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Johan MZ, Pyne NT, Kolesnikoff N, Poltavets V, Esmaeili Z, Woodcock JM, Lopez AF, Cowin AJ, Pitson SM, Samuel MS. Accelerated Closure of Diabetic Wounds by Efficient Recruitment of Fibroblasts upon Inhibiting a 14-3-3/ROCK Regulatory Axis. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00276-8. [PMID: 38582367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Chronic non-healing wounds negatively impact quality of life and are a significant financial drain on health systems. The risk of infection that exacerbates comorbidities in patients necessitates regular application of wound care. Understanding the mechanisms underlying impaired wound healing are therefore a key priority to inform effective new-generation treatments. In this study, we demonstrate that 14-3-3-mediated suppression of signaling through ROCK is a critical mechanism that inhibits the healing of diabetic wounds. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of 14-3-3 by topical application of the sphingo-mimetic drug RB-11 to diabetic wounds on a mouse model of type II diabetes accelerated wound closure more than 2-fold than vehicle control, phenocopying our previous observations in 14-3-3ζ-knockout mice. We also demonstrate that accelerated closure of the wounded epidermis by 14-3-3 inhibition causes enhanced signaling through the Rho-ROCK pathway and that the underlying cellular mechanism involves the efficient recruitment of dermal fibroblasts into the wound and the rapid production of extracellular matrix proteins to re-establish the injured dermis. Our observations that the 14-3-3/ROCK inhibitory axis characterizes impaired wound healing and that its suppression facilitates fibroblast recruitment and accelerated re-epithelialization suggest new possibilities for treating diabetic wounds by pharmacologically targeting this axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zahied Johan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, Australia
| | - Natasha T Pyne
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Natasha Kolesnikoff
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, Australia
| | - Valentina Poltavets
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Zahra Esmaeili
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, Australia
| | - Joanna M Woodcock
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Angel F Lopez
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Allison J Cowin
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stuart M Pitson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michael S Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, An Alliance between SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Woodville, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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2
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Boyle ST, Mittal P, Kaur G, Hoffmann P, Samuel MS, Klingler-Hoffmann M. Uncovering Tumor-Stroma Inter-relationships Using MALDI Mass Spectrometry Imaging. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:4093-4103. [PMID: 32870688 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumorigenesis involves a complex interplay between genetically modified cancer cells and their adjacent normal tissue, the stroma. We used an established breast cancer mouse model to investigate this inter-relationship. Conditional activation of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) in a model of mammary tumorigenesis enhances tumor growth and progression by educating the stroma and enhancing the production and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. We used peptide matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) to quantify the proteomic changes occurring within tumors and their stroma in their regular spatial context. Peptides were ranked according to their ability to discriminate between the two groups, using a receiver operating characteristic tool. Peptides were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and protein expression was validated by quantitative immunofluorescence using an independent set of tumor samples. We have identified and validated four key proteins upregulated in ROCK-activated mammary tumors relative to those expressing kinase-dead ROCK, namely, collagen I, α-SMA, Rab14, and tubulin-β4. Rab14 and tubulin-β4 are expressed within tumor cells, whereas collagen I is localized within the stroma. α-SMA is predominantly localized within the stroma but is also expressed at higher levels in the epithelia of ROCK-activated tumors. High expression of COL1A, the gene encoding the pro-α 1 chain of collagen, correlates with cancer progression in two human breast cancer genomic data sets, and high expression of COL1A and ACTA2 (the gene encoding α-SMA) are associated with a low survival probability (COLIA, p = 0.00013; ACTA2, p = 0.0076) in estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer patients. To investigate whether ROCK-activated tumor cells cause stromal cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to upregulate expression of collagen I and α-SMA, we treated CAFs with medium conditioned by primary mammary tumor cells in which ROCK had been activated. This led to abundant production of both proteins in CAFs, clearly highlighting the inter-relationship between tumor cells and CAFs and identifying CAFs as the potential source of high levels of collagen 1 and α-SMA and associated enhancement of tissue stiffness. Our research emphasizes the capacity of MALDI-MSI to quantitatively assess tumor-stroma inter-relationships and to identify potential prognostic factors for cancer progression in human patients, using sophisticated mouse cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Boyle
