101
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Ahmed N, Abubaker K, Findlay J, Quinn M. Cancerous ovarian stem cells: obscure targets for therapy but relevant to chemoresistance. J Cell Biochem 2013; 114:21-34. [PMID: 22887554 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy with platinum and taxanes is the first line of treatment for all epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients after debulking surgery. Even though the treatment is initially effective in 80% of patients, recurrent cancer is inevitable in the vast majority of cases. Emerging evidence suggests that some tumor cells can survive chemotherapy by activating the self-renewal pathways resulting in tumor progression and clinical recurrence. These defined population of cells commonly termed as "cancer stem cells" (CSC) may generate the bulk of the tumor by using differentiating pathways. These cells have been shown to be resistant to chemotherapy and, to have enhanced tumor initiating abilities, suggesting CSCs as potential targets for treatment. Recent studies have introduced a new paradigm in ovarian carcinogenesis which proposes in situ carcinoma at the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube to generate high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas, in contrast to ovarian cortical inclusion cysts (CIC) which produce borderline and low grade serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell carcinomas. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the cellular origin of EOC and the molecular mechanisms defining the basis of CSC in EOC progression and chemoresistance. Using a model ovarian cancer cell line, we highlight the role of CSC in response to chemotherapy, and relate how CSCs may impact on chemoresistance and ultimately recurrence. We also propose the molecular targeting of CSCs and suggest ways that may improve the efficacy of current chemotherapeutic regimens needed for the management of this disease.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/metabolism
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/therapy
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma in Situ/metabolism
- Carcinoma in Situ/pathology
- Carcinoma in Situ/therapy
- Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/metabolism
- Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/pathology
- Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/therapy
- Fallopian Tubes/drug effects
- Fallopian Tubes/metabolism
- Fallopian Tubes/pathology
- Female
- Humans
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/pathology
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/therapy
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy
- Ovary/drug effects
- Ovary/metabolism
- Ovary/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuzhat Ahmed
- Women's Cancer Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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102
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Notch3 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and attenuates carboplatin-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. Gynecol Oncol 2013; 130:200-6. [PMID: 23542683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2012] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Notch3 is implicated in chemoresistance of ovarian cancer, yet the molecular mechanism underlying Notch3-mediated drug resistance remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the role of Notch3 in carboplatin-induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells. METHODS Ovarian cancer cell line OVCA429 cells were stably transduced with an empty vector or a retroviral vector expressing the Notch3 intracellular domain (NICD3, the constitutively active form of Notch3) to generate OVCA429/vector and OVCA429/NICD3 cells. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was determined by morphological change and expression of the EMT markers. Carboplatin-induced cytotoxicity was determined by the neutral red uptake assay. Apoptosis was determined by Annexin V staining and Western blotting. Carboplatin-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was identified by a phospho-kinase array and confirmed by Western blotting. RESULTS Activation of Notch3 in OVCA429 cells causes a spindle and fibroblast-like morphology, induces the expression of smooth muscle α-actin, Slug and Snail, but decreases the expression of E-cadherin, indicating that Notch3 activation induces EMT in OVCA429 cells. Furthermore, Notch3 activation renders OVCA429 cells more resistant to carboplatin-induced cytotoxicity and attenuates carboplatin-induced apoptosis in these cells. Our results indicate that phosphorylation of ERK is a positive regulator of carboplatin-induced apoptosis in OVCA429 cells. Interestingly, carboplatin-induced ERK phosphorylation is inhibited by Notch3 activation. CONCLUSIONS Notch3 activation induces EMT and attenuates carboplatin-induced apoptosis in OVCA429 cells. ERK phosphorylation plays a pro-apoptotic role in carboplatin-induced apoptosis in OVCA429 cells. Interestingly, Notch3 activation attenuates carboplatin-induced ERK phosphorylation in these cells.
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103
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Short-term single treatment of chemotherapy results in the enrichment of ovarian cancer stem cell-like cells leading to an increased tumor burden. Mol Cancer 2013; 12:24. [PMID: 23537295 PMCID: PMC3668985 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-12-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 80% of women diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian cancer die as a result of disease recurrence due to failure of chemotherapy treatment. In this study, using two distinct ovarian cancer cell lines (epithelial OVCA 433 and mesenchymal HEY) we demonstrate enrichment in a population of cells with high expression of CSC markers at the protein and mRNA levels in response to cisplatin, paclitaxel and the combination of both. We also demonstrate a significant enhancement in the sphere forming abilities of ovarian cancer cells in response to chemotherapy drugs. The results of these in vitro findings are supported by in vivo mouse xenograft models in which intraperitoneal transplantation of cisplatin or paclitaxel-treated residual HEY cells generated significantly higher tumor burden compared to control untreated cells. Both the treated and untreated cells infiltrated the organs of the abdominal cavity. In addition, immunohistochemical studies on mouse tumors injected with cisplatin or paclitaxel treated residual cells displayed higher staining for the proliferative antigen Ki67, oncogeneic CA125, epithelial E-cadherin as well as cancer stem cell markers such as Oct4 and CD117, compared to mice injected with control untreated cells. These results suggest that a short-term single treatment of chemotherapy leaves residual cells that are enriched in CSC-like traits, resulting in an increased metastatic potential. The novel findings in this study are important in understanding the early molecular mechanisms by which chemoresistance and subsequent relapse may be triggered after the first line of chemotherapy treatment.
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104
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Livin promotes progression of breast cancer through induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and activation of AKT signaling. Cell Signal 2013; 25:1413-22. [PMID: 23524337 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) are closely correlated with proliferation, apoptosis, motility, and metastasis. Livin is the most recently identified IAP, and its role in breast progression remains unknown. In our study, analyses of 50 patients with breast cancer revealed that the positive expression rate of Livin was higher in breast cancer tissues (62%) relative to that in adjacent (35%) and normal tissues (25%). Livin expression in breast cancer correlated with the clinical stage and axillary lymph node metastasis and could be used as a prognostic marker. Our in vitro experiment revealed that Livin was highly expressed in high-invasive MDA-MB-231 cells as compared to low-invasive cells (MCF-7). Suppression of Livin by short-hairpin RNA reduced the Livin expression of MDA-MB-231 cells and subsequently inhibited tumor cell growth, proliferation, and colony formation and induced tumor cell apoptosis, motility, migration, and invasion. Overexpression of Livin in MCF7 cells resulted in increased migration and invasion capabilities of the cells without affecting proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was induced by Livin expression in breast cancer cell lines. The high level of phosphorylated AKT in MDA-MB-231 cells was suppressed by Livin knockdown. Further, Livin-induced migration and invasion could be abolished by either the application of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 or knockdown of AKT expression using small-interfering RNA. In conclusion, Livin serves as an independent prognostic indicator for breast cancer. Livin expression promotes breast cancer metastasis through the activation of AKT signaling and induction of EMT in breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo.
