1
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Linke JA, Munn LL, Jain RK. Compressive stresses in cancer: characterization and implications for tumour progression and treatment. Nat Rev Cancer 2024:10.1038/s41568-024-00745-z. [PMID: 39390249 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Beyond their many well-established biological aberrations, solid tumours create an abnormal physical microenvironment that fuels cancer progression and confers treatment resistance. Mechanical forces impact tumours across a range of biological sizes and timescales, from rapid events at the molecular level involved in their sensing and transmission, to slower and larger-scale events, including clonal selection, epigenetic changes, cell invasion, metastasis and immune response. Owing to challenges with studying these dynamic stimuli in biological systems, the mechanistic understanding of the effects and pathways triggered by abnormally elevated mechanical forces remains elusive, despite clear correlations with cancer pathophysiology, aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance. In this Review, we examine the emerging and diverse roles of physical forces in solid tumours and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding solid stress mechanobiology. We first review the physiological importance of mechanical forces, especially compressive stresses, and discuss their defining characteristics, biological context and relative magnitudes. We then explain how abnormal compressive stresses emerge in tumours and describe the experimental challenges in investigating these mechanically induced processes. Finally, we discuss the clinical translation of mechanotherapeutics that alleviate solid stresses and their potential to synergize with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Linke
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lance L Munn
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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2
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Yu S, Wang S, Wang X, Xu X. The axis of tumor-associated macrophages, extracellular matrix proteins, and cancer-associated fibroblasts in oncogenesis. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:335. [PMID: 39375726 PMCID: PMC11459962 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03518-8] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex, dynamic network of multiple macromolecules that serve as a crucial structural and physical scaffold for neighboring cells. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), ECM proteins play a significant role in mediating cellular communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Revealing the ECM modification of the TME necessitates the intricate signaling cascades that transpire among diverse cell populations and ECM proteins. The advent of single-cell sequencing has enabled the identification and refinement of specific cellular subpopulations, which has substantially enhanced our comprehension of the intricate milieu and given us a high-resolution perspective on the diversity of ECM proteins. However, it is essential to integrate single-cell data and establish a coherent framework. In this regard, we present a comprehensive review of the relationships among ECM, TAMs, and CAFs. This encompasses insights into the ECM proteins released by TAMs and CAFs, signaling integration in the TAM-ECM-CAF axis, and the potential applications and limitations of targeted therapies for CAFs. This review serves as a reliable resource for focused therapeutic strategies while highlighting the crucial role of ECM proteins as intermediates in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Yu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xuanyu Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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3
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Wang Z, Dong S, Zhou W. Pancreatic stellate cells: Key players in pancreatic health and diseases (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 30:109. [PMID: 38695254 PMCID: PMC11082724 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13233] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
As a pluripotent cell, activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) can differentiate into various pancreatic parenchymal cells and participate in the secretion of extracellular matrix and the repair of pancreatic damage. Additionally, PSCs characteristics allow them to contribute to pancreatic inflammation and carcinogenesis. Moreover, a detailed study of the pathogenesis of activated PSCs in pancreatic disease can offer promise for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and improved patient prognoses. Therefore, the present study review aimed to examine the involvement of activated PSCs in pancreatic diseases and elucidate the underlying mechanisms to provide a viable therapeutic strategy for the management of pancreas‑related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengfeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Shi Dong
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Wence Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
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4
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Graziani V, Crosas-Molist E, George SL, Sanz-Moreno V. Organelle adaptations in response to mechanical forces during tumour dissemination. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 88:102345. [PMID: 38479111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Cell migration plays a pivotal role in various biological processes including cancer dissemination and successful metastasis, where the role of mechanical signals is increasingly acknowledged. This review focuses on the intricate mechanisms through which cancer cells modulate their migratory strategies via organelle adaptations in response to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Specifically, the nucleus and mitochondria emerge as pivotal mediators in this process. These organelles serve as sensors, translating mechanical stimuli into rapid metabolic alterations that sustain cell migration. Importantly, prolonged exposure to such stimuli can induce transcriptional or epigenetic changes, ultimately enhancing metastatic traits. Deciphering the intricate interplay between ECM properties and organelle adaptations not only advances our understanding of cytoskeletal dynamics but also holds promise for the development of innovative anti-metastatic therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Graziani
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Eva Crosas-Molist
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Samantha L George
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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5
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Liang L, Song X, Zhao H, Lim CT. Insights into the mechanobiology of cancer metastasis via microfluidic technologies. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021506. [PMID: 38841688 PMCID: PMC11151435 DOI: 10.1063/5.0195389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
During cancer metastasis, cancer cells will encounter various microenvironments with diverse physical characteristics. Changes in these physical characteristics such as tension, stiffness, viscosity, compression, and fluid shear can generate biomechanical cues that affect cancer cells, dynamically influencing numerous pathophysiological mechanisms. For example, a dense extracellular matrix drives cancer cells to reorganize their cytoskeleton structures, facilitating confined migration, while this dense and restricted space also acts as a physical barrier that potentially results in nuclear rupture. Identifying these pathophysiological processes and understanding their underlying mechanobiological mechanisms can aid in the development of more effective therapeutics targeted to cancer metastasis. In this review, we outline the advances of engineering microfluidic devices in vitro and their role in replicating tumor microenvironment to mimic in vivo settings. We highlight the potential cellular mechanisms that mediate their ability to adapt to different microenvironments. Meanwhile, we also discuss some important mechanical cues that still remain challenging to replicate in current microfluidic devices in future direction. While much remains to be explored about cancer mechanobiology, we believe the developments of microfluidic devices will reveal how these physical cues impact the behaviors of cancer cells. It will be crucial in the understanding of cancer metastasis, and potentially contributing to better drug development and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanfeng Liang
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiao Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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6
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Kalli M, Stylianopoulos T. Toward innovative approaches for exploring the mechanically regulated tumor-immune microenvironment. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:011501. [PMID: 38390314 PMCID: PMC10883717 DOI: 10.1063/5.0183302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the complex tumor microenvironment, cells experience mechanical cues-such as extracellular matrix stiffening and elevation of solid stress, interstitial fluid pressure, and fluid shear stress-that significantly impact cancer cell behavior and immune responses. Recognizing the significance of these mechanical cues not only sheds light on cancer progression but also holds promise for identifying potential biomarkers that would predict therapeutic outcomes. However, standardizing methods for studying how mechanical cues affect tumor progression is challenging. This challenge stems from the limitations of traditional in vitro cell culture systems, which fail to encompass the critical contextual cues present in vivo. To address this, 3D tumor spheroids have been established as a preferred model, more closely mimicking cancer progression, but they usually lack reproduction of the mechanical microenvironment encountered in actual solid tumors. Here, we review the role of mechanical forces in modulating tumor- and immune-cell responses and discuss how grasping the importance of these mechanical cues could revolutionize in vitro tumor tissue engineering. The creation of more physiologically relevant environments that better replicate in vivo conditions will eventually increase the efficacy of currently available treatments, including immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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7
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Shu J, Deng H, Zhang Y, Wu F, He J. Cancer cell response to extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical cue: opportunities for tumor apoptosis strategies. Regen Biomater 2024; 11:rbae016. [PMID: 38476678 PMCID: PMC10932484 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing studies have revealed the importance of mechanical cues in tumor progression, invasiveness and drug resistance. During malignant transformation, changes manifest in either the mechanical properties of the tissue or the cellular ability to sense and respond to mechanical signals. The major focus of the review is the subtle correlation between mechanical cues and apoptosis in tumor cells from a mechanobiology perspective. To begin, we focus on the intracellular force, examining the mechanical properties of the cell interior, and outlining the role that the cytoskeleton and intracellular organelle-mediated intracellular forces play in tumor cell apoptosis. This article also elucidates the mechanisms by which extracellular forces guide tumor cell mechanosensing, ultimately triggering the activation of the mechanotransduction pathway and impacting tumor cell apoptosis. Finally, a comprehensive examination of the present status of the design and development of anti-cancer materials targeting mechanotransduction is presented, emphasizing the underlying design principles. Furthermore, the article underscores the need to address several unresolved inquiries to enhance our comprehension of cancer therapeutics that target mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Huan Deng
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, PR China
| | - Fang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
| | - Jing He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, PR China
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8
