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Zhang J, Zhou L, Zhao S, El-Deiry WS. Regorafenib synergizes with TAS102 against multiple gastrointestinal cancers and overcomes cancer stemness, trifluridine-induced angiogenesis, ERK1/2 and STAT3 signaling regardless of KRAS or BRAF mutational status. Oncotarget 2024; 15:424-438. [PMID: 38953895 PMCID: PMC11218792 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-agent TAS102 (trifluridine/tipiracil) and regorafenib are FDA-approved treatments for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We previously reported that regorafenib combined with a fluoropyrimidine can delay disease progression in clinical case reports of multidrug-resistant mCRC patients. We hypothesized that the combination of TAS102 and regorafenib may be active in CRC and other gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and may in the future provide a treatment option for patients with advanced GI cancer. We investigated the therapeutic effect of TAS102 in combination with regorafenib in preclinical studies employing cell culture, colonosphere assays that enrich for cancer stem cells, and in vivo. TAS102 in combination with regorafenib has synergistic activity against multiple GI cancers in vitro including colorectal and gastric cancer, but not liver cancer cells. TAS102 inhibits colonosphere formation and this effect is potentiated by regorafenib. In vivo anti-tumor effects of TAS102 plus regorafenib appear to be due to anti-proliferative effects, necrosis and angiogenesis inhibition. Growth inhibition by TAS102 plus regorafenib occurs in xenografted tumors regardless of p53, KRAS or BRAF mutations, although more potent tumor suppression was observed with wild-type p53. Regorafenib significantly inhibits TAS102-induced angiogenesis and microvessel density in xenografted tumors, as well inhibits TAS102-induced ERK1/2 activation regardless of RAS or BRAF status in vivo. TAS102 plus regorafenib is a synergistic drug combination in preclinical models of GI cancer, with regorafenib suppressing TAS102-induced increase in microvessel density and p-ERK as contributing mechanisms. The TAS102 plus regorafenib drug combination may be further tested in gastric and other GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and Lifespan Health System, RI 02912, USA
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
| | - Lanlan Zhou
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and Lifespan Health System, RI 02912, USA
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and Lifespan Health System, RI 02912, USA
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
| | - Wafik S. El-Deiry
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
- The Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Brown University and Lifespan Health System, RI 02912, USA
- Cancer Center at Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
- Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Lifespan Health System and Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI 02912, USA
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2
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Crowell LL, Yakisich JS, Aufderheide B, Adams TNG. Phenotypic Characterization of 2D and 3D Prostate Cancer Cell Systems Using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:1036. [PMID: 38131796 PMCID: PMC10742279 DOI: 10.3390/bios13121036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men. A challenge in treating prostate cancer is overcoming cell plasticity, which links cell phenotype changes and chemoresistance. In this work, a microfluidic device coupled with electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), an electrode-based cell characterization technique, was used to study the electrical characteristics of phenotype changes for (1) prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, DU145, and LNCaP cells), (2) cells grown in 2D monolayer and 3D suspension cell culture conditions, and (3) cells in the presence (or absence) of the anti-cancer drug nigericin. To validate observations of phenotypic change, we measured the gene expression of two epithelial markers, E-cadherin (CDH1) and Tight Junction Protein 1 (ZO-1). Our results showed that PC3, DU145, and LNCaP cells were discernible with EIS. Secondly, moderate phenotype changes based on differences in cell culture conditions were detected with EIS and supported by the gene expression of CDH1. Lastly, we showed that EIS can detect chemoresistant-related cell phenotypes with nigericin drug treatment. EIS is a promising label-free tool for detecting cell phenotype changes associated with chemoresistance. Further development will enable the detection and characterization of many other types of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexi L. Crowell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Juan Sebastian Yakisich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, USA;
| | - Brian Aufderheide
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, USA;
| | - Tayloria N. G. Adams
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Xiao Y, Li X, Mao J, Zheng H, Ji R, Wang Z, Guo M, Yuan H, Anwar A, Chen C, Liu X, Liu J. Reverse anti-breast cancer drug resistance effects by a novel two-step assembled nano-celastrol medicine. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:7856-7863. [PMID: 35583119 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02064e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) has become one of the most intractable problems in clinics as it would cause failure in chemotherapy. In this study, we demonstrated that a nanoscale self-assembled nanomedicine, which almost consisted of a pure chemo-drug, could efficiently overcome MDR. Celastrol (CST) was directly assembled into a discrete nanomedicine by precipitation, and then CST nanoparticles (CNPs) inhibited drug efflux pumps by activating HSF-1 expression and promoting HSF-1 translocation into nucleus to suppress the Pgp expression. The more drug accumulated in cells could activate apoptosis signals simultaneously and realize drug resistance reversal. CNPs significantly increased the level of ROS to regulate ERK/JNK signaling, which would further induce resistant cell apoptosis. The tandem apoptosis strategy used the same concentration of CST but achieved a higher antitumor effect. Overall, our study provides a new translational and alternative strategy using conventional natural products to overcome MDR with high efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Xiao
- School of Molecular Medicine, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xun Li
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiahui Mao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China.
| | - Hong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China.
| | - Rui Ji
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China.
| | - Zhice Wang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China.
| | - Mengyu Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellent in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Arfidin Anwar
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellent in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xingjun Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, First Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China.