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105
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Chao TK, Yo YT, Liao YP, Wang YC, Su PH, Huang TS, Lai HC. LIM-homeobox transcription factor 1, alpha (LMX1A) inhibits tumourigenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and stem-like properties of epithelial ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2013; 128:475-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2012.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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106
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Tiwari A, Hadley JA, Hendricks GL, Elkin RG, Cooper T, Ramachandran R. Characterization of ascites-derived ovarian tumor cells from spontaneously occurring ovarian tumors of the chicken: evidence for E-cadherin upregulation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57582. [PMID: 23460878 PMCID: PMC3583847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, a highly metastatic disease, is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Chickens are widely used as a model for human ovarian cancer as they spontaneously develop epithelial ovarian tumors similar to humans. The cellular and molecular biology of chicken ovarian cancer (COVCAR) cells, however, have not been studied. Our objectives were to culture COVCAR cells and to characterize their invasiveness and expression of genes and proteins associated with ovarian cancer. COVCAR cell lines (n = 13) were successfully maintained in culture for up to19 passages, cryopreserved and found to be viable upon thawing and replating. E-cadherin, cytokeratin and α-smooth muscle actin were localized in COVCAR cells by immunostaining. COVCAR cells were found to be invasive in extracellular matrix and exhibited anchorage-independent growth forming colonies, acini and tube-like structures in soft agar. Using RT-PCR, COVCAR cells were found to express E-cadherin, N-cadherin, cytokeratin, vimentin, mesothelin, EpCAM, steroidogenic enzymes/proteins, inhibin subunits-α, βA, βB, anti-müllerian hormone, estrogen receptor [ER]-α, ER-β, progesterone receptor, androgen receptor, and activin receptors. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed greater N-cadherin, vimentin, and VEGF mRNA levels and lesser cytokeratin mRNA levels in COVCAR cells as compared with normal ovarian surface epithelial (NOSE) cells, which was suggestive of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Western blotting analyses revealed significantly greater E-cadherin levels in COVCAR cell lines compared with NOSE cells. Furthermore, cancerous ovaries and COVCAR cell lines expressed higher levels of an E-cadherin cleavage product when compared to normal ovaries and NOSE cells, respectively. Cancerous ovaries were found to express significantly higher ovalbumin levels whereas COVCAR cell lines did not express ovalbumin thus suggesting that the latter did not originate from oviduct. Taken together, COVCAR cell lines are likely to improve our understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of ovarian tumors and its metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Tiwari
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jill A. Hadley
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Gilbert L. Hendricks
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Robert G. Elkin
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Timothy Cooper
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ramesh Ramachandran
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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107
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Meng F, Sun G, Zhong M, Yu Y, Brewer MA. Anticancer efficacy of cisplatin and trichostatin A or 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine on ovarian cancer. Br J Cancer 2013; 108:579-86. [PMID: 23370212 PMCID: PMC3593556 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the anticancer efficacy of the combination of epigenetic modifiers and cisplatin in human ovarian cancer. METHODS The effect of trichostatin A (TSA) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine alone or in combination with low-dose cisplatin was evaluated on human ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. We measured drug interaction by MTS assay, migration by transwell assay, expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (Twist, Snail, Slug, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin), pluripotency markers (Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog), and epigenetic markers (DNMT3A, LSD1 and H3K4me2, H3K4me3, H3K9me2, and H3K9me3) by western blot, and the impact on and characteristics of spheroid growth when exposed to these drugs. Mouse xenografts were used to evaluate the anticancer effect of sequential drug treatment. RESULTS Combination treatment had greater efficacy than single drugs and significantly suppressed cell viability, migration, and spheroid formation and growth. Sequential treatment of cisplatin (1 mg kg(-1)) followed by TSA (0.3 mg kg(-1)) significantly suppressed tumorigenicity of HEY xenografts through inhibition of EMT and decreased pluripotency of ovarian cancer cells. CONCLUSION Epigenetic modifiers potentiate the anticancer efficacy of low-dose cisplatin in ovarian cancer through regulation of EMT and pluripotency, and may provide a promising treatment for ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Meng
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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108
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Yuan H, Kajiyama H, Ito S, Yoshikawa N, Hyodo T, Asano E, Hasegawa H, Maeda M, Shibata K, Hamaguchi M, Kikkawa F, Senga T. ALX1 induces snail expression to promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Cancer Res 2013; 73:1581-90. [PMID: 23288509 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-2377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a highly invasive and metastatic disease with a poor prognosis if diagnosed at an advanced stage, which is often the case. Recent studies argue that ovarian cancer cells that have undergone epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) acquire aggressive malignant properties, but the relevant molecular mechanisms in this setting are not well-understood. Here, we report findings from an siRNA screen that identified the homeobox transcription factor ALX1 as a novel regulator of EMT. RNA interference-mediated attenuation of ALX1 expression restored E-cadherin expression and cell-cell junction formation in ovarian cancer cells, suppressing cell invasion, anchorage-independent growth, and tumor formation. Conversely, enforced expression of ALX1 in ovarian cancer cells or nontumorigenic epithelial cells induced EMT. We found that ALX1 upregulated expression of the key EMT regulator Snail (SNAI1) and that it mediated EMT activation and cell invasion by ALX1. Our results define the ALX1/Snail axis as a novel EMT pathway that mediates cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa, Nagoya, Japan
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109
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Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a complex disease, with unclear origins, complicated, multistep tumorigenesis, and variable outcomes. As such, generating experimental models to study the disease and treatment efficacies has proven to be extremely challenging. A number of studies have utilized monolayer in vitro experiments to decipher the cellular changes in ovarian cancer and responses to different treatment approaches. Others have generated three-dimensional spheroid cultures to evaluate cellular function in an environment with more physiological contact with other cells and their matrices. Lastly, a variety of in vivo models have been used to investigate the onset and progression of ovarian cancer and how tumors respond to treatments in an intact physiological environment. This chapter discusses a number of different experimental approaches to study the etiology, biology, and pathology of ovarian tumors and their response to different anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim J Petrik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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110
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Abstract
Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) is a very suitable technique to analyze large numbers of proteins in small samples like for example tumor biopsies. Beside their small size another major hindrance for the analysis of proteins from biopsies is the extraction of proteins from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Here we describe a protocol, allowing quantitative extraction of large numbers of proteins from FFPE tissues and their subsequent analysis by RPPA. To elucidate the role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling in ovarian cancer, we analyzed 23 primary tumors and corresponding metastases for the expression of 25 proteins involved in EGFR signalling with special emphasis on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We found a significant correlation of Snail with EGFR((Tyr1086)) and p38 MAPK((Thr180/Tyr182)) in primary ovarian carcinoma and with EGFR((Tyr1086)) in their corresponding metastases. Additionally, we showed that high expression levels of the E-cadherin repressor Snail in primary tumors combined with high expression levels of the pp38 MAPK((Thr180/Tyr182)) in metastasis lead to an increased risk for death in ovarian carcinoma patients.
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111
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Celik O, Celik E, Turkcuoglu I, Yilmaz E, Simsek Y, Tiras B. Germline cells in ovarian surface epithelium of mammalians: a promising notion. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:112. [PMID: 23245287 PMCID: PMC3566967 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
It is a long held doctrine in reproductive biology that women are born with a finite number of oocytes and there is no oogenesis during the postnatal period. However, recent evidence challenges this by showing the presence of germ line stem cells in the human ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), which can serve as a source of germ cells, and differentiate into oocyte like structures. Postnatal renewal of oocytes may have enormous therapeutic potential especially in women facing the risk of premature ovarian failure idiopathically or iatrogenically after exposure to gonadotoxic chemotherapy and radiation for cancer therapy.This article reviews current knowledge on germ line stem cells in human OSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onder Celik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inonu University, Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ebru Celik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inonu University, Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ilgin Turkcuoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inonu University, Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ercan Yilmaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inonu University, Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Simsek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Inonu University, Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Bulent Tiras
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Acibadem University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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112
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Samardzija C, Quinn M, Findlay JK, Ahmed N. Attributes of Oct4 in stem cell biology: perspectives on cancer stem cells of the ovary. J Ovarian Res 2012; 5:37. [PMID: 23171809 PMCID: PMC3536609 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-5-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the most lethal of all the gynaecological malignancies with drug resistance and recurrence remaining the major therapeutic barrier in the management of the disease. Although several studies have been undertaken to understand the mechanisms responsible for chemoresistance and subsequent recurrence in EOC, the exact mechanisms associated with chemoresistance/recurrence continue to remain elusive. Recent studies have shown that the parallel characteristics commonly seen between embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) are also shared by a relatively rare population of cells within tumors that display stem cell-like features. These cells, termed 'cancer initiating cells' or 'cancer stem cells (CSCs)' have been shown not only to display increased self renewal and pluripotent abilities as seen in ESCs and iPSCs, but are also highly tumorigenic in in vivo mouse models. Additionally, these CSCs have been implicated in tumor recurrence and chemoresistance, and when isolated have consistently shown to express the master pluripotency and embryonic stem cell regulating gene Oct4. This article reviews the involvement of Oct4 in cancer progression and chemoresistance, with emphasis on ovarian cancer. Overall, we highlight why ovarian cancer patients, who initially respond to conventional chemotherapy subsequently relapse with recurrent chemoresistant disease that is essentially incurable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantel Samardzija