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Guo M, Zhao H. Growth differentiation factor-15 may be a novel biomarker in pancreatic cancer: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36594. [PMID: 38335385 PMCID: PMC10860926 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant and invasive gastrointestinal tumor that is often diagnosed at an advanced stage with a poor prognosis and high mortality. Currently, carbohydrate antigen199(CA199) is the only biomarker approved by the FDA for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, but it has great limitations. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is expected to be a novel biomarker for the diagnosis, efficacy prediction, and prognosis assessment of pancreatic cancer patients. In this paper, we searched the keywords GDF-15, macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), CA199, pancreatic cancer, and tumor markers in PubMed and Web of Science, searched related articles, and read and analyzed the retrieved papers. Finally, we systematically described the characteristics, mechanism of action, and clinical value of GDF-15, aiming to provide help for the detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Guo
- Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine affiliated Tongren Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine affiliated Tongren Hospital, Shanghai, China
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9
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Carrera-Aguado I, Marcos-Zazo L, Carrancio-Salán P, Guerra-Paes E, Sánchez-Juanes F, Muñoz-Félix JM. The Inhibition of Vessel Co-Option as an Emerging Strategy for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:921. [PMID: 38255995 PMCID: PMC10815934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020921] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Vessel co-option (VCO) is a non-angiogenic mechanism of vascularization that has been associated to anti-angiogenic therapy. In VCO, cancer cells hijack the pre-existing blood vessels and use them to obtain oxygen and nutrients and invade adjacent tissue. Multiple primary tumors and metastases undergo VCO in highly vascularized tissues such as the lungs, liver or brain. VCO has been associated with a worse prognosis. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that undergo VCO are poorly understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that co-opted vessels show a quiescent phenotype in contrast to angiogenic tumor blood vessels. On the other hand, it is believed that during VCO, cancer cells are adhered to basement membrane from pre-existing blood vessels by using integrins, show enhanced motility and a mesenchymal phenotype. Other components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as extracellular matrix, immune cells or extracellular vesicles play important roles in vessel co-option maintenance. There are no strategies to inhibit VCO, and thus, to eliminate resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. This review summarizes all the molecular mechanisms involved in vessel co-option analyzing the possible therapeutic strategies to inhibit this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Carrera-Aguado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Laura Marcos-Zazo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Patricia Carrancio-Salán
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Guerra-Paes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Juanes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - José M. Muñoz-Félix
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (I.C.-A.); (L.M.-Z.); (P.C.-S.); (E.G.-P.); (F.S.-J.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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10
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Mierke CT. Extracellular Matrix Cues Regulate Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction of Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38201302 PMCID: PMC10777970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010096] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular biophysical properties have particular implications for a wide spectrum of cellular behaviors and functions, including growth, motility, differentiation, apoptosis, gene expression, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, and signal transduction including mechanotransduction. Cells not only react to unambiguously mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM), but can occasionally manipulate the mechanical features of the matrix in parallel with biological characteristics, thus interfering with downstream matrix-based cues in both physiological and pathological processes. Bidirectional interactions between cells and (bio)materials in vitro can alter cell phenotype and mechanotransduction, as well as ECM structure, intentionally or unintentionally. Interactions between cell and matrix mechanics in vivo are of particular importance in a variety of diseases, including primarily cancer. Stiffness values between normal and cancerous tissue can range between 500 Pa (soft) and 48 kPa (stiff), respectively. Even the shear flow can increase from 0.1-1 dyn/cm2 (normal tissue) to 1-10 dyn/cm2 (cancerous tissue). There are currently many new areas of activity in tumor research on various biological length scales, which are highlighted in this review. Moreover, the complexity of interactions between ECM and cancer cells is reduced to common features of different tumors and the characteristics are highlighted to identify the main pathways of interaction. This all contributes to the standardization of mechanotransduction models and approaches, which, ultimately, increases the understanding of the complex interaction. Finally, both the in vitro and in vivo effects of this mechanics-biology pairing have key insights and implications for clinical practice in tumor treatment and, consequently, clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Xin Y, Li K, Huang M, Liang C, Siemann D, Wu L, Tan Y, Tang X. Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine. Oncogene 2023; 42:3457-3490. [PMID: 37864030 PMCID: PMC10656290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
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Grants
- R35 GM150812 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project no. 11972316, Y.T.), Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Project no. JCYJ20200109142001798, SGDX2020110309520303, and JCYJ20220531091002006, Y.T.), General Research Fund of Hong Kong Research Grant Council (PolyU 15214320, Y. T.), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF18191421, Y.T.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1-CD75, 1-ZE2M, and 1-ZVY1, Y.T.), the Cancer Pilot Research Award from UF Health Cancer Center (X. T.), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R35GM150812 (X. T.), the National Science Foundation under grant number 2308574 (X. T.), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0393 (X. T.), the University Scholar Program (X. T.), UF Research Opportunity Seed Fund (X. T.), the Gatorade Award (X. T.), and the National Science Foundation REU Site at UF: Engineering for Healthcare (Douglas Spearot and Malisa Sarntinoranont). We are deeply grateful for the insightful discussions with and generous support from all members of Tang (UF)’s and Tan (PolyU)’s laboratories and all staff members of the MAE/BME/ECE/Health Cancer Center at UF and BME at PolyU.
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chenyu Liang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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12
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Kalli M, Poskus MD, Stylianopoulos T, Zervantonakis IK. Beyond matrix stiffness: targeting force-induced cancer drug resistance. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:937-954. [PMID: 37558577 PMCID: PMC10592424 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
During tumor progression, mechanical abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) trigger signaling pathways in cells that activate cellular programs, resulting in tumor growth and drug resistance. In this review, we describe mechanisms of action for anti-cancer therapies and mechanotransduction programs that regulate cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival and phenotype switching. We discuss how the therapeutic response is impacted by the three main mechanical TME abnormalities: high extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and stiffness; interstitial fluid pressure (IFP); and elevated mechanical forces. We also review drugs that normalize these abnormalities or block mechanosensors and mechanotransduction pathways. Finally, we discuss current challenges and perspectives for the development of new strategies targeting mechanically induced drug resistance in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Matthew D Poskus
- Department of Bioengineering and Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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13
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Zhang X, Shi X, Zhang D, Gong X, Wen Z, Demandel I, Zhang J, Rossello-Martinez A, Chan TJ, Mak M. Compression drives diverse transcriptomic and phenotypic adaptations in melanoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220062120. [PMID: 37722033 PMCID: PMC10523457 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220062120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical forces are prominent during tumor progression. However, it is still unclear how they impact and drive the diverse phenotypes found in cancer. Here, we apply an integrative approach to investigate the impact of compression on melanoma cells. We apply bioinformatics to screen for the most significant compression-induced transcriptomic changes and investigate phenotypic responses. We show that compression-induced transcriptomic changes are associated with both improvement and worsening of patient prognoses. Phenotypically, volumetric compression inhibits cell proliferation and cell migration. It also induces organelle stress and intracellular oxidative stress and increases pigmentation in malignant melanoma cells and normal human melanocytes. Finally, cells that have undergone compression become more resistant to cisplatin treatment. Our findings indicate that volumetric compression is a double-edged sword for melanoma progression and drives tumor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingjian Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Xin Shi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300350, China
| | - Dingyao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Xiangyu Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Zhang Wen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Israel Demandel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | - Junqi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
| | | | - Trevor J. Chan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Michael Mak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT06511
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14
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Zhang S, Regan K, Najera J, Grinstaff MW, Datta M, Nia HT. The peritumor microenvironment: physics and immunity. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:609-623. [PMID: 37156677 PMCID: PMC10523902 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer initiation and progression drastically alter the microenvironment at the interface between healthy and malignant tissue. This site, termed the peritumor, bears unique physical and immune attributes that together further promote tumor progression through interconnected mechanical signaling and immune activity. In this review, we describe the distinct physical features of the peritumoral microenvironment and link their relationship to immune responses. The peritumor is a region rich in biomarkers and therapeutic targets and thus is a key focus for future cancer research as well as clinical outlooks, particularly to understand and overcome novel mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Regan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julian Najera
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meenal Datta
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Bates ME, Libring S, Reinhart-King CA. Forces exerted and transduced by cancer-associated fibroblasts during cancer progression. Biol Cell 2023; 115:e2200104. [PMID: 37224184 PMCID: PMC10757454 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202200104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Although it is well-known that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in regulating tumor progression, the effects of mechanical tissue changes on CAFs are understudied. Myofibroblastic CAFs (myCAFs), in particular, are known to alter tumor matrix architecture and composition, heavily influencing the mechanical forces in the tumor microenvironment (TME), but much less is known about how these mechanical changes initiate and maintain the myCAF phenotype. Additionally, recent studies have pointed to the existence of CAFs in circulating tumor cell clusters, indicating that CAFs may be subject to mechanical forces beyond the primary TME. Due to their pivotal role in cancer progression, targeting CAF mechanical regulation may provide therapeutic benefit. Here, we will discuss current knowledge and summarize existing gaps in how CAFs regulate and are regulated by matrix mechanics, including through stiffness, solid and fluid stresses, and fluid shear stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison E Bates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah Libring
