1
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Basheer F, Dhar P, Samarasinghe RM. Zebrafish Models of Paediatric Brain Tumours. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9920. [PMID: 36077320 PMCID: PMC9456103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Paediatric brain cancer is the second most common childhood cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Despite significant advancements in the treatment modalities and improvements in the 5-year survival rate, it leaves long-term therapy-associated side effects in paediatric patients. Addressing these impairments demands further understanding of the molecularity and heterogeneity of these brain tumours, which can be demonstrated using different animal models of paediatric brain cancer. Here we review the use of zebrafish as potential in vivo models for paediatric brain tumour modelling, as well as catalogue the currently available zebrafish models used to study paediatric brain cancer pathophysiology, and discuss key findings, the unique attributes that these models add, current challenges and therapeutic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Basheer
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Instiute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Poshmaal Dhar
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Instiute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Rasika M. Samarasinghe
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Instiute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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2
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Huang Y, Li S, Liu Q, Wang Z, Li S, Liu L, Zhao W, Wang K, Zhang R, Wang L, Wang M, William Ali D, Michalak M, Chen XZ, Zhou C, Tang J. The LCK-14-3-3ζ-TRPM8 axis regulates TRPM8 function/assembly and promotes pancreatic cancer malignancy. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:524. [PMID: 35665750 PMCID: PMC9167300 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) functions as a Ca2+-permeable channel in the plasma membrane (PM). Dysfunction of TRPM8 is associated with human pancreatic cancer and several other diseases in clinical patients, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we found that lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) directly interacts with TRPM8 and potentiates TRPM8 phosphorylation at Y1022. LCK positively regulated channel function characterized by increased TRPM8 current densities by enhancing TRPM8 multimerization. Furthermore, 14-3-3ζ interacted with TRPM8 and positively modulated channel multimerization. LCK significantly enhanced the binding of 14-3-3ζ and TRPM8, whereas mutant TRPM8-Y1022F impaired TRPM8 multimerization and the binding of TRPM8 and 14-3-3ζ. Knockdown of 14-3-3ζ impaired the regulation of TRPM8 multimerization by LCK. In addition, TRPM8 phosphotyrosine at Y1022 feedback regulated LCK activity by inhibiting Tyr505 phosphorylation and modulating LCK ubiquitination. Finally, we revealed the importance of TRPM8 phosphorylation at Y1022 in the proliferation, migration, and tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer cells. Our findings demonstrate that the LCK-14-3-3ζ-TRPM8 axis for regulates TRPM8 assembly, channel function, and LCK activity and maybe provide potential therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Huang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi Li
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinfeng Liu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Shunyao Li
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Liu
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiwei Zhao
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Wang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Longfei Wang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Declan William Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Marek Michalak
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Xing-Zhen Chen
- Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Cefan Zhou
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jingfeng Tang
- National "111" Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Zampedri C, Martínez-Flores WA, Melendez-Zajgla J. The Use of Zebrafish Xenotransplant Assays to Analyze the Role of lncRNAs in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:687594. [PMID: 34123857 PMCID: PMC8190406 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.687594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer represents a great challenge since it is the first cause of death by cancer in women worldwide. LncRNAs are a newly described class of non-coding RNAs that participate in cancer progression. Their use as cancer markers and possible therapeutic targets has recently gained strength. Animal xenotransplants allows for in vivo monitoring of disease development, molecular elucidation of pathogenesis and the design of new therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, the cost and complexities of mice husbandry makes medium to high throughput assays difficult. Zebrafishes (Danio rerio) represent a novel model for these assays, given the ease with which xenotransplantation trials can be performed and the economic and experimental advantages it offers. In this review we propose the use of xenotransplants in zebrafish to study the role of breast cancer lncRNAs using low to medium high throughput assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Zampedri
- Functional Genomics Laboratories, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Jorge Melendez-Zajgla
