201
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Wang H, Liu H, Zhou M, Shi H, Shen M. Correlations between 13 Trace Elements and Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Guangzhou, China. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 198:58-67. [PMID: 32100274 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-020-02061-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We established a method of determining 13 trace elements (TEs) in whole blood, determined the levels of the TEs in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), and examined the correlations between the TEs and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). A total of 93 CRC patients and 48 control subjects in Guangzhou, China, were included. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure the blood levels of 13 TEs. CTCs of 13 CRC patients were examined using CanPatrol™. The levels of Mg, Fe, Zn, Se, Sr, Mo, and Ba in CRC patients were lower than those in control subjects (all, P < 0.05). The levels of Mg, Fe, Zn, Se, and Ba decreased with increasing TNM stage. The reductions of Zn and Se levels were higher in early-stage than late-stage CRC patients. The levels of Cu and Ni were higher in CRC patients than in control subjects (both, P < 0.05). The Cu level increased with increased TNM stage, and Ni level was higher in early-stage CRC patients as compared with late-stage CRC patients. Consequently, the TE levels showed differences as the process of TNM stage of CRC patients. There were correlations between the amount of CTCs and epithelial-CTCs (E-CTCs) and interstitial-CTCs (M-CTCs) (P < 0.05). The levels of Mg, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, and Ba were correlated with the number of CTCs (P < 0.05). Specific TE patterns in whole blood may assist in the early diagnosis of CRC. The combined determination of TE levels and CTCs may be useful as an adjunct to staging and guiding treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hetao Wang
- Hygiene Detection Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meijuan Zhou
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Public Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanping Shi
- Hygiene Detection Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Mei Shen
- Hygiene Detection Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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202
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Guinn MT, Wan Y, Levovitz S, Yang D, Rosner MR, Balázsi G. Observation and Control of Gene Expression Noise: Barrier Crossing Analogies Between Drug Resistance and Metastasis. Front Genet 2020; 11:586726. [PMID: 33193723 PMCID: PMC7662081 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.586726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tyler Guinn
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States.,Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States.,Stony Brook Medical Scientist Training Program, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Yiming Wan
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States.,Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Sarah Levovitz
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States.,Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Dongbo Yang
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Marsha R Rosner
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Gábor Balázsi
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States.,Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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203
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Electrochemical Detection and Point-of-Care Testing for Circulating Tumor Cells: Current Techniques and Future Potentials. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20216073. [PMID: 33114569 PMCID: PMC7663783 DOI: 10.3390/s20216073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are tumor cells that escaped from the primary tumor or the metastasis into the blood and they play a major role in the initiation of metastasis and tumor recurrence. Thus, it is widely accepted that CTC is the main target of liquid biopsy. In the past few decades, the separation of CTC based on the electrochemical method has attracted widespread attention due to its convenience, rapidness, low cost, high sensitivity, and no need for complex instruments and equipment. At present, CTC detection is not widely used in the clinic due to various reasons. Point-of-care CTC detection provides us with a possibility, which is sensitive, fast, cheap, and easy to operate. More importantly, the testing instrument is small and portable, and the testing does not require specialized laboratories and specialized clinical examiners. In this review, we summarized the latest developments in the electrochemical-based CTC detection and point-of-care CTC detection, and discussed the challenges and possible trends.
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204
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AYDEMİR ÇOBAN E, TECİMEL D, KAŞIKCI E, BAYRAK ÖF, ŞAHİN F. E-cadherin might be a stage-dependent modulator in aggressiveness in pancreatic cancer cells. Turk J Biol 2020; 44:230-237. [PMID: 33110361 PMCID: PMC7585161 DOI: 10.3906/biy-1912-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) pathology is known for its uncontrollable progress due to highly invasive characteristics and refractory behavior against existing chemotherapies. The aberrant expression of CDH1 (expresses the protein E-cadherin) is associated with increased overall survival in various cancers, however, E-cadherin expression in PDAC progression has remained elusive. We investigated the impact of exogenously elevated E-cadherin levels on the tumorigenicity of transduced low grade and metastatic PDAC cell lines, Panc-1 and AsPC-1, respectively. Constitutive expression of E-cadherin promoted a more hybrid E/M state in AsPC-1 cells, while it was associated with the acquisition of a more epithelial-like state in Panc1 cells. Our study suggests that E-cadherin may play differential roles in determining the metastatic characteristics of primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra AYDEMİR ÇOBAN
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Engineering Faculty, Yeditepe University, İstanbulTurkey
| | - Didem TECİMEL
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Engineering Faculty, Yeditepe University, İstanbulTurkey
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Yeditepe University Hospital, İstanbulTurkey
| | - Ezgi KAŞIKCI
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Engineering Faculty, Yeditepe University, İstanbulTurkey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NYUSA
| | - Ömer Faruk BAYRAK
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Engineering Faculty, Yeditepe University, İstanbulTurkey
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Yeditepe University Hospital, İstanbulTurkey
| | - Fikrettin ŞAHİN
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Engineering Faculty, Yeditepe University, İstanbulTurkey
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205
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Mitchel JA, Das A, O'Sullivan MJ, Stancil IT, DeCamp SJ, Koehler S, Ocaña OH, Butler JP, Fredberg JJ, Nieto MA, Bi D, Park JA. In primary airway epithelial cells, the unjamming transition is distinct from the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5053. [PMID: 33028821 PMCID: PMC7542457 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18841-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the unjamming transition (UJT) each comprises a gateway to cellular migration, plasticity and remodeling, but the extent to which these core programs are distinct, overlapping, or identical has remained undefined. Here, we triggered partial EMT (pEMT) or UJT in differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells. After triggering UJT, cell-cell junctions, apico-basal polarity, and barrier function remain intact, cells elongate and align into cooperative migratory packs, and mesenchymal markers of EMT remain unapparent. After triggering pEMT these and other metrics of UJT versus pEMT diverge. A computational model attributes effects of pEMT mainly to diminished junctional tension but attributes those of UJT mainly to augmented cellular propulsion. Through the actions of UJT and pEMT working independently, sequentially, or interactively, those tissues that are subject to development, injury, or disease become endowed with rich mechanisms for cellular migration, plasticity, self-repair, and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Das
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ian T Stancil
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Oscar H Ocaña
- Instituto de Neurociencias (CSIC-UMH), Alicante, Spain
| | - James P Butler
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Dapeng Bi
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jin-Ah Park
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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206
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Popper H. Primary tumor and metastasis-sectioning the different steps of the metastatic cascade. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2020; 9:2277-2300. [PMID: 33209649 PMCID: PMC7653118 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Patients with lung cancer in the majority die of metastases. Treatment options include surgery, chemo- and radiotherapy, targeted therapy by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and immuno-oncologic treatment. Despite the success with these treatment options, cure of lung cancer is achieved in only a very small proportion of patients. In most patients’ recurrence and metastasis will occur, and finally kill the patient. Metastasis is a multistep procedure. It requires a change in adhesion of tumor cells for detachment from their neighboring cells. The next step is migration either as single cells [epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)], or as cell clusters (hybrid-EMT or bulk migration). A combination of genetic changes is required to facilitate migration. Then tumor cells have to orient themselves along matrix proteins, detect oxygen concentrations, prevent attacks by immune cells, and induce a tumor-friendly switch of stroma cells (macrophages, myofibroblasts, etc.). Having entered the blood stream tumor cells need to adapt to shear stress, avoid being trapped by coagulation, but also use coagulation in small veins for adherence to endothelia, and express homing molecules for extravasation. Within a metastatic site, tumor cells need a well-prepared niche to establish a metastatic focus. Tumor cells again have to establish a vascular net for maintaining nutrition and oxygen supply, communicate with stroma cells, grow out and set further metastases. In this review the different steps will be discussed with a focus on pulmonary carcinomas. The vast amount of research manuscripts published so far are not easy to analyze: in most reports’ single steps of the metastatic cascade are interpreted as evidence for the whole process; for example, migration is interpreted as evidence for metastasis. In lung cancer most often latency periods are shorter, in between 1–5 years. In other cases, despite widespread migration occurs, tumor cells die within the circulation and do not reach a metastatic site. Therefore, migration is a requisite, but does not necessarily predict metastasis. The intention of this review is to point to these different aspects and hopefully provoke research directed into a more functional analysis of the metastatic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Popper
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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207
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Together we stand, apart we fall: how cell-to-cell contact/interplay provides resistance to ferroptosis. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:789. [PMID: 32968052 PMCID: PMC7511929 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02994-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Contextualisation of the new type of cell death called “ferroptosis” opened a completely new avenue for the development of anti-cancer therapies. Cumulative fundamental research dating back to the mid-20th century, crowned by the extraordinary work of the group led by Dr. Stockwell from Columbia University in 2012, finally got its candidature to be applied in the clinical settings. Although the potential for clinical importance is undoubtedly growing every day, as showed by the increasing number of papers dealing with ferroptosis and its applications, long experience of cancer research and treatment taught us that caution is still necessary. The plasticity of the tumour cells, particularly acute, along with its involvement in the resistance mechanisms, that have been seen, to greater or lesser extent, for almost all currently used therapies, represents the biggest fascinations in biomedical research field and also the biggest challenge to achieving cures in cancer patients. Accordingly, the main features of fundamental research have to be vigilance and anticipation. In this review, we tried to summarize the literature data, accumulated in the past couple of years, which point out the pitfalls in which “ferroptosis inducers” can fall if used prematurely in the clinical settings, but at the same time can provide a great advantage in the exhausting battle with cancer resistance. This is the first comprehensive review focusing on the effects of the cell-to-cell contact/interplay in the development of resistance to ferroptosis, while the contribution of cell-born factors has been summarized previously so here we just listed them.
