1
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Sadique FL, Subramaiam H, Krishnappa P, Chellappan DK, Ma JH. Recent advances in breast cancer metastasis with special emphasis on metastasis to the brain. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155378. [PMID: 38850880 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the underlying mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis is of vital importance for developing treatment approaches. This review emphasizes contemporary breakthrough studies with special focus on breast cancer brain metastasis. Acquired mutational changes in metastatic lesions are often distinct from the primary tumor, suggesting altered mutagenesis pathways. The concept of micrometastases and heterogeneity within the tumors unravels novel therapeutic targets at genomic and molecular levels through epigenetic and proteomic profiling. Several pre-clinical studies have identified mechanisms involving the immune system, where tumor associated macrophages are key players. Expression of cell proteins like Syndecan1, fatty acid-binding protein 7 and tropomyosin kinase receptor B have been implicated in aiding the transmigration of breast cancer cells to the brain. Changes in the proteomic landscape of the blood-brain-barrier show altered permeability characteristics, supporting entry of cancer cells. Findings from laboratory studies pave the path for the emergence of new biomarkers, especially blood-based miRNA and circulating tumor cell markers for prognostic staging. The constantly evolving therapeutics call for clinical trials backing supportive evidence of efficacies of both novel and existing approaches. The challenge lying ahead is discovering innovative techniques to replace use of human samples and optimize small-scale patient recruitment in trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fairooz Labiba Sadique
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Hemavathy Subramaiam
- Division of Pathology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia.
| | - Purushotham Krishnappa
- Division of Pathology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Jin Hao Ma
- School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
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2
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Santi A, Kay EJ, Neilson LJ, McGarry L, Lilla S, Mullin M, Paul NR, Fercoq F, Koulouras G, Rodriguez Blanco G, Athineos D, Mason S, Hughes M, Thomson G, Kieffer Y, Nixon C, Blyth K, Mechta-Grigoriou F, Carlin LM, Zanivan S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts produce matrix-bound vesicles that influence endothelial cell function. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eade0580. [PMID: 38470957 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.ade0580] [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: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Intercellular communication between different cell types in solid tumors contributes to tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. The secretome of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays major roles in these processes. Using human mammary CAFs, we showed that CAFs with a myofibroblast phenotype released extracellular vesicles that transferred proteins to endothelial cells (ECs) that affected their interaction with immune cells. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics identified proteins transferred from CAFs to ECs, which included plasma membrane receptors. Using THY1 as an example of a transferred plasma membrane-bound protein, we showed that CAF-derived proteins increased the adhesion of a monocyte cell line to ECs. CAFs produced high amounts of matrix-bound EVs, which were the primary vehicles of protein transfer. Hence, our work paves the way for future studies that investigate how CAF-derived matrix-bound EVs influence tumor pathology by regulating the function of neighboring cancer, stromal, and immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Santi
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Firenze, viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - Emily J Kay
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Lisa J Neilson
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Lynn McGarry
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Sergio Lilla
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Margaret Mullin
- College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Nikki R Paul
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | | | - Grigorios Koulouras
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | | | | | - Susan Mason
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Mark Hughes
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Gemma Thomson
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Yann Kieffer
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- INSERM, U830, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Fatima Mechta-Grigoriou
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France
- INSERM, U830, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Leo M Carlin
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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3
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Wendong Y, Jiali J, Qiaomei F, Yayun W, Xianze X, Zheng S, Wei H. Biomechanical forces and force-triggered drug delivery in tumor neovascularization. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116117. [PMID: 38171243 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116117] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is one of the typical hallmarks of tumor occurrence and development, and tumor neovascularization also exhibits distinct characteristics from normal blood vessels. As the number of cells and matrix inside the tumor increases, the biomechanical force is enhanced, specifically manifested as solid stress, fluid stress, stiffness, and topology. This mechanical microenvironment also provides shelter for tumors and intensifies angiogenesis, providing oxygen and nutritional support for tumor progression. During tumor development, the biomechanical microenvironment also emerges, which in turn feeds back to regulate the tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, and biochemical and biomechanical signals can regulate tumor angiogenesis. Blood vessels possess inherent sensitivity to mechanical stimuli, but compared to the extensive research on biochemical signal regulation, the study of the regulation of tumor neovascularization by biomechanical signals remains relatively scarce. Biomechanical forces can affect the phenotypic characteristics and mechanical signaling pathways of tumor blood vessels, directly regulating angiogenesis. Meanwhile, they can indirectly regulate tumor angiogenesis by causing an imbalance in angiogenesis signals and affecting stromal cell function. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of biomechanical forces in tumor angiogenesis is beneficial for better identifying and even taming the mechanical forces involved in angiogenesis, providing new therapeutic targets for tumor vascular normalization. Therefore, we summarized the composition of biomechanical forces and their direct or indirect regulation of tumor neovascularization. In addition, this review discussed the use of biomechanical forces in combination with anti-angiogenic therapies for the treatment of tumors, and biomechanical forces triggered delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wendong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Jiang Jiali
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Fan Qiaomei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Weng Yayun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Xie Xianze
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China
| | - Shi Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China.