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
| | - Parul Mittal
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes SA 5095, Australia
| | - Gurjeet Kaur
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Peter Hoffmann
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes SA 5095, Australia
| | - Michael S Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
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3
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Boyle ST, Poltavets V, Kular J, Pyne NT, Sandow JJ, Lewis AC, Murphy KJ, Kolesnikoff N, Moretti PAB, Tea MN, Tergaonkar V, Timpson P, Pitson SM, Webb AI, Whitfield RJ, Lopez AF, Kochetkova M, Samuel MS. ROCK-mediated selective activation of PERK signalling causes fibroblast reprogramming and tumour progression through a CRELD2-dependent mechanism. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:882-895. [PMID: 32451439 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-0523-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
It is well accepted that cancers co-opt the microenvironment for their growth. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie cancer-microenvironment interactions are still poorly defined. Here, we show that Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) in the mammary tumour epithelium selectively actuates protein-kinase-R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), causing the recruitment and persistent education of tumour-promoting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are part of the cancer microenvironment. An analysis of tumours from patients and mice reveals that cysteine-rich with EGF-like domains 2 (CRELD2) is the paracrine factor that underlies PERK-mediated CAF education downstream of ROCK. We find that CRELD2 is regulated by PERK-regulated ATF4, and depleting CRELD2 suppressed tumour progression, demonstrating that the paracrine ROCK-PERK-ATF4-CRELD2 axis promotes the progression of breast cancer, with implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Theresa Boyle
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Valentina Poltavets
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jasreen Kular
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Natasha Theresa Pyne
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jarrod John Sandow
- Division of Systems Biology and Personalised Medicine, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Charles Lewis
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Translational Haematology Program, Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kendelle Joan Murphy
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Natasha Kolesnikoff
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Melinda Nay Tea
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR and Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart Maxwell Pitson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Ian Webb
- Division of Systems Biology and Personalised Medicine, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert John Whitfield
- Breast, Endocrine and Surgical Oncology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Angel Francisco Lopez
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marina Kochetkova
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Michael Susithiran Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. .,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Tan L, Hu Y, Li Y, Yang L, Cai X, Liu W, He J, Wu Y, Liu T, Wang N, Yang Y, Adelstein RS, Wang A. Investigation of the molecular biology underlying the pronounced high gene targeting frequency at the Myh9 gene locus in mouse embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230126. [PMID: 32226034 PMCID: PMC7105122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of genetically modified mouse models derived from gene targeting (GT) in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells (mESCs) has greatly advanced both basic and clinical research. Our previous finding that gene targeting at the Myh9 exon2 site in mESCs has a pronounced high homologous recombination (HR) efficiency (>90%) has facilitated the generation of a series of nonmuscle myosin II (NM II) related mouse models. Furthermore, the Myh9 gene locus has been well demonstrated to be a new safe harbor for site-specific insertion of other exogenous genes. In the current study, we intend to investigate the molecular biology underlying for this high HR efficiency from other aspects. Our results confirmed some previously characterized properties and revealed some unreported observations: 1) The comparison and analysis of the targeting events occurring at the Myh9 and several widely used loci for targeting transgenesis, including ColA1, HPRT, ROSA26, and the sequences utilized for generating these targeting constructs, indicated that a total length about 6 kb with approximate 50% GC-content of the 5’ and 3’ homologous arms, may facilitate a better performance in terms of GT efficiency. 2) Despite increasing the length of the homologous arms, shifting the targeting site from the Myh9 exon2, to intron2, or exon3 led to a gradually reduced GT frequency (91.7, 71.8 and 50.0%, respectively). This finding provides the first evidence that the HR frequency may also be associated with the targeting site even in the same locus. Meanwhile, the decreased trend of the GT efficiency at these targeting sites was consistent with the reduced percentage of simple sequence repeat (SSR) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) in the sequences for generating the targeting constructs, suggesting the potential effects of these DNA elements on GT efficiency; 3) Our series of targeting experiments and analyses with truncated 5’ and 3’ arms at the Myh9 exon2 site demonstrated that GT efficiency positively correlates with the total length of the homologous arms (R = 0.7256, p<0.01), confirmed that a 2:1 ratio of the length, a 50% GC-content and the higher amount of SINEs for the 5’ and 3’ arms may benefit for appreciable GT frequency. Though more investigations are required, the Myh9 gene locus appears to be an ideal location for identifying HR-related cis and trans factors, which in turn provide mechanistic insights and also facilitate the practical application of gene editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tan
