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Valenti A, Falcone I, Valenti F, Ricciardi E, Di Martino S, Maccallini MT, Cerro M, Desiderio F, Miseo L, Russillo M, Guerrisi A. Biobanks as an Indispensable Tool in the "Era" of Precision Medicine: Key Role in the Management of Complex Diseases, Such as Melanoma. J Pers Med 2024; 14:731. [PMID: 39063985 PMCID: PMC11278009 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070731] [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: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, medicine has undergone profound changes, strongly entering a new phase defined as the "era of precision medicine". In this context, patient clinical management involves various scientific approaches that allow for a comprehensive pathology evaluation: from preventive processes (where applicable) to genetic and diagnostic studies. In this scenario, biobanks play an important role and, over the years, have gained increasing prestige, moving from small deposits to large collections of samples of various natures. Disease-oriented biobanks are rapidly developing as they provide useful information for the management of complex diseases, such as melanoma. Indeed, melanoma, given its highly heterogeneous characteristics, is one of the oncologic diseases with the greatest clinical and therapeutic management complexity. So, the possibility of extrapolating tissue, genetic and imaging data from dedicated biobanks could result in more selective study approaches. In this review, we specifically analyze the several biobank types to evaluate their role in technology development, patient monitoring and research of new biomarkers, especially in the melanoma context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Valenti
- Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Unit, Department of Clinical and Dermatological Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.D.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Italia Falcone
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabio Valenti
- UOC Oncological Translational Research, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.V.); (E.R.)
| | - Elena Ricciardi
- UOC Oncological Translational Research, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.V.); (E.R.)
| | - Simona Di Martino
- UOC Pathology Unit, Biobank IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Maccallini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Università La Sapienza di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.T.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Marianna Cerro
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Università La Sapienza di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.T.M.); (M.C.)
| | - Flora Desiderio
- Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Unit, Department of Clinical and Dermatological Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.D.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Ludovica Miseo
- Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Unit, Department of Clinical and Dermatological Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.D.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Michelangelo Russillo
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Antonino Guerrisi
- Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Unit, Department of Clinical and Dermatological Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.D.); (L.M.); (A.G.)
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2
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Taffon C, Naciu AM, Bonfiglio R, Palumbo V, Maricchiolo G, Morano V, Salducci M, Stigliano S, Palermo A, Di Matteo FM, Crescenzi A. From sampling to cellblock: The fully automated journey of cytological specimens. Diagn Cytopathol 2024. [PMID: 38842251 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25366] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, technological innovation have emerged to standardize pathology laboratory processes and reduce the handling of diagnostic samples. Among them is an automatic tissue embedding system that eliminates the need for manual activity in tissue paraffin embedding, thereby improving sample preservation. Unfortunately, this system cannot be used for cytological specimens due to the lack of an effective holder to support the procedure steps. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a commercial polymer matrix to enable and standardize the automatic paraffin embedding of cytological material from different organs and sources. Cytological samples from 40 patients were collected on the matrices and submitted for fully automatic workflow preparation, from formalin fixation until paraffin block, using the Sakura embedding system. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of the automated procedure, from loading cytological sample onto the matrix to obtaining the paraffin cellblock, thereby avoiding manual manipulation of cellular material. All samples resulted adequately processed and paraffin-embedded showing satisfactory tissue permeation by processing reagents, optimal preservation of cytoplasmic and nuclear details, and good quality of staining results on paraffin sections. Automated embedding of cytological samples eliminates the risk of lost specimens, reduces laboratory burden, standardizes procedures, increases diagnostic yield, and ultimately improves patients' management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Taffon
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Anda Mihaela Naciu
- Unit of Metabolic bone and thyroid disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Bonfiglio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Palumbo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Maricchiolo
- Department of Operative Endoscopy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Morano
- Unit of Endocrine organs and neuromuscular pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Salducci
- Sense Organs Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Stigliano
- Department of Operative Endoscopy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Palermo
- Unit of Metabolic bone and thyroid disorders, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Di Matteo
- Department of Operative Endoscopy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Crescenzi
- Unit of Endocrine organs and neuromuscular pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- Department of radiological, oncological, and pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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3
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Ascenzi F, Esposito A, Bruschini S, Salvati V, De Vitis C, De Arcangelis V, Ricci G, Catizione A, di Martino S, Buglioni S, Bassi M, Venuta F, De Nicola F, Massacci A, Grassucci I, Pallocca M, Ricci A, Fanciulli M, Ciliberto G, Mancini R. Identification of a set of genes potentially responsible for resistance to ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cancer stem cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:303. [PMID: 38684666 PMCID: PMC11059184 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06667-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Scientific literature supports the evidence that cancer stem cells (CSCs) retain inside low reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and are, therefore, less susceptible to cell death, including ferroptosis, a type of cell death dependent on iron-driven lipid peroxidation. A collection of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) primary cell lines derived from malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) of patients was used to obtain 3D spheroids enriched for stem-like properties. We observed that the ferroptosis inducer RSL3 triggered lipid peroxidation and cell death in LUAD cells when grown in 2D conditions; however, when grown in 3D conditions, all cell lines underwent a phenotypic switch, exhibiting substantial resistance to RSL3 and, therefore, protection against ferroptotic cell death. Interestingly, this phenomenon was reversed by disrupting 3D cells and growing them back in adherence, supporting the idea of CSCs plasticity, which holds that cancer cells have the dynamic ability to transition between a CSC state and a non-CSC state. Molecular analyses showed that ferroptosis resistance in 3D spheroids correlated with an increased expression of antioxidant genes and high levels of proteins involved in iron storage and export, indicating protection against oxidative stress and low availability of iron for the initiation of ferroptosis. Moreover, transcriptomic analyses highlighted a novel subset of genes commonly modulated in 3D spheroids and potentially capable of driving ferroptosis protection in LUAD-CSCs, thus allowing to better understand the mechanisms of CSC-mediated drug resistance in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ascenzi
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Esposito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sara Bruschini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- SAFU Laboratory, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvati
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria De Arcangelis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Angiolina Catizione
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic-Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona di Martino
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Buglioni
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federico Venuta
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alice Massacci
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Grassucci