- Women's Cancer Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, 20 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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113
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Jiang H, Lin X, Liu Y, Gong W, Ma X, Yu Y, Xie Y, Sun X, Feng Y, Janzen V, Chen T. Transformation of epithelial ovarian cancer stemlike cells into mesenchymal lineage via EMT results in cellular heterogeneity and supports tumor engraftment. Mol Med 2012; 18:1197-208. [PMID: 22801793 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2012.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancers are heterogeneous and contain stemlike cells that are able to self-renew and are responsible for sustained tumor growth. Metastasis in the peritoneal cavity occurs more frequently in ovarian cancer than in other malignancies, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. We have identified that ovarian cancer stemlike cells (CSCs), which were defined as side population (SP) cells, were present in patients' ascitic fluid and mesenchymally transformed cell lines, ES-2 and HO-8910PM. SP cells, which were sorted from both cell lines and implanted into immunocompromised mice, were localized to the xenografted tumor boundary. In addition, SP cells exhibited an epithelial phenotype and showed a distinct gene expression profile with reduced expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), indicating that SP cells exert an important role in ovarian cancer progression on the basis of their delicate interaction with the surrounding microenvironment and anatomical localization in tumors. In contrast, non-SP cells exhibited a more mesenchymal phenotype and showed more increased invasive potential than SP cells. This heterogeneity was observed as an endogenous transformation via the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Inhibition of the EMT process by Snail1 silencing reduced the SP cell frequency, and affected their invasive capacity and engraftment. These findings illustrate the interplay between epithelial ovarian CSCs and the EMT, and exert a link to explain tumor heterogeneity and its necessity for ovarian cancer maintenance, metastasis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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114
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Latifi A, Luwor RB, Bilandzic M, Nazaretian S, Stenvers K, Pyman J, Zhu H, Thompson EW, Quinn MA, Findlay JK, Ahmed N. Isolation and characterization of tumor cells from the ascites of ovarian cancer patients: molecular phenotype of chemoresistant ovarian tumors. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46858. [PMID: 23056490 PMCID: PMC3466197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells in ascites are a major source of disease recurrence in ovarian cancer patients. In an attempt to identify and profile the population of ascites cells obtained from ovarian cancer patients, a novel method was developed to separate adherent (AD) and non-adherent (NAD) cells in culture. Twenty-five patients were recruited to this study; 11 chemonaive (CN) and 14 chemoresistant (CR). AD cells from both CN and CR patients exhibited mesenchymal morphology with an antigen profile of mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblasts. Conversely, NAD cells had an epithelial morphology with enhanced expression of cancer antigen 125 (CA125), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and cytokeratin 7. NAD cells developed infiltrating tumors and ascites within 12-14 weeks after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections into nude mice, whereas AD cells remained non-tumorigenic for up to 20 weeks. Subsequent comparison of selective epithelial, mesenchymal and cancer stem cell (CSC) markers between AD and NAD populations of CN and CR patients demonstrated an enhanced trend in mRNA expression of E-cadherin, EpCAM, STAT3 and Oct4 in the NAD population of CR patients. A similar trend of enhanced mRNA expression of CD44, MMP9 and Oct4 was observed in the AD population of CR patients. Hence, using a novel purification method we demonstrate for the first time a distinct separation of ascites cells into epithelial tumorigenic and mesenchymal non-tumorigenic populations. We also demonstrate that cells from the ascites of CR patients are predominantly epithelial and show a trend towards increased mRNA expression of genes associated with CSCs, compared to cells isolated from the ascites of CN patients. As the tumor cells in the ascites of ovarian cancer patients play a dominant role in disease recurrence, a thorough understanding of the biology of the ascites microenvironment from CR and CN patients is essential for effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardian Latifi
- Women's Cancer Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia
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115
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Abstract
The peritoneal metastatic route of cancer dissemination is shared by cancers of the ovary and gastrointestinal tract. Once initiated, peritoneal metastasis typically proceeds rapidly in a feed-forward manner. Several factors contribute to this efficient progression. In peritoneal metastasis, cancer cells exfoliate into the peritoneal fluid and spread locally, transported by peritoneal fluid. Inflammatory cytokines released by tumor and immune cells compromise the protective, anti-adhesive mesothelial cell layer that lines the peritoneal cavity, exposing the underlying extracellular matrix to which cancer cells readily attach. The peritoneum is further rendered receptive to metastatic implantation and growth by myofibroblastic cell behaviors also stimulated by inflammatory cytokines. Individual cancer cells suspended in peritoneal fluid can aggregate to form multicellular spheroids. This cellular arrangement imparts resistance to anoikis, apoptosis, and chemotherapeutics. Emerging evidence indicates that compact spheroid formation is preferentially accomplished by cancer cells with high invasive capacity and contractile behaviors. This review focuses on the pathological alterations to the peritoneum and the properties of cancer cells that in combination drive peritoneal metastasis.
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116
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Zhang Z, Miao L, Sun W, Jiao B, Wang B, Yao L, Huang C. Wentilactone B from Aspergillus wentii induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation and migration of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2012; 35:1964-71. [PMID: 22972522 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b12-00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Wentilactone B (EN-48-57) is one of the six derivatives separated from Aspergillus wentii (EN-48). Of these derivatives, Wentilactone B exerted a more significant antibacterial and cytotoxic activity in several tumor cell lines. The present study demonstrates that Wentilactone B could efficiently induce SMMC-7721 cells apoptosis, but not normal hepatic cells, as measured by an inverted microscope, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and flow cytometry. In addition, Wentilactone B could inhibit the metastasis of SMMC-7721 cells, which was detected by colony formation, scratch migration and a transwell assay, and could induce a series of intracellular events, including the down-regulation of CD44 and epidermal growth factor receptor proteins. In conclusion, Wentilactone B inhibited the growth of SMMC-7721 cells by triggering apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Second Military Medical University, PR China
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117
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Wintzell M, Hjerpe E, Åvall Lundqvist E, Shoshan M. Protein markers of cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor-initiating cells reveal subpopulations in freshly isolated ovarian cancer ascites. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:359. [PMID: 22901285 PMCID: PMC3517779 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In ovarian cancer, massive intraperitoneal dissemination is due to exfoliated tumor cells in ascites. Tumor-initiating cells (TICs or cancer stem cells) and cells showing epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) are particularly implicated. Spontaneous spherical cell aggregates are sometimes observed, but although similar to those formed by TICs in vitro, their significance is unclear. METHODS Cells freshly isolated from malignant ascites were separated into sphere samples (S-type samples, n=9) and monolayer-forming single-cell suspensions (M-type, n=18). Using western blot, these were then compared for expression of protein markers of EMT, TIC, and of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). RESULTS S-type cells differed significantly from M-type by expressing high levels of E-cadherin and no or little vimentin, integrin-β3 or stem cell transcription factor Oct-4A. By contrast, M-type samples were enriched for CD44, Oct-4A and for CAF markers. Independently of M- and S-type, there was a strong correlation between TIC markers Nanog and EpCAM. The CAF marker α-SMA correlated with clinical stage IV. This is the first report on CAF markers in malignant ascites and on SUMOylation of Oct-4A in ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS In addition to demonstrating potentially high levels of TICs in ascites, the results suggest that the S-type population is the less tumorigenic one. Nanog(high)/EpCAM(high) samples represent a TIC subset which may be either M- or S-type, and which is separate from the CD44(high)/Oct-4A(high) subset observed only in M-type samples. This demonstrates a heterogeneity in TIC populations in vivo which has practical implications for TIC isolation based on cell sorting. The biological heterogeneity will need to be addressed in future therapeutical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- My Wintzell
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska CCK R8:03 Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm S-171 76, Sweden.
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118
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Marchini S, Fruscio R, Clivio L, Beltrame L, Porcu L, Fuso Nerini I, Cavalieri D, Chiorino G, Cattoretti G, Mangioni C, Milani R, Torri V, Romualdi C, Zambelli A, Romano M, Signorelli M, di Giandomenico S, D'Incalci M. Resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy is associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition in epithelial ovarian cancer. Eur J Cancer 2012; 49:520-30. [PMID: 22897840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2012.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study is aimed to identify genetic pathways correlated with chemoresistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS We compared the molecular profiles of 23 tumour biopsies of stage III-IV (training set) at primary surgery, before chemotherapy, to the profile from the same patients at second surgery, after several lines of platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapy when the tumours were resistant. In the hypothesis that identified markers were related to Pt-resistance and to prognosis, we validated this signature in 52 EOC taken at primary surgery (validation set) selected to be either very sensitive to the first line therapy, i.e. not relapsing before one year from the end of therapy, or resistant, i.e. relapsing within 6 months from the end of therapy. RESULTS In the training set, we identified a resistance signature indicative of the activation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta pathway. We then validated this signature in 52 EOC taken at primary surgery (validation set). Some genes involved in EMT, such as BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI), and mir-141 resulted in association with overall or progression free survival. CONCLUSION Some genes involved in EMT were associated to overall or progression free survival, suggesting EMT as vital to the resistance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Marchini
- Department of Oncology, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milano, Italy
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119
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ZHANG XH, YANG ZM. Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition During Tumor Metastasis, Embryonic Development and Female Mammalian Reproduction*. PROG BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2012. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1206.2011.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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120
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Masoumi Moghaddam S, Amini A, Morris DL, Pourgholami MH. Significance of vascular endothelial growth factor in growth and peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2012; 31:143-62. [PMID: 22101807 PMCID: PMC3350632 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-011-9337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis which drives endothelial cell survival, proliferation, and migration while increasing vascular permeability. Playing an important role in the physiology of normal ovaries, VEGF has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. Essentially by promoting tumor angiogenesis and enhancing vascular permeability, VEGF contributes to the development of peritoneal carcinomatosis associated with malignant ascites formation, the characteristic feature of advanced ovarian cancer at diagnosis. In both experimental and clinical studies, VEGF levels have been inversely correlated with survival. Moreover, VEGF inhibition has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and ascites production and to suppress tumor invasion and metastasis. These findings have laid the basis for the clinical evaluation of agents targeting VEGF signaling pathway in patients with ovarian cancer. In this review, we will focus on VEGF involvement in the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer and its contribution to the disease progression and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Masoumi Moghaddam