- Functional Genomics Laboratories, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica, Mexico City, Mexico
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4
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Saraiva SM, Gutiérrez-Lovera C, Martínez-Val J, Lores S, Bouzo BL, Díez-Villares S, Alijas S, Pensado-López A, Vázquez-Ríos AJ, Sánchez L, de la Fuente M. Edelfosine nanoemulsions inhibit tumor growth of triple negative breast cancer in zebrafish xenograft model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9873. [PMID: 33972572 PMCID: PMC8110995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87968-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known for being very aggressive, heterogeneous and highly metastatic. The standard of care treatment is still chemotherapy, with adjacent toxicity and low efficacy, highlighting the need for alternative and more effective therapeutic strategies. Edelfosine, an alkyl-lysophospholipid, has proved to be a promising therapy for several cancer types, upon delivery in lipid nanoparticles. Therefore, the objective of this work was to explore the potential of edelfosine for the treatment of TNBC. Edelfosine nanoemulsions (ET-NEs) composed by edelfosine, Miglyol 812 and phosphatidylcholine as excipients, due to their good safety profile, presented an average size of about 120 nm and a neutral zeta potential, and were stable in biorelevant media. The ability of ET-NEs to interrupt tumor growth in TNBC was demonstrated both in vitro, using a highly aggressive and invasive TNBC cell line, and in vivo, using zebrafish embryos. Importantly, ET-NEs were able to penetrate through the skin barrier of MDA-MB 231 xenografted zebrafish embryos, into the yolk sac, leading to an effective decrease of highly aggressive and invasive tumoral cells' proliferation. Altogether the results demonstrate the potential of ET-NEs for the development of new therapeutic approaches for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M Saraiva
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Cancer Network Research (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlha Gutiérrez-Lovera
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Jeannette Martínez-Val
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Sainza Lores
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Belén L Bouzo
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sandra Díez-Villares
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Cancer Network Research (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Alijas
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Abi Judit Vázquez-Ríos
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Cancer Network Research (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus of Lugo, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - María de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Unit, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
- Cancer Network Research (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Reimunde P, Pensado-López A, Carreira Crende M, Lombao Iglesias V, Sánchez L, Torrecilla-Parra M, Ramírez CM, Anfray C, Torres Andón F. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Glioblastoma and Zebrafish Models for the Discovery of New Treatments. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1087. [PMID: 33802571 PMCID: PMC7961726 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common of all brain malignant tumors; it displays a median survival of 14.6 months with current complete standard treatment. High heterogeneity, aggressive and invasive behavior, the impossibility of completing tumor resection, limitations for drug administration and therapeutic resistance to current treatments are the main problems presented by this pathology. In recent years, our knowledge of GBM physiopathology has advanced significantly, generating relevant information on the cellular heterogeneity of GBM tumors, including cancer and immune cells such as macrophages/microglia, genetic, epigenetic and metabolic alterations, comprising changes in miRNA expression. In this scenario, the zebrafish has arisen as a promising animal model to progress further due to its unique characteristics, such as transparency, ease of genetic manipulation, ethical and economic advantages and also conservation of the major brain regions and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) which are similar to a human structure. A few papers described in this review, using genetic and xenotransplantation zebrafish models have been used to study GBM as well as to test the anti-tumoral efficacy of new drugs, their ability to interact with target cells, modulate the tumor microenvironment, cross the BBB and/or their toxicity. Prospective studies following these lines of research may lead to a better diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Reimunde
- Department of Medicine, Campus de Oza, Universidade da Coruña, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, 27003 Lugo, Spain
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Martín Carreira Crende
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Vanesa Lombao Iglesias
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Marta Torrecilla-Parra
- IMDEA Research Institute of Food and Health Sciences, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-P.); (C.M.R.)
| | - Cristina M. Ramírez
- IMDEA Research Institute of Food and Health Sciences, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-P.); (C.M.R.)