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention & Control and Animal Model, The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention & Control and Animal Model, The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention & Control and Animal Model, The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lingchen Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention & Control and Animal Model, The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiong Cai
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention & Control and Animal Model, The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiayi He
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention & Control and Animal Model, The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingxin Wu
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention & Control and Animal Model, The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tanbin Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention & Control and Animal Model, The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Naidong Wang
- Laboratory of Functional Proteomics (LFP), The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, HUNAU, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Laboratory of Functional Proteomics (LFP), The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, HUNAU, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Robert S. Adelstein
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology (LMC), NHLBI/NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Aibing Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Disease Prevention & Control and Animal Model, The Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccine & Protein Engineering, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University (HUNAU), Changsha, Hunan, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology (LMC), NHLBI/NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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5
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Twenty-Seven Tamoxifen-Inducible iCre-Driver Mouse Strains for Eye and Brain, Including Seventeen Carrying a New Inducible-First Constitutive-Ready Allele. Genetics 2019; 211:1155-1177. [PMID: 30765420 PMCID: PMC6456315 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.301984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand gene function, the cre/loxP conditional system is the most powerful available for temporal and spatial control of expression in mouse. However, the research community requires more cre recombinase expressing transgenic mouse strains (cre-drivers) that restrict expression to specific cell types. To address these problems, a high-throughput method for large-scale production that produces high-quality results is necessary. Further, endogenous promoters need to be chosen that drive cell type specific expression, or we need to further focus the expression by manipulating the promoter. Here we test the suitability of using knock-ins at the docking site 5′ of Hprt for rapid development of numerous cre-driver strains focused on expression in adulthood, using an improved cre tamoxifen inducible allele (icre/ERT2), and testing a novel inducible-first, constitutive-ready allele (icre/f3/ERT2/f3). In addition, we test two types of promoters either to capture an endogenous expression pattern (MaxiPromoters), or to restrict expression further using minimal promoter element(s) designed for expression in restricted cell types (MiniPromoters). We provide new cre-driver mouse strains with applicability for brain and eye research. In addition, we demonstrate the feasibility and applicability of using the locus 5′ of Hprt for the rapid generation of substantial numbers of cre-driver strains. We also provide a new inducible-first constitutive-ready allele to further speed cre-driver generation. Finally, all these strains are available to the research community through The Jackson Laboratory.
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Liu J, Wada Y, Katsura M, Tozawa H, Erwin N, Kapron CM, Bao G, Liu J. Rho-Associated Coiled-Coil Kinase (ROCK) in Molecular Regulation of Angiogenesis. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:6053-6069. [PMID: 30613282 PMCID: PMC6299434 DOI: 10.7150/thno.30305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Identified as a major downstream effector of the small GTPase RhoA, Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) is a versatile regulator of multiple cellular processes. Angiogenesis, the process of generating new capillaries from the pre-existing ones, is required for the development of various diseases such as cancer, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, ROCK has attracted attention for its crucial role in angiogenesis, making it a promising target for new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding the role of ROCK signaling in regulating the permeability, migration, proliferation and tubulogenesis of endothelial cells (ECs), as well as its functions in non-ECs which constitute the pro-angiogenic microenvironment. The therapeutic potential of ROCK inhibitors in angiogenesis-related diseases is also discussed.