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208
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da Fonseca LM, Calvalhan DM, Previato JO, Mendonça Previato L, Freire-de-Lima L. Resistance to paclitaxel induces glycophenotype changes and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition activation in the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3. Tumour Biol 2020; 42:1010428320957506. [PMID: 32914709 DOI: 10.1177/1010428320957506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the multidrug resistance phenotype is one of the major challenges faced in the treatment of cancer. The multidrug resistance phenotype is characterized by cross-resistance to drugs with different chemical structures and mechanisms of action. In this work, we hypothesized that the acquisition of resistance in cancer is accompanied by activation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process, where the tumor cell acquires a more mobile and invasive phenotype; a fundamental step in tumor progression and in promoting the invasion of other organs and tissues. In addition, it is known that atypical glycosylations are characteristic of tumor cells, being used as biomarkers. We believe that the acquisition of the multidrug resistance phenotype and the activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition provoke alterations in the cell glycophenotype, which can be used as glycomarkers for chemoresistance and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition processes. Herein, we induced the multidrug resistance phenotype in the PC-3 human prostate adenocarcinoma line through the continuous treatment with the drug paclitaxel. Our results showed that the induced cell multidrug resistance phenotype (1) acquired a mixed profile between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes and (2) modified the glycophenotype, showing an increase in the level of sialylation and in the number of branched glycans. Both mechanisms are described as indicators of poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danilo Macedo Calvalhan
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose Osvaldo Previato
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucia Mendonça Previato
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Freire-de-Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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209
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Lozar T, Jesenko T, Kloboves Prevodnik V, Cemazar M, Hosta V, Jericevic A, Nolde N, Grasic Kuhar C. Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of Magnetic-Activated Cell Separation Technology for CTC Isolation in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:554554. [PMID: 33042837 PMCID: PMC7522616 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.554554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) count is an independent prognostic factor in early breast cancer. CTCs can be found in the blood of 20% of patients prior to neoadjuvant therapy. We aimed to assess the suitability of magnetic-activated cell separation (MACS) technology for isolation and cytological characterization of CTCs. In the preclinical part of the study, cell lines were spiked into buffy coat samples derived from healthy donors, and isolated using MACS. Breast cancer cells with preserved cell morphology were successfully isolated. In the clinical part, blood for CTC isolation was drawn from 44 patients with early and locally advanced breast cancer prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Standard Giemsa, Papanicolaou and pancytokeratin staining was applied. 2.3% of samples contained cells that meet both the morphological and immunocytochemical criteria for CTC. In 32.6% of samples, partially degenerated pancytokeratin negative cells with morphological features of tumor cells were observed. In 65.1% of samples, CTCs were not found. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that morphologically intact tumor cells can be isolated using MACS technology. However, morphologically intact tumor cells were not detected in the clinical part of the study. At present, MACS technology does not appear suitable for use in a clinical cytopathology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taja Lozar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Jesenko
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Veronika Kloboves Prevodnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Violeta Hosta
- Department of Dermatovenereology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Jericevic
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Natasa Nolde
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cvetka Grasic Kuhar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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210
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Boolean model of anchorage dependence and contact inhibition points to coordinated inhibition but semi-independent induction of proliferation and migration. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:2145-2165. [PMID: 32913583 PMCID: PMC7451872 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells respond to their physical neighborhood with mechano-sensitive behaviors required for development and tissue maintenance. These include anchorage dependence, matrix stiffness-dependent proliferation, contact inhibition of proliferation and migration, and collective migration that balances cell crawling with the maintenance of cell junctions. While required for development and tissue repair, these coordinated responses to the microenvironment also contribute to cancer metastasis. Predictive models of the signaling networks that coordinate these behaviors are critical in controlling cell behavior to halt disease. Here we propose a Boolean regulatory network model that synthesizes mechanosensitive signaling that links anchorage to a matrix of varying stiffness and cell density sensing to contact inhibition, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Our model can reproduce anchorage dependence and anoikis, detachment-induced cytokinesis errors, the effect of matrix stiffness on proliferation, and contact inhibition of proliferation and migration by two mechanisms that converge on the YAP transcription factor. In addition, we offer testable predictions related to cell cycle-dependent anoikis sensitivity, the molecular requirements for abolishing contact inhibition, and substrate stiffness dependent expression of the catalytic subunit of PI3K. Moreover, our model predicts heterogeneity in migratory vs. non-migratory phenotypes in sub-confluent monolayers, and co-inhibition but semi-independent induction of proliferation vs. migration as a function of cell density and mitogenic stimulation. Our model serves as a stepping-stone towards modeling mechanosensitive routes to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, capturing the effects of the mesenchymal state on anoikis resistance, and understanding the balance between migration versus proliferation at each stage of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
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211
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Asante EC, Pallegar NK, Hoffmann AJ, Viloria-Petit AM, Christian SL. Adipose Tissue from Lean and Obese Mice Induces a Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition-Like Effect in Triple Negative Breast Cancers Cells Grown in 3-Dimensional Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6439. [PMID: 32899433 PMCID: PMC7503907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women globally with obesity being one risk factor. Obese breast cancer patients have at least a 30% increased risk of death from breast cancer compared to non-obese breast cancer patients because they present with larger tumors and generally have increased rates of metastasis. Moreover, obese breast cancer patients respond more poorly to treatment compared to non-obese patients, particularly pre-menopausal women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). To help understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the increased metastasis associated with obesity, we previously established a three-dimensional culture system that permits the co-culture of adipocytes and TNBC cells in a manner that mimics an in vivo milieu. Using this system, we demonstrate that white adipose tissue from both lean and obese mice can induce a partial mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). Triple negative breast cancer cells adopt an epithelial morphology and have an increased expression of some epithelial markers, but they maintain the expression of mesenchymal markers, furnishing the breast cancer cells with hybrid properties that are associated with more aggressive tumors. Thus, these data suggest that adipose tissue has the potential to promote secondary tumor formation in lean and obese women. Further work is needed to determine if targeting the partial MET induced by adipose tissue could reduce metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel C. Asante
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada; (E.C.A.); (N.K.P.); (A.J.H.)
| | - Nikitha K. Pallegar
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada; (E.C.A.); (N.K.P.); (A.J.H.)
| | - Alica J. Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada; (E.C.A.); (N.K.P.); (A.J.H.)
| | - Alicia M. Viloria-Petit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Sherri L. Christian
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada; (E.C.A.); (N.K.P.); (A.J.H.)
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212
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Mentis AFA, Grivas PD, Dardiotis E, Romas NA, Papavassiliou AG. Circulating tumor cells as Trojan Horse for understanding, preventing, and treating cancer: a critical appraisal. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:3671-3690. [PMID: 32333084 PMCID: PMC11104835 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03529-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are regarded as harbingers of metastases. Their ability to predict response to therapy, relapse, and resistance to treatment has proposed their value as putative diagnostic and prognostic indicators. CTCs represent one of the zeniths of cancer evolution in terms of cell survival; however, the triggers of CTC generation, the identification of potentially metastatic CTCs, and the mechanisms contributing to their heterogeneity and aggressiveness represent issues not yet fully deciphered. Thus, prior to enabling liquid biopsy applications to reach clinical prime time, understanding how the above mechanistic information can be applied to improve treatment decisions is a key challenge. Here, we provide our perspective on how CTCs can provide mechanistic insights into tumor pathogenesis, as well as on CTC clinical value. In doing so, we aim to (a) describe how CTCs disseminate from the primary tumor, and their link to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); (b) trace the route of CTCs through the circulation, focusing on tumor self-seeding and the possibility of tertiary metastasis; (c) describe possible mechanisms underlying the enhanced metastatic potential of CTCs; (d) discuss how CTC could provide further information on the tissue of origin, especially in cancer of unknown primary origin. We also provide a comprehensive review of meta-analyses assessing the prognostic significance of CTCs, to highlight the emerging role of CTCs in clinical oncology. We also explore how cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis, using a combination of genomic and phylogenetic analysis, can offer insights into CTC biology, including our understanding of CTC heterogeneity and tumor evolution. Last, we discuss emerging technologies, such as high-throughput quantitative imaging, radiogenomics, machine learning approaches, and the emerging breath biopsy. These technologies could compliment CTC and ctDNA analyses, and they collectively represent major future steps in cancer detection, monitoring, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexios-Fotios A Mentis
- Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
- Department of Microbiology, University Hospital of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Petros D Grivas
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Nicholas A Romas
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Medical Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 M. Asias Street-Bldg. 16, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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213
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Tripathi S, Kessler DA, Levine H. Biological Networks Regulating Cell Fate Choice Are Minimally Frustrated. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2020; 125:088101. [PMID: 32909810 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.125.088101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of the differences between biological and random networks can reveal the design principles that enable the robust realization of crucial biological functions including the establishment of different cell types. Previous studies, focusing on identifying topological features that are present in biological networks but not in random networks, have, however, provided few functional insights. We use a Boolean modeling framework and ideas from the spin glass literature to identify functional differences between five real biological networks and random networks with similar topological features. We show that minimal frustration is a fundamental property that allows biological networks to robustly establish cell types and regulate cell fate choice, and that this property can emerge in complex networks via Darwinian evolution. The study also provides clues regarding how the regulation of cell fate choice can go awry in a disease like cancer and lead to the emergence of aberrant cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Tripathi
- PhD Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - David A Kessler
- Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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214