| | - Huang Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou 310005, China.
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4
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Yu TY, Zhang G, Chai XX, Ren L, Yin DC, Zhang CY. Recent progress on the effect of extracellular matrix on occurrence and progression of breast cancer. Life Sci 2023; 332:122084. [PMID: 37716504 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122084] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) metastasis is an enormous challenge targeting BC therapy. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the principal component of the BC metastasis niche, is the pivotal driver of breast tumor development, whose biochemical and biophysical characteristics have attracted widespread attention. Here, we review the biological effects of ECM constituents and the influence of ECM stiffness on BC metastasis and drug resistance. We provide an overview of the relative signal transduction mechanisms, existing metastasis models, and targeted drug strategies centered around ECM stiffness. It will shed light on exploring more underlying targets and developing specific drugs aimed at ECM utilizing biomimetic platforms, which are promising for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Yao Yu
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xia Chai
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Li Ren
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University, Ningbo 315103, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Da-Chuan Yin
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shanxi, PR China.
| | - Chen-Yan Zhang
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, Shanxi, PR China.
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5
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Gnatowski P, Piłat E, Kucińska-Lipka J, Saeb MR, Hamblin MR, Mozafari M. Recent advances in 3D bioprinted tumor models for personalized medicine. Transl Oncol 2023; 37:101750. [PMID: 37572498 PMCID: PMC10440569 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancerous tumors are among the most fatal diseases worldwide, claiming nearly 10 million lives in 2020. Due to their complex and dynamic nature, modeling tumors accurately is a challenging task. Current models suffer from inadequate translation between in vitro and in vivo results, primarily due to the isotropic nature of tumors and their microenvironment's relationship. To address these limitations, hydrogel-based 3D bioprinting is emerging as a promising approach to mimic cancer development and behavior. It provides precise control over individual elements' size and distribution within the cancer microenvironment and enables the use of patient-derived tumor cells, rather than commercial lines. Consequently, hydrogel bioprinting is expected to become a state-of-the-art technique for cancer research. This manuscript presents an overview of cancer statistics, current modeling methods, and their limitations. Additionally, we highlight the significance of bioprinting, its applications in cancer modeling, and the importance of hydrogel selection. We further explore the current state of creating models for the five deadliest cancers using 3D bioprinting. Finally, we discuss current trends and future perspectives on the clinical use of cancer modeling using hydrogel bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Gnatowski
- Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gabriela Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Edyta Piłat
- Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gabriela Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Justyna Kucińska-Lipka
- Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gabriela Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mohammad Reza Saeb
- Department of Polymer Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gabriela Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Masoud Mozafari
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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6
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Mahdi AF, Nolan J, O’Connor RÍ, Lowery AJ, Allardyce JM, Kiely PA, McGourty K. Collagen-I influences the post-translational regulation, binding partners and role of Annexin A2 in breast cancer progression. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1270436. [PMID: 37941562 PMCID: PMC10628465 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1270436] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been heavily implicated in the development and progression of cancer. We have previously shown that Annexin A2 is integral in the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells and in the clinical progression of ER-negative breast cancer, processes which are highly influenced by the surrounding tumor microenvironment and ECM. Methods We investigated how modulations of the ECM may affect the role of Annexin A2 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells using western blotting, immunofluorescent confocal microscopy and immuno-precipitation mass spectrometry techniques. Results We have shown that the presence of collagen-I, the main constituent of the ECM, increases the post-translational phosphorylation of Annexin A2 and subsequently causes the translocation of Annexin A2 to the extracellular surface. In the presence of collagen-I, we identified fibronectin as a novel interactor of Annexin A2, using mass spectrometry analysis. We then demonstrated that reducing Annexin A2 expression decreases the degradation of fibronectin by cancer cells and this effect on fibronectin turnover is increased according to collagen-I abundance. Discussion Our results suggest that Annexin A2's role in promoting cancer progression is mediated by collagen-I and Annexin A2 maybe a therapeutic target in the bi-directional cross-talk between cancer cells and ECM remodeling that supports metastatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira F. Mahdi
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Joanne Nolan
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ruth Í. O’Connor
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Aoife J. Lowery
- Lambe Institute for Translational Research, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Joanna M. Allardyce