- Cancer Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217 Australia
| | - Afshin Amini
- Cancer Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217 Australia
| | - David L. Morris
- Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217 Australia
| | - Mohammad H. Pourgholami
- Cancer Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217 Australia
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121
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Pease JC, Brewer M, Tirnauer JS. Spontaneous spheroid budding from monolayers: a potential contribution to ovarian cancer dissemination. Biol Open 2012; 1:622-8. [PMID: 23213456 PMCID: PMC3507299 DOI: 10.1242/bio.2012653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecologic cancer, in large part because of its early dissemination and rapid development of chemotherapy resistance. Spheroids are clusters of tumor cells found in the peritoneal fluid of patients that are thought to promote this dissemination. Current models suggest that spheroids form by aggregation of single tumor cells shed from the primary tumor. Here, we demonstrate that spheroids can also form by budding directly as adherent clusters from a monolayer. Formation of budded spheroids correlated with expression of vimentin and lack of cortical E-cadherin. We also found that compared to cells grown in monolayers, cells grown as spheroids acquired progressive resistance to the chemotherapy drugs Paclitaxel and Cisplatin. This resistance could be completely reversed by dissociating the spheroids. Our observations highlight a previously unappreciated mode of spheroid formation that might have implications for tumor dissemination and chemotherapy resistance in patients, and suggest that this resistance might be reversed by spheroid dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian C Pease
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center , Farmington, CT 06030-3101 , USA
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122
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Liu Y, Burkhalter R, Symowicz J, Chaffin K, Ellerbroek S, Stack MS. Lysophosphatidic Acid disrupts junctional integrity and epithelial cohesion in ovarian cancer cells. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:501492. [PMID: 22593767 PMCID: PMC3346998 DOI: 10.1155/2012/501492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer metastasizes via exfoliation of free-floating cells and multicellular aggregates from the primary tumor to the peritoneal cavity. A key event in EOC metastasis is disruption of cell-cell contacts via modulation of intercellular junctional components including cadherins. Ascites is rich in lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lipid that may promote early events in ovarian cancer dissemination. The objective of this paper was to assess the effect of LPA on E-cadherin junctional integrity. We report a loss of junctional E-cadherin in OVCAR3, OVCA429, and OVCA433 cells exposed to LPA. LPA-induced loss of E-cadherin was concentration and time dependent. LPA increased MMP-9 expression and promoted MMP-9-catalyzed E-cadherin ectodomain shedding. Blocking LPA receptor signaling inhibited MMP-9 expression and restored junctional E-cadherin staining. LPA-treated cells demonstrated a significant decrease in epithelial cohesion. Together these data support a model wherein LPA induces MMP-9 expression and MMP-9-catalyzed E-cadherin ectodomain shedding, resulting in loss of E-cadherin junctional integrity and epithelial cohesion, facilitating metastatic dissemination of ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueying Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, A200D Harper Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46557, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, A200D Harper Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46557, USA
| | - Rebecca Burkhalter
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, A200D Harper Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46557, USA
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Jaime Symowicz
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kim Chaffin
- Department of Chemistry, Wartburg College, Waverly, IA 50677, USA
| | - Shawn Ellerbroek
- Department of Chemistry, Wartburg College, Waverly, IA 50677, USA
| | - M. Sharon Stack
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, A200D Harper Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46557, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 Notre Dame Avenue, A200D Harper Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46557, USA
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Latifi A, Abubaker K, Castrechini N, Ward AC, Liongue C, Dobill F, Kumar J, Thompson EW, Quinn MA, Findlay JK, Ahmed N. Cisplatin treatment of primary and metastatic epithelial ovarian carcinomas generates residual cells with mesenchymal stem cell-like profile. J Cell Biochem 2012; 112:2850-64. [PMID: 21618587 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.23199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSC) have been associated with resistance to chemotherapy. Eighty percent of ovarian cancer patients initially respond to platinum-based combination therapy but most return with recurrence and ultimate demise. To better understand such chemoresistance we have assessed the potential role of EMT in tumor cells collected from advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients and the ovarian cancer cell line OVCA 433 in response to cisplatin in vitro. We demonstrate that cisplatin-induced transition from epithelial to mesenchymal morphology in residual cancer cells correlated with reduced E-cadherin, and increased N-cadherin and vimentin expression. The mRNA expression of Snail, Slug, Twist, and MMP-2 were significantly enhanced in response to cisplatin and correlated with increased migration. This coincided with increased cell surface expression of CSC-like markers such as CD44, α2 integrin subunit, CD117, CD133, EpCAM, and the expression of stem cell factors Nanog and Oct-4. EMT and CSC-like changes in response to cisplatin correlated with enhanced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. The selective MEK inhibitor U0126 inhibited ERK2 activation and partially suppressed cisplatin-induced EMT and CSC markers. In vivo xenotransplantation of cisplatin-treated OVCA 433 cells in zebrafish embryos demonstrated significantly enhanced migration of cells compared to control untreated cells. U0126 inhibited cisplatin-induced migration of cells in vivo, suggesting that ERK2 signaling is critical to cisplatin-induced EMT and CSC phenotypes, and that targeting ERK2 in the presence of cisplatin may reduce the burden of residual tumor, the ultimate cause of recurrence in ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardian Latifi
- Women's Cancer Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria 3052, Australia
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124
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Davidson B, Tropé CG, Reich R. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ovarian carcinoma. Front Oncol 2012; 2:33. [PMID: 22655269 PMCID: PMC3356037 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2012.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, with the majority of patients dying within 5 years of diagnosis. This poor survival of patients diagnosed with this malignancy is attributed to diagnosis at advanced stage, when the tumor has metastasized, and to chemotherapy resistance, either primary or developing along tumor progression. However, ovarian carcinomas, constituting the vast majority of ovarian cancers, additionally have unique biology, one aspect of which is the ability to co-express epithelial and mesenchymal determinants. epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a physiological process by which mesenchymal cells are formed and migrate to target organs during embryogenesis, is involved in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. However, these changes do not fully occur in ovarian carcinoma, and are even reversed in tumor cells present in malignant peritoneal and pleural effusions. This review summarizes current knowledge in this area, including the characteristics of EMT related to adhesion, transcriptional regulation and chemoresistance, and their clinical relevance, as well as the recently observed regulation of EMT by microRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Davidson
- Division of Pathology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway
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125
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Mork L, Maatouk DM, McMahon JA, Guo JJ, Zhang P, McMahon AP, Capel B. Temporal differences in granulosa cell specification in the ovary reflect distinct follicle fates in mice. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:37. [PMID: 21976597 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryonic origins of ovarian granulosa cells have been a subject of debate for decades. By tamoxifen-induced lineage tracing of Foxl2-expressing cells, we show that descendants of the bipotential supporting cell precursors in the early gonad contribute granulosa cells to a specific population of follicles in the medulla of the ovary that begin to grow immediately after birth. These precursor cells arise from the proliferative ovarian surface epithelium and enter mitotic arrest prior to upregulating Foxl2. Granulosa cells that populate the cortical primordial follicles activated in adult life derive from the surface epithelium perinatally, and enter mitotic arrest at that stage. Ingression from the surface epithelium dropped to undetectable levels by Postnatal Day 7, when most surviving oocytes were individually encapsulated by granulosa cells. These findings add complexity to the standard model of sex determination in which the Sertoli and granulosa cells of the adult testis and ovary directly stem from the supporting cell precursors of the bipotential gonad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Mork
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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126
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Dong Y, He Y, de Boer L, Stack MS, Lumley JW, Clements JA, Hooper JD. The cell surface glycoprotein CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1) contributes to epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated cell migration. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:9792-9803. [PMID: 22315226 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.335448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) activation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) is an important mediator of cell migration, and aberrant signaling via this system promotes a number of malignancies including ovarian cancer. We have identified the cell surface glycoprotein CDCP1 as a key regulator of EGF/EGFR-induced cell migration. We show that signaling via EGF/EGFR induces migration of ovarian cancer Caov3 and OVCA420 cells with concomitant up-regulation of CDCP1 mRNA and protein. Consistent with a role in cell migration CDCP1 relocates from cell-cell junctions to punctate structures on filopodia after activation of EGFR. Significantly, disruption of CDCP1 either by silencing or the use of a function blocking antibody efficiently reduces EGF/EGFR-induced cell migration of Caov3 and OVCA420 cells. We also show that up-regulation of CDCP1 is inhibited by pharmacological agents blocking ERK but not Src signaling, indicating that the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway is required downstream of EGF/EGFR to induce increased expression of CDCP1. Our immunohistochemical analysis of benign, primary, and metastatic serous epithelial ovarian tumors demonstrates that CDCP1 is expressed during progression of this cancer. These data highlight a novel role for CDCP1 in EGF/EGFR-induced cell migration and indicate that targeting of CDCP1 may be a rational approach to inhibit progression of cancers driven by EGFR signaling including those resistant to anti-EGFR drugs because of activating mutations in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Dong
- Cancer Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Yaowu He
- Mater Medical Research Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Leonore de Boer
- Cancer Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - M Sharon Stack
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, and
| | - John W Lumley
- Wesley Medical Centre, Auchenflower, Queensland 4066, Australia
| | - Judith A Clements
- Cancer Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - John D Hooper
- Mater Medical Research Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia,.