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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16
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Tanaka HY, Nakazawa T, Enomoto A, Masamune A, Kano MR. Therapeutic Strategies to Overcome Fibrotic Barriers to Nanomedicine in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030724. [PMID: 36765684 PMCID: PMC9913712 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030724] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is notorious for its dismal prognosis. The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect theory posits that nanomedicines (therapeutics in the size range of approximately 10-200 nm) selectively accumulate in tumors. Nanomedicine has thus been suggested to be the "magic bullet"-both effective and safe-to treat pancreatic cancer. However, the densely fibrotic tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer impedes nanomedicine delivery. The EPR effect is thus insufficient to achieve a significant therapeutic effect. Intratumoral fibrosis is chiefly driven by aberrantly activated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix (ECM) components secreted. Fibroblast and ECM abnormalities offer various potential targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we detail the diverse strategies being tested to overcome the fibrotic barriers to nanomedicine in pancreatic cancer. Strategies that target the fibrotic tissue/process are discussed first, which are followed by strategies to optimize nanomedicine design. We provide an overview of how a deeper understanding, increasingly at single-cell resolution, of fibroblast biology is revealing the complex role of the fibrotic stroma in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis and consider the therapeutic implications. Finally, we discuss critical gaps in our understanding and how we might better formulate strategies to successfully overcome the fibrotic barriers in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyoshi Y. Tanaka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi 700-8530, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Nakazawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi 700-8530, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya-shi 466-8550, Aichi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi 980-8574, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mitsunobu R. Kano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomedicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi 700-8530, Okayama, Japan
- Correspondence:
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17
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Devarasou S, Kang M, Kwon TY, Cho Y, Shin JH. Fibrous Matrix Architecture-Dependent Activation of Fibroblasts with a Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-like Phenotype. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:280-291. [PMID: 36573928 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most prevalent cell types within the tumor microenvironment (TME). While several physicochemical cues from the TME, including growth factors, cytokines, and ECM specificity, have been identified as essential factors for CAF activation, the precise mechanism of how the ECM architecture regulates CAF initiation remains elusive. Using a gelatin-based electrospun fiber mesh, we examined the effect of matrix fiber density on CAF activation induced by MCF-7 conditioned media (CM). A less dense (3D) gelatin mesh matrix facilitated better activation of dermal fibroblasts into a CAF-like phenotype in the CM than a highly dense (3D) gelatin mesh matrix. In addition, it was discovered that CAF activation on the less dense (LD) matrix is dependent on the cell size-related AKT/mTOR signaling cascade, accompanied by an increase in intracellular tension within the well-spread fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayadineshraj Devarasou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Minwoo Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yoon Kwon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngbin Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jennifer H Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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18
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van Santen VJB, Zandieh Doulabi B, Semeins CM, Hogervorst JMA, Bratengeier C, Bakker AD. Compressed Prostate Cancer Cells Decrease Osteoclast Activity While Enhancing Osteoblast Activity In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010759. [PMID: 36614201 PMCID: PMC9821660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Once prostate cancer cells metastasize to bone, they perceive approximately 2 kPa compression. We hypothesize that 2 kPa compression stimulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of prostate cancer cells and alters their production of paracrine signals to affect osteoclast and osteoblast behavior. Human DU145 prostate cancer cells were subjected to 2 kPa compression for 2 days. Compression decreased expression of 2 epithelial genes, 5 out of 13 mesenchymal genes, and increased 2 mesenchymal genes by DU145 cells, as quantified by qPCR. Conditioned medium (CM) of DU145 cells was added to human monocytes that were stimulated to differentiate into osteoclasts for 21 days. CM from compressed DU145 cells decreased osteoclast resorptive activity by 38% but did not affect osteoclast size and number compared to CM from non-compressed cells. CM was also added to human adipose stromal cells, grown in osteogenic medium. CM of compressed DU145 cells increased bone nodule production (Alizarin Red) by osteoblasts from four out of six donors. Compression did not affect IL6 or TNF-α production by PC DU145 cells. Our data suggest that compression affects EMT-related gene expression in DU145 cells, and alters their production of paracrine signals to decrease osteoclast resorptive activity while increasing mineralization by osteoblasts is donor dependent. This observation gives further insight in the altered behavior of PC cells upon mechanical stimuli, which could provide novel leads for therapies, preventing bone metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor J. B. van Santen
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Behrouz Zandieh Doulabi
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis M. Semeins
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M. A. Hogervorst
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia Bratengeier
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Astrid D. Bakker
- Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(0)20-5980224
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19
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Onal S, Alkaisi MM, Nock V. Microdevice-based mechanical compression on living cells. iScience 2022; 25:105518. [PMID: 36444299 PMCID: PMC9699986 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Compressive stress enables the investigation of a range of cellular processes in which forces play an important role, such as cell growth, differentiation, migration, and invasion. Such solid stress can be introduced externally to study cell response and to mechanically induce changes in cell morphology and behavior by static or dynamic compression. Microfluidics is a useful tool for this, allowing one to mimic in vivo microenvironments in on-chip culture systems where force application can be controlled spatially and temporally. Here, we review the mechanical compression applications on cells with a broad focus on studies using microtechnologies and microdevices to apply cell compression, in comparison to off-chip bulk systems. Due to their unique features, microfluidic systems developed to apply compressive forces on single cells, in 2D and 3D culture models, and compression in cancer microenvironments are emphasized. Research efforts in this field can help the development of mechanoceuticals in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevgi Onal
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Maan M. Alkaisi
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
| | - Volker Nock
- Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
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20
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Jang M, Oh SW, Lee Y, Kim JY, Ji ES, Kim P. Targeting extracellular matrix glycation to attenuate fibroblast activation. Acta Biomater 2022; 141:255-263. [PMID: 35081431 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tumor microenvironment undergoes constant remodeling that alters its biochemical and mechano-physical properties. Non-enzymatic glycation can induce the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which may cause abnormal ECM turnover with excessively cross-linked collagen fibers. However, the subsequent effects of AGE-mediated matrix remodeling on the characteristics of stromal cells in tumor microenvironments remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that AGEs accumulated in the ECM alter the fibroblast phenotype within a three-dimensional collagen matrix. Both the AGE interaction with its receptor (RAGE) and integrin-mediated mechanotransduction signaling were up-regulated in glycated collagen matrix, leading to fibroblast activation to acquire a cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like phenotype. These effects were blocked with neutralizing antibodies against RAGE or the inhibition of focal adhesion (FA) signaling. An AGE cross-link breaker, phenyl-4,5-dimethylthiazolium bromide (ALT 711), also reduced the transformation of fibroblasts into the CAF-like phenotype because of its dual inhibitory role in the AGE-modified matrix. Apart from targeting the AGE-RAGE interaction directly, the decreased matrix stiffness attenuated fibroblast activation by inhibiting the downstream cellular response to matrix stiffness. Our results suggest that indirect/direct targeting of accumulated AGEs in the ECM has potential for targeting the tumor stroma to improve cancer therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Advanced glycated end-products (AGEs)-modified extracellular matrix (ECM) is closely associated with pathological states and is recognized as a critical factor that precedes tumorigenesis. While increased matrix stiffness is known to induce fibroblast activation, less is known about how both biochemical and mechano-physical changes in AGE-mediated matrix-remodeling cooperate to produce a myofibroblastic cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like phenotype. For the first time, we found that both the AGE interaction with its receptor (RAGE) and integrin-mediated mechanotransduction were up-regulated in glycated collagen matrix, leading to fibroblast activation. We further demonstrated that an AGE cross-link breaker, ALT-711, reduced the CAF-like transformation because of its dual inhibitory role in the AGE-modified matrix. Our findings offer promising extracellular-reversion strategies targeting the non-enzymatic ECM glycation, to regulate fibroblast activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjeong Jang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Center for BioMicrosystems, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Won Oh
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunji Lee
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Aanlysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, Cheongju, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sun Ji
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Aanlysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, Cheongju, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Pilnam Kim
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; KAIST Institute for Health Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Kalli M, Li R, Mills GB, Stylianopoulos T, Zervantonakis IK. Mechanical Stress Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Triggers p38 MAPK- and JNK-Dependent Cytoskeleton Remodeling and Promotes Cell Migration via Rac1/cdc42/Myosin II. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:485-497. [PMID: 34782370 PMCID: PMC8898300 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer is highly resistant to existing therapies, and new treatments are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes. Current studies focus on alternative treatment approaches that target the abnormal microenvironment of pancreatic tumors and the resulting elevated mechanical stress in the tumor interior. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms by which mechanical stress regulates pancreatic cancer metastatic potential remain elusive. Herein, we used a proteomic assay to profile mechanical stress-induced signaling cascades that drive the motility of pancreatic cancer cells. Proteomic analysis, together with selective protein inhibition and siRNA treatments, revealed that mechanical stress enhances cell migration through activation of the p38 MAPK/HSP27 and JNK/c-Jun signaling axes, and activation of the actin cytoskeleton remodelers: Rac1, cdc42, and myosin II. In addition, mechanical stress upregulated transcription factors associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stimulated the formation of stress fibers and filopodia. p38 MAPK and JNK inhibition resulted in lower cell proliferation and more effectively blocked cell migration under mechanical stress compared with control conditions. The enhanced tumor cell motility under mechanical stress was potently reduced by cdc42 and Rac1 silencing with no effects on proliferation. Our results highlight the importance of targeting aberrant signaling in cancer cells that have adapted to mechanical stress in the tumor microenvironment, as a novel approach to effectively limit pancreatic cancer cell migration. IMPLICATIONS Our findings highlight that mechanical stress activated the p38 MAPK and JNK signaling axis and stimulated pancreatic cancer cell migration via upregulation of the actin cytoskeleton remodelers cdc42 and Rac1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ruxuan Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gordon B. Mills