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Patrick A. Kiely
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran McGourty
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre in Pharmaceuticals (SSPC), University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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7
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Zhao Y, Shen M, Wu L, Yang H, Yao Y, Yang Q, Du J, Liu L, Li Y, Bai Y. Stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment: accomplices of tumor progression? Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:587. [PMID: 37666813 PMCID: PMC10477351 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is made up of cells and extracellular matrix (non-cellular component), and cellular components include cancer cells and non-malignant cells such as immune cells and stromal cells. These three types of cells establish complex signals in the body and further influence tumor genesis, development, metastasis and participate in resistance to anti-tumor therapy. It has attracted scholars to study immune cells in TME due to the significant efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) in solid tumors and hematologic tumors. After more than 10 years of efforts, the role of immune cells in TME and the strategy of treating tumors based on immune cells have developed rapidly. Moreover, ICI have been recommended by guidelines as first- or second-line treatment strategies in a variety of tumors. At the same time, stromal cells is another major class of cellular components in TME, which also play a very important role in tumor metabolism, growth, metastasis, immune evasion and treatment resistance. Stromal cells can be recruited from neighboring non-cancerous host stromal cells and can also be formed by transdifferentiation from stromal cells to stromal cells or from tumor cells to stromal cells. Moreover, they participate in tumor genesis, development and drug resistance by secreting various factors and exosomes, participating in tumor angiogenesis and tumor metabolism, regulating the immune response in TME and extracellular matrix. However, with the deepening understanding of stromal cells, people found that stromal cells not only have the effect of promoting tumor but also can inhibit tumor in some cases. In this review, we will introduce the origin of stromal cells in TME as well as the role and specific mechanism of stromal cells in tumorigenesis and tumor development and strategies for treatment of tumors based on stromal cells. We will focus on tumor-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), tumor-associated adipocytes (CAAs), tumor endothelial cells (TECs) and pericytes (PCs) in stromal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Meili Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Liangqiang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Haiqin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yixuan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qingbiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianshi Du
- Key Laboratory of Lymphatic Surgery Jilin Province, Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Lymphatic Surgery Jilin Province, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yapeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Special Engineering Plastics Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Yuansong Bai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 130033, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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8
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Banerjee M, Devi Rajeswari V. A novel cross-communication of HIF-1α and HIF-2α with Wnt signaling in TNBC and influence of hypoxic microenvironment in the formation of an organ-on-chip model of breast cancer. Med Oncol 2023; 40:245. [PMID: 37454033 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02112-8] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The microenvironment role is very important in cancer development. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition of the cancer cells depends upon specific signaling and microenvironmental conditions, such as hypoxic conditions. The crosstalk between hypoxia and Wnt signaling through some molecular mechanism in TNBC is related. Cross-communication between hypoxia and Wnt signaling in cancer cells is known, but the detailed mechanism in TNBC is unknown. This review includes the role of the hypoxia microenvironment in TNBC and the novel crosstalk of the Wnt signaling and hypoxia. When targeted, the new pathway and crosstalk link may be a solution for metastatic TNBC and chemoresistance. The microenvironment influences cancer's metastasis, which changes from person to person. Therefore, organ-on-a-chip is a very novel model to test the drugs clinically before going for human trials, focusing on personalized medications can be done. The effect of the hypoxia microenvironment on breast cancer stem cells is still unknown. Apart from all the published papers, this paper mainly focuses only on the hypoxic microenvironment and its association with the growth of TNBC. The medicines or small proteins, drugs, mimics, and inhibitors targeting wnt and hypoxia genes are consolidated in this review paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manosi Banerjee
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - V Devi Rajeswari
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Bioscience and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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9