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Myxoma virus-mediated oncolysis of ascites-derived human ovarian cancer cells and spheroids is impacted by differential AKT activity. Gynecol Oncol 2012; 125:441-50. [PMID: 22306204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2012.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We propose that metastatic epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a potential therapeutic target for the oncolytic agent, Myxoma virus (MYXV). METHODS Primary EOC cells were isolated from patient ascites and cultured as adherent cells or in suspension using Ultra Low-Attachment dishes. MYXV expressing green fluorescent protein was used to infect cells and spheroids. Infection was monitored by fluorescence microscopy, viral titering and immunoblotting for M-T7 and M130 virus protein expression, and cell viability by alamarBlue assay. Akti-1/2 (5 μM) and rapamycin (20 nM) were used to assay the role of PI3K-AKT signaling in mediating MYXV infection. RESULTS Ascites-derived EOC cells grown in adherent culture are effectively killed by MYXV infection. EOC cells grown in suspension to form three-dimensional EOC spheroids readily permit MYXV entry into cells, yet are protected from the cytopathic effects of late MYXV infection. Upon reattachment (to model secondary metastasis), EOC spheroids are re-sensitized to MYXV-mediated oncolysis. The critical determinant that facilitates efficient MYXV infection is the presence of an activated PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Treatment with the specific AKT inhibitor Akti-1/2 reduces infection of monolayer EOC cells and spheroids. Direct infection of freshly-collected ascites demonstrated that 54.5% of patient samples were sensitive to MYXV-mediated oncolytic cell killing. We also demonstrate that factor(s) present in ascites may negatively impact MYXV infection and oncolysis of EOC cells, which may be due to a down-regulation in endogenous AKT activity. CONCLUSIONS Differential activity of AKT serves as the mechanistic basis for regulating MYXV-mediated oncolysis of EOC spheroids during key steps of the metastatic program. In addition, we provide the first evidence that MYXV oncolytic therapy may be efficacious for a significant proportion of ovarian cancer patients with metastatic disease.
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Peart TM, Correa RJM, Valdes YR, Dimattia GE, Shepherd TG. BMP signalling controls the malignant potential of ascites-derived human epithelial ovarian cancer spheroids via AKT kinase activation. Clin Exp Metastasis 2012; 29:293-313. [PMID: 22249415 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-011-9451-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells have the ability to form multi-cellular aggregates in malignant ascites which dramatically alters cell signalling, survival, and metastatic potential. Herein, we demonstrate that patient ascites-derived EOC cells down-regulate endogenous bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling by decreasing BMP ligand expression when grown in suspension culture to form spheroids. Enforced BMP signalling in these cells via constitutively-active BMP type I ALK3(QD) receptor expression causes the formation of smaller, more loosely-aggregated spheroids. Additionally, ALK3(QD)-expressing spheroids have an increased rate of adhesion and dispersion upon reattachment to substratum. Inhibition of endogenous BMP signalling using recombinant Noggin or small molecule inhibitor LDN-193189, on the other hand, opposed these phenotypic changes. To identify potential targets that impact the phenotype of EOC spheroids due to activated BMP signalling, we performed genome-wide expression analyses using Affymetrix arrays. Using the online Connectivity Map resource, the BMP signalling gene expression signature revealed that the AKT pathway is induced by activated BMP signalling in EOC cells; this finding was further validated by phospho-AKT immuno-blotting. In fact, treatment of EOC spheroids with an AKT inhibitor, Akti-1/2, reduced BMP-stimulated cell dispersion during reattachment as compared to controls. Thus, we have identified AKT as being one important downstream component of activated BMP signalling on EOC spheroid pathobiology, which may have important implications on the metastatic potential of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Peart
- Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Program, London Regional Cancer Program, 790 Commissioners Road East, Room A4-836, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada
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May-Panloup P, Ferré-L'Hôtellier V, Morinière C, Marcaillou C, Lemerle S, Malinge MC, Coutolleau A, Lucas N, Reynier P, Descamps P, Guardiola P. Molecular characterization of corona radiata cells from patients with diminished ovarian reserve using microarray and microfluidic-based gene expression profiling. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:829-43. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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130
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Patankar MS, Gubbels JAA, Felder M, Connor JP. The immunomodulating roles of glycoproteins in epithelial ovarian cancer. Front Biosci (Elite Ed) 2012; 4:631-50. [PMID: 22201900 DOI: 10.2741/405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The complexity of the immune system demands an intricate defense mechanism by tumors. Ovarian and other tumors employ specific glycoproteins and the associated glycan sequences to modulate immune responses. Glycoproteins enable tumor cells that express or secrete these molecules to evade immune cell attack and induce the immune system to promote tumor growth. This review focuses first on the immune environment in ovarian cancer, and the mechanisms of activation and inhibition that immune cells undergo in order to either attack or ignore a target cell. Next we illustrate the immunomodulatory roles of ovarian cancer-associated glycans and glycoproteins in 1. preventing immune synapse formation, 2. serving as ligands of immune cell receptors, 3. scavenging cytokines and chemokines, and 4. participating in the formation of autoantibodies against the tumor. The importance of these immunomodulating strategies from the view points of understanding the tumor immunology of ovarian tumors, potential origin of such mechanisms, and specific strategies to circumvent the glycoconjugate-mediated suppression of immune responses is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish S Patankar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53792-6188, USA.
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131
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review successes to date in the field of ovarian stem cell research and discuss the evidence supporting their potential to rejuvenate the follicular pool during adult life; to present factors that may contribute to their competence; and to address the question of why menopause is an inevitable outcome of advanced age if ovarian stem cells exist. METHOD In a review of the literature, relevant articles were identified through a PubMed literature search from inception to July 2010. RESULTS The current concept that mammalian ovaries possess a static ovarian reserve is at odds with the experimental results discussed in this review. Ovarian stem cells are likely to be the source of germline stem cells during fetal and adult life, due to their potential to differentiate into competent oocytes given a suitable environment. CONCLUSIONS Stem cells in different compartments share properties such as pluripotency, self-renewal, and diminished regenerative potential in old age. Our model of ovarian stem cell aging suggests that menopause is driven by an age-related decline in ovarian stem cell function rather than depletion of a non-renewable follicular reserve. Understanding how ovarian stem cells interact with their surrounding environment moves us a step closer to controlling the female biological clock when it might be clinically desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hosni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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132
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Toward an integrative analysis of the tumor microenvironment in ovarian epithelial carcinoma. CANCER MICROENVIRONMENT 2011; 5:173-83. [PMID: 22109660 DOI: 10.1007/s12307-011-0092-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian epithelial carcinomas are heterogeneous malignancies exhibiting great diversity in histological phenotypes as well as genetic and epigenetic aberrations. A general early event in tumorigenesis is regional dissemination into the peritoneal cavity. Initial spread to the peritoneum is made possible by cooperative signaling between a wide array of molecules constituting the tissue microenvironment in the coelomic epithelium. Changes in the activity of key microenvironmental components not constitutively expressed in normal tissue, including several disclosed adhesion molecules, growth factors, proteases, and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), coordinate the transition. Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and subsequent cell surface interactions enable transformation by promoting chromosomal instability (CIN) and stimulating several common signal transduction cascades to prepare the tissue for harboring and facilitating growth, angiogenesis and metastasis of the developing tumor.
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133
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Hyperactive EGF receptor, Jaks and Stat3 signaling promote enhanced colony-forming ability, motility and migration of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Oncogene 2011; 31:2309-22. [PMID: 21909139 PMCID: PMC3245777 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We present evidence that the cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer lines, A2780S/CP1 (S/CP1), A2780S/CP3 (S/CP3) and A2780S/CP5 (S/CP5), derived by subjecting the sensitive A2780S ovarian cancer line to multiple rounds of cisplatin treatments followed by recovery and are resistant to 1, 3 and 5 μM cisplatin, respectively, have increased colony-forming ability and altered morphology that is consistent with enhanced motility, migration and invasiveness in vitro. The malignant phenotype progresses with increasing resistance and is associated with hyperactive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 and janus kinases (Jaks), aberrant signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) 3 activation promoted by EGFR and Jaks, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Survivin and FLIP anti-apoptotic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase activities are also elevated in the resistant cells. Accordingly, the ectopic expression of constitutively-active Stat3C in the sensitive A2780S cells diminished cisplatin sensitivity. The inhibition of EGFR or Stat3 activity repressed Survivin, VEGF and Vimentin expression and the colony-forming potential, viability, motility and migration of the resistant cells, and sensitized them to cisplatin. Analysis of human ovarian cancer patients' tumor tissues shows aberrantly-active EGFR and Stat3 that in certain cases correlate with Vimentin over-expression. Intra-peritoneal mouse xenograft studies revealed, compared with the sensitive A2780S line that had low tumor incidence restricted to the ovary, a high tumor incidence for the resistant S/CP3 and S/CP5 lines that formed tumor nodules at several locations on the small intestine and colon, and which responded poorly to cisplatin, but were sensitive to concurrent treatment with cisplatin and EGFR or Stat3 inhibitor. Hyperactive EGFR signaling through Stat3 and the Jak-Stat3 activity together promote ovarian cancer progression to cisplatin resistance and therefore represent targets for preventing the development of cisplatin resistance and the recurrent disease during cisplatin therapy in ovarian cancer.