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Ashrafizadeh M, Hushmandi K, Hashemi M, Akbari ME, Kubatka P, Raei M, Koklesova L, Shahinozzaman M, Mohammadinejad R, Najafi M, Sethi G, Kumar AP, Zarrabi A. Role of microRNA/Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Axis in the Metastasis of Bladder Cancer. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1159. [PMID: 32784711 PMCID: PMC7464913 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the 11th most common diagnosed cancer, and a number of factors including environmental and genetic ones participate in BC development. Metastasis of BC cells into neighboring and distant tissues significantly reduces overall survival of patients with this life-threatening disorder. Recently, studies have focused on revealing molecular pathways involved in metastasis of BC cells, and in this review, we focus on microRNAs (miRNAs) and their regulatory effect on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanisms that can regulate metastasis. EMT is a vital process for migration of BC cells, and inhibition of this mechanism restricts invasion of BC cells. MiRNAs are endogenous non-coding RNAs with 19-24 nucleotides capable of regulating different cellular events, and EMT is one of them. In BC cells, miRNAs are able to both induce and/or inhibit EMT. For regulation of EMT, miRNAs affect different molecular pathways such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), Snail, Slug, ZEB1/2, CD44, NSBP1, which are, discussed in detail this review. Besides, miRNA/EMT axis can also be regulated by upstream mediators such as lncRNAs, circRNAs and targeted by diverse anti-tumor agents. These topics are also discussed here to reveal diverse molecular pathways involved in migration of BC cells and strategies to target them to develop effective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran;
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran 1419963114, Iran;
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1916893813, Iran;
| | - Mohammad Esmaeil Akbari
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1989934148, Iran;
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology and Division of Oncology—Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Mehdi Raei
- Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran;
| | - Lenka Koklesova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Martin University Hospital and Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Md Shahinozzaman
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 55877577, Iran;
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran;
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore;
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore;
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine, 14 Medical Drive, #11-01M, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
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215
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Lai X, Li Q, Wu F, Lin J, Chen J, Zheng H, Guo L. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metabolic Switching in Cancer: Lessons From Somatic Cell Reprogramming. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:760. [PMID: 32850862 PMCID: PMC7423833 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its critical roles during cancer progression have long been recognized and extensively reviewed. Recent studies on the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have established the connections among EMT, energy metabolism, DNA methylation, and histone modification. Since energy metabolism, DNA methylation, and histone modification are important for cancer development and there are common characteristics between cancer cells and stem cells, it is reasonable to identify mechanisms that have been established during both reprogramming and cancer progression. In the current review, we start from a brief review on EMT and related processes during cancer progression, and then switch to the EMT during somatic cell reprogramming. We summarize the connection between EMT and metabolic switch during reprogramming, and further review the involvements of DNA methylation and cell proliferation. The connections between EMT and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and cellular aspects including DNA methylation, histone modification and energy metabolism may provide potential new targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Lai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiechun Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiekai Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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216
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Peritoneal Metastatic Cancer Stem Cells of Gastric Cancer with Partial Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition and Enhanced Invasiveness in an Intraperitoneal Transplantation Model. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2020; 2020:3256538. [PMID: 32831823 PMCID: PMC7426763 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3256538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This preliminary study is aimed at enriching and isolating peritoneal metastatic cancer stem cells (pMCSCs) of gastric cancer and assessing their epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and invasiveness. Methods Cancer stem cells of human gastric cancer (CSC-hGC) were previously isolated and transfected with green fluorescent protein and luciferase genes to validate the mouse model of peritoneal metastasis established via transplantation. The first and second generations ([G1] and [G2], respectively) of pMCSCs were isolated from intraperitoneally transplanted CSC-hGC (pMCSC-tGC) by spherical culture. CSC and EMT-related markers and regulators in the two generations of intraperitoneally transplanted tumors were examined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative PCR. Cell mobility was examined by a transwell assay. Results The nude mouse model of intraperitoneally transplanted CSC-hGC was successful in establishing sequential formation of peritoneal tumors and enrichment of pMCSCs. CD44 and CD54 were consistently expressed in the two generations of transplanted tumors. In vitro cell (migration) assays and immunocytofluorescence assays showed that in pMCSC-tGC[G2], E-cad, Survivin, and Vimentin expression was stable; α-SMA expression was decreased; and OVOL2, GRHL2, and ZEB1 expression was increased. PCR analysis indicated that in pMCSC-tGC[G2], the mRNA expression of E-cad, α-SMA, MMP9, MMP2, and Vimentin was downregulated, while that of ZEB1, OVOL2, and GRHL2 was upregulated. In vivo tumor (homing) assays and immunohistochemical assays demonstrated that in pMCSC-tGC[G2], E-cad and Snail were upregulated, while α-SMA was downregulated. The numbers of migrated and invaded pMCSC-tGC[G1] and pMCSC-tGC[G2] were significantly higher than those of CSC-hGC in migration and invasion assays. Conclusions pMCSCs might be a specific subpopulation that can be sequentially enriched by intraperitoneal transplantation. pMCSCs exhibited a tendency towards partial mesenchymal-epithelial transition, enhancing their invasiveness during homing and the formation of peritoneal tumors. However, these preliminary findings require validation in further experiments.
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217
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NGRKC16-lipopeptide assisted liposomal-withaferin delivery for efficient killing of CD13 receptor-expressing pancreatic cancer and angiogenic endothelial cells. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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218
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D'Angelo E, Lindoso RS, Sensi F, Pucciarelli S, Bussolati B, Agostini M, Collino F. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Modulators of the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Driving the Fate of Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1122. [PMID: 32793478 PMCID: PMC7393251 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an evolutionarily conserved process. In cancer, EMT can activate biochemical changes in tumor cells that enable the destruction of the cellular polarity, leading to the acquisition of invasive capabilities. EMT regulation can be triggered by intrinsic and extrinsic signaling, allowing the tumor to adapt to the microenvironment demand in the different stages of tumor progression. In concomitance, tumor cells undergoing EMT actively interact with the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME) constituted by cell components and extracellular matrix as well as cell secretome elements. As a result, the TME is in turn modulated by the EMT process toward an aggressive behavior. The current review presents the intrinsic and extrinsic modulators of EMT and their relationship with the TME, focusing on the non-cell-derived components, such as secreted metabolites, extracellular matrix, as well as extracellular vesicles. Moreover, we explore how these modulators can be suitable targets for anticancer therapy and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo D'Angelo
- First Surgical Clinic, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- LIFELAB Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria–CORIS, Veneto Region, Padua, Italy
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Citta della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Rafael Soares Lindoso
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine–REGENERA, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Sensi
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Citta della Speranza, Padua, Italy
- Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Cà Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pucciarelli
- First Surgical Clinic, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Benedetta Bussolati
- Department of Medical Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Agostini
- First Surgical Clinic, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- LIFELAB Program, Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria–CORIS, Veneto Region, Padua, Italy
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Fondazione Citta della Speranza, Padua, Italy
| | - Federica Collino
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Fondazione Ca' Granda, IRCCS Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
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219
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LY75 Suppression in Mesenchymal Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells Generates a Stable Hybrid EOC Cellular Phenotype, Associated with Enhanced Tumor Initiation, Spreading and Resistance to Treatment in Orthotopic Xenograft Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144992. [PMID: 32679765 PMCID: PMC7404269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The implications of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanisms in the initiation and progression of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remain poorly understood. We have previously shown that suppression of the antigen receptor LY75 directs mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in EOC cell lines with the mesenchymal phenotype, associated with the loss of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity. In the present study, we used the LY75-mediated modulation of EMT in EOC cells as a model in order to investigate in vivo the specific role of EOC cells, with an epithelial (E), mesenchymal (M) or mixed epithelial plus mesenchymal (E+M) phenotype, in EOC initiation, dissemination and treatment response, following intra-bursal (IB) injections of SKOV3-M (control), SKOV3-E (Ly75KD) and a mixed population of SKOV3-E+M cells, into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. We found that the IB-injected SKOV3-E cells displayed considerably higher metastatic potential and resistance to treatment as compared to the SKOV3-M cells, due to the acquisition of a Ly75KD-mediated hybrid phenotype and stemness characteristics. We also confirmed in vivo that the LY75 depletion directs suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in EOC cells, suggestive of a protective role of this pathway in EOC etiology. Moreover, our data raise concerns regarding the use of LY75-targeted vaccines for dendritic-cell EOC immunotherapy, due to the possible occurrence of undesirable side effects.
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220
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Topel H, Bagirsakci E, Comez D, Bagci G, Cakan-Akdogan G, Atabey N. lncRNA HOTAIR overexpression induced downregulation of c-Met signaling promotes hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:110. [PMID: 32650779 PMCID: PMC7353702 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00602-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) are both reversible processes, and regulation of phenotypical transition is very important for progression of several cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, it is defined that cancer cells can attain a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (hybrid E/M) phenotype. Cells with hybrid E/M phenotype comprise mixed epithelial and mesenchymal properties, they can be more resistant to therapeutics and also more capable of initiating metastatic lesions. However, the mechanisms regulating hybrid E/M in HCC are not well described yet. In this study, we investigated the role of the potential crosstalk between lncRNA HOTAIR and c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, which are two essential regulators of EMT and MET, in acquiring of hybrid E/M phenotype in HCC. Methods Expression of c-Met and lncRNA HOTAIR were defined in HCC cell lines and patient tissues through HCC progression. lncRNA HOTAIR was overexpressed in SNU-449 cells and its effects on c-Met signaling were analyzed. c-Met was overexpressed in SNU-398 cells and its effect on HOTAIR expression was analyzed. Biological significance of HOTAIR/c-Met interplay was defined in means of adhesion, proliferation, motility behavior, invasion, spheroid formation and metastatic ability. Effect of ectopic lncRNA HOTAIR expression on phenotype was defined with investigation of molecular epithelial and mesenchymal traits. Results In vitro and in vivo experiments verified the pivotal role of lncRNA HOTAIR in acquisition of hybrid E/M phenotype through modulating expression and activation of c-Met and its membrane co-localizing partner Caveolin-1, and membrane organization to cope with the rate limiting steps of metastasis such as survival in adhesion independent microenvironment, escaping from anoikis and resisting to fluidic shear stress (FSS) in HCC. Conclusions Our work provides the first evidence suggesting a role for lncRNA HOTAIR in the modulation of c-Met to promote hybrid E/M phenotype. The balance between lncRNA HOTAIR and c-Met might be critical for cell fate decision and metastatic potential of HCC cells. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Hande Topel
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey.,Functional Genomics and Metabolism Unit, Department for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Ezgi Bagirsakci
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Dehan Comez
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulsun Bagci
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulcin Cakan-Akdogan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340, Balcova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nese Atabey
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Balcova, 35340, Izmir, Turkey.