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Castillo SP, Galvez-Cancino F, Liu J, Pollard SM, Quezada SA, Yuan Y. The tumour ecology of quiescence: Niches across scales of complexity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:139-149. [PMID: 37037400 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Quiescence is a state of cell cycle arrest, allowing cancer cells to evade anti-proliferative cancer therapies. Quiescent cancer stem cells are thought to be responsible for treatment resistance in glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer with poor patient outcomes. However, the regulation of quiescence in glioblastoma cells involves a myriad of intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that are not fully understood. In this review, we synthesise the literature on quiescence regulatory mechanisms in the context of glioblastoma and propose an ecological perspective to stemness-like phenotypes anchored to the contemporary concepts of niche theory. From this perspective, the cell cycle regulation is multiscale and multidimensional, where the niche dimensions extend to extrinsic variables in the tumour microenvironment that shape cell fate. Within this conceptual framework and powered by ecological niche modelling, the discovery of microenvironmental variables related to hypoxia and mechanosignalling that modulate proliferative plasticity and intratumor immune activity may open new avenues for therapeutic targeting of emerging biological vulnerabilities in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P Castillo
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer & Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Felipe Galvez-Cancino
- Immune Regulation and Tumor Immunotherapy Group, Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Jiali Liu
- Immune Regulation and Tumor Immunotherapy Group, Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Steven M Pollard
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Immune Regulation and Tumor Immunotherapy Group, Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Yinyin Yuan
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer & Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK.
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10
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Gibson SV, Roozitalab RM, Allen MD, Jones JL, Carter EP, Grose RP. Everybody needs good neighbours: the progressive DCIS microenvironment. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:326-338. [PMID: 36739265 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a pre-invasive form of breast cancer where neoplastic luminal cells are confined to the ductal tree. While as many as 70% of DCIS cases will remain indolent, most women are treated with surgery, often combined with endocrine and radiotherapies. Overtreatment is therefore a major issue, demanding new methods to stratify patients. Somewhat paradoxically, the neoplastic cells in DCIS are genetically comparable to those in invasive disease, suggesting the tumour microenvironment is the driving force for progression. Clinical and mechanistic studies highlight the complex DCIS microenvironment, with multiple cell types competing to regulate progression. Here, we examine recent studies detailing distinct aspects of the DCIS microenvironment and discuss how these may inform more effective care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayin V Gibson
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Reza M Roozitalab
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Michael D Allen
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - J Louise Jones
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Edward P Carter
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Richard P Grose
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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11
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Corder RD, Vachieri RB, Martin ME, Taylor DK, Fleming JM, Khan SA. Linear and nonlinear rheology of liberase-treated breast cancer tumors. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:2186-2199. [PMID: 36744734 PMCID: PMC10023448 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00038a] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) rigidity has been shown to increase the invasive properties of breast cancer cells, promoting transformation and metastasis through mechanotransduction. Reducing ECM stiffness via enzymatic digestion could be a promising approach to slowing breast cancer development by de-differentiation of breast cancer cells to less aggressive phenotypes and enhancing the effectiveness of existing chemotherapeutics via improved drug penetrance throughout the tumor. In this study, we examine the effects of injectable liberase (a blend of collagenase and thermolysin enzymes) treatments on the linear and nonlinear rheology of allograft 4T1 mouse mammary tumors. We perform two sets of in vivo mouse studies, in which either one or multiple treatment injections occur before the tumors are harvested for rheological analysis. The treatment groups in each study consist of a buffer control, free liberase enzyme in buffer, a thermoresponsive copolymer called LiquoGel (LQG) in buffer, and a combined, localized injection of LQG and liberase. All tumor samples exhibit gel-like linear rheological behavior with the elastic modulus significantly larger than the viscous modulus and both independent of frequency. Tumors that receive a single injection of localized liberase have significantly lower tumor volumes and lower tissue moduli at both the center and edge compared to buffer- and free liberase-injected control tumors, while tissue viscoelasticity remains relatively unaffected. Tumors injected multiple times with LQG and liberase also have lower tissue volumes but possess higher tissue moduli and lower viscoelasticities compared to the other treatment groups. We propose that a mechanotransductive mechanism could cause the formation of smaller but stiffer tumors after repeated, localized liberase injections. Large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) experiments are also performed on tissues from the multiple injection study and the results are analyzed using MITlaos. LAOS analysis reveals that all 4T1 tumors from the multiple injection study exhibit nonlinear rheological behavior at high strains and strain rates. Examination of the Lissajous-Bowditch curves, Chebyshev coefficient ratios, elastic moduli, and dynamic viscosities demonstrate that the onset and type of nonlinear behavior is independent of treatment type and elastic modulus, suggesting that multiple liberase injections do not affect the nonlinear viscoelasticity of 4T1 tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria D Corder
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
| | - Robert B Vachieri
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
| | - Megan E Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA.