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134
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Chua KN, Poon KL, Lim J, Sim WJ, Huang RYJ, Thiery JP. Target cell movement in tumor and cardiovascular diseases based on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition concept. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2011; 63:558-67. [PMID: 21335038 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2011.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Revised: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental mechanism in development driving body plan formation. EMT describes a transition process wherein polarized epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. The apico-basal polarity of epithelial cells is replaced by a front-rear polarity in mesenchymal cells which favor cell-extracellular matrix than intercellular adhesion. These events serve as a prerequisite to the context-dependent migratory and invasive functions of mesenchymal cells. In solid tumors, carcinoma cells undergoing EMT not only invade and metastasize but also exhibit cancer stem cell-like properties, providing resistance to conventional and targeted therapies. In cardiovascular systems, epicardial cells engaged in EMT contribute to myocardial regeneration. Conversely, cardiovascular endothelial cells undergoing EMT cause cardiac fibrosis. Growing evidence has shed light on the potential development of novel therapeutics that target cell movement by applying the EMT concept, and this may provide new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer and heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kian-Ngiap Chua
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Experimental Therapeutic Centre, Biopolis A*STAR, Cancer Science Institute National University of Singapore and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
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135
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Shah PP, Kakar SS. Pituitary tumor transforming gene induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition by regulation of Twist, Snail, Slug, and E-cadherin. Cancer Lett 2011; 311:66-76. [PMID: 21839581 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary tumor-transforming gene (PTTG) is an oncogene with its expression levels correlating with tumor development and metastasis. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial step in tumor progression and metastasis. Using ovarian epithelial tumor cell line (A2780) for loss-of-function or gain-of-function of PTTG in our experiments, we observed up regulation of TGF-β, Twist, Snail, Slug, vimentin and down regulation of E-cadherin on infection of cells with Ad-PTTG cDNA. In contrast reverse phenomena was observed on depletion of PTTG on infection of cells with Ad-PTTG siRNA, suggesting an important role of PTTG in induction of EMT in ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag P Shah
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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136
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Tseng CH, Murray KD, Jou MF, Hsu SM, Cheng HJ, Huang PH. Sema3E/plexin-D1 mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in ovarian endometrioid cancer. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19396. [PMID: 21559368 PMCID: PMC3084850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells often employ developmental cues for advantageous growth and metastasis. Here, we report that an axon guidance molecule, Sema3E, is highly expressed in human high-grade ovarian endometrioid carcinoma, but not low-grade or other ovarian epithelial tumors, and facilitates tumor progression. Unlike its known angiogenic activity, Sema3E acted through Plexin-D1 receptors to augment cell migratory ability and concomitant epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Sema3E-induced EMT in ovarian endometrioid cancer cells was dependent on nuclear localization of Snail1 through activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and ERK/MAPK. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Sema3E, Plexin-D1 or Snail1 in Sema3E-expressing tumor cells resulted in compromised cell motility, concurrent reversion of EMT and diminished nuclear localization of Snail1. By contrast, forced retention of Snail1 within the nucleus of Sema3E-negative tumor cells induced EMT and enhanced cell motility. These results show that in addition to the angiogenic effects of Sema3E on tumor vascular endothelium, an EMT strategy could be exploited by Sema3E/Plexin-D1 signaling in tumor cells to promote cellular invasion/migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hsien Tseng
- Graduate Institute of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Karl D. Murray
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Mu-Fan Jou
- Graduate Institute of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Su-Ming Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-Jong Cheng
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (H-JC); (P-HH)
| | - Pei-Hsin Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (H-JC); (P-HH)
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137
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Kwon Y, Cukierman E, Godwin AK. Differential expressions of adhesive molecules and proteases define mechanisms of ovarian tumor cell matrix penetration/invasion. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18872. [PMID: 21526198 PMCID: PMC3079735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is an aggressive and deadly disease and understanding its invasion mechanisms is critical for its treatment. We sought to study the penetration/invasion of ovarian tumor cells into extracellular matrices (ECMs) using a fibroblast-derived three-dimensional (3D) culture model and time-lapse and confocal imaging. Twelve ovarian tumor cells were evaluated and classified into distinct groups based on their ECM remodeling phenotypes; those that degraded the ECM (represented by OVCAR5 cells) and those that did not (represented by OVCAR10 cells). Cells exhibiting a distinct ECM modifying behavior were also segregated by epithelial- or mesenchymal-like phenotypes and uPA or MMP-2/MMP-9 expression. The cells, which presented epithelial-like phenotypes, penetrated the ECM using proteases and maintained intact cell-cell interactions, while cells exhibiting mesenchymal phenotypes modified the matrices via Rho-associated serine/threonine kinase (ROCK) in the absence of apparent cell-cell interactions. Overall, this study demonstrates that different mechanisms of modifying matrices by ovarian tumor cells may reflect heterogeneity among tumors and emphasize the need to systematically assess these mechanisms to better design effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjoo Kwon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
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138
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Parte S, Bhartiya D, Telang J, Daithankar V, Salvi V, Zaveri K, Hinduja I. Detection, characterization, and spontaneous differentiation in vitro of very small embryonic-like putative stem cells in adult mammalian ovary. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 20:1451-64. [PMID: 21291304 PMCID: PMC3148829 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2010.0461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to detect, characterize, and study differentiation potential of stem cells in adult rabbit, sheep, monkey, and menopausal human ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). Two distinct populations of putative stem cells (PSCs) of variable size were detected in scraped OSE, one being smaller and other similar in size to the surrounding red blood cells in the scraped OSE. The smaller 1-3 μm very small embryonic-like PSCs were pluripotent in nature with nuclear Oct-4 and cell surface SSEA-4, whereas the bigger 4-7 μm cells with cytoplasmic localization of Oct-4 and minimal expression of SSEA-4 were possibly the tissue committed progenitor stem cells. Pluripotent gene transcripts of Oct-4, Oct-4A, Nanog, Sox-2, TERT, and Stat-3 in human and sheep OSE were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The PSCs underwent spontaneous differentiation into oocyte-like structures, parthenote-like structures, embryoid body-like structures, cells with neuronal-like phenotype, and embryonic stem cell-like colonies, whereas the epithelial cells transformed into mesenchymal phenotype by epithelial-mesenchymal transition in 3 weeks of OSE culture. Germ cell markers like c-Kit, DAZL, GDF-9, VASA, and ZP4 were immuno-localized in oocyte-like structures. In conclusion, as opposed to the existing view of OSE being a bipotent source of oocytes and granulosa cells, mammalian ovaries harbor distinct very small embryonic-like PSCs and tissue committed progenitor stem cells population that have the potential to develop into oocyte-like structures in vitro, whereas mesenchymal fibroblasts appear to form supporting granulosa-like somatic cells. Research at the single-cell level, including complete gene expression profiling, is required to further confirm whether postnatal oogenesis is a conserved phenomenon in adult mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Parte
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
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139
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Wright JW, Pejovic T, Jurevic L, Bishop CV, Hobbs T, Stouffer RL. Ovarian surface epitheliectomy in the non-human primate: continued cyclic ovarian function and limited epithelial replacement. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:1422-30. [PMID: 21421661 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women is ovarian cancer (OC), which originates primarily in the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) that surrounds the ovary. Permanent removal of the OSE could provide a novel strategy to substantially reduce OC risk, while retaining the benefits of ovarian function, including gameto- and steroidogenesis. It must be determined whether ovarian surface epitheliectomy (OSEx) carries deleterious side effects, including loss of menstrual cyclicity, infertility or scarring (e.g. adhesions), prior to any clinical application of this strategy. To achieve this, we selected the non-human primate, rhesus macaque, for long-term (12 month) studies on the effects of OSEx. METHODS Rhesus macaque females underwent OSEx by detergent treatment and were then monitored for menstrual cyclicity (menstruation, steroidogenesis and follicle development) and adverse side effects (tissue scarring or adhesions). Ovaries were collected at 6 or 12 months and examined for evidence of tissue damage, follicle rupture and regression of the corpus luteum. The ovarian surface was examined immunohistologically for signs of epithelial replacement, using markers for OSE and fimbrial epithelium (FE), a possible alternative source of pelvic tumors diagnosed as OC. RESULTS After OSEx, menstrual cycle length, estrogen and progesterone production, follicle rupture and luteal regression appeared normal. No evidence of adhesions was seen. At 6 and 12 months post-OSEx, the ovarian surface was sparsely populated by cells expressing OSE and FE markers. Proliferative activity in this population was notably low. CONCLUSIONS OSEx may provide a novel method to reduce the risk of OC, without sacrificing ovarian function, although the effects on fertility remain to be tested. The absence of epithelial replacement via enhanced proliferation suggests OSEx does not increase malignant potential. Complete and permanent OSEx may be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay W Wright
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
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140
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Downregulation of cell surface CA125/MUC16 induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and restores EGFR signalling in NIH:OVCAR3 ovarian carcinoma cells. Br J Cancer 2011; 104:989-99. [PMID: 21326240 PMCID: PMC3065274 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2011.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells are prone to metastasise throughout the peritoneal cavity. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a necessary step towards metastatic tumour progression. CA125/MUC16 mucin is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein overexpressed in the majority of serous carcinomas, suggesting a possible role in the pathogenesis of these cancers. METHODS The role of CA125/MUC16 in EMT was investigated using single-chain antibody-mediated knockdown of cell surface CA125/MUC16 in overexpressing EOC NIH:OVCAR3 cells. RESULTS CA125/MUC16 knockdown was associated with morphological alterations along with decreased surface expression of epithelial markers (E-cadherin, cytokeratin-18) and increased expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, vimentin). Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that CA125/MUC16 binds to E-cadherin and β-catenin complexes. The in vitro studies showed disruption of cell-cell junctions, enhanced motility, migration and invasiveness in CA125/MUC16 knockdown cells. Enhanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation was observed in CA125/MUC16 knockdown cells along with increased Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which are downstream effectors of EGFR, and increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and activities. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition strongly inhibited the motility of CA125/MUC16 knockdown cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that CA125/MUC16 plays a role in EMT, presumably through its interaction with E-cadherin and β-catenin complexes and by modulating EGFR and its downstream signalling pathway in NIH:OVCAR3 cells.