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221
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Celià-Terrassa T, Jolly MK. Cancer Stem Cells and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Metastasis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036905. [PMID: 31570380 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) concept stands for undifferentiated tumor cells with the ability to initiate heterogeneous tumors. It is also relevant in metastasis and can explain how metastatic tumors mirror the heterogeneity of primary tumors. Cellular plasticity, including the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enables the generation of CSCs at different steps of the metastatic process including metastatic colonization. In this review, we update the concept of CSCs and provide evidence of the existence of metastatic stem cells (MetSCs). In addition, we highlight the nuanced understanding of EMT that has been gained recently and the association of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) with the acquisition of CSCs properties during metastasis. We also comment on the computational approaches that have profoundly influenced our understanding of CSCs and EMT; and how these studies and new experimental technologies can yield a deeper understanding of the biological aspects of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Celià-Terrassa
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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222
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Kastrati I, Joosten SEP, Semina SE, Alejo LH, Brovkovych SD, Stender JD, Horlings HM, Kok M, Alarid ET, Greene GL, Linn SC, Zwart W, Frasor J. The NF-κB Pathway Promotes Tamoxifen Tolerance and Disease Recurrence in Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancers. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1018-1027. [PMID: 32245803 PMCID: PMC7335344 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-1082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify critical pathways promoting survival of tamoxifen-tolerant, estrogen receptor α positive (ER+) breast cancer cells, which contribute to therapy resistance and disease recurrence. Gene expression profiling and pathway analysis were performed in ER+ breast tumors of patients before and after neoadjuvant tamoxifen treatment and demonstrated activation of the NF-κB pathway and an enrichment of epithelial-to mesenchymal transition (EMT)/stemness features. Exposure of ER+ breast cancer cell lines to tamoxifen, in vitro and in vivo, gives rise to a tamoxifen-tolerant population with similar NF-κB activity and EMT/stemness characteristics. Small-molecule inhibitors and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout were used to assess the role of the NF-κB pathway and demonstrated that survival of tamoxifen-tolerant cells requires NF-κB activity. Moreover, this pathway was essential for tumor recurrence following tamoxifen withdrawal. These findings establish that elevated NF-κB activity is observed in breast cancer cell lines under selective pressure with tamoxifen in vitro and in vivo, as well as in patient tumors treated with neoadjuvant tamoxifen therapy. This pathway is essential for survival and regrowth of tamoxifen-tolerant cells, and, as such, NF-κB inhibition offers a promising approach to prevent recurrence of ER+ tumors following tamoxifen exposure. IMPLICATIONS: Understanding initial changes that enable survival of tamoxifen-tolerant cells, as mediated by NF-κB pathway, may translate into therapeutic interventions to prevent resistance and relapse, which remain major causes of breast cancer lethality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irida Kastrati
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stacey E P Joosten
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Svetlana E Semina
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Luis H Alejo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Svitlana D Brovkovych
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Joshua D Stender
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Hugo M Horlings
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen Kok
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Tumor Biology & Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elaine T Alarid
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Geoffrey L Greene
- The Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sabine C Linn
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wilbert Zwart
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jonna Frasor
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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223
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Nanni S, Bacci L, Aiello A, Re A, Salis C, Grassi C, Pontecorvi A, Gaetano C, Farsetti A. Signaling through estrogen receptors modulates long non-coding RNAs in prostate cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 511:110864. [PMID: 32413384 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a sex-steroid hormone-dependent cancer in which estrogens play a critical role in both initiation and progression. Recently, several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been associated with PCa and are supposedly playing a pivotal role in the biology and progression of this type of cancer. In this review, we focused on some lncRNAs that are known for their androgen and estrogen transcriptional responsiveness in PCa. Specifically, we summarized recent pieces of evidence about lncRNAs NEAT1, H19, MALAT1, and HOTAIR, in estrogen signaling, emphasizing their role in PCa progression and the acquisition of a castration-resistant phenotype. Here, the reader will find information about lncRNAs present in estrogen-dependent transcriptional complexes. The potential role of lncRNA/estrogen signaling as a novel pathway for PCa treatment will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Nanni
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.
| | - Lorenza Bacci
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Aurora Aiello
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "A. Ruberti" (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese Re
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "A. Ruberti" (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Salis
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaetano
- Laboratorio di Epigenetica, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Antonella Farsetti
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "A. Ruberti" (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Mohammadinejad R, Biagioni A, Arunkumar G, Shapiro R, Chang KC, Sedeeq M, Taiyab A, Hashemabadi M, Pardakhty A, Mandegary A, Thiery JP, Aref AR, Azimi I. EMT signaling: potential contribution of CRISPR/Cas gene editing. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2701-2722. [PMID: 32008085 PMCID: PMC11104910 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03449-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex plastic and reversible cellular process that has critical roles in diverse physiological and pathological phenomena. EMT is involved in embryonic development, organogenesis and tissue repair, as well as in fibrosis, cancer metastasis and drug resistance. In recent years, the ability to edit the genome using the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and associated protein (Cas) system has greatly contributed to identify or validate critical genes in pathway signaling. This review delineates the complex EMT networks and discusses recent studies that have used CRISPR/Cas technology to further advance our understanding of the EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Mohammadinejad
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ganesan Arunkumar
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Kun-Che Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94303, USA
| | - Mohammed Sedeeq
- Division of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Aftab Taiyab
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Mohammad Hashemabadi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Pardakhty
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Mandegary
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology and Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health, Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Medical Oncology, Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Iman Azimi
- Division of Pharmacy, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
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Gaponova AV, Rodin S, Mazina AA, Volchkov PV. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Cancer Progression and the Perspectives of Antitumor Treatment. Acta Naturae 2020; 12:4-23. [PMID: 33173593 PMCID: PMC7604894 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
About 90% of all malignant tumors are of epithelial nature. The epithelial tissue is characterized by a close interconnection between cells through cell-cell interactions, as well as a tight connection with the basement membrane, which is responsible for cell polarity. These interactions strictly determine the location of epithelial cells within the body and are seemingly in conflict with the metastatic potential that many cancers possess (the main criteria for highly malignant tumors). Tumor dissemination into vital organs is one of the primary causes of death in patients with cancer. Tumor dissemination is based on the so-called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process when epithelial cells are transformed into mesenchymal cells possessing high mobility and migration potential. More and more studies elucidating the role of the EMT in metastasis and other aspects of tumor progression are published each year, thus forming a promising field of cancer research. In this review, we examine the most recent data on the intracellular and extracellular molecular mechanisms that activate EMT and the role they play in various aspects of tumor progression, such as metastasis, apoptotic resistance, and immune evasion, aspects that have usually been attributed exclusively to cancer stem cells (CSCs). In conclusion, we provide a detailed review of the approved and promising drugs for cancer therapy that target the components of the EMT signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. V. Gaponova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701 Russia
| | - S. Rodin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177 Sweden
| | - A. A. Mazina
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701 Russia
| | - P. V. Volchkov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141701 Russia
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Steinbichler TB, Dudas J, Ingruber J, Glueckert R, Sprung S, Fleischer F, Cidlinsky N, Dejaco D, Kofler B, Giotakis AI, Skvortsova II, Riechelmann H. Slug Is A Surrogate Marker of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Head and Neck Cancer. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9072061. [PMID: 32630033 PMCID: PMC7408865 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes therapy resistance in head and neck cancer (HNC) cells. In this study, EMT was quantified in HNC tumor samples by the cellular co-localization of cytokeratin/vimentin, E-cadherin/β-catenin and by Slug expression. Methods: Tissue samples from HNC patients were stained with antibody pairs against cytokeratin/vimentin and E-cadherin/β-catenin. Epithelial–mesenchymal co-localization was quantified using immunofluorescence multichannel image cytometry. Double positivity was confirmed using confocal microscopy. Slug was semi-quantified by 2 specialists and quantified by bright field image cytometry. Results: Tumor samples of 102 patients were investigated. A loss of E-cadherin positive cells (56.9 ± 2.6% vs. 97.9 ± 1.0%; p < 0.0001) and E-cadherin/β-catenin double positive cells (15.4 ± 5.7% vs. 85.4 ± 1.2%; p < 0.0001) was observed in tumor samples. The percentage of Slug positive cells was increased in tumor samples (12.1 ± 3.6% vs. 3.2 ± 2.6%; p = 0.001). Ordinal Slug scores judged by two specialists closely correlated with percentage of Slug-positive cells (Spearman’s rho = 0.81; p < 0.001). Slug score correlated negatively with the percentage of E-cadherin positive cells (r = 0.4; p = 0.006), the percentage of E-cadherin/β-catenin positive cells (r = 0.5; p = 0.001) and positively with cytokeratin/vimentin positive cells (r = 0.4, p = 0.003). Conclusion: EMT can be assessed in HNC tumor probes by cytokeratin/vimentin co-expression and loss of E-cadherin/β-catenin co-expression. Slug score provides a convenient surrogate marker for EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. B. Steinbichler
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-512-504-23142
| | - J. Dudas
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
| | - J. Ingruber
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
| | - R. Glueckert
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
| | - S. Sprung
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - F. Fleischer
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
| | - N. Cidlinsky
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
| | - D. Dejaco
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
| | - B. Kofler
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
| | - A. I. Giotakis
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
| | - I. I. Skvortsova
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck; 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - H. Riechelmann
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (J.D.); (J.I.); (R.G.); (F.F.); (N.C.); (D.D.); (B.K.); (A.I.G.); (H.R.)