| | - Darlene K Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA
| | - Jodie M Fleming
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA.
| | - Saad A Khan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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12
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Martinez-Vidal L, Chighizola M, Berardi M, Alchera E, Locatelli I, Pederzoli F, Venegoni C, Lucianò R, Milani P, Bielawski K, Salonia A, Podestà A, Alfano M. Micro-mechanical fingerprints of the rat bladder change in actinic cystitis and tumor presence. Commun Biol 2023; 6:217. [PMID: 36823431 PMCID: PMC9950451 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04572-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue mechanics determines tissue homeostasis, disease development and progression. Bladder strongly relies on its mechanical properties to perform its physiological function, but these are poorly unveiled under normal and pathological conditions. Here we characterize the mechanical fingerprints at the micro-scale level of the three tissue layers which compose the healthy bladder wall, and identify modifications associated with the onset and progression of pathological conditions (i.e., actinic cystitis and bladder cancer). We use two indentation-based instruments (an Atomic Force Microscope and a nanoindenter) and compare the micromechanical maps with a comprehensive histological analysis. We find that the healthy bladder wall is a mechanically inhomogeneous tissue, with a gradient of increasing stiffness from the urothelium to the lamina propria, which gradually decreases when reaching the muscle outer layer. Stiffening in fibrotic tissues correlate with increased deposition of dense extracellular matrix in the lamina propria. An increase in tissue compliance is observed before the onset and invasion of the tumor. By providing high resolution micromechanical investigation of each tissue layer of the bladder, we depict the intrinsic mechanical heterogeneity of the layers of a healthy bladder as compared with the mechanical properties alterations associated with either actinic cystitis or bladder tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martinez-Vidal
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina, 60, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - M Chighizola
- C.I.Ma.I.Na and Dipartimento di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - M Berardi
- Optics11, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- LaserLab, Department of Physics and Astronomy, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Alchera
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - I Locatelli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - F Pederzoli
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina, 60, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - C Venegoni
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - R Lucianò
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - P Milani
- C.I.Ma.I.Na and Dipartimento di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | | | - A Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina, 60, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - A Podestà
- C.I.Ma.I.Na and Dipartimento di Fisica "Aldo Pontremoli", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy.
| | - M Alfano
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, 20132, Italy.
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13
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The Role of Autophagy in Breast Cancer Metastasis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020618. [PMID: 36831154 PMCID: PMC9953203 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020618] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient morbidity and mortality is significantly increased in metastatic breast cancer. The metastasis process of breast cancer is very complicated and is delicately controlled by various factors. Autophagy is one of the important regulatory factors affecting metastasis in breast cancer by engaging in cell mobility, metabolic adaptation, tumor dormancy, and cancer stem cells. Here, we discuss the effects of autophagy on metastasis in breast cancer and assess the potential use of autophagy modulators for metastasis treatment.