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Ricci
- Respiratory Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Laboratory, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Srebotnik Kirbis I, Kholova I, Huhtala H, Bongiovanni M, Strojan Flezar M, Hodgson C, Cochand-Priollet B. Cell block practices in European cytopathology laboratories. Cancer Cytopathol 2024; 132:250-259. [PMID: 38324231 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22793] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are numerous methods and procedures described for the preparation of cell blocks (CBs) from cytological samples. The objective of this study was to determine current practices and issues with CBs in European laboratories. METHODS A link to an online survey, with 11 questions about CB practices, was distributed to cytology laboratories via participants of United Kingdom National External Quality Assurance Service for Cellular Pathology Techniques and national representatives in the European Federation of Cytology Societies. RESULTS A total of 402 laboratories responded completely (337/402, 84%) or partially (65/402, 16%) to the survey by February 4, 2022. The most common CB practice is embedding cell pellets using plasma and thrombin (23.3%), agar (17.1%), Shandon/Epredia Cytoblock (11.4%), HistoGel (7.9%), and Cellient (3.5%). Other methods such as CytoFoam, albumin, gelatin, Cytomatrix, and collodion bags are rarely used (1.0%, 0.7%, 0.7%, 0.3%, and 0.2%, respectively). CBs are also prepared from naturally occurring clots or tissue fragments (29.5%) and cells scraped from unstained or prestained smears (4.4%). The most frequent issues with the CBs in a daily cytology practice are low cellularity (248/402, 62%) and dispersed cells (89/402, 22%), regardless of the CBs preparation method or how the samples for embedding were selected. CONCLUSIONS There is a great variability in CB practices in European laboratories with low cellular CBs as the main issue. Additional studies are mandatory to evaluate and improve performance and cellular yield of CBs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivana Kholova
- Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Heini Huhtala
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | | | | | - Chantell Hodgson
- United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service for Cellular Pathology Technique, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Liguoro D, Frigerio R, Ortolano A, Sacconi A, Acunzo M, Romano G, Nigita G, Bellei B, Madonna G, Capone M, Ascierto PA, Mancini R, Ciliberto G, Fattore L. The MITF/mir-579-3p regulatory axis dictates BRAF-mutated melanoma cell fate in response to MAPK inhibitors. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:208. [PMID: 38472212 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06580-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Therapy of melanoma has improved dramatically over the last years thanks to the development of targeted therapies (MAPKi) and immunotherapies. However, drug resistance continues to limit the efficacy of these therapies. Our research group has provided robust evidence as to the involvement of a set of microRNAs in the development of resistance to target therapy in BRAF-mutated melanomas. Among them, a pivotal role is played by the oncosuppressor miR-579-3p. Here we show that miR-579-3p and the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) influence reciprocally their expression through positive feedback regulatory loops. In particular we show that miR-579-3p is specifically deregulated in BRAF-mutant melanomas and that its expression levels mirror those of MITF. Luciferase and ChIP studies show that MITF is a positive regulator of miR-579-3p, which is located in the intron 11 of the human gene ZFR (Zink-finger recombinase) and is co-transcribed with its host gene. Moreover, miR-579-3p, by targeting BRAF, is able to stabilize MITF protein thus inducing its own transcription. From biological points of view, early exposure to MAPKi or, alternatively miR-579-3p transfection, induce block of proliferation and trigger senescence programs in BRAF-mutant melanoma cells. Finally, the long-term development of resistance to MAPKi is able to select cells characterized by the loss of both miR-579-3p and MITF and the same down-regulation is also present in patients relapsing after treatments. Altogether these findings suggest that miR-579-3p/MITF interplay potentially governs the balance between proliferation, senescence and resistance to therapies in BRAF-mutant melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Liguoro
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Frigerio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Arianna Ortolano
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic- Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Acunzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Giulia Romano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Giovanni Nigita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Madonna
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariaelena Capone
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, 00118, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Directorate, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luigi Fattore
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
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Karacosta LG, Pancirer D, Preiss JS, Benson JA, Trope W, Shrager JB, Sung AW, Neal JW, Bendall SC, Wakelee H, Plevritis SK. Phenotyping EMT and MET cellular states in lung cancer patient liquid biopsies at a personalized level using mass cytometry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21781. [PMID: 38065965 PMCID: PMC10709404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46458-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) can be utilized as liquid biopsy for phenotyping malignant cells and for precision immunotherapy, yet MPEs are inadequately studied at the single-cell proteomic level. Here we leverage mass cytometry to interrogate immune and epithelial cellular profiles of primary tumors and pleural effusions (PEs) from early and late-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, with the goal of assessing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) states in patient specimens. By using the EMT-MET reference map PHENOSTAMP, we observe a variety of EMT states in cytokeratin positive (CK+) cells, and report for the first time MET-enriched CK+ cells in MPEs. We show that these states may be relevant to disease stage and therapy response. Furthermore, we found that the fraction of CD33+ myeloid cells in PEs was positively correlated to the fraction of CK+ cells. Longitudinal analysis of MPEs drawn 2 months apart from a patient undergoing therapy, revealed that CK+ cells acquired heterogeneous EMT features during treatment. We present this work as a feasibility study that justifies deeper characterization of EMT and MET states in malignant cells found in PEs as a promising clinical platform to better evaluate disease progression and treatment response at a personalized level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukia G Karacosta
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Danny Pancirer
- Stanford Cancer Institute - Clinical Trials Office, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jordan S Preiss
- Stanford Cancer Institute - Clinical Trials Office, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jalen A Benson
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Winston Trope
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Joseph B Shrager
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, USA
| | - Arthur Wai Sung
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Joel W Neal
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sean C Bendall
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Heather Wakelee
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sylvia K Plevritis
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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7
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Castaldo V, Minopoli M, Di Modugno F, Sacconi A, Liguoro D, Frigerio R, Ortolano A, Di Martile M, Gesualdi L, Madonna G, Capone M, Cirombella R, Catizone A, Del Bufalo D, Vecchione A, Carriero MV, Ascierto PA, Mancini R, Fattore L, Ciliberto G. Upregulated expression of miR-4443 and miR-4488 in drug resistant melanomas promotes migratory and invasive phenotypes through downregulation of intermediate filament nestin. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:317. [PMID: 38008717 PMCID: PMC10680267 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02878-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BRAF-mutant melanoma patients benefit from the combinatorial treatments with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. However, acquired drug resistance strongly limits the efficacy of these targeted therapies in time. Recently, many findings have underscored the involvement of microRNAs as main drivers of drug resistance. In this context, we previously identified a subset of oncomiRs strongly up-regulated in drug-resistant melanomas. In this work, we shed light on the molecular role of two as yet poorly characterized oncomiRs, miR-4443 and miR-4488. METHODS Invasion and migration have been determined by wound healing, transwell migration/invasion assays and Real Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) technology. miR-4488 and miR-4443 have been measured by qRT-PCR. Nestin levels have been tested by western blot, confocal immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical and flow cytometry analyses. RESULTS We demonstrate that the two oncomiRs are responsible for the enhanced migratory and invasive phenotypes, that are a hallmark of drug resistant melanoma cells. Moreover, miR-4443 and miR-4488 promote an aberrant cytoskeletal reorganization witnessed by the increased number of stress fibers and cellular protrusions-like cancer cell invadopodia. Mechanistically, we identified the intermediate filament nestin as a molecular target of both oncomiRs. Finally, we have shown that nestin levels are able to predict response to treatments in melanoma patients. CONCLUSIONS Altogether these findings have profound translational implications in the attempt i) to develop miRNA-targeting therapies to mitigate the metastatic phenotypes of BRAF-mutant melanomas and ii) to identify novel biomarkers able to guide clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Castaldo