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Genna A, Vanwynsberghe AM, Villard AV, Pottier C, Ancel J, Polette M, Gilles C. EMT-Associated Heterogeneity in Circulating Tumor Cells: Sticky Friends on the Road to Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1632. [PMID: 32575608 PMCID: PMC7352430 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) generate hybrid phenotypes with an enhanced ability to adapt to diverse microenvironments encountered during the metastatic spread. Accordingly, EMTs play a crucial role in the biology of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and contribute to their heterogeneity. Here, we review major EMT-driven properties that may help hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal CTCs to survive in the bloodstream and accomplish early phases of metastatic colonization. We then discuss how interrogating EMT in CTCs as a companion biomarker could help refine cancer patient management, further supporting the relevance of CTCs in personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Genna
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Aline M. Vanwynsberghe
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Amélie V. Villard
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Charles Pottier
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Julien Ancel
- CHU (Centre Hopitalier Universitaire) de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Service de Pneumologie, 51092 Reims, France;
- INSERM, UMR (Unité Mixte de Recherche)-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51097 Reims, France;
| | - Myriam Polette
- INSERM, UMR (Unité Mixte de Recherche)-S1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51097 Reims, France;
- CHU de Reims, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Laboratoire de Pathologie, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Christine Gilles
- GIGA-Cancer, Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, Pathology Tower, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (A.G.); (A.M.V.); (A.V.V.); (C.P.)
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Majc B, Sever T, Zarić M, Breznik B, Turk B, Lah TT. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition as the driver of changing carcinoma and glioblastoma microenvironment. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118782. [PMID: 32554164 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential molecular and cellular process that is part of normal embryogenesis and wound healing, and also has a ubiquitous role in various types of carcinoma and glioblastoma. EMT is activated and regulated by specific microenvironmental endogenous triggers and a complex network of signalling pathways. These mostly include epigenetic events that affect protein translation-controlling factors and proteases, altogether orchestrated by the switching on and off of oncogenes and tumour-suppressor genes in cancer cells. The hallmark of cancer-linked EMT is that the process is incomplete, as it is opposed by the reverse process of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, which results in a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype that shows notable cell plasticity. This is a characteristic of cancer stem cells (CSCs), and it is of the utmost importance in their niche microenvironment, where it governs CSC migratory and invasive properties, thereby creating metastatic CSCs. These cells have high resistance to therapeutic treatments, in particular in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tilen Sever
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Josef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miki Zarić
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Josef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Josef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Institute of Regenerative Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Bol'shaya Pirogovskaya Ulitsa, 19с1, Moscow 119146, Russia
| | - Tamara T Lah
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Večna pot 113, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Liu H, Ding J, Wu Y, Wu D, Qi J. Prospective Study of the Clinical Impact of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Circulating Tumor Cells in Localized Prostate Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:4549-4560. [PMID: 32606948 PMCID: PMC7304675 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s253997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are considered as a surrogate marker in monitoring disease progression and treatment response in late stage prostate cancer (PCa), its clinical impact in localized PCa remains unclear, indicating the limitation that is simply based on cell count. This perspective observational study aimed to detect the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) subtypes of CTCs in localized PCa and analyze their clinical relevance and application in predicting PCa stages before surgery compared with the Partin table. Patients and Methods Between August 2017 and April 2019, 80 newly diagnosed localized PCa patients were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood samples (5 mL) were collected prior to surgery. The CanPatrolTM CTC enrichment technique, a size-based isolation method, was used to detect the EMT CTCs. Clinical relevance of the CTCs was analyzed with Spearman’s rank correlation test. Models to predict pathological were built with multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) analysis were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the prediction model. Results CTCs were detected in 55% of all patients. The biophenotypic CTCs were most valuable and closely correlated with PSA, Gleason score, D’Amico risk classification, and pathological stage in localized PCa. The mesenchymal subtype was rare in this population but associated with seminal vesicle invasion, while the epithelial subtype had limited clinical significance. In addition, the biophenotypic CTCs combined with traditional clinical variables were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression to predict organ-confined disease before surgery, of which the AUC reached 0.818 and was superior to the Partin table 2017 in our cohort. Conclusion This study highlights the clinical impact of the biophenotypic CTCs in localized PCa, which was most closely related to clinical variables and could help to predict pathology outcomes before surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Liu
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyuan Wu
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Urology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China
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A self-sustaining endocytic-based loop promotes breast cancer plasticity leading to aggressiveness and pro-metastatic behavior. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3020. [PMID: 32541686 PMCID: PMC7296024 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16836-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The subversion of endocytic routes leads to malignant transformation and has been implicated in human cancers. However, there is scarce evidence for genetic alterations of endocytic proteins as causative in high incidence human cancers. Here, we report that Epsin 3 (EPN3) is an oncogene with prognostic and therapeutic relevance in breast cancer. Mechanistically, EPN3 drives breast tumorigenesis by increasing E-cadherin endocytosis, followed by the activation of a β-catenin/TCF4-dependent partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), followed by the establishment of a TGFβ-dependent autocrine loop that sustains EMT. EPN3-induced partial EMT is instrumental for the transition from in situ to invasive breast carcinoma, and, accordingly, high EPN3 levels are detected at the invasive front of human breast cancers and independently predict metastatic rather than loco-regional recurrence. Thus, we uncover an endocytic-based mechanism able to generate TGFβ-dependent regulatory loops conferring cellular plasticity and invasive behavior.
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231
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Sun L, Han T, Zhang X, Liu X, Li P, Shao M, Dong S, Li W. PRRX1 isoform PRRX1A regulates the stemness phenotype and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) derived from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Transl Lung Cancer Res 2020; 9:731-744. [PMID: 32676335 PMCID: PMC7354111 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Backgrounds The 2 isoforms of paired-related homeobox 1 (PRRX1), PRRX1A and PRRX1B, are critical in regulating several kinds of cancers, and figure prominently in the maintenance of stemness and progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However their differential expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) clinical samples and exact regulatory roles in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) remain unknown. Methods In vitro and in vivo experiments were employed to investigate the molecular mechanism. Using CSCs, mouse models, and clinical tissues, we obtained a general picture of the relatively higher level of PRRX1A compared to PRRX1B, and PRRX1A thus promoting EMT and maintaining stemness of CSCs. Results PRRX1A but not PRRX1B was upregulated in lung cancer tissues and was positively correlated with TGF-β expression. In CSCs, overexpressed PRRX1A promoted malignant behaviors via transcriptional activation of TGF-β depending on TGF-β/TGF-βR signaling pathway. PRRX1A knockdown decreased self-renewal capacity accompanied by a decrease in stemness factor expression independent of the TGF-β/TGF-βR signaling pathway. Furthermore, PRRX1A was found to tightly bind to and stabilize SOX2. PRRX1A promoted sphere formation not only by enhancing stemness via stabilizing SOX2 but also by promoting cell proliferation. Conclusions PRRX1A, but not PRRX1B, was demonstrated to have important roles in the regulation of the stemness and metastatic potential of lung cancer, which suggests the potential application of PRRX1A in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xiangli Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Peiwen Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Mingrui Shao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Siyuan Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Wenya Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
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Rapanotti MC, Campione E, Suarez Viguria TM, Spallone G, Costanza G, Rossi P, Orlandi A, Valenti P, Bernardini S, Bianchi L. Stem-Mesenchymal Signature Cell Genes Detected in Heterogeneous Circulating Melanoma Cells Correlate With Disease Stage in Melanoma Patients. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:92. [PMID: 32548126 PMCID: PMC7272706 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During the process of metastasis, cancer cells dissociate from primary tumors, migrate to distal sites, and finally colonize, eventually leading to the formation of metastatic tumors. These cancer cells, defined circulating tumor cells (CTCs) spreading through the blood stream, may develop metastatic lesions or remain dormant. Some emerging clinical evidence supports that some tumor cells may possess metastatic properties already in the earlier stages of tumorigenesis. Because the initiation and progression of vertical growth in human melanoma is fundamental to the notion of tumor virulence and progression, we decided to immune-magnetic collect and molecularly characterize circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) from melanoma patients AJCC staged = pT1b (i.e., transition from radial to vertical phase). CMCs are phenotypically and molecularly heterogeneous, thus we performed a "home-made Liquid-Biopsy," by targeting the melanoma-associated-antigen, MCAM/MUC18/CD146, and/or the melanoma-initiating marker, ABCB5. We assessed a biomarker qualitative expression panel, contemplating the angiogenic-potential, melanoma-initiating and melanoma-differentiation drivers, cell-cell adhesion molecules, matrix-metallo-proteinases, which was performed on three enriched subpopulations from a total of 61 blood-samples from 21 melanoma patients. At first, a significant differential expression of the specific transcripts was documented between and within the CMC fractions enriched with MCAM-, ABCB5-, and both MCAM/ABCB5-coated beads, when analyzing two distinct groups: early AJCC- (stage I-II) and advanced- staged patients (stage II-IV). Moreover, in the early-AJCC staged-group, we could distinguish "endothelial," CD45-MCAM+ enriched-, "stem" S-CMCs, CD45-ABCB5+ enriched- and a third hybrid bi-phenotypic CD45-MCAM+/ABCB5+ enriched-fractions, due to three distinct gene-expression profiles. In particular, the endothelial-CMCs were characterized by positive expression of genes involved in migration and invasion, whilst the stem CMC-fraction only expressed stem and differentiation markers. The third subpopulation isolated based on concurrent MCAM and ABCB5 protein expression showed an invasive phenotype. All three distinct CMCs sub-populations, exhibited a primitive, "stem-mesenchymal" profile suggesting a highly aggressive and metastasizing phenotype. This study confirms the phenotypic and molecular heterogeneity observed in melanoma and highlights those putative genes involved in early melanoma spreading and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Rapanotti