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Masre SF, Rath N, Olson MF, Greenhalgh DA. ROCK2/ras Ha co-operation induces malignant conversion via p53 loss, elevated NF-κB and tenascin C-associated rigidity, but p21 inhibits ROCK2/NF-κB-mediated progression. Oncogene 2017; 36:2529-2542. [PMID: 27991921 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To study ROCK2 activation in carcinogenesis, mice expressing 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4HT)-activated ROCK2 (K14.ROCKer) were crossed with mice expressing epidermal-activated rasHa (HK1.ras1205). At 8 weeks, 4HT-treated K14.ROCKer/HK1.ras1205 cohorts exhibited papillomas similar to HK1.ras1205 controls; however, K14.ROCKer/HK1.ras1205 histotypes comprised a mixed papilloma/well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (wdSCC), exhibiting p53 loss, increased proliferation and novel NF-κB expression. By 12 weeks, K14.ROCKer/HK1.ras1205 wdSCCs exhibited increased NF-κB and novel tenascin C, indicative of elevated rigidity; yet despite continued ROCK2 activities/p-Mypt1 inactivation, progression to SCC required loss of compensatory p21 expression. K14.ROCKer/HK1.ras1205 papillomatogenesis also required a wound promotion stimulus, confirmed by breeding K14.ROCKer into promotion-insensitive HK1.ras1276 mice, suggesting a permissive K14.ROCKer/HK1.ras1205 papilloma context (wound-promoted/NF-κB+/p53-/p21+) preceded K14.ROCKer-mediated (p-Mypt1/tenascin C/rigidity) malignant conversion. Malignancy depended on ROCKer/p-Mypt1 expression, as cessation of 4HT treatment induced disorganized tissue architecture and p21-associated differentiation in wdSCCs; yet tenascin C retention in connective tissue extracellular matrix suggests the rigidity laid down for conversion persists. Novel papilloma outgrowths appeared expressing intense, basal layer p21 that confined endogenous ROCK2/p-Mypt1/NF-κB to supra-basal layers, and was paralleled by restored basal layer p53. In later SCCs, 4HT cessation became irrelevant as endogenous ROCK2 expression increased, driving progression via p21 loss, elevated NF-κB expression and tenascin C-associated rigidity, with p-Mypt1 inactivation/actinomyosin-mediated contractility to facilitate invasion. However, p21-associated inhibition of early-stage malignant progression and the intense expression in papilloma outgrowths, identifies a novel, significant antagonism between p21 and rasHa/ROCK2/NF-κB signalling in skin carcinogenesis. Collectively, these data show that ROCK2 activation induces malignancy in rasHa-initiated/promoted papillomas in the context of p53 loss and novel NF-κB expression, whereas increased tissue rigidity and cell motility/contractility help mediate tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- S F Masre
- Section of Dermatology and Molecular Carcinogenesis, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK
- Biomedical Science Programme, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Kebangsaan, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N Rath
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - M F Olson
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - D A Greenhalgh
- Section of Dermatology and Molecular Carcinogenesis, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Glasgow University, Glasgow, UK
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Rath N, Morton JP, Julian L, Helbig L, Kadir S, McGhee EJ, Anderson KI, Kalna G, Mullin M, Pinho AV, Rooman I, Samuel MS, Olson MF. ROCK signaling promotes collagen remodeling to facilitate invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor cell growth. EMBO Mol Med 2017; 9:198-218. [PMID: 28031255 PMCID: PMC5286371 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201606743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a major cause of cancer death; identifying PDAC enablers may reveal potential therapeutic targets. Expression of the actomyosin regulatory ROCK1 and ROCK2 kinases increased with tumor progression in human and mouse pancreatic tumors, while elevated ROCK1/ROCK2 expression in human patients, or conditional ROCK2 activation in a KrasG12D/p53R172H mouse PDAC model, was associated with reduced survival. Conditional ROCK1 or ROCK2 activation promoted invasive growth of mouse PDAC cells into three-dimensional collagen matrices by increasing matrix remodeling activities. RNA sequencing revealed a coordinated program of ROCK-induced genes that facilitate extracellular matrix remodeling, with greatest fold-changes for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) Mmp10 and Mmp13 MMP inhibition not only decreased collagen degradation and invasion, but also reduced proliferation in three-dimensional contexts. Treatment of KrasG12D/p53R172H PDAC mice with a ROCK inhibitor prolonged survival, which was associated with increased tumor-associated collagen. These findings reveal an ancillary role for increased ROCK signaling in pancreatic cancer progression to promote extracellular matrix remodeling that facilitates proliferation and invasive tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Rath