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141
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Chen J, Wang L, Matyunina LV, Hill CG, McDonald JF. Overexpression of miR-429 induces mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in metastatic ovarian cancer cells. Gynecol Oncol 2011; 121:200-5. [PMID: 21277012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2010.12.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal of all gynecological malignancies primarily due to the sloughing-off of highly metastatic cells from primary tumors and their subsequent spread throughout the peritoneal cavity. Since the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OC cells located at the periphery of primary tumors is essential to this process, molecular interventions that can block EMT are of potential clinical significance. Members of the miR200 family of microRNAs have been implicated in EMT in other cancers. Our purpose was to determine if miR200 family microRNAs may be involved in EMT in OC and of potential therapeutic value in reducing OC metastasis. METHODS Gene expression profiles of two OC cell lines with different metastatic potentials were monitored using qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). The effect of over-expression of a miR-200 family microRNA (miR-429) in metastatic OC cells was monitored on molecular (qRT-PCR and microarray) and functional (morphology, migration, invasiveness and anchorage independence assays) levels. RESULTS Molecular profiling of two OC cell lines with differing metastatic potentials identified significant differences in previously established epithelial and mesenchymal cell biomarkers including E-cadherin, ZEB1, ZEB2, miR-205 and miR-200 family microRNAs. Ectopic overexpression of miR-429, a member of the miR-200 family of microRNAs, in mesenchymal-like OC cells resulted in reversal of the mesenchymal phenotype (mesenchymal-epithelial transition, MET). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that miR-429 may not only be a useful biomarker of EMT in ovarian cancer, but also of potential therapeutic value in abating OC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Integrated Cancer Research Center, School of Biology and Parker H. Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0363, USA
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142
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Virant-Klun I, Skutella T, Stimpfel M, Sinkovec J. Ovarian surface epithelium in patients with severe ovarian infertility: a potential source of cells expressing markers of pluripotent/multipotent stem cells. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:381928. [PMID: 22187524 PMCID: PMC3237017 DOI: 10.1155/2011/381928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of stem cells in the ovarian surface epithelium of patients with premature ovarian failure and no mature follicles and oocytes. In these patients, small round cells of unknown origin expressing SOX-2 marker of pluripotency were observed among the epithelial cells just after the ovarian surface epithelium scraping. These cells were an integral part of the ovarian surface epithelium. When the scraped cells were cultured in a medium with added follicular fluid to provide some ovarian niche, primitive oocyte-like cells and typical round-shaped cell clusters positively stained on alkaline phosphatase, and markers of pluripotency, such as SOX-2 and SSEA-4, were developed. These markers were expressed early and also later in the culture. Single oocyte-like cells expressed genes OCT4A, SOX-2, NANOG, NANOS, STELLA, CD9, LIN28, KLF4, GDF3, and MYC, characteristic for pluripotent stem cells. The results of this study confirmed the presence of putative stem cells in the ovarian surface epithelium of these patients and provided some basis to create a stem cell line in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Virant-Klun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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143
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[Epithelial mesenchymal transition during development in fibrosis and in the progression of carcinoma]. Bull Cancer 2010; 97:1285-95. [PMID: 21084241 DOI: 10.1684/bdc.2010.1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental mechanism controlling multiple events during embryonic development. Mesenchymal cells appear transiently in some diploblasts, the most primitive species characterized by two epithelial layers. Since almost 800 million years, EMT has been conserved throughout evolution to control morphogenetic events, such as the formation of the three primary germ layers during gastrulation. Most interestingly, specific molecular pathways have been conserved in many different species to drive EMT. In the animal kingdom, a recurrent theme is that EMT controls the intercellular adhesion machinery and the dynamics of its associated cytoskeleton. EMT pathways are also tightly connected to determination and differentiation programs, and are reactivated in adult tissues following injury or exposure to toxic agents. EMT is now shown to operate during the early stages of carcinoma invasion leading to blood or lymph vessel intravasation of malignant cells. The converse mechanism - mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) - then operates at distant sites from the primary tumor to form macrometastases from isolated micrometastatic cells. The mesenchymal-like state of carcinoma confers stemness, protection from cell death, escape from immune response and, most importantly, resistance to conventional and targeted therapies. Our laboratory has designed an EMT high-throughput screen of small molecular weight compounds and biologics in order to establish new therapeutic approaches that interfere with the plasticity of carcinoma cells. New therapeutic interventions are envisioned to delay tumor recurrence.
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144
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Keita M, AinMelk Y, Pelmus M, Bessette P, Aris A. Endometrioid ovarian cancer and endometriotic cells exhibit the same alteration in the expression of interleukin-1 receptor II: to a link between endometriosis and endometrioid ovarian cancer. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2010; 37:99-107. [PMID: 21083841 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2010.01320.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM Endometrioid carcinoma of the ovary is the third most common type of epithelial ovarian cancer. Endometrioid tumors as well as endometriotic implants are characterized by the presence of epithelial cells, stromal cells, or a combination of booth, that resemble the endometrial cells, suggesting a possible endometrial origin of these tumors. Th1 cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1 have been reported to be involved in both endometriosis and ovarian carcinogenesis. We assessed the expression of receptors of IL-1 (IL-1RI and IL-1RII, the signal transducer and the specific inhibitor of IL-1, respectively) in cells of the most common subtypes of ovarian cancer compared to endometrial cells. MATERIAL & METHODS IL1-Rs expression was analyzed at the levels of the protein and mRNA using immunofluorescent and real-time polymerase chain reaction methods, respectively. RESULTS We showed that endometrioid cells exhibit a specific decrease of IL-1RII expression, whereas IL-1RI was constantly expressed in all studied cell subtypes. CONCLUSION As already reported in endometriotic cells, endometrioid ovarian cancer cells exhibit the same alteration in the expression of IL-1RII, a key protector against tumorigenic effects of IL-1. Our findings highlight a common signature between endometrioid ovarian cancer and implants of endometriosis, which needs to be fully explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamadou Keita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sherbrooke University Hospital Centre, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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145
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Bapat SA, Jin V, Berry N, Balch C, Sharma N, Kurrey N, Zhang S, Fang F, Lan X, Li M, Kennedy B, Bigsby RM, Huang THM, Nephew KP. Multivalent epigenetic marks confer microenvironment-responsive epigenetic plasticity to ovarian cancer cells. Epigenetics 2010; 5:716-29. [PMID: 20676026 DOI: 10.4161/epi.5.8.13014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
"Epigenetic plasticity" refers to the capability of mammalian cells to alter their differentiation status via chromatin remodeling-associated alterations in gene expression. While epigenetic plasticity has been best associated with lineage commitment of embryonic stem cells, recent studies have demonstrated chromatin remodeling even in terminally differentiated normal cells, and advanced-stage melanoma and breast cancer cells, in context-dependent responses to alterations in their microenvironment. In the current study, we extend this attribute of epigenetic plasticity to aggressive ovarian cancer cells, by using an integrative approach to associate cellular phenotypes with chromatin modifications ("ChIP-chip") and mRNA and microRNA expression. While we identified numerous gene promoters possessing the well-known "bivalent mark" of H3K27me3/H3K4me2, we also report 14 distinct, lesser-known bi-, tri-, and tetravalent combinations of activating and repressive chromatin modifications, in platinum-resistant CP70 ovarian cancer cells. The vast majority (>90%) of all the histone marks studied localized to regions within 2000 bp of transcription start sites, supporting a role in gene regulation. Upon a simple alteration in the microenvironment, transition from two- to three-dimensional culture, an increase (17% to 38%) in repressive-only marked promoters was observed, concomitant with a decrease (31% to 21%) in multivalent (i.e., juxtaposed permissive and repressive histone marked) promoters. Like embryonic/tissue stem and other (non-ovarian) carcinoma cells, ovarian cancer cell epigenetic plasticity reflects an inherent transcriptional flexibility for context-responsive alterations in phenotype. It is possible that this plasticity could be therapeutically exploited for the management of this lethal gynecologic malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmila A Bapat
- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Pune University Campus, Pune, India.
