironments in which tumor cells find themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Cook
- Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Ahtiainen L, Mirantes C, Jahkola T, Escutenaire S, Diaconu I, Österlund P, Kanerva A, Cerullo V, Hemminki A. Defects in innate immunity render breast cancer initiating cells permissive to oncolytic adenovirus. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13859. [PMID: 21079774 PMCID: PMC2974645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells/initiating cells (CSC/CIC), are thought to exist as a small population in malignant tissues. They are resistant to conventional cancer treatments and possibly underlie post-treatment relapse. The CIC population can be targeted with capsid modified oncolytic adenoviruses. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied the mechanisms of innate immunity to oncolytic adenovirus Ad5/3-Delta24 in conventional treatment resistant non-CIC breast cancer cells, breast cancer CD44+/CD24−/low CIC population and normal breast tissue CD44+/CD24−/low stem cells. We compared virus recognition by pattern recognition receptors for adenovirus, Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 9 and virus induced type I interferon (IFN) response regulation in these cell types. We show TLR mediated virus recognition in these non-immune cell types. Normal tissue stem cells have intact type I IFN signaling. Furthermore, TLR9 and TLR2 reside constantly in recognition sites, implying constant activation. In contrast, breast cancer CD44+/CD24−/low CIC have dysregulated innate immune responses featuring dysfunctional virus recognition caused by impaired trafficking of TLR9 and cofactor MyD88 and the absence of TLR2, having a deleterious impact on TLR pattern recognition receptor signaling. Furthermore, the CIC have increased inhibitory signaling via the suppressor of cytokine signaling/Tyro3/Axl/Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (SOCS/TAM) pathway. These defects in contribute to dysfunctional induction of type I IFN response in CIC and therefore permissivity to oncolytic adenovirus. Conclusions/Significance CICs may underlie the incurable nature of relapsed or metastatic cancers and are therefore an important target regarding diagnostic and prognostic aspects as well as treatment of the disease. This study addresses the mechanisms of innate infection immunity in stem cells deepening the understanding of stem cell biology and may benefit not only virotherapy but also immunotherapy in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ahtiainen
- Transplantation Laboratory, Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program, Haartman Institute and Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail: (LA); (AH)
| | - Cristina Mirantes
- Transplantation Laboratory, Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program, Haartman Institute and Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Jahkola
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sophie Escutenaire
- Transplantation Laboratory, Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program, Haartman Institute and Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Iulia Diaconu
- Transplantation Laboratory, Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program, Haartman Institute and Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pamela Österlund
- Viral Infections Unit, Department of Vaccination and Immune Protection, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Kanerva
- Transplantation Laboratory, Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program, Haartman Institute and Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vincenzo Cerullo
- Transplantation Laboratory, Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program, Haartman Institute and Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- Transplantation Laboratory, Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program, Haartman Institute and Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail: (LA); (AH)
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Abstract
Cancer treatments have improved steadily, but still only few metastatic solid tumors can be cured. Apoptosis-resistant clones frequently develop following standard treatments. Resistance factors are shared between different treatment regimens and, therefore, loss of response can occur rapidly, despite changing the drug, and there is a tendency for crossresistance between modalities. Therefore, new agents with novel mechanisms of action are desperately needed. Oncolytic adenoviruses, featuring cancer-selective cell lysis and spread, constitute an interesting drug platform aimed towards the goals of tumor specificity, and have been engineered in a variety of ways to improve their selectivity and efficacy. They allow rational drug development by the genetic incorporation of targeting mechanisms that can exert their function at different stages of the viral replication cycle. Owing to their immunogenicity, adenoviruses are particularly attractive for immunostimulatory purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland; Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program & Haartman Institute & Transplantation Laboratory & Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, PO Box 63, Biomedicum B506b, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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59