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Linda Julian
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lena Helbig
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Margaret Mullin
- Electron Microscopy Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andreia V Pinho
- Cancer Research Program, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilse Rooman
- Oncology Research Centre, Free University Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michael S Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Michael F Olson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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9
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Samuel MS, Rath N, Masre SF, Boyle ST, Greenhalgh DA, Kochetkova M, Bryson S, Stevenson D, Olson MF. Tissue-selective expression of a conditionally-active ROCK2-estrogen receptor fusion protein. Genesis 2016; 54:636-646. [PMID: 27775859 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinases ROCK1 and ROCK2 are central mediators of actomyosin contractile force generation that act downstream of the RhoA small GTP-binding protein. As a result, they have key roles in regulating cell morphology and proliferation, and have been implicated in numerous pathological conditions and diseases including hypertension and cancer. Here we describe the generation of a gene-targeted mouse line that enables CRE-inducible expression of a conditionally-active fusion between the ROCK2 kinase domain and the hormone-binding domain of a mutated estrogen receptor (ROCK2:ER). This two-stage system of regulation allows for tissue-selective expression of the ROCK2:ER fusion protein, which then requires administration of estrogen analogues such as tamoxifen or 4-hydroxytamoxifen to elicit kinase activity. This conditional gain-of-function system was validated in multiple tissues by crossing with mice expressing CRE recombinase under the transcriptional control of cytokeratin14 (K14), murine mammary tumor virus (MMTV) or cytochrome P450 Cyp1A1 (Ah) promoters, driving appropriate expression in the epidermis, mammary or intestinal epithelia respectively. Given the interest in ROCK signaling in normal physiology and disease, this mouse line will facilitate research into the consequences of ROCK activation that could be used to complement conditional knockout models. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:636-646, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Nicola Rath
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Siti F Masre
- Biomedical Science Programme, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Kebangsaan, Kuala Lumpur, 50300, Malaysia
- Section of Dermatology and Molecular Carcinogenesis College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Sarah T Boyle
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - David A Greenhalgh
- Section of Dermatology and Molecular Carcinogenesis College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Marina Kochetkova
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and the University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Sheila Bryson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - David Stevenson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Michael F Olson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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A Negative Regulatory Mechanism Involving 14-3-3ζ Limits Signaling Downstream of ROCK to Regulate Tissue Stiffness in Epidermal Homeostasis. Dev Cell 2016; 35:759-74. [PMID: 26702834 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2015.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ROCK signaling causes epidermal hyper-proliferation by increasing ECM production, elevating dermal stiffness, and enhancing Fak-mediated mechano-transduction signaling. Elevated dermal stiffness in turn causes ROCK activation, establishing mechano-reciprocity, a positive feedback loop that can promote tumors. We have identified a negative feedback mechanism that limits excessive ROCK signaling during wound healing and is lost in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Signal flux through ROCK was selectively tuned down by increased levels of 14-3-3ζ, which interacted with Mypt1, a ROCK signaling antagonist. In 14-3-3ζ(-/-) mice, unrestrained ROCK signaling at wound margins elevated ECM production and reduced ECM remodeling, increasing dermal stiffness and causing rapid wound healing. Conversely, 14-3-3ζ deficiency enhanced cutaneous SCC size. Significantly, inhibiting 14-3-3ζ with a novel pharmacological agent accelerated wound healing 2-fold. Patient samples of chronic non-healing wounds overexpressed 14-3-3ζ, while cutaneous SCCs had reduced 14-3-3ζ. These results reveal a novel 14-3-3ζ-dependent mechanism that negatively regulates mechano-reciprocity, suggesting new therapeutic opportunities.