- Department of Onco-Haematology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- Department of Dermatology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tara Mayte Suarez Viguria
- Department of Onco-Haematology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Spallone
- Department of Dermatology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetana Costanza
- Anatomic Pathology Division, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Rossi
- Surgery Division, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Anatomic Pathology Division, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Department of Dermatology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Bi M, Zhang Z, Jiang YZ, Xue P, Wang H, Lai Z, Fu X, De Angelis C, Gong Y, Gao Z, Ruan J, Jin VX, Marangoni E, Montaudon E, Glass CK, Li W, Huang THM, Shao ZM, Schiff R, Chen L, Liu Z. Enhancer reprogramming driven by high-order assemblies of transcription factors promotes phenotypic plasticity and breast cancer endocrine resistance. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:701-715. [PMID: 32424275 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-0514-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acquired therapy resistance is a major problem for anticancer treatment, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Using an established breast cancer cellular model, we show that endocrine resistance is associated with enhanced phenotypic plasticity, indicated by a general downregulation of luminal/epithelial differentiation markers and upregulation of basal/mesenchymal invasive markers. Consistently, similar gene expression changes are found in clinical breast tumours and patient-derived xenograft samples that are resistant to endocrine therapies. Mechanistically, the differential interactions between oestrogen receptor α and other oncogenic transcription factors, exemplified by GATA3 and AP1, drive global enhancer gain/loss reprogramming, profoundly altering breast cancer transcriptional programs. Our functional studies in multiple culture and xenograft models reveal a coordinated role of GATA3 and AP1 in re-organizing enhancer landscapes and regulating cancer phenotypes. Collectively, our study suggests that differential high-order assemblies of transcription factors on enhancers trigger genome-wide enhancer reprogramming, resulting in transcriptional transitions that promote tumour phenotypic plasticity and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjun Bi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengya Xue
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hu Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zhao Lai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoyong Fu
- Department of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carmine De Angelis
- Department of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yue Gong
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Gao
- Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jianhua Ruan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Victor X Jin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Elisabetta Marangoni
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Montaudon
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Christopher K Glass
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tim Hui-Ming Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Rachel Schiff
- Department of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lizhen Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA. .,Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Zhijie Liu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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235
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Vernot JP. Senescence-Associated Pro-inflammatory Cytokines and Tumor Cell Plasticity. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:63. [PMID: 32478091 PMCID: PMC7237636 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The well-recognized cell phenotypic heterogeneity in tumors is a great challenge for cancer treatment. Dynamic interconversion and movement within a spectrum of different cell phenotypes (cellular plasticity) with the acquisition of specific cell functions is a fascinating biological puzzle, that represent an additional difficulty for cancer treatment and novel therapies development. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for moving or stabilizing tumor cells within this spectrum of variable states constitutes a valuable tool to overcome these challenges. In particular, cell transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes (EMT-MET) and de-and trans-differentiation processes are relevant, since it has been shown that they confer invasiveness, drug resistance, and metastatic ability, due to the simultaneous acquisition of stem-like cell properties. Multiple drivers participate in these cell conversions events. In particular, cellular senescence and senescence-associated soluble factors have been shown to unveil stem-like cell properties and cell plasticity. By modulating gradually the composition of their secretome and the time of exposure, senescent cells may have differential effect not only on tumor cells but also on surrounding cells. Intriguingly, tumor cells that scape from senescence acquire stem-like cell properties and aggressiveness. The reinforcement of senescence and inflammation by soluble factors and the participation of immune cells may provide a dynamic milieu having varied effects on cell transitions, reprogramming, plasticity, stemness and therefore heterogeneity. This will confer different epithelial/mesenchymal traits (hybrid phenotype) and stem-like cell properties, combinations of which, in a particular cell context, could be responsible for different cellular functions during cancer progression (survival, migration, invasion, colonization or proliferation). Additionally, cooperative behavior between cell subpopulations with different phenotypes/stemness functions could also modulate their cellular plasticity. Here, we will discuss the role of senescence and senescence-associated pro-inflammatory cytokines on the induction of cellular plasticity, their effect role in establishing particular states within this spectrum of cell phenotypes and how this is accompanied by stem-like cell properties that, as the epithelial transitions, may also have a continuum of characteristics providing tumor cells with functional adaptability specifically useful in the different stages of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Paul Vernot
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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236
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Thong T, Wang Y, Brooks MD, Lee CT, Scott C, Balzano L, Wicha MS, Colacino JA. Hybrid Stem Cell States: Insights Into the Relationship Between Mammary Development and Breast Cancer Using Single-Cell Transcriptomics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:288. [PMID: 32457901 PMCID: PMC7227401 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Similarities between stem cells and cancer cells have implicated mammary stem cells in breast carcinogenesis. Recent evidence suggests that normal breast stem cells exist in multiple phenotypic states: epithelial, mesenchymal, and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M). Hybrid E/M cells in particular have been implicated in breast cancer metastasis and poor prognosis. Mounting evidence also suggests that stem cell phenotypes change throughout the life course, for example, through embryonic development and pregnancy. The goal of this study was to use single cell RNA-sequencing to quantify cell state distributions of the normal mammary (NM) gland throughout developmental stages and when perturbed into a stem-like state in vitro using conditional reprogramming (CR). Using machine learning based dataset alignment, we integrate multiple mammary gland single cell RNA-seq datasets from human and mouse, along with bulk RNA-seq data from breast tumors in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), to interrogate hybrid stem cell states in the normal mammary gland and cancer. CR of human mammary cells induces an expanded stem cell state, characterized by increased expression of embryonic stem cell associated genes. Alignment to a mouse single-cell transcriptome atlas spanning mammary gland development from in utero to adulthood revealed that NM cells align to adult mouse cells and CR cells align across the pseudotime trajectory with a stem-like population aligning to the embryonic mouse cells. Three hybrid populations emerge after CR that are rare in NM: KRT18+/KRT14+ (hybrid luminal/basal), EPCAM+/VIM+ (hybrid E/M), and a quadruple positive population, expressing all four markers. Pseudotime analysis and alignment to the mouse developmental trajectory revealed that E/M hybrids are the most developmentally immature. Analyses of single cell mouse mammary RNA-seq throughout pregnancy show that during gestation, there is an enrichment of hybrid E/M cells, suggesting that these cells play an important role in mammary morphogenesis during lactation. Finally, pseudotime analysis and alignment of TCGA breast cancer expression data revealed that breast cancer subtypes express distinct developmental signatures, with basal tumors representing the most “developmentally immature” phenotype. These results highlight phenotypic plasticity of normal mammary stem cells and provide insight into the relationship between hybrid cell populations, stemness, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha Thong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Yutong Wang
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Michael D Brooks
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Christopher T Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Clayton Scott
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Laura Balzano
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Max S Wicha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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237
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Ramirez D, Kohar V, Lu M. Toward Modeling Context-Specific EMT Regulatory Networks Using Temporal Single Cell RNA-Seq Data. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:54. [PMID: 32391378 PMCID: PMC7190801 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is well established as playing a crucial role in cancer progression and being a potential therapeutic target. To elucidate the gene regulation that drives the decision making of EMT, many previous studies have been conducted to model EMT gene regulatory circuits (GRCs) using interactions from the literature. While this approach can depict the generic regulatory interactions, it falls short of capturing context-specific features. Here, we explore the effectiveness of a combined bioinformatics and mathematical modeling approach to construct context-specific EMT GRCs directly from transcriptomics data. Using time-series single cell RNA-sequencing data from four different cancer cell lines treated with three EMT-inducing signals, we identify context-specific activity dynamics of common EMT transcription factors. In particular, we observe distinct paths during the forward and backward transitions, as is evident from the dynamics of major regulators such as NF-KB (e.g., NFKB2 and RELB) and AP-1 (e.g., FOSL1 and JUNB). For each experimental condition, we systematically sample a large set of network models and identify the optimal GRC capturing context-specific EMT states using a mathematical modeling method named Random Circuit Perturbation (RACIPE). The results demonstrate that the approach can build high quality GRCs in certain cases, but not others and, meanwhile, elucidate the role of common bioinformatics parameters and properties of network structures in determining the quality of GRCs. We expect the integration of top-down bioinformatics and bottom-up systems biology modeling to be a powerful and generally applicable approach to elucidate gene regulatory mechanisms of cellular state transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ramirez
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Vivek Kohar
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Mingyang Lu
- The Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
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238