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Ranki T, Hemminki A. Serotype chimeric human adenoviruses for cancer gene therapy. Viruses 2010; 2:2196-2212. [PMID: 21994616 PMCID: PMC3185575 DOI: 10.3390/v2102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer gene therapy consists of numerous approaches where the common denominator is utilization of vectors for achieving therapeutic effect. A particularly potent embodiment of the approach is virotherapy, in which the replication potential of an oncolytic virus is directed towards tumor cells to cause lysis, while normal cells are spared. Importantly, the therapeutic effect of the initial viral load is amplified through viral replication cycles and production of progeny virions. All cancer gene therapy approaches rely on a sufficient level of delivery of the anticancer agent into target cells. Thus, enhancement of delivery to target cells, and reduction of delivery to non-target cells, in an approach called transductional targeting, is attractive. Both genetic and non-genetic retargeting strategies have been utilized. However, in the context of oncolytic viruses, it is beneficial to have the specific modification included in progeny virions and hence genetic modification may be preferable. Serotype chimerism utilizes serotype specific differences in receptor usage, liver tropism and seroprevalence in order to gain enhanced infection of target tissue. This review will focus on serotype chimeric adenoviruses for cancer gene therapy applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuuli Ranki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; E-Mail:
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 100, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
- Haartman Institute & Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
- Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O.Box 20, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Akseli Hemminki
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Molecular Cancer Biology Program, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; E-Mail:
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, P.O. Box 100, 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland
- Haartman Institute & Transplantation Laboratory, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
- Finnish Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O.Box 20, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel. +358-9-1912 5464; Fax: +358-9-1912 5465
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60
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Doloff JC, Jounaidi Y, Waxman DJ. Dual E1A oncolytic adenovirus: targeting tumor heterogeneity with two independent cancer-specific promoter elements, DF3/MUC1 and hTERT. Cancer Gene Ther 2010; 18:153-66. [PMID: 20865021 PMCID: PMC3010505 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2010.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic utility of oncolytic adenoviruses controlled by a single, tumor-specific regulatory element may be limited by the intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity that characterizes many cancers. To address this issue, we constructed an oncolytic adenovirus that uses two distinct tumor-specific promoters (DF3/Muc1 and hTERT) to drive separate E1A expression cassettes, in combination with deletion of the viral E1B region, which confers additional tumor selectivity and increased oncolytic activity. The resultant virus, Adeno-DF3-E1A/hTERT-E1A, induced higher levels of E1A oncoprotein, enhanced oncolysis, and an earlier and higher apoptotic index in infected tumor cells than following infection with Adeno-hTERT-E1A, which harbors a single hTERT promoter-driven E1A cassette. In isolated U251 human gliosarcoma cell holoclones (putative cancer stem cells), where DF3/Muc1 expression is substantially enriched and hTERT expression is decreased compared to the parental U251 cell population, E1A production and oncolysis were strongly decreased following infection with Adeno-hTERT-E1A but not Adeno-DF3-E1A/hTERT-E1A. The strong oncolytic activity of Adeno-DF3-E1A/hTERT-E1A translated into superior anti-tumor activity over Adeno-hTERT-E1A in vivo in a U251 solid tumor xenograft model, where hTERT levels were >90% suppressed and the DF3/Muc1 to hTERT expression ratio was substantially increased compared to cultured U251 cells. The enhanced anti-tumor activity of the dual-targeted Adeno-DF3-E1A/hTERT-E1A was achieved despite premature viral host cell death and decreased production of functional viral progeny, which limited tumor cell spread of the viral infection. These findings highlight the therapeutic benefit of targeting oncolytic viruses to heterogeneous tumor cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Doloff