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11
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Julian L, Olson MF. Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCK): structure, regulation, and functions. Small GTPases 2014; 5:e29846. [PMID: 25010901 PMCID: PMC4114931 DOI: 10.4161/sgtp.29846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 362] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCK) were originally identified as effectors of the RhoA small GTPase. (1)(-) (5) They belong to the AGC family of serine/threonine kinases (6) and play vital roles in facilitating actomyosin cytoskeleton contractility downstream of RhoA and RhoC activation. Since their discovery, ROCK kinases have been extensively studied, unveiling their manifold functions in processes including cell contraction, migration, apoptosis, survival, and proliferation. Two mammalian ROCK homologs have been identified, ROCK1 (also called ROCK I, ROKβ, Rho-kinase β, or p160ROCK) and ROCK2 (also known as ROCK II, ROKα, or Rho kinase), hereafter collectively referred to as ROCK. In this review, we will focus on the structure, regulation, and functions of ROCK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Julian
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research; Glasgow, UK
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12
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Lourenço FC, Munro J, Brown J, Cordero J, Stefanatos R, Strathdee K, Orange C, Feller SM, Sansom OJ, Vidal M, Murray GI, Olson MF. Reduced LIMK2 expression in colorectal cancer reflects its role in limiting stem cell proliferation. Gut 2014; 63:480-93. [PMID: 23585469 PMCID: PMC3932979 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2012-303883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major contributor to cancer mortality and morbidity. LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2) promotes tumour cell invasion and metastasis. The objectives of this study were to determine how LIMK2 expression is associated with CRC progression and patient outcome, and to use genetically modified Drosophila and mice to determine how LIMK2 deletion affects gastrointestinal stem cell regulation and tumour development. DESIGN LIMK2 expression and activity were measured by immunostaining tumours from CRC-prone mice, human CRC cell lines and 650 human tumours. LIMK knockdown in Drosophila or Limk2 deletion in mice allowed for assessment of their contributions to gastrointestinal stem cell homeostasis and tumour development. RESULTS LIMK2 expression was reduced in intestinal tumours of cancer-prone mice, as well as in human CRC cell lines and tumours. Reduced LIMK2 expression and substrate phosphorylation were associated with shorter patient survival. Genetic analysis in Drosophila midgut and intestinal epithelial cells isolated from genetically modified mice revealed a conserved role for LIMK2 in constraining gastrointestinal stem cell proliferation. Limk2 deletion increased colon tumour size in a colitis-associated colorectal mouse cancer model. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that LIMK2 expression and activity progressively decrease with advancing stage, and supports the hypothesis that there is selective pressure for reduced LIMK2 expression in CRC to relieve negative constraints imposed upon gastrointestinal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - June Munro
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Clare Orange
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cancer Sciences and Molecular Pathology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephan M Feller
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Marcos Vidal
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Graeme I Murray
- Department of Pathology, Division of Applied Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Ibbetson SJ, Pyne NT, Pollard AN, Olson MF, Samuel MS. Mechanotransduction Pathways Promoting Tumor Progression Are Activated in Invasive Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 183:930-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Schachtner H, Li A, Stevenson D, Calaminus SDJ, Thomas S, Watson SP, Sixt M, Wedlich-Soldner R, Strathdee D, Machesky LM. Tissue inducible Lifeact expression allows visualization of actin dynamics in vivo and ex vivo. Eur J Cell Biol 2012; 91:923-929. [PMID: 22658956 PMCID: PMC3930012 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 04/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe here the development and characterization of a conditionally inducible mouse model expressing Lifeact-GFP, a peptide that reports the dynamics of filamentous actin. We have used this model to study platelets, megakaryocytes and melanoblasts and we provide evidence that Lifeact-GFP is a useful reporter in these cell types ex vivo. In the case of platelets and megakaryocytes, these cells are not transfectable by traditional methods, so conditional activation of Lifeact allows the study of actin dynamics in these cells live. We studied melanoblasts in native skin explants from embryos, allowing the visualization of live actin dynamics during cytokinesis and migration. Our study revealed that melanoblasts lacking the small GTPase Rac1 show a delay in the formation of new pseudopodia following cytokinesis that accounts for the previously reported cytokinesis delay in these cells. Thus, through use of this mouse model, we were able to gain insights into the actin dynamics of cells that could only previously be studied using fixed specimens or following isolation from their native tissue environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Schachtner