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic- Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Minopoli
- Preclinical Models of Tumor Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Modugno
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Liguoro
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Frigerio
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Ortolano
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Gesualdi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic- Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Madonna
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariaelena Capone
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Cirombella
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00118, Rome, Italy
| | - Angiolina Catizone
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic- Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00118, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Carriero
- Preclinical Models of Tumor Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Unit of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Department Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00118, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Fattore
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Directorate, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
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8
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De Vitis C, Battaglia AM, Pallocca M, Santamaria G, Mimmi MC, Sacco A, De Nicola F, Gaspari M, Salvati V, Ascenzi F, Bruschini S, Esposito A, Ricci G, Sperandio E, Massacci A, Prestagiacomo LE, Vecchione A, Ricci A, Sciacchitano S, Salerno G, French D, Aversa I, Cereda C, Fanciulli M, Chiaradonna F, Solito E, Cuda G, Costanzo F, Ciliberto G, Mancini R, Biamonte F. ALDOC- and ENO2- driven glucose metabolism sustains 3D tumor spheroids growth regardless of nutrient environmental conditions: a multi-omics analysis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:69. [PMID: 36945054 PMCID: PMC10031988 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastases are the major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. By the time cancer cells detach from their primary site to eventually spread to distant sites, they need to acquire the ability to survive in non-adherent conditions and to proliferate within a new microenvironment in spite of stressing conditions that may severely constrain the metastatic process. In this study, we gained insight into the molecular mechanisms allowing cancer cells to survive and proliferate in an anchorage-independent manner, regardless of both tumor-intrinsic variables and nutrient culture conditions. METHODS 3D spheroids derived from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and breast cancer cells were cultured in either nutrient-rich or -restricted culture conditions. A multi-omics approach, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, was used to explore the molecular changes underlying the transition from 2 to 3D cultures. Small interfering RNA-mediated loss of function assays were used to validate the role of the identified differentially expressed genes and proteins in H460 and HCC827 LUAD as well as in MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines. RESULTS We found that the transition from 2 to 3D cultures of H460 and MCF7 cells is associated with significant changes in the expression of genes and proteins involved in metabolic reprogramming. In particular, we observed that 3D tumor spheroid growth implies the overexpression of ALDOC and ENO2 glycolytic enzymes concomitant with the enhanced consumption of glucose and fructose and the enhanced production of lactate. Transfection with siRNA against both ALDOC and ENO2 determined a significant reduction in lactate production, viability and size of 3D tumor spheroids produced by H460, HCC827, MCF7, and T47D cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that anchorage-independent survival and growth of cancer cells are supported by changes in genes and proteins that drive glucose metabolism towards an enhanced lactate production. Notably, this finding is valid for all lung and breast cancer cell lines we have analyzed in different nutrient environmental conditions. broader Validation of this mechanism in other cancer cells of different origin will be necessary to broaden the role of ALDOC and ENO2 to other tumor types. Future in vivo studies will be necessary to assess the role of ALDOC and ENO2 in cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, ''Sapienza'' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Martina Battaglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS ''Regina Elena'' National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Santamaria
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Sacco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca De Nicola
- SAFU Laboratory, IRCCS ''Regina Elena'' National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Gaspari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvati
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS ''Regina Elena'' National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ascenzi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, ''Sapienza'' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Bruschini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, ''Sapienza'' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Esposito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania ''Luigi Vanvitelli'', Naples, Italy
| | - Eleonora Sperandio
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS ''Regina Elena'' National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Massacci
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS ''Regina Elena'' National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Licia Elvira Prestagiacomo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchione
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, ''Sapienza'' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ricci
- Respiratory Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sciacchitano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, ''Sapienza'' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerardo Salerno
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah French
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, ''Sapienza'' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Cereda
- Genomic and Post-Genomic Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Laboratory, IRCCS ''Regina Elena'' National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Egle Solito
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
| | - Giovanni Cuda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Costanzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Interdepartmental Centre of Services, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Director, IRCCS ''Regina Elena'' National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, ''Sapienza'' University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Flavia Biamonte
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, ''Magna Graecia'' University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
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9
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Oncosuppressive miRNAs loaded in lipid nanoparticles potentiate targeted therapies in BRAF-mutant melanoma by inhibiting core escape pathways of resistance. Oncogene 2023; 42:293-307. [PMID: 36418472 PMCID: PMC9684877 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BRAF-mutated melanoma relapsing after targeted therapies is an aggressive disease with unmet clinical need. Hence the need to identify novel combination therapies able to overcome drug resistance. miRNAs have emerged as orchestrators of non-genetic mechanisms adopted by melanoma cells to challenge therapies. In this context we previously identified a subset of oncosuppressor miRNAs downregulated in drug-resistant melanomas. Here we demonstrate that lipid nanoparticles co-encapsulating two of them, miR-199-5p and miR-204-5p, inhibit tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo in combination with target therapy and block the development of drug resistance. Mechanistically they act by directly reducing melanoma cell growth and also indirectly by hampering the recruitment and reprogramming of pro-tumoral macrophages. Molecularly, we demonstrate that the effects on macrophages are mediated by the dysregulation of a newly identified miR-204-5p-miR-199b-5p/CCL5 axis. Finally, we unveiled that M2 macrophages programs are molecular signatures of resistance and predict response to therapy in patients. Overall, these findings have strong translational implications to propose new combination therapies making use of RNA therapeutics for metastatic melanoma patients.