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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61
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Oliveras-Ferraros C, Vazquez-Martin A, Martin-Castillo B, Cufí S, Barco SD, Lopez-Bonet E, Brunet J, Menendez JA. Dynamic emergence of the mesenchymal CD44posCD24neg/low phenotype in HER2-gene amplified breast cancer cells with de novo resistance to trastuzumab (Herceptin). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 397:27-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 05/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Giatromanolaki A, Sivridis E, Fiska A, Koukourakis MI. The CD44+/CD24- phenotype relates to 'triple-negative' state and unfavorable prognosis in breast cancer patients. Med Oncol 2010; 28:745-52. [PMID: 20405247 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-010-9530-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2010] [Accepted: 04/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Breast carcinomas have been reported to contain a subpopulation of CD44+/CD24- tumor cells with stem cell-like properties. This study investigates the significance of these two molecules in connection with tumor aggression and prognosis. The phenotypic profile of 139 breast carcinomas was investigated in paraffin sections using markers previously associated with stem cell-like properties (CD44, CD24), the "triple-state" (ER, PR, c-erb-B2), and angiogenesis (CD31). Tumors with >10% of CD44 and CD24 cancer cells were considered positive. The prevalence of CD44+ and CD24+ breast carcinomas in the series was 51.8% and 41.7%, respectively. Patients with the CD44(+)/CD24(-) phenotype had a 10-year lower median age at presentation and harbored tumors with a triple-negative state. They experienced an unfavorable prognosis. Lack of CD44 expression was associated with lymph node involvement, regardless of CD24 status, whereas the lack of both CD44 and CD24 was connected with high histologic grade and unfavorable prognosis which, notably, was the worse among all phenotypes. In multivariate analysis, the CD44(-)/CD24(-) phenotype, the nodal involvement, the vascular density and the ER-/PR-/c-erbB-2-profile were independent prognostic variables. It is concluded that assessment of the CD44/CD24 status may reveal distinct subgroups of breast cancer patients with different clinical behavior. The unsatisfactory response of the triple-negative tumors to current chemotherapy and their intimate link with the CD44(+)/CD24(-) phenotype, makes CD44 targeting an attractive therapeutic alternative for breast cancer patients. The strong association between the CD44(-)/CD24(-) phenotype and prognosis requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace Medical School, and University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, P.O. Box 12, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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63
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Role of COX-2 in tumorospheres derived from a breast cancer cell line. J Surg Res 2010; 168:e39-49. [PMID: 20462604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2010.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Revised: 02/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in primary breast cancer predicts tumor cell dissemination to bone marrow, which is a risk factor for recurrence and distant metastasis. "Stem-like" phenotype may be important in cancer metastasis. METHODS To investigate the role of COX-2 protein in breast cancer stem-like cells, we analyzed it by co-immunofluorescence in tumorospheres derived from the MCF7 estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cell line. To evaluate COX-2 function we utilized a COX-2 inhibitor in a clonogenicity assay performed with tumorospheres-derived cells. RESULTS We detected rare cells in tumorospheres (one cell per tumorosphere) with very high COX-2 expression (COX-2(high)). COX-2 transfected MCF7 cells were able to generate long-term tumorospheres culture, even though transfection efficiency was only one in a million cells. We detected expression of OCT4 in some COX-2(high) cells, supporting the hypothesis that these cells could be cancer stem-like cells. It is important that COX-2(high) cells showed less expression of Ki-67 than did neighboring cells, indicating that COX-2(high) cells may be progenitors of tumorospheres. Celecoxib inhibited the growth of tumorosphere cultures and the ability of tumorosphere-derived cells to form colonies in vitro, indicating an active role of COX-2 in these processes. However, 2 μM celecoxib failed to eradicate tumorosphere-initiating cells. Finally, we detected rare COX-2(high) cells among SUM149 inflammatory breast cancer cells growing on plastic in serum-containing medium; the SUM149 cell line produces a very high level of COX-2 protein. CONCLUSION Our results support a role for COX-2 in stem-like breast cancer cells and suggest a mechanism behind a role for COX-2 in disseminated tumor cells, which are known to exhibit characteristic biomarkers and functional properties of stem-like cells.