| | - Clément Anfray
- IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via A. Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy;
| | - Fernando Torres Andón
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via A. Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy;
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6
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Cabezas-Sáinz P, Pensado-López A, Sáinz B, Sánchez L. Modeling Cancer Using Zebrafish Xenografts: Drawbacks for Mimicking the Human Microenvironment. Cells 2020; 9:E1978. [PMID: 32867288 PMCID: PMC7564051 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The first steps towards establishing xenografts in zebrafish embryos were performed by Lee et al., 2005 and Haldi et al., 2006, paving the way for studying human cancers using this animal species. Since then, the xenograft technique has been improved in different ways, ranging from optimizing the best temperature for xenografted embryo incubation, testing different sites for injection of human tumor cells, and even developing tools to study how the host interacts with the injected cells. Nonetheless, a standard protocol for performing xenografts has not been adopted across laboratories, and further research on the temperature, microenvironment of the tumor or the cell-host interactions inside of the embryo during xenografting is still needed. As a consequence, current non-uniform conditions could be affecting experimental results in terms of cell proliferation, invasion, or metastasis; or even overestimating the effects of some chemotherapeutic drugs on xenografted cells. In this review, we highlight and raise awareness regarding the different aspects of xenografting that need to be improved in order to mimic, in a more efficient way, the human tumor microenvironment, resulting in more robust and accurate in vivo results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Cabezas-Sáinz
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (P.C.-S.); (A.P.-L.)
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (P.C.-S.); (A.P.-L.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Bruno Sáinz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Cancer Stem Cell and Fibroinflammatory Microenvironment Group, Chronic Diseases and Cancer Area 3-Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (P.C.-S.); (A.P.-L.)
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Modeling oncolytic virus dynamics in the tumor microenvironment using zebrafish. Cancer Gene Ther 2020; 28:769-784. [PMID: 32647136 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-0194-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We have adapted a zebrafish (Danio rerio) tumor xenograft model for use in the study of oncolytic virotherapy. Following implantation of mammalian cancer cells into the perivitelline space of developing zebrafish embryos, both local and intravenous oncolytic virus treatments produce a tumor-specific infection with measurable antitumor effects. Tumor cells are injected at 48 h post fertilization, with oncolytic virus treatment then being administered 24 h later to allow for an initial period of tumor development and angiogenesis. Confocal fluorescent imaging is used to quantify dynamics within the tumor environment. The natural translucency of zebrafish at the embryo stage, coupled with the availability of strains with fluorescent immune and endothelial cell reporter lines, gives the model broad potential to allow for real time, in vivo investigation of important events within tumors throughout the course of virotherapy. Zebrafish xenografts offer a system with biologic fidelity to processes in human cancer development that influence oncolytic virus efficacy, and to our knowledge this is the first demonstration of the model's use in the context of virotherapy. Compared with other models, our protocol offers a powerful, inexpensive approach to evaluating novel oncolytic viruses and oncolytic virus-based combination therapies, with potential application to investigating the impacts of virotherapy on immune response, tumor vasculature, and metastatic disease.