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Oregon, Pennsylvania
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Ioannis K. Zervantonakis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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22
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Yeh CF, Juang DS, Chen YW, Rodoplu D, Hsu CH. A Portable Controllable Compressive Stress Device to Monitor Human Breast Cancer Cell Protrusions at Single-Cell Resolution. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:852318. [PMID: 35284404 PMCID: PMC8907972 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.852318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro devices offer more numerous methods than in vivo models to investigate how cells respond to pressure stress and quantify those responses. Several in vitro devices have been developed to study the cell response to compression force. However, they are unable to observe morphological changes of cells in real-time. There is also a concern about cell damage during the process of harvesting cells from 3D gels. Here we report a device employing transparent, thin gel layers to clamp cells between the interfaces and applied a controllable compression force by stacking multiple layers on the top. In this approach, cells can be monitored for alteration of cellular protrusions, whose diversity has been proven to promote cancer cell dissemination, with single-cell resolution under compression force. Furthermore, p-Rac-1 and rhodamine staining on the device directly to confirm the actin filaments of lamellipodia. The method was able to fulfill real-time live-cell observation at single-cell resolution and can be readily used for versatile cell analysis. MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cells were utilized to demonstrate the utility of the device, and the results showed that the stimuli of compression force induce MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 to form lamellipodia and bleb protrusions, respectively. We envision the device may be used as a tool to explore mechanisms of membrane protrusion transitions and to screen drug candidates for inhibiting cancer cell protrusion plasticity for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Feng Yeh
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaol, Taiwan
- Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Duane S. Juang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaol, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Didem Rodoplu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaol, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsien Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaol, Taiwan
- Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Chia-Hsien Hsu,
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23
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Sánchez-Ramírez D, Medrano-Guzmán R, Candanedo-González F, De Anda-González J, García-Rios LE, Pérez-Koldenkova V, Gutiérrez-de la Barrera M, Rodríguez-Enríquez S, Velasco-Velázquez M, Pacheco-Velázquez SC, Piña-Sánchez P, Mayani H, Gómez-Delgado A, Monroy-García A, Martínez-Lara AK, Montesinos JJ. High expression of both desmoplastic stroma and epithelial to mesenchymal transition markers associate with shorter survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Eur J Histochem 2022; 66:3360. [PMID: 35174683 PMCID: PMC8883614 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2022.3360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic stroma (DS) and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) play a key role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression. To date, however, the combined expression of DS and EMT markers, and their association with variations in survival within each clinical stage and degree of tumor differentiation is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between expression of DS and EMT markers and survival variability in patients diagnosed with PDAC. We examined the expression levels of DS markers alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and vimentin, and the EMT markers epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM), pan-cytokeratin, and vimentin, by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray of a retrospective cohort of 25 patients with PDAC. The results were examined for association with survival by clinical stage and by degree of tumor differentiation. High DS markers expression -α-SMA, fibronectin, and vimentin- was associated with decreased survival at intermediate and advanced clinical stages (p=0.006-0.03), as well as with both poorly and moderately differentiated tumor grades (p=0.01-0.02). Interestingly, the same pattern was observed for EMT markers, i.e., EPCAM, pan-cytokeratin, and vimentin (p=0.00008-0.03). High expression of DS and EMT markers within each clinical stage and degree of tumor differentiation was associated with lower PDAC survival. Evaluation of these markers may have a prognostic impact on survival time variation in patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián Sánchez-Ramírez
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Rafael Medrano-Guzmán
- Department of Sarcomas, Oncology Hospital, High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE), National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Fernando Candanedo-González
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Hospital, High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE), National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Jazmín De Anda-González
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Hospital, High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE), National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Luis Enrique García-Rios
- Department of Sarcomas, Oncology Hospital, High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE), National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Vadim Pérez-Koldenkova
- National Laboratory of Advanced Microscopy-IMSS, National Medical Center, Siglo XXI IMSS, Mexico City.
| | | | | | - Marco Velasco-Velázquez
- Department of Pharmacology and Peripheral Research Unit in Translational Biomedicine (CMN 20 de noviembre, ISSSTE), School of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City.
| | | | - Patricia Piña-Sánchez
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Héctor Mayani
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Alejandro Gómez-Delgado
- Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Medical Research Unit, Pediatric Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Alberto Monroy-García
- Immunology and Cancer Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center (IMSS), Mexico City.
| | - Ana Karen Martínez-Lara
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
| | - Juan José Montesinos
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Laboratory, Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City.
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24
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Beshay PE, Cortes-Medina MG, Menyhert MM, Song JW. The biophysics of cancer: emerging insights from micro- and nanoscale tools. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022; 2:2100056. [PMID: 35156093 PMCID: PMC8827905 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and dynamic disease that is aberrant both biologically and physically. There is growing appreciation that physical abnormalities with both cancer cells and their microenvironment that span multiple length scales are important drivers for cancer growth and metastasis. The scope of this review is to highlight the key advancements in micro- and nano-scale tools for delineating the cause and consequences of the aberrant physical properties of tumors. We focus our review on three important physical aspects of cancer: 1) solid mechanical properties, 2) fluid mechanical properties, and 3) mechanical alterations to cancer cells. Beyond posing physical barriers to the delivery of cancer therapeutics, these properties are also known to influence numerous biological processes, including cancer cell invasion and migration leading to metastasis, and response and resistance to therapy. We comment on how micro- and nanoscale tools have transformed our fundamental understanding of the physical dynamics of cancer progression and their potential for bridging towards future applications at the interface of oncology and physical sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Beshay
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | | | - Miles M Menyhert
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
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25
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Leveraging cellular mechano-responsiveness for cancer therapy. Trends Mol Med 2021; 28:155-169. [PMID: 34973934 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cells sense the biophysical properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and adopt these signals in their development, progression, and metastatic dissemination. Recent work highlights the mechano-responsiveness of cells in tumors and the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, approaches to mechano-modulating diverse types of cell have emerged aiming to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. These include targeting mechanosensitive machineries in cancer cells to induce apoptosis, intervening matrix stiffening incurred by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in both primary and metastatic tumor sites, and modulating matrix mechanics to improve immune cell therapeutic efficacy. This review is envisaged to help scientists and clinicians in cancer research to advance understanding of the cellular mechano-responsiveness in TME, and to harness these concepts for cancer mechanotherapies.
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Ferrara B, Pignatelli C, Cossutta M, Citro A, Courty J, Piemonti L. The Extracellular Matrix in Pancreatic Cancer: Description of a Complex Network and Promising Therapeutic Options. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174442. [PMID: 34503252 PMCID: PMC8430646 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The stroma is a relevant player in driving and supporting the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and a large body of evidence highlights its role in hindering the efficacy of current therapies. In fact, the dense extracellular matrix (ECM) characterizing this tumor acts as a natural physical barrier, impairing drug penetration. Consequently, all of the approaches combining stroma-targeting and anticancer therapy constitute an appealing option for improving drug penetration. Several strategies have been adopted in order to target the PDAC stroma, such as the depletion of ECM components and the targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are responsible for the increased matrix deposition in cancer. Additionally, the leaky and collapsing blood vessels characterizing the tumor might be normalized, thus restoring blood perfusion and allowing drug penetration. Even though many stroma-targeting strategies have reported disappointing results in clinical trials, the ECM offers a wide range of potential therapeutic targets that are now being investigated. The dense ECM might be bypassed by implementing nanoparticle-based systems or by using mesenchymal stem cells as drug carriers. The present review aims to provide an overview of the principal mechanisms involved in the ECM remodeling and of new promising therapeutic strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Ferrara
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Cataldo Pignatelli
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Mélissande Cossutta
- INSERM U955, Immunorégulation et Biothérapie, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (M.C.); (J.C.)