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellent in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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Ishihara K, Narita Y, Teramura Y, Fukazawa K. Preparation of Magnetic Hydrogel Microparticles with Cationic Surfaces and Their Cell-Assembling Performance. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:5107-5117. [PMID: 34677934 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cationic magnetic hydrogel microparticles with high retention on cell surfaces were prepared using a two-step procedure. Using these magnetic hydrogel microparticles, cells were clustered with each other, and cell aggregates were prepared effectively. Cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel microparticles containing iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared. The diameter of the microparticles was in the range of 200-500 nm. Water-soluble cationic polymers containing both trimethyl ammonium (TMA) groups and phenylboronic acid (PBA) groups were synthesized for the surface modification of the microparticles. To regulate the composition, electrically neutral phosphorylcholine groups were introduced into the polymer. Covalent bonds were formed between the hydroxy groups of PVA microparticles and PBA groups in the polymer. The surface zeta potential of the microparticles reflected the composition of the TMA groups. The particles responded to an external magnetic field and clustered rapidly. Microparticles were adsorbed on the floating cell surface and induced cell aggregation quickly when a magnetic field was applied. Under the most effective conditions, the diameter of the cell aggregates increased to approximately 1 mm after 30 min. Denser cell aggregates were formed by the synergistic effects of the magnetic field and the properties of the microparticles. The formed cell aggregates continued to grow for more than 4 days under an applied magnetic field, indicating that the ability of the cells in the aggregate to proliferate was well maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Ishihara
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yusuke Narita
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yuji Teramura
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Kyoko Fukazawa
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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5
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Kaushik V, Kulkarni Y, Felix K, Azad N, Iyer AKV, Yakisich JS. Alternative models of cancer stem cells: The stemness phenotype model, 10 years later. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:934-943. [PMID: 34367485 PMCID: PMC8316871 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The classical cancer stem cell (CSCs) theory proposed the existence of a rare but constant subpopulation of CSCs. In this model cancer cells are organized hierarchically and are responsible for tumor resistance and tumor relapse. Thus, eliminating CSCs will eventually lead to cure of cancer. This simplistic model has been challenged by experimental data. In 2010 we proposed a novel and controversial alternative model of CSC biology (the Stemness Phenotype Model, SPM). The SPM proposed a non-hierarchical model of cancer biology in which there is no specific subpopulation of CSCs in tumors. Instead, cancer cells are highly plastic in term of stemness and CSCs and non-CSCs can interconvert into each other depending on the microenvironment. This model predicts the existence of cancer cells ranging from a pure CSC phenotype to pure non-CSC phenotype and that survival of a single cell can originate a new tumor. During the past 10 years, a plethora of experimental evidence in a variety of cancer types has shown that cancer cells are indeed extremely plastic and able to interconvert into cells with different stemness phenotype. In this review we will (1) briefly describe the cumulative evidence from our laboratory and others supporting the SPM; (2) the implications of the SPM in translational oncology; and (3) discuss potential strategies to develop more effective therapeutic regimens for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Kaushik
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, United States
| | - Yogesh Kulkarni
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, United States
| | - Kumar Felix
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, United States
| | - Neelam Azad
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, United States
| | - Anand Krishnan V Iyer
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, United States
| | - Juan Sebastian Yakisich
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, United States
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Crowell LL, Yakisich JS, Aufderheide B, Adams TNG. Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy for Monitoring Chemoresistance of Cancer Cells. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:E832. [PMID: 32878225 PMCID: PMC7570252 DOI: 10.3390/mi11090832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is an electrokinetic method that allows for the characterization of intrinsic dielectric properties of cells. EIS has emerged in the last decade as a promising method for the characterization of cancerous cells, providing information on inductance, capacitance, and impedance of cells. The individual cell behavior can be quantified using its characteristic phase angle, amplitude, and frequency measurements obtained by fitting the input frequency-dependent cellular response to a resistor-capacitor circuit model. These electrical properties will provide important information about unique biomarkers related to the behavior of these cancerous cells, especially monitoring their chemoresistivity and sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. There are currently few methods to assess drug resistant cancer cells, and therefore it is difficult to identify and eliminate drug-resistant cancer cells found in static and metastatic tumors. Establishing techniques for the real-time monitoring of changes in cancer cell phenotypes is, therefore, important for understanding cancer cell dynamics and their plastic properties. EIS can be used to monitor these changes. In this review, we will cover the theory behind EIS, other impedance techniques, and how EIS can be used to monitor cell behavior and phenotype changes within cancerous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lexi L. Crowell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
- Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Juan S. Yakisich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, USA;