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8
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Berning P, Hennemann C, Tulotta C, Schaefer C, Lechtape B, Hotfilder M, El Gourari Y, Jürgens H, Snaar-Jagalska E, Hempel G, Dirksen U, Potratz J. The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase RON and Its Isoforms as Therapeutic Targets in Ewing Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040904. [PMID: 32272784 PMCID: PMC7226494 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) RON is linked to an aggressive metastatic phenotype of carcinomas. While gaining interest as a therapeutic target, RON remains unstudied in sarcomas. In Ewing sarcoma, we identified RON among RTKs conferring resistance to insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) targeting. Therefore, we explored RON in pediatric sarcoma cell lines and an embryonic Tg(kdrl:mCherry) zebrafish model, using an shRNA-based approach. To examine RON–IGF1R crosstalk, we employed the clinical-grade monoclonal antibody IMC-RON8, alone and together with the IGF1R-antibody IMC-A12. RON silencing demonstrated functions in vitro and in vivo, particularly within micrometastatic cellular capacities. Signaling studies revealed a unidirectional IGF1-mediated cross-activation of RON. Yet, IMC-A12 failed to sensitize cells to IMC-RON8, suggesting additional mechanisms of RON activation. Here, RT-PCR revealed that childhood sarcomas express short-form RON, an isoform resistant to antibody-mediated targeting. Interestingly, in contrast to carcinomas, treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor did not diminish but increased short-form RON expression. Thus, this first report supports a role for RON in the metastatic progression of Ewing sarcoma. While principal molecular functions appear transferrable between carcinomas, Ewing sarcoma and possibly more common sarcoma subtypes, RON highlights that specific regulations of cellular networks and isoforms require better understanding to successfully transfer targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Berning
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Carolin Hennemann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Tulotta
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christiane Schaefer
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Birgit Lechtape
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Marc Hotfilder
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Yassmine El Gourari
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Heribert Jürgens
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ewa Snaar-Jagalska
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Georg Hempel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Uta Dirksen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics III, West German Cancer Centre, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Jenny Potratz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Correspondence:
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9
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Cagan RL, Zon LI, White RM. Modeling Cancer with Flies and Fish. Dev Cell 2019; 49:317-324. [PMID: 31063751 PMCID: PMC6506185 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has joined heart disease as the leading source of mortality in the US. In an era of organoids, patient-derived xenografts, and organs on a chip, model organisms continue to thrive with a combination of powerful genetic tools, rapid pace of discovery, and affordability. Model organisms enable the analysis of both the tumor and its associated microenvironment, aspects that are particularly relevant to our understanding of metastasis and drug resistance. In this Perspective, we explore some of the strengths of fruit flies and zebrafish for addressing fundamental cancer questions and how these two organisms can contribute to identifying promising therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross L Cagan
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Leonard I Zon
- Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Richard M White
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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CXCR4 signaling regulates metastatic onset by controlling neutrophil motility and response to malignant cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2399. [PMID: 30787324 PMCID: PMC6382824 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38643-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing tumors interact with the surrounding microenvironment. Myeloid cells exert both anti- and pro-tumor functions and chemokines are known to drive immune cell migration towards cancer cells. It is documented that CXCR4 signaling supports tumor metastasis formation in tissues where CXCL12, its cognate ligand, is abundant. On the other hand, the role of the neutrophilic CXCR4 signaling in driving cancer invasion and metastasis formation is poorly understood. Here, we use the zebrafish xenotransplantation model to study the role of CXCR4 signaling in driving the interaction between invasive human tumor cells and host neutrophils, supporting early metastasis formation. We found that zebrafish cxcr4 (cxcr4b) is highly expressed in neutrophils and experimental micrometastases fail to form in mutant larvae lacking a functional Cxcr4b. We demonstrated that Cxcr4b controls neutrophil number and motility and showed that Cxcr4b transcriptomic signature relates to motility and adhesion regulation in neutrophils in tumor-naïve larvae. Finally, Cxcr4b deficient neutrophils failed to interact with cancer cells initiating early metastatic events. In conclusion, we propose that CXCR4 signaling supports the interaction between tumor cells and host neutrophils in developing tumor metastases. Therefore, targeting CXCR4 on tumor cells and neutrophils could serve as a double bladed razor to limit cancer progression.