- AP-HP, Centre d’Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Antonio Citro
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - José Courty
- INSERM U955, Immunorégulation et Biothérapie, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (M.C.); (J.C.)
- AP-HP, Centre d’Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Lorenzo Piemonti
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
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27
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Lodi RS, Yu B, Xia L, Liu F. Roles and Regulation of Growth differentiation factor-15 in the Immune and tumor microenvironment. Hum Immunol 2021; 82:937-944. [PMID: 34412918 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a member of the TGF-β superfamily, plays multiple roles in a wide variety of cellular processes. It is expressed at low levels under normal conditions but is highly expressed in tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME)-related cells, such as fibroblasts and immune cells. The TME consists of the noncancerous cells present in the tumor, including immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessel signaling molecules and extracellular matrix, which play a key role in tumor development. GDF-15 affects both stromal cells and immune cells in the TME. It also acts on immune checkpoints, such as PD-1/PDL-1 that regulate stemness of cancer cells, indicating that GDF-15 plays a prominent role in cancer, exhibiting both protumorigenic and antitumorigenic effects, although the latter are reported much less often than the former. The present review addresses novel ideas regarding communication between GDF-15 and stromal cells, immune cells, and cancer cells in the TME. In addition, it discusses the possibility of GDF-15's clinical application as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bin Yu
- The Central Laboratory, Changzhou Woman and Children Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213003, China
| | - Lin Xia
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Fang Liu
- International Genome Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
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28
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Purkayastha P, Jaiswal MK, Lele TP. Molecular cancer cell responses to solid compressive stress and interstitial fluid pressure. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2021; 78:312-322. [PMID: 34291887 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Alterations to the mechanical properties of the microenvironment are a hallmark of cancer. Elevated mechanical stresses exist in many solid tumors and elicit responses from cancer cells. Uncontrolled growth in confined environments gives rise to elevated solid compressive stress on cancer cells. Recruitment of leaky blood vessels and an absence of functioning lymphatic vessels causes a rise in the interstitial fluid pressure. Here we review the role of the cancer cell cytoskeleton and the nucleus in mediating both the initial and adaptive cancer cell response to these two types of mechanical stresses. We review how these mechanical stresses alter cancer cell functions such as proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purboja Purkayastha
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Manish K Jaiswal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Tanmay P Lele
- Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.,Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas, USA
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29
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Fiorito M, Fovargue D, Capilnasiu A, Hadjicharalambous M, Nordsletten D, Sinkus R, Lee J. Impact of axisymmetric deformation on MR elastography of a nonlinear tissue-mimicking material and implications in peri-tumour stiffness quantification. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253804. [PMID: 34242296 PMCID: PMC8270167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumour growth is often associated with the accumulation of mechanical stresses acting on the surrounding host tissue. Due to tissue nonlinearity, the shear modulus of the peri-tumoural region inherits a signature from the tumour expansion which depends on multiple factors, including the soft tissue constitutive behaviour and its stress/strain state. Shear waves used in MR-elastography (MRE) sense the apparent change in shear modulus along their propagation direction, thereby probing the anisotropic stiffness field around the tumour. We developed an analytical framework for a heterogeneous shear modulus distribution using a thick-shelled sphere approximation of the tumour and soft tissue ensemble. A hyperelastic material (plastisol) was identified to validate the proposed theory in a phantom setting. A balloon-catheter connected to a pressure sensor was used to replicate the stress generated from tumour pressure and growth while MRE data were acquired. The shear modulus anisotropy retrieved from the reconstructed elastography data confirmed the analytically predicted patterns at various levels of inflation. An alternative measure, combining the generated deformation and the local wave direction and independent of the reconstruction strategy, was also proposed to correlate the analytical findings with the stretch probed by the waves. Overall, this work demonstrates that MRE in combination with non-linear mechanics, is able to identify the apparent shear modulus variation arising from the strain generated by a growth within tissue, such as an idealised model of tumour. Investigation in real tissue represents the next step to further investigate the implications of endogenous forces in tissue characterisation through MRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fiorito
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Fovargue
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adela Capilnasiu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Nordsletten
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ralph Sinkus
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- U1148, INSERM, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Jack Lee
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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30
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Hayward MK, Muncie JM, Weaver VM. Tissue mechanics in stem cell fate, development, and cancer. Dev Cell 2021; 56:1833-1847. [PMID: 34107299 PMCID: PMC9056158 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cells in tissues experience a plethora of forces that regulate their fate and modulate development and homeostasis. Cells sense mechanical cues through localized mechanoreceptors or by influencing cytoskeletal or plasma membrane organization. Cells translate force and modulate their behavior through a process termed mechanotransduction. Cells tune their tension upon exposure to chronic force by engaging cellular machinery that modulates actin tension, which in turn stimulates matrix remodeling and stiffening and alters cell-cell adhesions until cells achieve a state of tensional homeostasis. Loss of tensional homeostasis can be induced through oncogene activity and/or tissue fibrosis, accompanies tumor progression, and is associated with increased cancer risk. The mechanical stresses that develop in tumors can also foster the mesenchymal-like transdifferentiation of cells to induce a stem-like phenotype that contributes to their aggression, metastatic dissemination, and treatment resistance. Thus, strategies that ameliorate tumor mechanics may comprise an effective strategy to prevent aggressive tumor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Kate Hayward
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | | - Valerie M Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; The Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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31
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Tempest R, Guarnerio S, Maani R, Cooper J, Peake N. The Biological and Biomechanical Role of Transglutaminase-2 in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112788. [PMID: 34205140 PMCID: PMC8199963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is the most highly and ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase enzyme family and is primarily involved in protein cross-linking. TG2 has been implicated in the development and progression of numerous cancers, with a direct role in multiple cellular processes and pathways linked to apoptosis, chemoresistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem cell phenotype. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical in the formation, progression, and eventual metastasis of cancer, and increasing evidence points to a role for TG2 in matrix remodelling, modulation of biomechanical properties, cell adhesion, motility, and invasion. There is growing interest in targeting the TME therapeutically in response to advances in the understanding of its critical role in disease progression, and a number of approaches targeting biophysical properties and biomechanical signalling are beginning to show clinical promise. In this review we aim to highlight the wide array of processes in which TG2 influences the TME, focussing on its potential role in the dynamic tissue remodelling and biomechanical events increasingly linked to invasive and aggressive behaviour. Drug development efforts have yielded a range of TG2 inhibitors, and ongoing clinical trials may inform strategies for targeting the biomolecular and biomechanical function of TG2 in the TME.
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32
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Waldeland JO, Gaustad JV, Rofstad EK, Evje S. In silico investigations of intratumoral heterogeneous interstitial fluid pressure. J Theor Biol 2021; 526:110787. [PMID: 34087266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2021.110787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent preclinical studies have shown that interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) within tumors can be heterogeneous Andersen et al. (2019). In that study tumors of two xenograft models, respectively, HL-16 cervical carcinoma and Panc-1 pancreatic carcinoma, were investigated. Significant heterogeneity in IFP was reported and it was proposed that this was associated with division of tissue into compartments separated by thick connective tissue bands for the HL-16 tumors and with dense collagen-rich extracellular matrix for the Panc-1 tumors. The purpose of the current work is to explore these experimental observations by using in silico generated tumor models. We consider a mathematical multiphase model which accounts for tumor cells, fibroblasts and interstitial fluid. The model has been trained to comply with experimental in vitro results reported in Shieh et al. (2011) which has identified autologous chemotaxis, ECM remodeling, and cell-fibroblast interaction as drivers for invasive tumor cell behavior. The in silico model is informed with parameters that characterize the leaky intratumoral vascular network, the peritumoral lymphatics which collect the fluid, and the density of ECM as represented through the hydraulic conductivity of the interstitial space. Heterogeneous distribution of solid stress may result in heterogeneous compression of blood vessels and, thus, heterogeneous vascular density inside the tumor. To mimic this we expose the in silico tumor to an intratumoral vasculature whose net effect of density of blood vesssels and vessel wall conductivity is varied through a 2D Gaussian variogram constrained such that the resulting IFPs lie within the range as reported from the preclinical study. The in silico cervical carcinoma model illustrates that sparse ECM was associated with uniform intratumoral IFP in spite of heterogeneous microvascular network, whereas compartment structures resulted in more heterogeneous IFP. Similarly, the in silico pancreatic model shows that heterogeneity in the microvascular network combined with dense ECM structure prevents IFP to even out and gives rise to heterogeneous IFP. The computer model illustrates how a heterogeneous invasive front might form where groups of tumor cells detach from the primary tumor and form isolated islands, a behavior which is natural to associate with metastatic propensity. However, unlike experimental studies, the current version of the in silico model does not show an association between metastatic propensity and elevated IFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahn Otto Waldeland
- University of Stavanger, Faculty of Science and Technology, NO-4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Jon-Vidar Gaustad
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Steinar Evje
- University of Stavanger, Faculty of Science and Technology, NO-4068 Stavanger, Norway.