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Pesonen S, Nokisalmi P, Escutenaire S, Särkioja M, Raki M, Cerullo V, Kangasniemi L, Laasonen L, Ribacka C, Guse K, Haavisto E, Oksanen M, Rajecki M, Helminen A, Ristimäki A, Karioja-Kallio A, Karli E, Kantola T, Bauerschmitz G, Kanerva A, Joensuu T, Hemminki A. Prolonged systemic circulation of chimeric oncolytic adenovirus Ad5/3-Cox2L-D24 in patients with metastatic and refractory solid tumors. Gene Ther 2010; 17:892-904. [PMID: 20237509 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Eighteen patients with refractory and progressive solid tumors were treated with a single round of triple modified oncolytic adenovirus (Ad5/3-Cox2L-D24). Ad5/3-Cox2L-D24 is the first non-Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor-binding oncolytic adenovirus used in humans. Grades 1-2 flu-like symptoms, fever, and fatigue were seen in most patients, whereas transaminitis or thrombocytopenia were seen in some. Non-hematological grades 3-5 side effects were seen in one patient with grade 3 ileus. Treatment resulted in high neutralizing antibody titers within 3 weeks. Virus appeared in serum 2-4 days after treatment in 83% of patients and persisted for up to 5 weeks. One out of five radiologically evaluable patients had partial response (PR), one had minor response (MR), and three had progressive disease (PD). Two patients scored as PD had a decrease in tumor density. Tumor reductions not measurable with Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) were seen in a further four patients. PR, MR, stable disease, and PD were seen in 12, 23.5, 35, and 29.5% of tumor markers analyzed, respectively (N=17). Ad5/3-Cox2L-D24 appears safe for treatment of cancer in humans and extended virus circulation results from a single treatment. Objective evidence of anti-tumor activity was seen in 11/18 (61%) of patients. Clinical trials are needed to extend these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pesonen
- Cancer Gene Therapy Group, Transplantation Laboratory, Haartman Institute and Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Multimodal approach using oncolytic adenovirus, cetuximab, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in HNSCC low passage tumour cell cultures. Eur J Cancer 2010; 46:625-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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66
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Epithelial–mesenchymal transition in cancer metastasis: Mechanisms, markers and strategies to overcome drug resistance in the clinic. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2009; 1796:75-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2009.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 350] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Revised: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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67
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Klopp AH, Woodward WA. Therapeutic strategies to eliminate breast cancer stem cells. CURRENT BREAST CANCER REPORTS 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s12609-009-0031-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Meyer MJ, Fleming JM, Ali MA, Pesesky MW, Ginsburg E, Vonderhaar BK. Dynamic regulation of CD24 and the invasive, CD44posCD24neg phenotype in breast cancer cell lines. Breast Cancer Res 2009; 11:R82. [PMID: 19906290 PMCID: PMC2815544 DOI: 10.1186/bcr2449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Revised: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 11/11/2009] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The invasive, mesenchymal phenotype of CD44posCD24neg breast cancer cells has made them a promising target for eliminating the metastatic capacity of primary tumors. It has been previously demonstrated that CD44neg/lowCD24pos breast cancer cells lack the ability to give rise to their invasive CD44posCD24neg counterpart. Here we demonstrate that noninvasive, epithelial-like CD44posCD24pos cells readily give rise to invasive, mesenchymal CD44posCD24neg progeny in vivo and in vitro. This interconversion was found to be dependent upon Activin/Nodal signaling. Methods Breast cancer cell lines were sorted into CD44posCD24pos and CD44posCD24neg populations to evaluate their progeny for the expression of CD44, CD24, and markers of a mesenchymal phenotype. The populations, separated by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) were injected into immunocompromised mice to evaluate their tumorigenicity and invasiveness of the resulting xenografts. Results CD24 expression was dynamically regulated in vitro in all evaluated breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, a single noninvasive, epithelial-like CD44posCD24pos cell had the ability to give rise to invasive, mesenchymal CD44posCD24neg progeny. Importantly, this interconversion occurred in vivo as CD44posCD24pos cells gave rise to xenografts with locally invasive borders as seen in xenografts initiated with CD44posCD24neg cells. Lastly, the ability of CD44posCD24pos cells to give rise to mesenchymal progeny, and vice versa, was blocked upon ablation of Activin/Nodal signaling. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that the invasive, mesenchymal CD44posCD24neg phenotype is under dynamic control in breast cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, our observations suggest that therapies targeting CD44posCD24neg tumor cells may have limited success in preventing primary tumor metastasis unless Activin/Nodal signaling is arrested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Meyer
- Mammary Biology and Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Building 37, Room 1106, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4254, USA.