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD
| | - Ang Li
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD
| | - David Stevenson
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD
| | - Simon D. J. Calaminus
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD
| | - Steve Thomas
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT
| | - Steve P. Watson
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT
| | - Michael Sixt
- Institute of Science and Technology, Am Campus 1, A-3400 Klosterneuberg, Austria
| | - Roland Wedlich-Soldner
- Cellular Dynamics and Cell Patterning, Max-Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am, Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Douglas Strathdee
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD
| | - Laura M. Machesky
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD
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15
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Rath N, Olson MF. Rho-associated kinases in tumorigenesis: re-considering ROCK inhibition for cancer therapy. EMBO Rep 2012; 13:900-8. [PMID: 22964758 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2012.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rho-associated (ROCK) serine/threonine kinases have emerged as central regulators of the actomyosin cytoskeleton, their main purpose being to promote contractile force generation. Aided by the discovery of effective inhibitors such as Y27632, their roles in cancer have been extensively explored with particular attention focused on motility, invasion and metastasis. Recent studies have revealed a surprisingly diverse range of functions of ROCK. These insights could change the way ROCK inhibitors might be used in cancer therapy to include the targeting of stromal rather than tumour cells, the concomitant blocking of ROCK and proteasome activity in K-Ras-driven lung cancers and the combination of ROCK with tyrosine kinase inhibitors for treating haematological malignancies such as chronic myeloid leukaemia. Despite initial optimism for therapeutic efficacy of ROCK inhibition for cancer treatment, no compounds have progressed into standard therapy so far. However, by carefully defining the key cancer types and expanding the appreciation of ROCK's role in cancer beyond being a cell-autonomous promoter of tumour cell invasion and metastasis, the early promise of ROCK inhibitors for cancer therapy might still be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Rath
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, UK
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16
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Lopez JI, Kang I, You WK, McDonald DM, Weaver VM. In situ force mapping of mammary gland transformation. Integr Biol (Camb) 2011; 3:910-21. [PMID: 21842067 PMCID: PMC3564969 DOI: 10.1039/c1ib00043h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor progression is characterized by an incremental stiffening of the tissue. The importance of tissue rigidity to cancer is appreciated, yet the contribution of specific tissue elements to tumor stiffening and their physiological significance remains unclear. We performed high-resolution atomic force microscopy indentation in live and snap-frozen fluorescently labeled mammary tissues to explore the origin of the tissue stiffening associated with mammary tumor development in PyMT mice. The tumor epithelium, the tumor-associated vasculature and the extracellular matrix all contributed to mammary gland stiffening as it transitioned from normal to invasive carcinoma. Consistent with the concept that extracellular matrix stiffness modifies cell tension, we found that isolated transformed mammary epithelial cells were intrinsically stiffer than their normal counterparts but that the malignant epithelium in situ was far stiffer than isolated breast tumor cells. Moreover, using an in situ vitrification approach, we determined that the extracellular matrix adjacent to the epithelium progressively stiffened as tissue evolved from normal through benign to an invasive state. Importantly, we also noted that there was significant mechanical heterogeneity within the transformed tissue both in the epithelium and the tumor-associated neovasculature. The vascular bed within the tumor core was substantially stiffer than the large patent vessels at the invasive front that are surrounded by the stiffest extracellular matrix. These findings clarify the contribution of individual mammary gland tissue elements to the altered biomechanical landscape of cancerous tissues and emphasize the importance of studying cancer cell evolution under conditions that preserve native interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose I. Lopez
- Department of Surgery and Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California at San Francisco, Department of Surgery, 513 Parnassus Ave, HSE 565, San Francisco, CA 94143-0456
| | - Inkyung Kang
- Department of Surgery and Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California at San Francisco, Department of Surgery, 513 Parnassus Ave, HSE 565, San Francisco, CA 94143-0456
| | - Weon-Kyoo You
- Department of Anatomy, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Donald M. McDonald