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33
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Fuentes-Chandía M, Vierling A, Kappelmann-Fenzl M, Monavari M, Letort G, Höne L, Parma B, Antara SK, Ertekin Ö, Palmisano R, Dong M, Böpple K, Boccaccini AR, Ceppi P, Bosserhoff AK, Leal-Egaña A. 3D Spheroids Versus 3D Tumor-Like Microcapsules: Confinement and Mechanical Stress May Lead to the Expression of Malignant Responses in Cancer Cells. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2021; 5:e2000349. [PMID: 33960743 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202000349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
As 2D surfaces fail to resemble the tumoral milieu, current discussions are focused on which 3D cell culture strategy may better lead the cells to express in vitro most of the malignant hints described in vivo. In this study, this question is assessed by analyzing the full genetic profile of MCF7 cells cultured either as 3D spheroids-considered as "gold standard" for in vitro cancer research- or immobilized in 3D tumor-like microcapsules, by RNA-Seq and transcriptomic methods, allowing to discriminate at big-data scale, which in vitro strategy can better resemble most of the malignant features described in neoplastic diseases. The results clearly show that mechanical stress, rather than 3D morphology only, stimulates most of the biological processes involved in cancer pathogenicity, such as cytoskeletal organization, migration, and stemness. Furthermore, cells entrapped in hydrogel-based scaffolds are likely expressing other physiological hints described in malignancy, such as the upregulated expression of metalloproteinases or the resistance to anticancer drugs, among others. According to the knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to answer which 3D experimental system can better mimic the neoplastic architecture in vitro, emphasizing the relevance of confinement in cancer pathogenicity, which can be easily achieved by using hydrogel-based matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Fuentes-Chandía
- Institute of Biomaterials, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vierling
- Institute of Biomaterials, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.,Faculty of Applied Informatics, University of Applied Science Deggendorf, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Mahshid Monavari
- Institute of Biomaterials, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gaelle Letort
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France UMR7241/U1050. 11, place Marcelin Berthelot, Paris Cedex 05, 75231, France
| | - Lucas Höne
- Institute of Biomaterials, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Beatrice Parma
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Glueckstraße 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sharmin Khan Antara
- Institute of Biomaterials, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Özlem Ertekin
- Institute of Biomaterials, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ralph Palmisano
- Optical Imaging Centre Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 3, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Meng Dong
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tübingen, Auerbachstraße 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Kathrin Böpple
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tübingen, Auerbachstraße 112, 70376, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Aldo R Boccaccini
- Institute of Biomaterials, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paolo Ceppi
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Glueckstraße 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M, DK-5230, Denmark
| | - Anja K Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstraße 17, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aldo Leal-Egaña
- Institute of Biomaterials, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstraße 6, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering, Heidelberg University, In Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Neophytou CM, Panagi M, Stylianopoulos T, Papageorgis P. The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Metastasis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092053. [PMID: 33922795 PMCID: PMC8122975 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis, the process by which cancer cells escape primary tumor site and colonize distant organs, is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprises different cell types, including immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as structural elements, such as collagen and hyaluronan that constitute the extracellular matrix (ECM). Intratumoral interactions between the cellular and structural components of the TME regulate the aggressiveness, and dissemination of malignant cells and promote immune evasion. At the secondary site, the TME also facilitates escape from dormancy to enhance metastatic tumor outgrowth. Moreover, the ECM applies mechanical forces on tumors that contribute to hypoxia and cancer cell invasiveness whereas also hinders drug delivery and efficacy in both primary and metastatic sites. In this review, we summarize the latest developments regarding the role of the TME in cancer progression and discuss ongoing efforts to remodel the TME to stop metastasis in its tracks. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates essential tumor survival and promotion functions. Interactions between the cellular and structural components of the TME allow cancer cells to become invasive and disseminate from the primary site to distant locations, through a complex and multistep metastatic cascade. Tumor-associated M2-type macrophages have growth-promoting and immunosuppressive functions; mesenchymal cells mass produce exosomes that increase the migratory ability of cancer cells; cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reorganize the surrounding matrix creating migration-guiding tracks for cancer cells. In addition, the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) exerts determinant roles in disease progression and cancer cell migration and regulates therapeutic responses. The hypoxic conditions generated at the primary tumor force cancer cells to genetically and/or epigenetically adapt in order to survive and metastasize. In the circulation, cancer cells encounter platelets, immune cells, and cytokines in the blood microenvironment that facilitate their survival and transit. This review discusses the roles of different cellular and structural tumor components in regulating the metastatic process, targeting approaches using small molecule inhibitors, nanoparticles, manipulated exosomes, and miRNAs to inhibit tumor invasion as well as current and future strategies to remodel the TME and enhance treatment efficacy to block the detrimental process of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana M. Neophytou
- European University Research Center, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus; (M.P.); (T.S.)
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus; (M.P.); (T.S.)
| | - Panagiotis Papageorgis
- European University Research Center, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +357-22-713158
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Han SJ, Kwon S, Kim KS. Challenges of applying multicellular tumor spheroids in preclinical phase. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:152. [PMID: 33663530 PMCID: PMC7934264 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01853-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) model is becoming an essential tool in cancer research as it expresses an intermediate complexity between 2D monolayer models and in vivo solid tumors. MCTs closely resemble in vivo solid tumors in many aspects, such as the heterogeneous architecture, internal gradients of signaling factors, nutrients, and oxygenation. MCTs have growth kinetics similar to those of in vivo tumors, and the cells in spheroid mimic the physical interaction of the tumors, such as cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions. These similarities provide great potential for studying the biological properties of tumors and a promising platform for drug screening and therapeutic efficacy evaluation. However, MCTs are not well adopted as preclinical tools for studying tumor behavior and therapeutic efficacy up to now. In this review, we addressed the challenges with MCTs application and discussed various efforts to overcome the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jik Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Sangwoo Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Kyung Sook Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea.
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36
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Choi SR, Yang Y, Huang KY, Kong HJ, Flick MJ, Han B. Engineering of biomaterials for tumor modeling. MATERIALS TODAY. ADVANCES 2020; 8:100117. [PMID: 34541484 PMCID: PMC8448271 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtadv.2020.100117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Development of biomaterials mimicking tumor and its microenvironment has recently emerged for the use of drug discovery, precision medicine, and cancer biology. These biomimetic models have developed by reconstituting tumor and stroma cells within the 3D extracellular matrix. The models are recently extended to recapitulate the in vivo tumor microenvironment, including biological, chemical, and mechanical conditions tailored for specific cancer type and its microenvironment. In spite of the recent emergence of various innovative engineered tumor models, many of these models are still early stage to be adapted for cancer research. In this article, we review the current status of biomaterials engineering for tumor models considering three main aspects - cellular engineering, matrix engineering, and engineering for microenvironmental conditions. Considering cancer-specific variability in these aspects, our discussion is focused on pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). In addition, we further discussed the current challenges and future opportunities to create reliable and relevant tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Rome Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kai-Yu Huang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hyun Joon Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Matthew J. Flick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Blood Research Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bumsoo Han
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Rowson B. 2020 Athanasiou ABME Student Awards. Ann Biomed Eng 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-020-02689-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hessmann E, Buchholz SM, Demir IE, Singh SK, Gress TM, Ellenrieder V, Neesse A. Microenvironmental Determinants of Pancreatic Cancer. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1707-1751. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) belongs to the most lethal solid tumors in humans. A histological hallmark feature of PDAC is the pronounced tumor microenvironment (TME) that dynamically evolves during tumor progression. The TME consists of different non-neoplastic cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, and neurons. Furthermore, abundant extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid as well as matricellular proteins create a highly dynamic and hypovascular TME with multiple biochemical and physical interactions among the various cellular and acellular components that promote tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. In recent years, intensive research efforts have resulted in a significantly improved understanding of the biology and pathophysiology of the TME in PDAC, and novel stroma-targeted approaches are emerging that may help to improve the devastating prognosis of PDAC patients. However, none of anti-stromal therapies has been approved in patients so far, and there is still a large discrepancy between multiple successful preclinical results and subsequent failure in clinical trials. Furthermore, recent findings suggest that parts of the TME may also possess tumor-restraining properties rendering tailored therapies even more challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Soeren M. Buchholz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Shiv K. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Thomas M. Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
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Angiotensin Inhibition, TGF-β and EMT in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102785. [PMID: 32998363 PMCID: PMC7601465 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin inhibitors are standard drugs in cardiovascular and renal diseases that have antihypertensive and antifibrotic properties. These drugs also exert their antifibrotic effects in cancer by reducing collagen and hyaluronan deposition in the tumor stroma, thus enhancing drug delivery. Angiotensin II signaling interferes with the secretion of the cytokine TGF-β-a known driver of malignancy. TGF-β stimulates matrix production in cancer-associated fibroblasts, and thus drives desmoplasia. The effect of TGF-β on cancer cells itself is stage-dependent and changes during malignant progression from inhibitory to stimulatory. The intracellular signaling for the TGF-β family can be divided into an SMAD-dependent canonical pathway and an SMAD-independent noncanonical pathway. These capabilities have made TGF-β an interesting target for numerous drug developments. TGF-β is also an inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a highly complex spatiotemporal-limited process controlled by a plethora of factors. EMT is a hallmark of metastatic cancer, and with its reversal, an important step in the metastatic cascade is characterized by a loss of epithelial characteristics and/or the gain of mesenchymal traits.