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11
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Wyatt RA, Trieu NPV, Crawford BD. Zebrafish Xenograft: An Evolutionary Experiment in Tumour Biology. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E220. [PMID: 28872594 PMCID: PMC5615353 DOI: 10.3390/genes8090220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Though the cancer research community has used mouse xenografts for decades more than zebrafish xenografts, zebrafish have much to offer: they are cheap, easy to work with, and the embryonic model is relatively easy to use in high-throughput assays. Zebrafish can be imaged live, allowing us to observe cellular and molecular processes in vivo in real time. Opponents dismiss the zebrafish model due to the evolutionary distance between zebrafish and humans, as compared to mice, but proponents argue for the zebrafish xenograft's superiority to cell culture systems and its advantages in imaging. This review places the zebrafish xenograft in the context of current views on cancer and gives an overview of how several aspects of this evolutionary disease can be addressed in the zebrafish model. Zebrafish are missing homologs of some human proteins and (of particular interest) several members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteases, which are known for their importance in tumour biology. This review draws attention to the implicit evolutionary experiment taking place when the molecular ecology of the xenograft host is significantly different than that of the donor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Wyatt
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Nhu P V Trieu
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Bryan D Crawford
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
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12
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Kirchberger S, Sturtzel C, Pascoal S, Distel M. Quo natas, Danio? -Recent Progress in Modeling Cancer in Zebrafish. Front Oncol 2017; 7:186. [PMID: 28894696 PMCID: PMC5581328 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, zebrafish has proven to be a powerful model in cancer research. Zebrafish form tumors that histologically and genetically resemble human cancers. The live imaging and cost-effective compound screening possible with zebrafish especially complement classic mouse cancer models. Here, we report recent progress in the field, including genetically engineered zebrafish cancer models, xenotransplantation of human cancer cells into zebrafish, promising approaches toward live investigation of the tumor microenvironment, and identification of therapeutic strategies by performing compound screens on zebrafish cancer models. Given the recent advances in genome editing, personalized zebrafish cancer models are now a realistic possibility. In addition, ongoing automation will soon allow high-throughput compound screening using zebrafish cancer models to be part of preclinical precision medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kirchberger
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caterina Sturtzel
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susana Pascoal
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Distel
- St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Innovative Cancer Models, Vienna, Austria
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13
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van Rooijen E, Fazio M, Zon LI. From fish bowl to bedside: The power of zebrafish to unravel melanoma pathogenesis and discover new therapeutics. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2017; 30:402-412. [PMID: 28379616 PMCID: PMC6038924 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer. A detailed knowledge of the cellular, molecular, and genetic events underlying melanoma progression is highly relevant to diagnosis, prognosis and risk stratification, and the development of new therapies. In the last decade, zebrafish have emerged as a valuable model system for the study of melanoma. Pathway conservation, coupled with the availability of robust genetic, transgenic, and chemical tools, has made the zebrafish a powerful model for identifying novel disease genes, visualizing cancer initiation, interrogating tumor-microenvironment interactions, and discovering new therapeutics that regulate melanocyte and melanoma development. In this review, we will give an overview of these studies, and highlight recent advancements that will help unravel melanoma pathogenesis and impact human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen van Rooijen
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maurizio Fazio
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- PhD program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leonard I. Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Baxendale S, van Eeden F, Wilkinson R. The Power of Zebrafish in Personalised Medicine. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1007:179-197. [PMID: 28840558 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60733-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The goal of personalised medicine is to develop tailor-made therapies for patients in whom currently available therapeutics fail. This approach requires correlating individual patient genotype data to specific disease phenotype data and using these stratified data sets to identify bespoke therapeutics. Applications for personalised medicine include common complex diseases which may have multiple targets, as well as rare monogenic disorders, for which the target may be unknown. In both cases, whole genome sequence analysis (WGS) is discovering large numbers of disease associated mutations in new candidate genes and potential modifier genes. Currently, the main limiting factor is the determination of which mutated genes are important for disease progression and therefore represent potential targets for drug discovery. Zebrafish have gained popularity as a model organism for understanding developmental processes, disease mechanisms and more recently for drug discovery and toxicity testing. In this chapter, we will examine the diverse roles that zebrafish can make in the expanding field of personalised medicine, from generating humanised disease models to xenograft screening of different cancer cell lines, through to finding new drugs via in vivo phenotypic screens. We will discuss the tools available for zebrafish research and recent advances in techniques, highlighting the advantages and potential of using zebrafish for high throughput disease modeling and precision drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Baxendale
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Freek van Eeden
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Robert Wilkinson
- The Bateson Centre, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.,Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, Medical School, Beech Hill Rd, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
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