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10
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Bruschini S, Pallocca M, Sperandio E, D'Ambrosio L, Ascenzi F, De Vitis C, Salvati V, Esposito A, Di Martino S, De Nicola F, Paolini F, Fattore L, Alessandrini G, Facciolo F, Foddai ML, Bassi M, Venuta F, D'Ascanio M, Ricci A, D' Andrilli A, Napoli C, Aurisicchio L, Fanciulli M, Rendina EA, Ciliberto G, Mancini R. Deconvolution of malignant pleural effusions immune landscape unravels a novel macrophage signature associated with worse clinical outcome in lung adenocarcinoma patients. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-004239. [PMID: 35584864 PMCID: PMC9119185 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors are still unable to provide clinical benefit to the large majority of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A deeper characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is expected to shed light on the mechanisms of cancer immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy. Here, we exploited malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients as a model system to decipher TIME in metastatic NSCLC. Methods Mononuclear cells from MPEs (PEMC) and peripheral blood (PBMC), cell free pleural fluid and/or plasma were collected from a total of 24 LUAD patients and 12 healthy donors. Bulk-RNA sequencing was performed on total RNA extracted from PEMC and matched PBMC. The DEseq2 Bioconductor package was used to perform differential expression analysis and CIBERSORTx for the regression-based immune deconvolution of bulk gene expression data. Cytokinome analysis of cell-free pleural fluid and plasma samples was performed using a 48-Plex Assay panel. THP-1 monocytic cells were used to assess macrophage polarization. Survival analyses on NSCLC patients were performed using KM Plotter (LUAD, N=672; lung squamous cell carcinoma, N=271). Results Transcriptomic analysis of immune cells and cytokinome analysis of soluble factors in the pleural fluid depicted MPEs as a metastatic niche in which all the components required for an effective antitumor response are present, but conscripted in a wound-healing, proinflammatory and tumor-supportive mode. The bioinformatic deconvolution analysis revealed an immune landscape dominated by myeloid subsets with the prevalence of monocytes, protumoral macrophages and activated mast cells. Focusing on macrophages we identified an MPEs-distinctive signature associated with worse clinical outcome in LUAD patients. Conclusions Our study reports for the first time a wide characterization of MPEs LUAD microenvironment, highlighting the importance of specific components of the myeloid compartment and opens new perspectives for the rational design of new therapies for metastatic NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bruschini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Sperandio
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Clinical Trial Center, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo D'Ambrosio
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ascenzi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvati
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Esposito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Simona Di Martino
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Paolini
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.,HPV-Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Fattore
- SAFU Laboratory, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Facciolo
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Foddai
- Immunohematology and Transfusional Medicine Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Federico Venuta
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela D'Ascanio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio D' Andrilli
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Laboratory, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Erino Angelo Rendina
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Directorate, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant' Andrea Hospital-Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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11
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Wang SY, Hu QC, Wu T, Xia J, Tao XA, Cheng B. Abnormal lipid synthesis as a therapeutic target for cancer stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:146-162. [PMID: 35432735 PMCID: PMC8963380 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i2.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) comprise a subpopulation of cancer cells with stem cell properties, which exhibit the characteristics of high tumorigenicity, self-renewal, and tumor initiation and are associated with the occurrence, metastasis, therapy resistance, and relapse of cancer. Compared with differentiated cells, CSCs have unique metabolic characteristics, and metabolic reprogramming contributes to the self-renewal and maintenance of stem cells. It has been reported that CSCs are highly dependent on lipid metabolism to maintain stemness and satisfy the requirements of biosynthesis and energy metabolism. In this review, we demonstrate that lipid anabolism alterations promote the survival of CSCs, including de novo lipogenesis, lipid desaturation, and cholesterol synthesis. In addition, we also emphasize the molecular mechanism underlying the relationship between lipid synthesis and stem cell survival, the signal trans-duction pathways involved, and the application prospect of lipid synthesis reprogramming in CSC therapy. It is demonstrated that the dependence on lipid synthesis makes targeting of lipid synthesis metabolism a promising therapeutic strategy for eliminating CSCs. Targeting key molecules in lipid synthesis will play an important role in anti-CSC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Wang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qin-Chao Hu
- Department of Oral Medicine, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Oral Medicine, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Juan Xia
- Department of Oral Medicine, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-An Tao
- Department of Oral Medicine, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- Department of Oral Medicine, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
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12
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Pang L, Huang X, Zhu L, Xiao H, Li M, Guan H, Gao J, Jin H. [Targeted killing of CD133 + lung cancer stem cells using paclitaxel-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles with CD133 aptamers]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:26-35. [PMID: 35249867 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.01.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To construct a polylactic acid-glycolic acid-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) nanocarrier (N-Pac-CD133) coupled with a CD133 nucleic acid aptamer carrying paclitaxel for eliminating lung cancer stem cells (CSCs). METHODS Paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 was prepared using the emulsion/solvent evaporation method and characterized. CD133+ lung CSCs were separated by magnetic bead separation and identified for their biological behaviors and gene expression profile. The efficiency of paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 for targeted killing of lung cancer cells was assessed in vitro. SCID mice were inoculated with A549 cells and received injections of normal saline, empty nanocarrier linked with CD133 aptamer (N-CD133), paclitaxel, paclitaxel-loaded nanocarrier (N-Pac) or paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 (n=8, 5 mg/kg paclitaxel) on days 10, 15 and 20, and the tumor weight and body weight of the mice were measured on day 40. RESULTS Paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed a particle size of about 100 nm with a high encapsulation efficiency (>80%) and drug loading rate (>8%), and was capable of sustained drug release within 48 h. The CD133+ cell population in lung cancer cells showed the characteristic features of lung CSCs, including faster growth rate (30 days, P=0.001) and high expressions of tumor stem cell markers OV6(P < 0.001), CD133 (P=0.001), OCT3/4 (P=0.002), EpCAM (P=0.04), NANOG (P=0.005) and CD44 (P=0.02). Compared with N-Pac and free paclitaxel, paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed significantly enhanced targeting ability and cytotoxicity against lung CSCs in vitro (P < 0.001) and significantly reduced the formation of tumor spheres (P < 0.001). In the tumor-bearing mice, paclitaxel-loaded N-Pac-CD133 showed the strongest effects in reducing the tumor mass among all the treatments (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION CD133 aptamer can promote targeted delivery of paclitaxel to allow targeted killing of CD133+ lung CSCs. N-Pac-CD133 loaded with paclitaxel may provide an effective treatment for lung cancer by targeting the lung cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Pang
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - X Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Wuhan First Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - L Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - H Xiao
- Research Department, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | - M Li
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
| | | | - J Gao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - H Jin
- Clinical Laboratory, 5Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hongqi Hospital, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang 157011, China
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13