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Abstract
Metastasis--the spread of cancer to distant organs--is responsible for most cancer deaths. Current adjuvant therapy is based on prognostic indicators that stratify patients into defined risk groups. However, some patients believed to have a good prognosis nonetheless develop metastases, in some cases many years after apparently successful treatment of their primary cancer. This period of clinical dormancy leads to many questions about how best to manage patients, including how to better assign risk of late recurrence, how long to monitor patients, and whether some patients will benefit from extended therapy to prevent late recurrences. The development of targeted therapies with fewer side effects is leading to clinical trials aimed at determining the effectiveness of such long-term therapy. However, much remains to be learned about tumor dormancy. Experimental studies are shedding light on biological and molecular mechanisms potentially responsible for tumor dormancy. Emerging research into tumor initiating cells, immunotherapy, and metastasis suppressor genes, may lead to new approaches for targeted antimetastatic therapy to prolong tumor dormancy. An improved understanding of tumor dormancy is needed for better management of patients at risk for late-developing metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Hedley
- Division of Hematology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
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Short JJ, Curiel DT. Oncolytic adenoviruses targeted to cancer stem cells: Table 1. Mol Cancer Ther 2009; 8:2096-102. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-09-0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Abstract
Recent studies in a variety of leukemias and solid tumors indicate that there is significant heterogeneity with respect to tumor-forming ability within a given population of tumor cells, suggesting that only a subpopulation of cells is responsible for tumorigenesis. These cells have been commonly referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs) or cancer-initiating cells (CICs). CICs have been shown to be relatively resistant to conventional anticancer therapies and are thus thought to be responsible for disease relapse. As such, they represent a potentially critical therapeutic target. Oncolytic viruses are in clinical trials for cancer and kill cells through mechanisms different from conventional therapeutics. Because these viruses are not susceptible to the same pathways of drug or radiation resistance, it is important to learn whether CICs are susceptible to oncolytic virus infection. Here we review the available data regarding the ability of several different oncolytic virus types to target CICs for destruction.
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Recent insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in aging and the malignant transformation of adult stem/progenitor cells and their therapeutic implications. Ageing Res Rev 2009; 8:94-112. [PMID: 19114129 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2008.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Accepted: 12/04/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements in tissue-resident adult stem/progenitor cell research have revealed that enhanced telomere attrition, oxidative stress, ultraviolet radiation exposure and oncogenic events leading to severe DNA damages and genomic instability may occur in these immature and regenerative cells during chronological aging. Particularly, the alterations in key signaling components controlling their self-renewal capacity and an up-regulation of tumor suppressor gene products such as p16(INK4A), p19(ARF), ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase, p53 and/or the forkhead box O (FOXOs) family of transcription factors may result in their dysfunctions, growth arrest and senescence or apoptotic death during the aging process. These molecular events may culminate in a progressive decline in the regenerative functions and the number of tissue-resident adult stem/progenitor cells, and age-related disease development. Conversely, the telomerase re-activation and accumulation of numerous genetic and/or epigenetic alterations in adult stem/progenitor cells with advancing age may result in their immortalization and malignant transformation into highly leukemic or tumorigenic cancer-initiating cells and cancer initiation. Therefore, the cell-replacement and gene therapies and molecular targeting of aged and dysfunctional adult stem/progenitor cells including their malignant counterpart, cancer-initiating cells, hold great promise for treating and even curing diverse devastating human diseases. These diseases include premature aging diseases, hematopoietic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, ocular, urogenital, neurodegenerative and skin disorders and aggressive and recurrent cancers.
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Fábián A, Barok M, Vereb G, Szöllosi J. Die hard: are cancer stem cells the Bruce Willises of tumor biology? Cytometry A 2009; 75:67-74. [PMID: 19051297 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, an exponentially growing number of studies have focused on identifying cancer stem cells (CSC) in human malignancies. The rare CSCs could be crucial in controlling and curing cancer: through asymmetric division CSCs supposedly drive tumor growth and evade therapy with the help of traits shared with normal stem cells such as quiescence, self-renewal ability, and multidrug resistance pump activity. Here, we give a brief overview of techniques used to confirm the stem cell-like behavior of putative CSCs and discuss markers and methods for identifying, isolating, and culturing them. We touch on the limitations of each marker and why the combined use of CSC markers, in vitro and in vivo assays may still fail to identify all relevant CSC populations. Finally, the various experimental findings supporting and contradicting the CSC hypothesis are summarized. The large number of tumor types thus far with a subpopulation of uniquely tumorigenic and therapy resistant cells suggests that despite the unanswered questions and inconsistencies, the CSC hypothesis has a legitimate role to play in tumor biology. At the same time, experimental evidence supporting the established alternative theory of clonal evolution can be found as well. Therefore, a model that describes cancer initiation and progression should combine elements of clonal evolution and CSC theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akos Fábián
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Hungary
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