- Department of Anatomy, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Valerie M. Weaver
- Department of Surgery and Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California at San Francisco, Department of Surgery, 513 Parnassus Ave, HSE 565, San Francisco, CA 94143-0456
- Departments of Anatomy and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
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17
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Samuel MS, Lopez JI, McGhee EJ, Croft DR, Strachan D, Timpson P, Munro J, Schröder E, Zhou J, Brunton VG, Barker N, Clevers H, Sansom OJ, Anderson KI, Weaver VM, Olson MF. Actomyosin-mediated cellular tension drives increased tissue stiffness and β-catenin activation to induce epidermal hyperplasia and tumor growth. Cancer Cell 2011; 19:776-91. [PMID: 21665151 PMCID: PMC3115541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 412] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Tumors and associated stroma manifest mechanical properties that promote cancer. Mechanosensation of tissue stiffness activates the Rho/ROCK pathway to increase actomyosin-mediated cellular tension to re-establish force equilibrium. To determine how actomyosin tension affects tissue homeostasis and tumor development, we expressed conditionally active ROCK2 in mouse skin. ROCK activation elevated tissue stiffness via increased collagen. β-catenin, a key element of mechanotranscription pathways, was stabilized by ROCK activation leading to nuclear accumulation, transcriptional activation, and consequent hyperproliferation and skin thickening. Inhibiting actomyosin contractility by blocking LIMK or myosin ATPase attenuated these responses, as did FAK inhibition. Tumor number, growth, and progression were increased by ROCK activation, while ROCK blockade was inhibitory, implicating actomyosin-mediated cellular tension and consequent collagen deposition as significant tumor promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose I Lopez
- Department of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ewan J McGhee
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Daniel R Croft
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - David Strachan
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Paul Timpson
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - June Munro
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | | | - Jing Zhou
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Edinburgh EH4 2X9, UK
| | | | - Nick Barker
- Hubrecht Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
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18
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Abstract
The tumor environment consists of tumor-associated cells, such as macrophages, fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix, and has an important impact on tumor progression. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Samuel et al. show that ROCK-driven actomyosin contractility increases tissue stiffness affecting epidermal homeostasis, as well as tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kümper
- Cancer Research UK, Tumour Cell Signalling Unit, Institute of Cancer Research, London
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19
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Meek S, Buehr M, Sutherland L, Thomson A, Mullins JJ, Smith AJ, Burdon T. Efficient gene targeting by homologous recombination in rat embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e14225. [PMID: 21151976 PMCID: PMC2997056 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The rat is the preferred experimental animal in many biological studies. With the recent derivation of authentic rat embryonic stem (ES) cells it is now feasible to apply state-of-the art genetic engineering in this species using homologous recombination. To establish whether rat ES cells are amenable to in vivo recombination, we tested targeted disruption of the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) locus in ES cells derived from both inbred and outbred strains of rats. Targeting vectors that replace exons 7 and 8 of the hprt gene with neomycinR/thymidine kinase selection cassettes were electroporated into male Fisher F344 and Sprague Dawley rat ES cells. Approximately 2% of the G418 resistant colonies also tolerated selection with 6-thioguanine, indicating inactivation of the hprt gene. PCR and Southern blot analysis confirmed correct site-specific targeting of the hprt locus in these clones. Embryoid body and monolayer differentiation of targeted cell lines established that they retained differentiation potential following targeting and selection. This report demonstrates that gene modification via homologous recombination in rat ES cells is efficient, and should facilitate implementation of targeted, genetic manipulation in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Meek
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Mia Buehr
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Sutherland
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Thomson
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - John J. Mullins
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Smith
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Burdon
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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