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Chiodi I, Mondello C. Life style factors, tumor cell plasticity and cancer stem cells. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2020; 784:108308. [PMID: 32430096 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2020.108308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancers are heterogeneous tissues and a layer of heterogeneity is determined by the presence of cells showing stemness traits, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). Evidence indicates that CSCs are important players in tumor development, progression and relapse. Oncogenic transformation of normal stem cells can give rise to CSCs, but CSCs can also originate from de-differentiation of bulk tumor cells. Thus, factors promoting the increase of normal stem cell pools or stimulating the acquisition of stemness features by tumor cells can have serious consequences on cancer origin and progression. In this review, we will first give an overview of the CSC model of cancer development and we will then discuss the role of life style factors, such as high caloric diet, alcohol drinking and smoking, on the widening of stem cell pools and the induction of CSC features in tumors. Finally, we will discuss some healthy life style factors that can help to prevent cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Chiodi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare L. L. Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chiara Mondello
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare L. L. Cavalli-Sforza, CNR, via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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239
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Xu D, Feng F, Pei Y, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Guo Y, Cui W. Differential expression of SALL4 in CTCs derived from hydatidiform moles and gestational trophoblastic neoplasms. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 83:e13233. [PMID: 32187420 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To investigate EMT phenotype and SALL4 expression of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasm (GTN). METHOD OF STUDY CanPatrol CTC detection system in combination with SALL4 RNA in situ hybridization was used to investigate the profile of CTCs in different types of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Circulating CTCs were phenotyped and annotated with SALL4 expression in 41 GTD patients, including 12 HM and 29 GTN, as well as 22 pregnant volunteers. RESULTS A positive correlation between the number of CTC and serum β-hCG concentration was found among the GTN patients. The number of E/M-CTC was positively correlated with serum β-hCG, while M-CTC was positively correlated with prognostic score. Comparison among malignant GTD, benign GTD and healthy pregnant women revealed a significant difference in the number of total CTC, E/M-CTC, and M-CTC but not in E-CTC. ROC analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of CTC phenotypes in distinguishing GTD patients from healthy pregnant women yielding an AUC as 0.826. Youden's index was maximal at the cutoff value of 8.5/4 mL with sensitivity and specificity at 53.66% and 100%, respectively. SALL4 expression was evaluated in GTD patients with CTC count greater than cutoff value. SALL4 high expressing CTCs (>2 signal dots) were detected in 66.67% (10/15) of malignant GTD patients but not in benign patients (0/5). CONCLUSION Differential expression of SALL4 was seen in CTCs derived from hydatidiform moles and GTN. CTC profiling may be developed as an adjunct marker to diagnose GTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danfei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fengzhi Feng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yujuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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240
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Kovar H, Bierbaumer L, Radic-Sarikas B. The YAP/TAZ Pathway in Osteogenesis and Bone Sarcoma Pathogenesis. Cells 2020; 9:E972. [PMID: 32326412 PMCID: PMC7227004 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
YAP and TAZ are intracellular messengers communicating multiple interacting extracellular biophysical and biochemical cues to the transcription apparatus in the nucleus and back to the cell/tissue microenvironment interface through the regulation of cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix components. Their activity is negatively and positively controlled by multiple phosphorylation events. Phenotypically, they serve an important role in cellular plasticity and lineage determination during development. As they regulate self-renewal, proliferation, migration, invasion and differentiation of stem cells, perturbed expression of YAP/TAZ signaling components play important roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Despite their high structural similarity, YAP and TAZ are functionally not identical and may play distinct cell type and differentiation stage-specific roles mediated by a diversity of downstream effectors and upstream regulatory molecules. However, YAP and TAZ are frequently looked at as functionally redundant and are not sufficiently discriminated in the scientific literature. As the extracellular matrix composition and mechanosignaling are of particular relevance in bone formation during embryogenesis, post-natal bone elongation and bone regeneration, YAP/TAZ are believed to have critical functions in these processes. Depending on the differentiation stage of mesenchymal stem cells during endochondral bone development, YAP and TAZ serve distinct roles, which are also reflected in bone tumors arising from the mesenchymal lineage at different developmental stages. Efforts to clinically translate the wealth of available knowledge of the pathway for cancer diagnostic and therapeutic purposes focus mainly on YAP and TAZ expression and their role as transcriptional co-activators of TEAD transcription factors but rarely consider the expression and activity of pathway modulatory components and other transcriptional partners of YAP and TAZ. As there is a growing body of evidence for YAP and TAZ as potential therapeutic targets in several cancers, we here interrogate the applicability of this concept to bone tumors. To this end, this review aims to summarize our current knowledge of YAP and TAZ in cell plasticity, normal bone development and bone cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heinrich Kovar
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.B.); (B.R.-S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Bierbaumer
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.B.); (B.R.-S.)
| | - Branka Radic-Sarikas
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.B.); (B.R.-S.)
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241
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Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Chartoumpekis DV, Kyriazopoulou V, Zaravinos A. EMT Factors and Metabolic Pathways in Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:499. [PMID: 32318352 PMCID: PMC7154126 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a biological program during which epithelial cells lose their cell identity and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. EMT is normally observed during organismal development, wound healing and tissue fibrosis. However, this process can be hijacked by cancer cells and is often associated with resistance to apoptosis, acquisition of tissue invasiveness, cancer stem cell characteristics, and cancer treatment resistance. It is becoming evident that EMT is a complex, multifactorial spectrum, often involving episodic, transient or partial events. Multiple factors have been causally implicated in EMT including transcription factors (e.g., SNAIL, TWIST, ZEB), epigenetic modifications, microRNAs (e.g., miR-200 family) and more recently, long non-coding RNAs. However, the relevance of metabolic pathways in EMT is only recently being recognized. Importantly, alterations in key metabolic pathways affect cancer development and progression. In this review, we report the roles of key EMT factors and describe their interactions and interconnectedness. We introduce metabolic pathways that are involved in EMT, including glycolysis, the TCA cycle, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and characterize the relationship between EMT factors and cancer metabolism. Finally, we present therapeutic opportunities involving EMT, with particular focus on cancer metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dionysios V Chartoumpekis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Venetsana Kyriazopoulou
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Life Sciences European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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242
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Martin-Hijano L, Sainz B. The Interactions Between Cancer Stem Cells and the Innate Interferon Signaling Pathway. Front Immunol 2020; 11:526. [PMID: 32296435 PMCID: PMC7136464 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) form a family of cytokines with pleiotropic effects that modulate the immune response against multiple challenges like viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. While numerous anti-tumor activities have been described for IFNs, IFNs have also been associated with tumor growth and progression. The effect of IFNs on apoptosis, angiogenesis, tumor cell immunogenicity, and modulation of immune cells have been largely studied; however, less is known about their specific effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs constitute a subpopulation of tumor cells endowed with stem-like properties including self-renewal, chemoresistance, tumorigenic capacity, and quiescence. This rare and unique subpopulation of cells is believed to be responsible for tumor maintenance, metastatic spread, and relapse. Thus, this review aims to summarize and discuss the current knowledge of the anti- and pro-CSCs effects of IFNs and also to highlight the need for further research on the interplay between IFNs and CSCs. Importantly, understanding this interplay will surely help to exploit the anti-tumor effects of IFNs, specifically those that target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martin-Hijano
- Cancer Stem Cell and Tumor Microenvironment Group, Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Stem Cell and Tumor Microenvironment Group, Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Stem Cell and Tumor Microenvironment Group, Chronic Diseases and Cancer—Area 3, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Sainz
- Cancer Stem Cell and Tumor Microenvironment Group, Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Stem Cell and Tumor Microenvironment Group, Department of Cancer Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (IIBM), CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Stem Cell and Tumor Microenvironment Group, Chronic Diseases and Cancer—Area 3, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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243
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SNHG16 regulates invasion and migration of bladder cancer through induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Hum Cell 2020; 33:737-749. [PMID: 32207096 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-020-00343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most common urinary malignancies in the world. Growing evidence suggests that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major contributor for BCa metastasis. lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 16 (SNHG16) has been reported as a tumor promoter in many cancers. This study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of SNHG16 on EMT in BCa. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of SNHG16 in human BCa tissues and TGF-β-induced cells. Western blot (WB) was performed to evaluate the expression of EMT-related proteins. Transwell assay was exerted to assess the migration and invasion ability of SNHG16 in BCa. RNA pull-down assay was conducted to confirm the RNA-RNA interaction. The precise mechanism by which SNHG16 regulated EMT process in BCa was also explored. SNHG16 was found up-regulated in TGF-β-induced BCa cells and BCa tissues. Transwell assay showed that overexpression of SNHG16 significantly promoted the migration and invasion of BCa cells, whereas knock-down of SNHG16 caused the opposite effects. Then, the interaction between SNHG16 and miR-200a-3p was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay. And the effects of knock-down or overexpression of SNHG16 on migration and invasion were reversed by co-transfecting miR-200a-3p inhibitors or mimics. This study first demonstrated that SNHG16 was responsible for EMT of BCa cells via miR-200a-3p/ ZEB1/ZEB2 axis. These results provided a potential therapeutic strategy for BCa treatment, especially in metastatic BCa.