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146
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Interaction of Snail and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase results in shorter overall survival of ovarian cancer patients. Virchows Arch 2010; 457:705-13. [PMID: 20957493 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-010-0986-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 09/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is a highly metastatic disease and the leading cause of death among cancer of the female genital tract. Abnormal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling has been shown to be involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an early step during metastasis. Additionally, over-expression of the E-cadherin repressor Snail, a key regulator of EMT, has previously been found to be associated with unfavourable prognostic features. Thus, the aim of our study was to elucidate the role of EGFR-dependent signalling pathways for Snail expression in ovarian cancer. For this purpose, we analysed 25 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) primary tumours and their corresponding metastases for the expression of 25 signalling pathway molecules by reverse phase protein arrays. We found a significant correlation of Snail with EGFR((Tyr1086)) and p38 MAPK((Thr180/Tyr182)) in primary ovarian carcinoma and with EGFR((Tyr1086)) in their corresponding metastasis. Additionally, we showed that high expression levels of Snail in primary tumours combined with high expression levels of the phosphorylated p38 MAPK((Thr180/Tyr182)) in metastasis lead to an increased risk for death in ovarian carcinoma patients. Thus, for future combinatorial cancer therapy, drug combinations that best target the deregulated protein network in each individual patient should be selected.
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147
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Xu Z, Jiang Y, Steed H, Davidge S, Fu Y. TGFβ and EGF synergistically induce a more invasive phenotype of epithelial ovarian cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 401:376-81. [PMID: 20854793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is associated with progression and metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Snail and Slug (two members of the Snail family of transcription factors) down-regulate the expression of the adhesion molecule E-cadherin and thus function as positive regulators of EMT. Their expression is associated with a more invasive phenotype of EOC. However, how their expression in EOC cells is regulated needs to be further defined. Here, we show that transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) synergistically induce the expression of Slug and Snail at both mRNA and protein levels in an EOC cell line OVCA429 cells. Using specific chemical inhibitors, we demonstrate that Slug and Snail expression induced by TGFβ is mediated by TGFβ/ALK5 pathway, and EGF-induced expression of Slug and Snail is MEK1/2-dependent. Interestingly, TGFβ-induced Slug expression is also MEK1/2-dependent. Further, we demonstrate that combined TGFβ and EGF stimulation is more potent than either alone in repressing the expression of E-cadherin. Functionally, combined stimulation of TGFβ and EGF enhances the mobility of OVCA429 cells and induces the production of MMP2 by OVCA429 cells more potently than either alone. Taken together, our data demonstrate that TGFβ and EGF signaling pathways synergistically induce EMT and render EOC cells a more invasive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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148
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MUC4 mucin-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition: a novel mechanism for metastasis of human ovarian cancer cells. Oncogene 2010; 29:5741-54. [PMID: 20697346 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The acquisition of invasiveness in ovarian cancer (OC) is accompanied by the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The MUC4 mucin is overexpressed in ovarian tumors and has a role in the invasiveness of OC cells. The present study was aimed at evaluating the potential involvement of MUC4 in the metastasis of OC cells by inducing EMT. Ectopic overexpression of MUC4 in OC cells (SKOV3-MUC4) resulted in morphological alterations along with a decreased expression of epithelial markers (E-cadherin and cytokeratin (CK)-18) and an increased expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and vimentin) compared with the control cells (SKOV3-vector). Also, pro-EMT transcription factors TWIST1, TWIST2 and SNAIL showed an upregulation in SKOV3-MUC4 cells. We further investigated the pathways upstream of N-cadherin, such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), MKK7, JNK1/2 and c-Jun, which were also activated in the SKOV3-MUC4 cells compared with SKOV3-vector cells. Inhibition of phospho-FAK (pFAK) and pJNK1/2 decreased N-cadherin expression in the MUC4-overexpressing cells, which further led to a significant decrease in cellular motility. Knockdown of N-cadherin decreased the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2), AKT and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and inhibited the motility in the SKOV3-MUC4 cells. Upon in vivo tumorigenesis and metastasis analysis, the SKOV3-MUC4 cells produced significantly larger tumors and demonstrated a higher incidence of metastasis to distance organs (peritoneal wall, colon, intestine, stomach, lymph nodes, liver and diaphragm). Taken together, our study reveals a novel role for MUC4 in inducing EMT through the upregulation of N-cadherin and promoting metastasis of OC cells.
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Ahmed N, Latifi A, Riley CB, Findlay JK, Quinn MA. Neuronal transcription factor Brn-3a(l) is over expressed in high-grade ovarian carcinomas and tumor cells from ascites of patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2010; 3:17. [PMID: 20670407 PMCID: PMC2920243 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-3-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives In view of the recent association of Brn-3 transcription factors with neuroblastomas, cervical, breast, and prostate cancers we examined the expression of Brn-3a(l) in normal ovaries and in different histological grades of ovarian tumors. The expression of Brn-3a(l) was also evaluated in normal ovarian and cancer cell lines and tumor cells isolated from the ascites of advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients. Methods Normal ovaries, benign, borderline, grades 1, 2 and 3 ovarian tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for Brn-3a(l) expression. A total of 46 ovarian specimens were included in the study. Immunofluorescence was used to investigate the expression of Brn-3a in normal ovarian and cancer cell lines. Brn-3a(l) expression was also evaluated by Western blot in tumor cells isolated from ascites of advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients and also in ovarian cancer cell lines. Results Nearly 12% of normal and benign ovarian tissues and 57% of borderline ovarian tumors were positive for epithelial Brn-3a(l) expression. Stromal staining was higher and it constituted 40% of normal non-cancerous ovaries compared to 50 and 86% in benign and borderline tumors. On the other hand, 85-100% of grades 1, 2 & 3 ovarian tumors demonstrated nuclear and cytoplasmic Brn-3a(l) staining in the epithelium. Stromal staining in grades1, 2 and 3 tumors constituted 71-88% of total staining. Overall, immunoreactive Brn-3a was present in all grades of ovarian tumors. The extent of epithelial and stromal Brn-3a staining was significantly different between the normal and histological grades of tumors (epithelial-χ2 = 41.01, df = 20, P = 0.004, stromal-χ2 = 24.66. df = 15, P = 0.05). The extent of epithelial staining was significantly higher in grades 1 and 2 ovarian tumors compared to normal ovaries and benign ovarian tumors (p < 0.05). In parallel, stromal staining was significantly higher in grade 3 tumors compared to normal ovaries (p < 0.05). In addition, cytoplasmic and nuclear Brn-3a expression was evident in ovarian cancer cell lines while no such expression was observed in SV40 antigen immortalized normal ovarian cell lines. Conclusion These data suggest that like other cancers, Brn-3a(l) expression is enhanced in ovarian tumors and its expression is consistent with its known role in inhibiting apoptosis and enhancing tumorigenesis. Specific targeting of Brn-3a may provide a useful strategy for regulating multiple tumor related genes involved with ovarian carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuzhat Ahmed
- Women's Cancer Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, 20 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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Lengyel E. Ovarian cancer development and metastasis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:1053-64. [PMID: 20651229 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1172] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The biology of ovarian carcinoma differs from that of hematogenously metastasizing tumors because ovarian cancer cells primarily disseminate within the peritoneal cavity and are only superficially invasive. However, since the rapidly proliferating tumors compress visceral organs and are only temporarily chemosensitive, ovarian carcinoma is a deadly disease, with a cure rate of only 30%. There are a number of genetic and epigenetic changes that lead to ovarian carcinoma cell transformation. Ovarian carcinoma could originate from any of three potential sites: the surfaces of the ovary, the fallopian tube, or the mesothelium-lined peritoneal cavity. Ovarian cacinoma tumorigenesis then either progresses along a stepwise mutation process from a slow growing borderline tumor to a well-differentiated carcinoma (type I) or involves a genetically unstable high-grade serous carcinoma that metastasizes rapidly (type II). During initial tumorigenesis, ovarian carcinoma cells undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which involves a change in cadherin and integrin expression and up-regulation of proteolytic pathways. Carried by the peritoneal fluid, cancer cell spheroids overcome anoikis and attach preferentially on the abdominal peritoneum or omentum, where the cancer cells revert to their epithelial phenotype. The initial steps of metastasis are regulated by a controlled interaction of adhesion receptors and proteases, and late metastasis is characterized by the oncogene-driven fast growth of tumor nodules on mesothelium covered surfaces, causing ascites, bowel obstruction, and tumor cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Lengyel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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