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Sciacchitano S, Capalbo C, Napoli C, Negro A, De Biase L, Marcolongo A, Anibaldi P, Salvati V, Petrella L, Merlo L, Alampi D, Alessandri E, Loffredo C, Ulivieri A, Lavra L, Magi F, Morgante A, Salehi LB, De Vitis C, Mancini R, Coluzzi F, Rocco M. Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) in severe COVID-19 patients: role of T3 on the Na/K pump gene expression and on hydroelectrolytic equilibrium. J Transl Med 2021; 19:491. [PMID: 34861865 PMCID: PMC8640710 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome (NTIS) can be detected in many critical illnesses. Recently, we demonstrated that this condition is frequently observed in COVID-19 patients too and it is correlated with the severity the disease. However, the exact mechanism through which thyroid hormones influence the course of COVID-19, as well as that of many other critical illnesses, is not clear yet and treatment with T4, T3 or a combination of both is still controversial. Aim of this study was to analyze body composition in COVID-19 patients in search of possible correlation with the thyroid function. Methods and findings We report here our experience performed in 74 critically ill COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of our University Hospital in Rome. In these patients, we evaluated the thyroid hormone function and body composition by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) during the acute phase of the disease at admission in the ICU. To examine the effects of thyroid function on BIA parameters we analyzed also 96 outpatients, affected by thyroid diseases in different functional conditions. We demonstrated that COVID-19 patients with low FT3 serum values exhibited increased values of the Total Body Water/Free Fat Mass (TBW/FFM) ratio. Patients with the lowest FT3 serum values had also the highest level of TBW/FFM ratio. This ratio is an indicator of the fraction of FFM as water and represents one of the best-known body-composition constants in mammals. We found an inverse correlation between FT3 serum values and this constant. Reduced FT3 serum values in COVID-19 patients were correlated with the increase in the total body water (TBW), the extracellular water (ECW) and the sodium/potassium exchangeable ratio (Nae:Ke), and with the reduction of the intracellular water (ICW). No specific correlation was observed in thyroid patients at different functional conditions between any BIA parameters and FT3 serum values, except for the patient with myxedema, that showed a picture similar to that seen in COVID-19 patients with NTIS. Since the Na+/K+ pump is a well-known T3 target, we measured the mRNA expression levels of the two genes coding for the two major isoforms of this pump. We demonstrated that COVID-19 patients with NTIS had lower levels of mRNA of both genes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)s obtained from our patients during the acute phase of the disease. In addition, we retrieved data from transcriptome analysis, performed on human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM)s treated with T3 and we demonstrated that in these cells T3 is able to stimulate the expression of these two genes in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions In conclusion, we demonstrated that measurement of BIA parameters is a useful method to analyze water and salt retention in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in ICU and, in particular, in those that develop NTIS. Our results indicate that NTIS has peculiar similarities with myxedema seen in severe hypothyroid patients, albeit it occurs more rapidly. The Na+/K+ pump is a possible target of T3 action, involved in the pathogenesis of the anasarcatic condition observed in our COVID-19 patients with NTIS. Finally, measurement of BIA parameters may represent good endpoints to evaluate the benefit of future clinical interventional trials, based on the administration of T3 in patients with NTIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Sciacchitano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena n. 324, 00161, Rome, Italy. .,Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlo Capalbo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, 00189, Rome, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Translational Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Negro
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena n. 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano De Biase
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Anibaldi
- Health Management Director, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvati
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Lea Petrella
- Department of Methods and Models for Economics, Territory and Finance (MEMOTEF), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Merlo
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Alampi
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Translational Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Alessandri
- Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Loffredo
- Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ulivieri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Lavra
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorenza Magi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Morgante
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Leila B Salehi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Research, Niccolò Cusano University Foundation, Rome, Italy.,U.O.C. of Medical Genetics, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena n. 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena n. 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Coluzzi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Rocco
- Department of Clinical and Surgical Translational Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Improvement of the Collection, Maintenance, and Analysis of Neoplastic Cells from Urine Specimens with the Use of CytoMatrix. Methods Protoc 2021; 4:mps4030065. [PMID: 34564311 PMCID: PMC8482097 DOI: 10.3390/mps4030065] [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: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Urine cytology is a non-invasive test used in combination with cystoscopy for screening and follow-up of urothelial carcinoma (UC). Although cytology can be used to efficiently identify high-grade UC, it has a lower accuracy for the diagnosis of low-grade UC or patients with presence of atypical urothelial cells (AUC). For these reasons, ancillary tests have been added to urine cytology in order to improve the accuracy. However, the poor abundance of neoplastic cells in most samples and the absence of a "tissue-like" structure remains a major challenge. We used a novel synthetic support called CytoMatrix which has the property of capturing and storing cells and micro-macro aggregates within its three-dimensional structure. The urine specimens were obtained from 12 patients: 6 with suspected urothelial neoplasia (low- and high-grade) and 6 with AUC or non-neoplastic samples. The first step is the urine samples preparation, through several centrifugation passages; the second step consists in absorbing cells on the CytoMatrix, and in the subsequent formalin fixation, standard processing and paraffin embedding to prepare FFPE-CytoMatrix block. In the final step, sections are consecutively cut, stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), and analyzed via UroVysion FISH and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Using our simple and reliable protocol, we can improve the quality of urine specimens, allowing a better collection, maintenance, and analysis of cells, with the advantage of using ancillary tests to support cytological diagnosis and the advantage of storing cellular material in a FFPE-CytoMatrix block.
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Stigliano S, Crescenzi A, Taffon C, Covotta F, Hassan C, Antonelli G, Verri M, Biasutto D, Scarpa RM, Di Matteo FM. Role of fluorescence confocal microscopy for rapid evaluation of EUS fine-needle biopsy sampling in pancreatic solid lesions. Gastrointest Endosc 2021; 94:562-568.e1. [PMID: 33798539 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2021.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS EUS fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) sampling is the standard procedure for diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. Fluorescence confocal microscopy (FCM) allows imaging of tissues in the fresh state, requiring minimal preparation without damage or loss of tissue. Until now, no data exist on FCM in the field of microhistologic specimens. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of FCM in predicting histologic adequacy of EUS-FNB samples in pancreatic solid lesions and to assess the agreement between FCM evaluation and final histology. METHODS In this single-center prospective study on consecutive patients with pancreatic lesions receiving EUS-FNB, the obtained samples have been evaluated at FCM and classified as "inadequate" or "adequate" (benign, suspicious, or malignant). The kappa test was used to quantify agreement. The diagnostic accuracy of FCM was assessed. A P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS From April 2020 to September 2020, 81 patients were enrolled. In all cases FCM showed the macro image of the sample and created a digital image. Of the samples, 92.6% was defined as adequate at the FCM evaluation and confirmed at histopathology. Histologic diagnoses were 8% benign, 17.3% atypical/suspicious, and 74.7% malignant with satisfactory agreement with the FCM evaluation (Cohen's κ coefficient, .95; 95% confidence interval [CI], .89-1.01; P = .001). The sensitivity of the FCM evaluation was 100% (95% CI, 95%-100%), specificity 66.7% (95% CI, 22.3%-95.7%), accuracy 97% (95% CI, 90.7%-99.7%), positive predictive value 97% (95% CI, 91.8%-99%), and negative predictive value 100%. CONCLUSIONS FCM represents a new technique successfully applicable to microhistologic specimens. It provides fast information about sample adequacy in small specimens with good agreement in the final histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Stigliano
- Operative Endoscopy Department, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Crescenzi
- Pathology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Taffon
- Pathology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Covotta
- Operative Endoscopy Department, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Hassan
- Endoscopy Unit, Nuovo Regina Margherita Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Martina Verri
- Pathology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Biasutto
- Operative Endoscopy Department, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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16
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ALDH1 and SALL4 Expression in Cell Block Samples from Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma and Malignant Pleural Effusion. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11081463. [PMID: 34441397 PMCID: PMC8394086 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081463] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) can accompany advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Recent studies suggest that MPE could contain a heterogeneous subpopulation of cells with stem-like properties, such as tumorigenicity and self-renewal, indicating that they could be the source of metastasis. Although previous studies analyzed the correlation between cancer stem cell (CSC) marker expression and clinical outcomes using lung cancer tissues, investigations regarding the association of MPE with CSC marker expression are limited. We performed immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) and Sal-like 4 (SALL4) in 46 cell block samples of MPE from patients with lung adenocarcinoma. ALDH1-positive and SALL4-positive cancer cells in MPE were detected in 30 (65.2%) and 21 samples (45.7%), respectively. Cluster formation was detected in 26 samples (56.5%). The number of clusters was significantly higher in ALDH1-positive/SALL4-negative samples. SALL4 expression was inversely correlated with the cluster ratio (r = −0.356) and positively associated with the Ki-67 index (r = 0.326), suggesting that MPE cells with high SALL4 expression comprised the proliferative subpopulation. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MPE contains an ALDH1-positive/SALL4-negative subpopulation exhibiting cluster formation and a SALL4-positive proliferative subpopulation.