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Rizzuti IF, Mascheroni P, Arcucci S, Ben-Mériem Z, Prunet A, Barentin C, Rivière C, Delanoë-Ayari H, Hatzikirou H, Guillermet-Guibert J, Delarue M. Mechanical Control of Cell Proliferation Increases Resistance to Chemotherapeutic Agents. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2020; 125:128103. [PMID: 33016731 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.125.128103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
While many cellular mechanisms leading to chemotherapeutic resistance have been identified, there is an increasing realization that tumor-stroma interactions also play an important role. In particular, mechanical alterations are inherent to solid cancer progression and profoundly impact cell physiology. Here, we explore the influence of compressive stress on the efficacy of chemotherapeutics in pancreatic cancer spheroids. We find that increased compressive stress leads to decreased drug efficacy. Theoretical modeling and experiments suggest that mechanical stress decreases cell proliferation which in turn reduces the efficacy of chemotherapeutics that target proliferating cells. Our work highlights a mechanical form of drug resistance and suggests new strategies for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Francesca Rizzuti
- CNRS, UPR8001, LAAS-CNRS, 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31400 Toulouse, France
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego, 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
- Computer Science and Technology, Bioengineering, Robotics and Systems Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Via All'Opera Pia, 13, 16145 Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Mascheroni
- Department of Systems Immunology and Braunschweig Integrated Center of Systems Biology (BRICS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Rebenring 56, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Silvia Arcucci
- INSERM U1037, CRCT, Universite Paul Sabatier, F-31037 Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence TouCAN, F-31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Zacchari Ben-Mériem
- CNRS, UPR8001, LAAS-CNRS, 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Audrey Prunet
- Univ Lyon, Univ Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Institut Lumière Matière, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Catherine Barentin
- Univ Lyon, Univ Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Institut Lumière Matière, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Charlotte Rivière
- Univ Lyon, Univ Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Institut Lumière Matière, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Hélène Delanoë-Ayari
- Univ Lyon, Univ Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Institut Lumière Matière, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Haralampos Hatzikirou
- Department of Systems Immunology and Braunschweig Integrated Center of Systems Biology (BRICS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Rebenring 56, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Julie Guillermet-Guibert
- INSERM U1037, CRCT, Universite Paul Sabatier, F-31037 Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence TouCAN, F-31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Morgan Delarue
- CNRS, UPR8001, LAAS-CNRS, 7 Avenue du Colonel Roche, F-31400 Toulouse, France
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41
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Rada M, Lazaris A, Kapelanski-Lamoureux A, Mayer TZ, Metrakos P. Tumor microenvironment conditions that favor vessel co-option in colorectal cancer liver metastases: A theoretical model. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 71:52-64. [PMID: 32920126 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vessel co-option is an alternative strategy by which tumour cells vascularize and gain access to nutrients to support tumour growth, survival and metastasis. In vessel co-option, the cancer cells move towards the pre-existing vasculature and hijack them. Vessel co-option is adopted by a wide range of human tumours including colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) and is responsible for the effectiveness of treatment in CRCLM. Furthermore, vessel co-option is an intrinsic feature and an acquired mechanism of resistance to anti-angiogenic treatment. In this review, we describe the microenvironment, the molecular players, discovered thus far of co-opting CRCLM lesions and propose a theoretical model. We also highlight key unanswered questions that are critical to improving our understanding of CRCLM vessel co-option and for the development of effective approaches for the treatment of co-opting tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Rada
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Anthoula Lazaris
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Audrey Kapelanski-Lamoureux
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Thomas Z Mayer
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Peter Metrakos
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, H4A3J1, Canada.
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42
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Hadden M, Mittal A, Samra J, Zreiqat H, Sahni S, Ramaswamy Y. Mechanically stressed cancer microenvironment: Role in pancreatic cancer progression. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188418. [PMID: 32827581 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid malignancies in the world due to its insensitivity to current therapies and its propensity to metastases from the primary tumor mass. This is largely attributed to its complex microenvironment composed of unique stromal cell populations and extracellular matrix (ECM). The recruitment and activation of these cell populations cause an increase in deposition of ECM components, which highly influences the behavior of malignant cells through disrupted forms of signaling. As PDAC progresses from premalignant lesion to invasive carcinoma, this dynamic landscape shields the mass from immune defenses and cytotoxic intervention. This microenvironment influences an invasive cell phenotype through altered forms of mechanical signaling, capable of enacting biochemical changes within cells through activated mechanotransduction pathways. The effects of altered mechanical cues on malignant cell mechanotransduction have long remained enigmatic, particularly in PDAC, whose microenvironment significantly changes over time. A more complete and thorough understanding of PDAC's physical surroundings (microenvironment), mechanosensing proteins, and mechanical properties may help in identifying novel mechanisms that influence disease progression, and thus, provide new potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hadden
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anubhav Mittal
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Australia; Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jaswinder Samra
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Australia; Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hala Zreiqat
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; ARC Training Centre for Innovative Bioengineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Australia; Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Yogambha Ramaswamy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; The University of Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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43
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Asem M, Young A, Oyama C, ClaureDeLaZerda A, Liu Y, Ravosa MJ, Gupta V, Jewell A, Khabele D, Stack MS. Ascites-induced compression alters the peritoneal microenvironment and promotes metastatic success in ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11913. [PMID: 32681052 PMCID: PMC7367827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68639-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of women with recurrent ovarian cancer (OvCa) develop malignant ascites with volumes that can reach > 2 L. The resulting elevation in intraperitoneal pressure (IPP), from normal values of 5 mmHg to as high as 22 mmHg, causes striking changes in the loading environment in the peritoneal cavity. The effect of ascites-induced changes in IPP on OvCa progression is largely unknown. Herein we model the functional consequences of ascites-induced compression on ovarian tumor cells and components of the peritoneal microenvironment using a panel of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo assays. Results show that OvCa cell adhesion to the peritoneum was increased under compression. Moreover, compressive loads stimulated remodeling of peritoneal mesothelial cell surface ultrastructure via induction of tunneling nanotubes (TNT). TNT-mediated interaction between peritoneal mesothelial cells and OvCa cells was enhanced under compression and was accompanied by transport of mitochondria from mesothelial cells to OvCa cells. Additionally, peritoneal collagen fibers adopted a more linear anisotropic alignment under compression, a collagen signature commonly correlated with enhanced invasion in solid tumors. Collectively, these findings elucidate a new role for ascites-induced compression in promoting metastatic OvCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Asem
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Allison Young
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Carlysa Oyama
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Alejandro ClaureDeLaZerda
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Yueying Liu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
| | - Matthew J Ravosa
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Vijayalaxmi Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, USA
| | - Andrea Jewell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, USA
| | - Dineo Khabele
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Kansas, Kansas City, USA
| | - M Sharon Stack
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
- Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, 1234 N. Notre Dame Ave., A200 Harper Hall, South Bend, IN, 46617, USA.