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244
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Cortesi M, Liverani C, Mercatali L, Ibrahim T, Giordano E. Computational models to explore the complexity of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cancer. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 12:e1488. [PMID: 32208556 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological process that plays a key role in cancer progression and metastasis formation. Its activation results in epithelial cells losing adhesion and polarity and becoming capable of migrating from their site of origin. At this step the disease is generally considered incurable. As EMT execution involves several individual molecular components, connected by nontrivial relations, in vitro techniques are often inadequate to capture its complexity. Computational models can be used to complement experiments and provide additional knowledge difficult to build up in a wetlab. Indeed in silico analysis gives the user total control on the system, allowing to identify the contribution of each independent element. In the following, two kinds of approaches to the computational study of EMT will be presented. The first relies on signal transduction networks description and details how changes in gene expression could influence this process, both focusing on specific aspects of the EMT and providing a general frame for this phenomenon easily comparable with experimental data. The second integrates single cell and population level descriptions in a multiscale model that can be considered a more accurate representation of the EMT. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach will be highlighted, together with the importance of coupling computational and experimental results. Finally, the main challenges that need to be addressed to improve our knowledge of the role of EMT in the neoplastic disease and the scientific and translational value of computational models in this respect will be presented. This article is categorized under: Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering "S. Cavalcanti", Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi" (DEI), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Chiara Liverani
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Laura Mercatali
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Toni Ibrahim
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Emanuele Giordano
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering "S. Cavalcanti", Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi" (DEI), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy.,BioEngLab, Health Science and Technology, Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-CIRI), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Advanced Research Center on Electronic Systems (ARCES), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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245
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Castro-Giner F, Aceto N. Tracking cancer progression: from circulating tumor cells to metastasis. Genome Med 2020; 12:31. [PMID: 32192534 PMCID: PMC7082968 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00728-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is an outstanding tool to provide insights into the biology of metastatic cancers, to monitor disease progression and with potential for use in liquid biopsy-based personalized cancer treatment. These goals are ambitious, yet recent studies are already allowing a sharper understanding of the strengths, challenges, and opportunities provided by liquid biopsy approaches. For instance, through single-cell-resolution genomics and transcriptomics, it is becoming increasingly clear that CTCs are heterogeneous at multiple levels and that only a fraction of them is capable of initiating metastasis. It also appears that CTCs adopt multiple ways to enhance their metastatic potential, including homotypic clustering and heterotypic interactions with immune and stromal cells. On the clinical side, both CTC enumeration and molecular analysis may provide new means to monitor cancer progression and to take individualized treatment decisions, but their use for early cancer detection appears to be challenging compared to that of other tumor derivatives such as circulating tumor DNA. In this review, we summarize current data on CTC biology and CTC-based clinical applications that are likely to impact our understanding of the metastatic process and to influence the clinical management of patients with metastatic cancer, including new prospects that may favor the implementation of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Castro-Giner
- Department of Biomedicine, Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biomedicine, Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, 4058, Basel, Switzerland.
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246
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Terraneo N, Jacob F, Dubrovska A, Grünberg J. Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:319. [PMID: 32257947 PMCID: PMC7090172 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies. Due to the lack of specific symptoms and screening methods, this disease is usually diagnosed only at an advanced and metastatic stage. The gold-standard treatment for OC patients consists of debulking surgery followed by taxane combined with platinum-based chemotherapy. Most patients show complete clinical remission after first-line therapy, but the majority of them ultimately relapse, developing radio- and chemoresistant tumors. It is now proposed that the cause of recurrence and reduced therapy efficacy is the presence of small populations of cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells are usually resistant against conventional cancer therapies and for this reason, effective targeted therapies for the complete eradication of CSCs are urgently needed. In this review article, we highlight the mechanisms of CSC therapy resistance, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and novel therapeutic strategies for ovarian CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastassja Terraneo
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Francis Jacob
- Ovarian Cancer Research, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jürgen Grünberg
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen, Switzerland
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247
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Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal State in Cancer Metastasis: Clinical Significance and Regulatory Mechanisms. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030623. [PMID: 32143517 PMCID: PMC7140395 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been well recognized for its essential role in cancer progression as well as normal tissue development. In cancer cells, activation of EMT permits the cells to acquire migratory and invasive abilities and stem-like properties. However, simple categorization of cancer cells into epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes misleads the understanding of the complicated metastatic process, and contradictory results from different studies also indicate the limitation of application of EMT theory in cancer metastasis. Nowadays, growing evidence suggests the existence of an intermediate status between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes, i.e., the "hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal (hybrid E/M)" state, provides a possible explanation for those conflicting results. Appearance of hybrid E/M phenotype offers a more plastic status for cancer cells to adapt the stressful environment for proceeding metastasis. In this article, we review the biological importance of the dynamic changes between the epithelial and the mesenchymal states. The regulatory mechanisms encompassing the translational, post-translational, and epigenetic control for this complex and plastic status are also discussed.
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248
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Piano MA, Brunello A, Cappellesso R, Del Bianco P, Mattiolo A, Fritegotto C, Montini B, Zamuner C, Del Fiore P, Rastrelli M, Sommariva A, De Salvo GL, Montesco MC, Rossi CR, Zagonel V, Calabrò ML. Periostin and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Score as Novel Prognostic Markers for Leiomyosarcoma, Myxofibrosarcoma, and Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2921-2931. [PMID: 32127392 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Interpatient clinical variability in soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) highlights the need for novel prognostic markers supporting patient risk stratification. As sarcomas might exhibit a more mesenchymal or a more epithelial state, we focused on epithelial-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-epithelial transitions (EMT/MET) for prognostic clues, and selected three histotypes with variable aggressiveness. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The expression of EMT/MET-related factors was measured by qRT-PCR in 55 tumor samples from patients with leiomyosarcoma, myxofibrosarcoma, or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. The identified marker was further evaluated by IHC in 31 leiomyosarcomas and by measuring its circulating levels in 67 patients. The prognostic value of a sarcoma-tailored EMT score was analyzed. Epirubicin chemosensitivity and migration were studied in primary STS cultures. Associations with overall survival (OS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. RESULTS High expression of periostin, a mesenchymal matricellular protein, in sarcoma tissues (P = 0.0024), its high stromal accumulation in leiomyosarcomas (P = 0.0075), and increased circulation (>20 ng/mL, P = 0.0008) were associated with reduced OS. High periostin expression [HR 2.9; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-6.9; P = 0.0134] and circulation (HR 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-5.1; P = 0.0086), and a mesenchymal EMT score (mesenchymal vs. transitioning; HR, 5.2; 95% CI, 2.1-13.0, P = 0.0005) were associated with increased risk in multivariable models. An intrinsic or induced mesenchymal state enhanced chemoresistance and migration in sarcoma cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Although limited to a pilot study, these findings suggest that periostin might contribute prognostic information in the three studied STS histotypes. Moreover, a transitioning EMT score measured in the tumor might predict a less active and a more chemosensitive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Assunta Piano
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonella Brunello
- Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Rocco Cappellesso
- Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Del Bianco
- Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Adriana Mattiolo
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Fritegotto
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Barbara Montini
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Carolina Zamuner
- Anatomy and Pathological Histology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Del Fiore
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Rastrelli
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Sommariva
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Gian Luca De Salvo
- Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Riccardo Rossi
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Medical Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Calabrò
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
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249
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Albakova Z, Armeev GA, Kanevskiy LM, Kovalenko EI, Sapozhnikov AM. HSP70 Multi-Functionality in Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030587. [PMID: 32121660 PMCID: PMC7140411 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The 70-kDa heat shock proteins (HSP70s) are abundantly present in cancer, providing malignant cells selective advantage by suppressing multiple apoptotic pathways, regulating necrosis, bypassing cellular senescence program, interfering with tumor immunity, promoting angiogenesis and supporting metastasis. This direct involvement of HSP70 in most of the cancer hallmarks explains the phenomenon of cancer "addiction" to HSP70, tightly linking tumor survival and growth to the HSP70 expression. HSP70 operates in different states through its catalytic cycle, suggesting that it can multi-function in malignant cells in any of these states. Clinically, tumor cells intensively release HSP70 in extracellular microenvironment, resulting in diverse outcomes for patient survival. Given its clinical significance, small molecule inhibitors were developed to target different sites of the HSP70 machinery. Furthermore, several HSP70-based immunotherapy approaches were assessed in clinical trials. This review will explore different roles of HSP70 on cancer progression and emphasize the importance of understanding the flexibility of HSP70 nature for future development of anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarema Albakova
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia; (G.A.A.); (A.M.S.)
- Department of Immunology, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.K.); (E.I.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Grigoriy A. Armeev
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia; (G.A.A.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Leonid M. Kanevskiy
- Department of Immunology, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.K.); (E.I.K.)
| | - Elena I. Kovalenko
- Department of Immunology, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.K.); (E.I.K.)
| | - Alexander M. Sapozhnikov
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119192 Moscow, Russia; (G.A.A.); (A.M.S.)
- Department of Immunology, Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (L.M.K.); (E.I.K.)
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250
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Yu C, Liu Q, Chen C, Wang J. Quantification of the Underlying Mechanisms and Relationships Among Cancer, Metastasis, and Differentiation and Development. Front Genet 2020; 10:1388. [PMID: 32194614 PMCID: PMC7061528 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrence and metastasis have been regarded as two of the greatest obstacles to cancer therapy. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to cancer development, with the distinctive features of recurrence and resistance to popular treatments such as drugs and chemotherapy. In addition, recent discoveries suggest that the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process in normal embryogenesis and tissue repair, as well as being a required step in cancer metastasis. Although there are many indications of the connections between metastasis and stem cells, these have often been studied separately or at most bi-laterally, not in an integrated way. In this study, we aimed to explore the global mechanisms and interrelationships among cancer, development, and metastasis, which are currently poorly understood. First, we constructed a core gene regulatory network containing specific genes and microRNAs of CSCs, EMT, and cancer. We uncovered seven distinct states emerging from the underlying landscape, denoted normal, premalignant, cancer, stem cell, CSC, lesion, and hyperplasia. Given the biological definition of each state, we also discuss the metastasis ability of each state. We show how and which types of cells can be transformed to a cancer state, and the connections among cancer, CSCs, and EMT. The barrier height and flux of the kinetic paths are explored to quantify how and which cells switch stochastically between the states. Our landscape model provides a quantitative approach to reveal the global mechanisms of cancer, development, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China.,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electroanalytical Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Chemistry and of Physics and Astronomy, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Chemistry and of Physics and Astronomy, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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