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17
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Fattore L, Mancini R, Ciliberto G. Cancer Stem Cells and the Slow Cycling Phenotype: How to Cut the Gordian Knot Driving Resistance to Therapy in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113368. [PMID: 33202944 PMCID: PMC7696527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113368] [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: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer stem cells play a central role in the development of cancer and are poorly sensitive to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, they are also responsible for the onset of drug resistance. This also occurs in malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Hence, cancer stem cells eradication is one of the main challenges for medical oncology. Here, we conducted a bioinformatics approach aimed to identify the main circuits and proteins underpinning cancer stem cell fitness in melanoma. Several lessons emerged from our work and may help to conceptualize future therapeutic approaches to prolong the efficacy of current therapies. Abstract Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have historically been defined as slow cycling elements that are able to differentiate into mature cells but without dedifferentiation in the opposite direction. Thanks to advances in genomic and non-genomic technologies, the CSC theory has more recently been reconsidered in a dynamic manner according to a “phenotype switching” plastic model. Transcriptional reprogramming rewires this plasticity and enables heterogeneous tumors to influence cancer progression and to adapt themselves to drug exposure by selecting a subpopulation of slow cycling cells, similar in nature to the originally defined CSCs. This model has been conceptualized for malignant melanoma tailored to explain resistance to target therapies. Here, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis of available data directed to the identification of the molecular pathways sustaining slow cycling melanoma stem cells. Using this approach, we identified a signature of 25 genes that were assigned to four major clusters, namely (1) kinases and metabolic changes, (2) melanoma-associated proteins, (3) Hippo pathway and (4) slow cycling/CSCs factors. Furthermore, we show how a protein−protein interaction network may be the main driver of these melanoma cell subpopulations. Finally, mining The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data we evaluated the expression levels of this signature in the four melanoma mutational subtypes. The concomitant alteration of these genes correlates with the worst overall survival (OS) for melanoma patients harboring BRAF-mutations. All together these results underscore the potentiality to target this signature to selectively kill CSCs and to achieve disease control in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Fattore
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, SAFU Laboratory, Translational Research Area, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS, “Fondazione G. Pascale”, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Directorate, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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18
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Reverse transcriptase inhibition potentiates target therapy in BRAF-mutant melanomas: effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, DNA-damage, ROS induction and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:150. [PMID: 32933538 PMCID: PMC7493390 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Target therapies based on BRAF and MEK inhibitors (MAPKi) have changed the therapeutic landscape for metastatic melanoma patients bearing mutations in the BRAF kinase. However, the emergence of drug resistance imposes the necessity to conceive novel therapeutic strategies capable to achieve a more durable disease control. In the last years, retrotransposons laying in human genome have been shown to undergo activation during tumorigenesis, where they contribute to genomic instability. Their activation can be efficiently controlled with reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) frequently used in the treatment of AIDS. These drugs have demonstrated anti-proliferative effects in several cancer models, including also metastatic melanoma. However, to our knowledge no previous study investigated the capability of RTIs to mitigate drug resistance to target therapy in BRAF-mutant melanomas. In this short report we show that the non-nucleoside RTI, SPV122 in combination with MAPKi strongly inhibits BRAF-mutant melanoma cell growth, induces apoptosis, and delays the emergence of resistance to target therapy in vitro. Mechanistically, this combination strongly induces DNA double-strand breaks, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and increased ROS levels. Our results shed further light on the molecular activity of RTI in melanoma and pave the way to their use as a novel therapeutic option to improve the efficacy of target therapy. Video Abstract
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19
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Wang J, Ling R, Zhou Y, Gao X, Yang Y, Mao C, Chen D. SREBP1 silencing inhibits the proliferation and motility of human esophageal squamous carcinoma cells via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:2855-2869. [PMID: 32765792 PMCID: PMC7403634 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11853] [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: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) is dysregulated in a variety of types of human cancer. However, the functional roles of SREBP1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain poorly understood. The present study investigated the function of SREBP1 in cell proliferation and motility. Microarray datasets in Oncomine, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis revealed that SREBP1 was overexpressed in ESCC tumors when compared with normal tissues. In addition, SREBP1 overexpression was significantly associated with tumor differentiation, lymphatic metastasis and Ki67 expression. Results suggested that silencing SREBP1 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of ESCC cells, whereas overexpression of SREBP1 had opposite effects on proliferation and metastasis. In addition, loss of SREBP1 significantly increased E-cadherin and decreased N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and vascular endothelial growth factor C expression levels, which were restored via SREBP1-overexpression. Mechanistically, loss of SREBP1 suppressed T-cell factor 1/lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (TCF1/LEF1) activity and downregulated TCF1/LEF1 target proteins, including CD44 and cyclin D1. Moreover, knockdown of SREBP1 downregulated the expression levels of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β and nuclear β-catenin. Furthermore, the inhibitors of SREBP1 and/or SCD1 and small interfering RNA-SCD1 efficiently inhibited the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway driven by constitutively active SREBP1. Finally, in vivo results indicated that SREBP1-knockdown suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that SREBP1 exerts oncogenic effects in ESCC by promoting proliferation and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the SCD1-induced activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhi Wang
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Rui Ling
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Yuepeng Zhou
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Xingyu Gao
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Yun Yang
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Chaoming Mao
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
| | - Deyu Chen
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, P.R. China
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20
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Melis E, Gallo E, di Martino S, Gallina FT, Laquintana V, Casini B, Visca P, Ganci F, Alessandrini G, Caterino M, Cecere FL, Mandoj C, Papadantonakis A, De Bello N, Lattanzio R, Palmieri G, Garassino MC, Girard N, Conti L, Blandino G, Fazi F, Facciolo F, Pescarmona E, Ciliberto G, Marino M. Thymic Epithelial Tumors as a Model of Networking: Development of a Synergistic Strategy for Clinical and Translational Research Purposes. Front Oncol 2020; 10:922. [PMID: 32760665 PMCID: PMC7372300 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00922] [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: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the group of thymic epithelial tumors (TET), thymomas often show either uncertain or explicit malignant biological behavior, local invasiveness, and intrathoracic relapse and are often difficult to manage. From the initial stages, thymic carcinomas tend to show aggressive behavior and extrathoracic spread. Moreover, the interplay of epithelial cells and thymocytes in thymomas causes complex immune derangement and related systemic autoimmune diseases. Due to their rare occurrence and to the limited funding opportunities available for rare tumors, it is challenging to make advances in clinical and translational research in TET. The authors of this paper are all members of a multidisciplinary clinical and research thoracic tumor team. Strong input was given to the team by long-standing expertise in TET in the Pathology Department. In addition, thanks to the collaboration between research units at our Institute as well as to national collaborations, over the last 10 years we were able to perform several tissue-based research studies. The most recent studies focused on microRNA and on functional studies on the thymic carcinoma cell line 1889c. The recent implementation of our biobank now provides us with a new tool for networking collaborative research activities. Moreover, the participation in a worldwide community such as ITMIG (International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group) has allowed us to significantly contribute toward fundamental projects/research both in tissue-based studies (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and in clinical studies (TNM staging of TET). Our achievements derive from constant commitment and long-standing experience in diagnosis and research in TET. New perspectives opened up due to the establishment of national [the Italian Collaborative Group for ThYmic MalignanciEs (TYME)] and European reference networks such as EURACAN, for an empowered joint clinical action in adult solid rare tumors. The challenge we face still lies in the advancement of clinical and basic science in thymic epithelial malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Melis