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14
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Clemente-González C, Carnero A. Role of the Hypoxic-Secretome in Seed and Soil Metastatic Preparation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235930. [PMID: 36497411 PMCID: PMC9738438 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
During tumor growth, the delivery of oxygen to cells is impaired due to aberrant or absent vasculature. This causes an adaptative response that activates the expression of genes that control several essential processes, such as glycolysis, neovascularization, immune suppression, and the cancer stemness phenotype, leading to increased metastasis and resistance to therapy. Hypoxic tumor cells also respond to an altered hypoxic microenvironment by secreting vesicles, factors, cytokines and nucleic acids that modify not only the immediate microenvironment but also organs at distant sites, allowing or facilitating the attachment and growth of tumor cells and contributing to metastasis. Hypoxia induces the release of molecules of different biochemical natures, either secreted or inside extracellular vesicles, and both tumor cells and stromal cells are involved in this process. The mechanisms by which these signals that can modify the premetastatic niche are sent from the primary tumor site include changes in the extracellular matrix, recruitment and activation of different stromal cells and immune or nonimmune cells, metabolic reprogramming, and molecular signaling network rewiring. In this review, we will discuss how hypoxia might alter the premetastatic niche through different signaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Clemente-González
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (HUVR), Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERONC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Amancio Carnero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (HUVR), Universidad de Sevilla, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERONC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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15
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Jones CE, Sharick JT, Sizemore ST, Cukierman E, Strohecker AM, Leight JL. A miniaturized screening platform to identify novel regulators of extracellular matrix alignment. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1471-1486. [PMID: 36530465 PMCID: PMC9757767 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix alignment contributes to metastasis in a number of cancers and is a known prognostic stromal factor; however, the mechanisms controlling matrix organization remain unclear. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a critical role in this process, particularly via matrix production and modulation of key signaling pathways controlling cell adhesion and contractility. Stroma normalization, as opposed to elimination, is a highly sought strategy, and screening for drugs that effectively alter extracellular matrix (ECM) alignment is a practical way to identify novel CAF-normalizing targets that modulate ECM organization. To meet this need, we developed a novel high-throughput screening platform in which fibroblast-derived matrices were produced in 384-well plates, imaged with automated confocal microscopy, and analyzed using a customized MATLAB script. This platform is a technical advance because it miniaturizes the assay, eliminates costly and time-consuming experimental steps, and streamlines data acquisition and analysis to enable high-throughput screening applications. As a proof of concept, this platform was used to screen a kinase inhibitor library to identify modulators of matrix alignment. A number of novel potential regulators were identified, including several receptor tyrosine kinases (c-MET, tropomyosin receptor kinase 1 (NTRK1), HER2/ERBB2) and the serine/threonine kinases protein kinase A, C, and G (PKA, PKC, and PKG). The expression of these regulators was analyzed in publicly available patient datasets to examine the association between stromal gene expression and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joe T. Sharick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Cancer Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Steven T. Sizemore
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Cancer Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Edna Cukierman
- Cancer Signaling and Epigenetics, The Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anne Marie Strohecker
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Cancer Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jennifer L. Leight
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Program in Cancer Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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16
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Popovic A, Tartare-Deckert S. Role of extracellular matrix architecture and signaling in melanoma therapeutic resistance. Front Oncol 2022; 12:924553. [PMID: 36119516 PMCID: PMC9479148 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.924553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis therefore its production, assembly and mechanical stiffness are highly regulated in normal tissues. However, in solid tumors, increased stiffness resulting from abnormal ECM structural changes is associated with disease progression, an increased risk of metastasis and poor survival. As a dynamic and key component of the tumor microenvironment, the ECM is becoming increasingly recognized as an important feature of tumors, as it has been shown to promote several hallmarks of cancer via biochemical and biomechanical signaling. In this regard, melanoma cells are highly sensitive to ECM composition, stiffness and fiber alignment because they interact directly with the ECM in the tumor microenvironment via cell surface receptors, secreted factors or enzymes. Importantly, seeing as the ECM is predominantly deposited and remodeled by myofibroblastic stromal fibroblasts, it is a key avenue facilitating their paracrine interactions with melanoma cells. This review gives an overview of melanoma and further describes the critical roles that ECM properties such as ECM remodeling, ECM-related proteins and stiffness play in cutaneous melanoma progression, tumor cell plasticity and therapeutic resistance. Finally, given the emerging importance of ECM dynamics in melanoma, future perspectives on therapeutic strategies to normalize the ECM in tumors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Popovic