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Novak CM, Horst EN, Lin E, Mehta G. Compressive Stimulation Enhances Ovarian Cancer Proliferation, Invasion, Chemoresistance, and Mechanotransduction via CDC42 in a 3D Bioreactor. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061521. [PMID: 32532057 PMCID: PMC7352213 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This report investigates the role of compressive stress on ovarian cancer in a 3D custom built bioreactor. Cells within the ovarian tumor microenvironment experience a range of compressive stimuli that contribute to mechanotransduction. As the ovarian tumor expands, cells are exposed to chronic load from hydrostatic pressure, displacement of surrounding cells, and growth induced stress. External dynamic stimuli have been correlated with an increase in metastasis, cancer stem cell marker expression, chemoresistance, and proliferation in a variety of cancers. However, how these compressive stimuli contribute to ovarian cancer progression is not fully understood. In this report, high grade serous ovarian cancer cell lines were encapsulated within an ECM mimicking hydrogel comprising of agarose and collagen type I, and stimulated with confined cyclic or static compressive stresses for 24 and 72 h. Compression stimulation resulted in a significant increase in proliferation, invasive morphology, and chemoresistance. Additionally, CDC42 was upregulated in compression stimulated conditions, and was necessary to drive increased proliferation and chemoresistance. Inhibition of CDC42 lead to significant decrease in proliferation, survival, and increased chemosensitivity. In summary, the dynamic in vitro 3D platform developed in this report, is ideal for understanding the influence of compressive stimuli, and can be widely applicable to any epithelial cancers. This work reinforces the critical need to consider compressive stimulation in basic cancer biology and therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caymen M. Novak
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (C.M.N.); (E.N.H.); (E.L.)
| | - Eric N. Horst
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (C.M.N.); (E.N.H.); (E.L.)
| | - Emily Lin
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (C.M.N.); (E.N.H.); (E.L.)
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (C.M.N.); (E.N.H.); (E.L.)
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Precision Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-734-763-3957
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45
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Stylianou A, Gkretsi V, Louca M, Zacharia LC, Stylianopoulos T. Collagen content and extracellular matrix cause cytoskeletal remodelling in pancreatic fibroblasts. J R Soc Interface 2020; 16:20190226. [PMID: 31113335 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In many solid tumours a desmoplastic reaction takes place, which results in tumour tissue stiffening due to the extensive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as collagen, by stromal cells, mainly fibroblasts (FBs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In this study, we investigated the effect of collagen stiffness on pancreatic FBs and CAFs, particularly on specific cytoskeleton properties and gene expression involved in tumour invasion. We found that cells become stiffer when they are cultured on stiff substrates and express higher levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Also, it was confirmed that on stiff substrates, CAFs are softer than FBs, while on soft substrates they have comparable Young's moduli. Furthermore, the number of spread FBs and CAFs was higher in stiffer substrates, which was also confirmed by Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 ( RAC1) mRNA expression, which mediates cell spreading. Although stress fibres in FBs become more oriented on stiff substrates, CAFs have oriented stress fibres regardless of substrate stiffness. Subsequently, we demonstrated that cells' invasion has a differential response to stiffness, which was associated with regulation of Ras homologue family member ( RhoA) and Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 ( ROCK-1) mRNA expression. Overall, our results demonstrate that collagen stiffness modulates FBs and CAFs cytoskeleton remodelling and alters their invasion properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stylianou
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| | - Vasiliki Gkretsi
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| | - Maria Louca
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| | - Lefteris C Zacharia
- 2 Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia , 1700 Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
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Hauge A, Rofstad EK. Antifibrotic therapy to normalize the tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2020; 18:207. [PMID: 32434573 PMCID: PMC7240990 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02376-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most tumors develop abnormal fibrotic regions consisting of fibroblasts, immune cells, and a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) immersed in a viscous interstitial fluid, and an abundant fibrotic tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with poor outcome of treatment. It has been hypothesized that the treatment of cancer may be improved by interventions aiming to normalize this TME. The approaches used in attempts to normalize the fibrotic TME can be categorized into three strategies of targeted antifibrotic therapy: targeting of components of the ECM, targeting of the producers of the ECM components-the activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and targeting of the signaling pathways activating CAFs. To target the ECM, enzymes against components of the ECM have been used, including collagenase, relaxin, hyaluronidase, and lyxyl oxidase. Targeting of CAFs have been investigated by using agents aiming to eliminate or reprogram CAFs. CAFs are activated primarily by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), hedgehog, or focal adhesion kinase signaling, and several agents have been used to target these signaling pathways, including angiotensin II receptor I blockers (e.g., losartan) to inhibit the TGF-β pathway. Taken together, these studies have revealed that antifibrotic therapy is a two-edged sword: while some studies suggest enhanced response to treatment after antifibrotic therapy, others suggest that antifibrotic therapy may lead to increased tumor growth, metastasis, and impaired outcome of treatment. There are several possible explanations of these conflicting observations. Most importantly, tumors contain different subpopulations of CAFs, and while some subpopulations may promote tumor growth and metastasis, others may inhibit malignant progression. Furthermore, the outcome of antifibrotic therapy may depend on stage of disease, duration of treatment, treatment-induced activation of alternative profibrotic signaling pathways, and treatment-induced recruitment of tumor-supporting immune cells. Nevertheless, losartan-induced suppression of TGF-β signaling appears to be a particularly promising strategy. Losartan is a widely prescribed antihypertensive drug and highly advantageous therapeutic effects have been observed after losartan treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, improved understanding of the mechanisms governing the development of fibrosis in tumors is needed before safe antifibrotic treatments can be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Hauge
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Einar K Rofstad
- Group of Radiation Biology and Tumor Physiology, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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47
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The Extracellular Matrix Modulates the Metastatic Journey. Dev Cell 2020; 49:332-346. [PMID: 31063753 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is perturbed in tumors. The tumor matrix promotes the growth, survival, and invasion of the cancer and modifies fibroblast and immune cell behavior to drive metastasis and impair treatment. Here, we discuss how the tumor matrix regulates metastasis by fostering tumor cell invasion into the stroma and migration toward the vasculature. We describe the role of the tumor matrix in cancer cell intravasation and vascular dissemination. We examine the impact of the matrix on disseminated tumor cell extravasation and on tumor dormancy and metastatic outgrowth. Finally, we discuss the clinical outcome of therapeutics that normalize tumor-matrix interactions.
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48
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Annals of Biomedical Engineering 2018 Year in Review. Ann Biomed Eng 2019; 47:2343-2345. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-019-02420-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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49
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Kalli M, Voutouri C, Minia A, Pliaka V, Fotis C, Alexopoulos LG, Stylianopoulos T. Mechanical Compression Regulates Brain Cancer Cell Migration Through MEK1/Erk1 Pathway Activation and GDF15 Expression. Front Oncol 2019; 9:992. [PMID: 31612114 PMCID: PMC6777415 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical compression is a common abnormality of brain tumors that has been shown to be responsible for the severe neurological defects of brain cancer patients representing a negative prognostic factor. Indeed, it is of note that patients that undergo resection exhibited higher survival rates than those subjected to biopsy only, suggesting that compressive forces generated during brain tumor growth play a key role in tumor progression. Despite the importance of mechanical compression in brain tumors, there is a lack of studies examining its direct effects on brain cancer cells and the mechanisms involved. In the present study, we used two brain cancer cell lines with distinct metastatic potential, the less aggressive H4 and the highly aggressive A172 cell lines, in order to study the effect of compression on their proliferative and migratory ability. Specifically, we used multicellular tumor spheroids (MCS) embedded in agarose matrix to show that compression strongly impaired their growth. Using mathematical modeling, we estimated the levels of compressive stress generated during the growth of brain MCS and then we applied the respective stress levels on brain cancer cell monolayers using our previously established transmembrane pressure device. By performing a scratch assay, we found that compression strongly induced the migration of the less aggressive H4 cells, while a less pronounced effect was observed for A172 cells. Analysis of the gene expression profile of both cell lines revealed that GDF15 and small GTPases are strongly regulated by mechanical compression, while GDF15 was further shown to be necessary for cells to migrate under compression. Through a phospho-proteomic screening, we further found that compressive stimulus is transmitted through the MEK1/Erk1 signaling pathway, which is also necessary for the migration of brain cancer cells. Finally, our results gave the first indication that GDF15 could regulate and being regulated by MEK1/Erk1 signaling pathway in order to facilitate the compression-induced brain cancer cell migration, rendering them along with small GTPases as potential targets for future anti-metastatic therapeutic innovations to treat brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Christos Fotis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Leonidas G Alexopoulos
- ProtATonce Ltd, Athens, Greece.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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