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Enzo Gallo
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona di Martino
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Laquintana
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Casini
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Ganci
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Caterino
- Radiology Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Mandoj
- Clinical Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nicoletta De Bello
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- University “G. d'Annunzio,” Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovannella Palmieri
- Scientific Direction, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Rare Tumors Reference Center, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Chiara Garassino
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Division of Medical Oncology, Foundation IRCCS–Italian National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolas Girard
- Institut du Thorax Curie-Montsouris, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Laura Conti
- Clinical Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic & Orthopedic Sciences, Section of Histology & Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Instituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Facciolo
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Pescarmona
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Mirella Marino
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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21
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Scarpino S, Taccogna S, Pepe G, Papini E, D'Angelo M, Cascone F, Nicoletti D, Guglielmi R, Palermo A, Trombetta M, Rainer A, Taffon C, Crescenzi A. Morphological and Molecular Assessment in Thyroid Cytology Using Cell-Capturing Scaffolds. Horm Metab Res 2020; 52:803-808. [PMID: 32392586 DOI: 10.1055/a-1157-6419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The increased frequency of thyroid nodules is paralleled by the rise of thyroid cancer diagnosis. To define the nature of most thyroid nodules, fine needle aspiration (FNA) followed by cytological evaluation is considered the method of choice. About 20% of FNA biopsies on thyroid nodules, however, show indeterminate cytological features and may require diagnostic surgery. Several immunocytochemical and molecular markers have been proposed to improve classification of thyroid nodules, but these tests require adequate cell amount and cytological paraffin inclusion. Polymeric matrices were recently proposed for the collection of cells for diagnostic purposes. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic use of a new matrix (CytoMatrix). Morphological, molecular and immunohistochemical investigations were carried out on 23 FNA samples included in CytoMatrix and compared with data obtained from the definitive histology of surgical samples. Our results showed that CytoMatrix is suitable to capture and preserve the cellularity of the samples harvested by FNA and that its paraffin sections mimic the morphology of those obtained from real histological tissue. Immunohistochemistry on CytoMatrix samples was consistent with the immunophenotypical profile of the corresponding histological surgical specimens. Mutational analysis of the BRAF (V600E) gene performed on CytoMatrix inclusions and paired surgical tissue matched in all but one cases while matrix immunohistochemistry identified 91.6% of BRAF mutated samples. In conclusion, we suggest that CytoMatrix could be a reliable tool to overcome the current limits of traditional collection methods for the study of thyroid cytology, thereby improving their reliability for a conclusive diagnostic interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scarpino
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Pathology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Albano Laziale (RM), Italy
| | - Silvia Taccogna
- Pathology Unit, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano Laziale (RM), Italy
| | - Giuseppina Pepe
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Pathology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Albano Laziale (RM), Italy
| | - Enrico Papini
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano Laziale (RM), Italy
| | - Martina D'Angelo
- Pathology Unit, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano Laziale (RM), Italy
| | - Federica Cascone
- Pathology Unit, University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Nicoletti
- Pathology Unit, University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rinaldo Guglielmi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano Laziale (RM), Italy
| | - Andrea Palermo
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcella Trombetta
- Department of Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Rainer
- Department of Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Taffon
- Pathology Unit, University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Crescenzi
- Pathology Unit, University Hospital Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
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22
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Spugnini EP, Menicagli F, Giaconella R, Zanni F, Camponi C, De Luca A, Santoro A, Baldi A. Filling the gap between histology and cytology: description of an innovative technology (Cytomatrix) to increase the diagnostic effectiveness of fine needle aspirates data. J Clin Pathol 2020; 74:269-270. [PMID: 32273400 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-206545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Antonio De Luca
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Alfonso Baldi
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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23
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Fattore L, Campani V, Ruggiero CF, Salvati V, Liguoro D, Scotti L, Botti G, Ascierto PA, Mancini R, De Rosa G, Ciliberto G. In Vitro Biophysical and Biological Characterization of Lipid Nanoparticles Co-Encapsulating Oncosuppressors miR-199b-5p and miR-204-5p as Potentiators of Target Therapy in Metastatic Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1930. [PMID: 32178301 PMCID: PMC7139872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled MAPK signaling is the main oncogenic driver in metastatic melanomas bearing mutations in BRAF kinase. These tumors are currently treated with the combination of BRAF/MEK inhibitors (MAPKi), but this therapy is plagued by drug resistance. In this context we recently discovered that several microRNAs are involved in the development of drug resistance. In particular miR-204-5p and miR-199b-5p were found to function as antagonists of resistance because their enforced overexpression is able to inhibit melanoma cell growth in vitro either alone or in combination with MAPKi. However, the use of miRNAs in therapy is hampered by their rapid degradation in serum and biological fluids, as well as by the poor intracellular uptake. Here, we developed lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating miR-204-5p, miR-199b-5p individually or in combination. We obtained LNPs with mean diameters < 200 nm and high miRNA encapsulation efficiency. These formulations were tested in vitro on several melanoma cell lines sensitive to MAPKi or rendered drug resistant. Our results show that LNPs encapsulating combinations of the two oncosuppressor miRNAs are highly efficient in impairing melanoma cell proliferation and viability, affect key signaling pathways involved in melanoma cell survival, and potentiate the efficacy of drugs inhibiting BRAF and MEK. These results warrant further assessment of the anti-tumor efficacy of oncosuppressor miRNAs encapsulating LNPs in in vivo tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Fattore
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (G.B.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Virginia Campani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.C.); (L.S.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Ciro Francesco Ruggiero
- IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Regina Elena”, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.F.R.); (V.S.)
| | - Valentina Salvati
- IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Regina Elena”, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.F.R.); (V.S.)
| | - Domenico Liguoro
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Roma “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.L.); (R.M.)
| | - Lorena Scotti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.C.); (L.S.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (G.B.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Paolo Antonio Ascierto
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS, "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.F.); (G.B.); (P.A.A.)
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Roma “Sapienza”, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.L.); (R.M.)
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.C.); (L.S.); (G.D.R.)
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori “Regina Elena”, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.F.R.); (V.S.)