| | - Brian Aufderheide
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, USA;
| | - Tayloria N. G. Adams
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA;
- Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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7
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Campenni M, May AN, Boddy A, Harris V, Nedelcu AM. Agent-based modelling reveals strategies to reduce the fitness and metastatic potential of circulating tumour cell clusters. Evol Appl 2020; 13:1635-1650. [PMID: 32821275 PMCID: PMC7428819 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis-the ability of cancer cells to disperse throughout the body and establish new tumours at distant locations-is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. Although both single and clusters of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) have been isolated from cancer patients, CTC clusters are generally associated with higher metastatic potential and worse prognosis. From an evolutionary perspective, being part of a cluster can provide cells with several benefits both in terms of survival (e.g. protection) and reproduction (group dispersal). Thus, strategies aimed at inducing cluster dissociation could decrease the metastatic potential of CTCs. However, finding agents or conditions that induce the dissociation of CTC clusters is hampered by the fact that their detection, isolation and propagation remain challenging. Here, we used a mechanistic agent-based model to (a) investigate the response of CTC clusters of various sizes and densities to different challenges-in terms of cell survival and cluster stability, and (b) make predictions as to the combination of factors and parameter values that could decrease the fitness and metastatic potential of CTC clusters. Our model shows that the resilience and stability of CTC clusters are dependent on both their size and density. Also, CTC clusters of distinct sizes and densities respond differently to changes in resource availability, with high-density clusters being least affected. In terms of responses to microenvironmental threats (such as drugs), increasing their intensity is, generally, least effective on high-density clusters. Lastly, we found that combining various levels of resource availability and threat intensity can be more effective at decreasing the survival of CTC clusters than each factor alone. We suggest that the complex effects that cluster density and size showed on both the resilience and stability of the CTC clusters are likely to have significant consequences for their metastatic potential and responses to therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Campenni
- BiosciencesUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- Department of PsychologyArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - Alexander N. May
- Research Casting InternationalQuinte WestONCanada
- Biodesign InstituteArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - Amy Boddy
- Biodesign InstituteArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of California Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraCAUSA
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Zhang J, Chintalaramulu N, Vadivelu R, An H, Yuan D, Jin J, Ooi CH, Cock IE, Li W, Nguyen NT. Inertial Microfluidic Purification of Floating Cancer Cells for Drug Screening and Three-Dimensional Tumor Models. Anal Chem 2020; 92:11558-11564. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Naveen Chintalaramulu
- School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Raja Vadivelu
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane QLD 4111, Australia
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hongjie An
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Dan Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Jing Jin
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Chin Hong Ooi
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Ian Edwin Cock
- School of Environment and Science, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
- Environmental Futures Research Institute, Nathan Campus, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Weihua Li
- School of Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane QLD 4111, Australia
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Jong ED, Chan ICW, Nedelcu AM. A Model-System to Address the Impact of Phenotypic Heterogeneity and Plasticity on the Development of Cancer Therapies. Front Oncol 2019; 9:842. [PMID: 31555595 PMCID: PMC6727362 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The main challenges in developing effective anti-cancer therapies stem from the highly complex and heterogeneous nature of cancer, including the presence of multiple genetically-encoded and environmentally-induced cancer cell phenotypes within an individual. This diversity can make the development of successful treatments difficult as different phenotypes can have different responses to the same treatment. The lack of model-systems that can be used to simultaneously test the effect of therapies on multiple distinct phenotypic states further contributes to this problem. To mitigate these challenges, we suggest that in vitro model-systems that consist of several genetically-related but phenotypically distinct populations can be used as proxies for the several phenotypes (including adherent and circulating tumor cells) present in a patient with advanced disease. As proof of concept, we have developed such a model and showed that different phenotypes had different responses to the same challenge (i.e., a change in extracellular pH) both in terms of sensitivity and phenotypic plasticity. We suggest that similar model-systems could be developed and used when designing novel therapeutic strategies, to address the potential impact of phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity of cancer on the development of successful therapies. Specifically, the effect of a therapy should be considered on more than one cancer cell phenotype (to increase its effectiveness), and both cell viability as well as changes in phenotypic state (to address potential plastic responses) should be evaluated. Although we are aware of the limitations of in vitro systems, we believe that the use of established cell lines that express multiple phenotypes can provide invaluable insights into the complex interplay between therapies and cancer's heterogeneous and plastic nature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aurora M. Nedelcu
- Biology Department, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
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