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24
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Bruschini S, di Martino S, Pisanu ME, Fattore L, De Vitis C, Laquintana V, Buglioni S, Tabbì E, Cerri A, Visca P, Alessandrini G, Facciolo F, Napoli C, Trombetta M, Santoro A, Crescenzi A, Ciliberto G, Mancini R. CytoMatrix for a reliable and simple characterization of lung cancer stem cells from malignant pleural effusions. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:1877-1887. [PMID: 31397494 PMCID: PMC6916247 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation with the properties of extensive self-renewal, capability to generate differentiated cancer cells and resistance to therapies. We have previously shown that malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) from patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represent a valuable source of cancer cells that can be grown as three-dimensional (3D) spheroids enriched for stem-like features, which depend on the activation of the Yes-associated protein-transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP-TAZ)/Wnt-βcatenin/stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) axis. Here, we describe a novel support, called CytoMatrix, for the characterization of limited amounts of cancer cells isolated from MPEs of patients with NSCLC. Our results show that this synthetic matrix allows an easy and fast characterization of several epithelial cellular markers. The use of CytoMatrix to study CSCs subpopulation confirms that SCD1 protein expression is enhanced in 3D spheroids when compared with 2D adherent cell cultures. YAP/TAZ nuclear-cytoplasmic distribution analysed by CytoMatrix in 3D spheroids is highly heterogeneous and faithfully reproduces what is observed in tumour biopsies. Our results confirm and extend the robustness of our workflow for the isolation and phenotypic characterization of primary cancer cells derived from the lung MPEs and underscore the role of SCD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bruschini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMagna Graecia University of CatanzaroCatanzaroItaly
| | | | - Maria Elena Pisanu
- High Resolution NMR Unit, Core FacilitiesIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
| | - Luigi Fattore
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of RomeLaboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia‐Fondazione Cenci BolognettiRomeItaly
| | - Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | | | - Eugenio Tabbì
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Andrea Cerri
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents UnitIRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - Paolo Visca
- Phatology UnitIRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | | | - Francesco Facciolo
- Thoracic Surgery UnitIRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Marcella Trombetta
- Tissue Engineering and Chemistry for Engineering Lab, Department of EngineeringUniversity Campus Bio‐MedicoRomeItaly
| | | | - Anna Crescenzi
- Section of PathologyUniversity Hospital Campus Bio‐Medico of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific DirectionIRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer InstituteRomeItaly
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
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Sterculic Acid: The Mechanisms of Action beyond Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Inhibition and Therapeutic Opportunities in Human Diseases. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010140. [PMID: 31936134 PMCID: PMC7016617 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In many tissues, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) catalyzes the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAS), (i.e., palmitoleate and oleate) from their saturated fatty acid (SFA) precursors (i.e., palmitate and stearate), influencing cellular membrane physiology and signaling, leading to broad effects on human physiology. In addition to its predominant role in lipid metabolism and body weight control, SCD1 has emerged recently as a potential new target for the treatment for various diseases, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and skin disorders. Sterculic acid (SA) is a cyclopropene fatty acid originally found in the seeds of the plant Sterculia foetida with numerous biological activities. On the one hand, its ability to inhibit stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) allows its use as a coadjuvant of several pathologies where this enzyme has been associated. On the other hand, additional effects independently of its SCD inhibitory properties, involve anti-inflammatory and protective roles in retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This review aims to summarize the mechanisms by which SA exerts its actions and to highlight the emerging areas where this natural compound may be of help for the development of new therapies for human diseases.
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Meng Y, Fan XY, Yang LJ, Xu BQ, He D, Xu Z, Wu D, Wang B, Cui HY, Wang SJ, Wang LJ, Wu XQ, Jiang JL, Xu L, Chen ZN, Li L. Detachment Activated CyPA/CD147 Induces Cancer Stem Cell Potential in Non-stem Breast Cancer Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:543856. [PMID: 33195186 PMCID: PMC7640948 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.543856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs), responsible for cancer metastasis and recurrence, are generated from non-CSCs after chemo-radiation therapy. This study investigated the induction of CSC potential in non-stem breast cancer cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms in detachment culture. METHODS Bulk breast cancer cells, or sorted non-CSCs and CSCs were cultured under an attached or detached condition to assess CSC numbers, ability to form tumor spheres, expression of stemness markers, and chemoresistance. Lentivirus carrying CD147 shRNA or cDNA was used to manipulate CD147 expression, while CD147 ligand recombinant cyclophilin A (CyPA) or its inhibitor was used to activate or inhibit CD147 signaling. RESULTS Detachment promoted anoikis resistance, chemoresistance, sphere formation, self-renewal, and expression of stemness markers in breast cancer cells. Detachment increased functional ALDH+ or CD44highCD24-/low CSCs, and induced CSC potential in ALDH- or CD44 low CD24high non-CSCs. Upon detachment, both CD147 expression and CyPA secretion were enhanced, and CyPA-CD147 activation mediated detachment induced CSC potential in non-CSCs via STAT3 signaling. Clinically, CD147 and pSTAT3 were highly co-expressed and correlated with poor overall survival and tumor recurrence in breast cancer patients. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that detachment induces the generation of CSCs from non-stem breast cancer cells via CyPA-CD147 signaling, indicating that targeting CD147 may serve as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for lethal metastatic breast cancer by eliminating induced CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Meng
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Shaanxi Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Xi’an, China
| | - Xin-Yu Fan
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Li-Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bao-Qing Xu
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Pathology, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, Fuzhou, China
| | - Duo He
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dong Wu
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Bin Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hong-Yong Cui
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shi-Jie Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Li-Juan Wang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Wu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Jian-Li Jiang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Zhi-Nan Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Zhi-Nan Chen,
| | - Ling Li
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Ling Li,
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De Vitis C, Corleone G, Salvati V, Ascenzi F, Pallocca M, De Nicola F, Fanciulli M, di Martino S, Bruschini S, Napoli C, Ricci A, Bassi M, Venuta F, Rendina EA, Ciliberto G, Mancini R. B4GALT1 Is a New Candidate to Maintain the Stemness of Lung Cancer Stem Cells. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1928. [PMID: 31717588 PMCID: PMC6912435 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the cancer stem cells (CSCs) hypothesis, a population of cancer cells with stem cell properties is responsible for tumor propagation, drug resistance, and disease recurrence. Study of the mechanisms responsible for lung CSCs propagation is expected to provide better understanding of cancer biology and new opportunities for therapy. METHODS The Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD) NCI-H460 cell line was grown either as 2D or as 3D cultures. Transcriptomic and genome-wide chromatin accessibility studies of 2D vs. 3D cultures were carried out using RNA-sequencing and Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq), respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was also carried out on RNA extracted from primary cultures derived from malignant pleural effusions to validate RNA-seq results. RESULTS RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data disentangled transcriptional and genome accessibility variability of 3D vs. 2D cultures in NCI-H460 cells. The examination of genomic landscape of genes upregulated in 3D vs. 2D cultures led to the identification of 2D cultures led to the identification of Beta-1,4-galactosyltranferase 1 (B4GALT1) as the top candidate. B4GALT1 as the top candidate. B4GALT1 was validated as a stemness factor, since its silencing caused strong inhibition of 3D spheroid formation. CONCLUSION Combined transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility study of 3D vs. 2D LUAD cultures led to the identification of B4GALT1 as a new factor involved in the propagation and maintenance of LUAD CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia De Vitis
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.D.V.); (R.M.)
| | - Giacomo Corleone
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.P.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Valentina Salvati
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Ascenzi
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Matteo Pallocca
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.P.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Francesca De Nicola
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.P.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Maurizio Fanciulli
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (M.P.); (F.D.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Simona di Martino
- Pathology Unit, IRCSS “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sara Bruschini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alberto Ricci
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Division of Pneumology, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Bassi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of Rome Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (F.V.)
| | - Federico Venuta
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University of Rome Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (F.V.)
| | - Erino Angelo Rendina
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sant’Andrea Hospital, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS “Regina Elena” National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.D.V.); (R.M.)
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