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Nice, France
- Team Microenvironnement, Signaling and Cancer, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nice, France
| | - Sophie Tartare-Deckert
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), Nice, France
- Team Microenvironnement, Signaling and Cancer, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nice, France
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17
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Tamayo-Angorrilla M, López de Andrés J, Jiménez G, Marchal JA. The biomimetic extracellular matrix: a therapeutic tool for breast cancer research. Transl Res 2022; 247:117-136. [PMID: 34844003 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A deeper knowledge of the functional versatility and dynamic nature of the ECM has improved the understanding of cancer biology. Translational Significance: This work provides an in-depth view of the importance of the ECM to develop more mimetic breast cancer models, which aim to recreate the components and architecture of tumor microenvironment. Special focus is placed on decellularized matrices derived from tissue and cell culture, both in procurement and applications, as they have achieved great success in cancer research and pharmaceutical sector. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is increasingly recognized as a master regulator of cell behavior and response to breast cancer (BC) treatment. During BC progression, the mammary gland ECM is remodeled and altered in the composition and organization. Accumulated evidence suggests that changes in the composition and mechanics of ECM, orchestrated by tumor-stromal interactions along with ECM remodeling enzymes, are actively involved in BC progression and metastasis. Understanding how specific ECM components modulate the tumorigenic process has led to an increased interest in the development of biomaterial-based biomimetic ECM models to recapitulate key tumor characteristics. The decellularized ECMs (dECMs) have emerged as a promising in vitro 3D tumor model, whose recent advances in the processing and application could become the biomaterial by excellence for BC research and the pharmaceutical industry. This review offers a detailed view of the contribution of ECM in BC progression, and highlights the application of dECM-based biomaterials as promising personalized tumor models that more accurately mimic the tumorigenic mechanisms of BC and the response to treatment. This will allow the design of targeted therapeutic approaches adapted to the specific characteristics of each tumor that will have a great impact on the precision medicine applied to BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tamayo-Angorrilla
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Julia López de Andrés
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada- University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Spain
| | - Gema Jiménez
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada- University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Spain; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research (CIBM), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.GRANADA, University Hospitals of Granada- University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat), University of Granada, Spain; Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
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18
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Guillaumin JB, Djerroudi L, Aubry JF, Tardivon A, Tanter M, Vincent-Salomon A, Berthon B. Proof of Concept of 3-D Backscatter Tensor Imaging Tomography for Non-invasive Assessment of Human Breast Cancer Collagen Organization. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:1867-1878. [PMID: 35752513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tumor growth, similarly to several other pathologies, tends to change the structural orientation of soft tissue fibers, which can become relevant markers for diagnosis. Current diagnosis protocols may require a biopsy for histological analysis, which is an invasive, painful and stressful procedure with a minimum turnaround time of 2 d. Otherwise, diagnosis may involve the use of complex methods with limited availability such as diffusion tensor imaging (magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging), which is not widely used in medical practice. Conversely, advanced methodologies in ultrasound imaging such as backscatter tensor imaging (BTI) might become a routine procedure in clinical practice at a limited cost. This method evaluates the local organization of soft tissues based on the spatial coherence of their backscattered ultrasonic echoes. Previous work has proven that BTI applied with matrix probes enables measurement of the orientation of soft tissue fibers, especially in the myocardium. The aims of the study described here were (i) to present for the first time a methodology for performing BTI in a volume on ex vivo human breast tumors using a linear probe and (ii) to display a first proof of concept of the link between BTI measurements and the orientation of collagen fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Baptiste Guillaumin
- Physics for Medicine Paris, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, Inserm U1273, CNRS UMR 8063, Paris, France
| | | | - Jean-François Aubry
- Physics for Medicine Paris, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, Inserm U1273, CNRS UMR 8063, Paris, France.
| | | | - Mickaël Tanter
- Physics for Medicine Paris, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, Inserm U1273, CNRS UMR 8063, Paris, France
| | | | - Béatrice Berthon
- Physics for Medicine Paris, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, Inserm U1273, CNRS UMR 8063, Paris, France
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19
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Promny T, Kutz CS, Jost T, Distel LV, Kadam S, Schmid R, Arkudas A, Horch RE, Kengelbach-Weigand A. An In Vitro Approach for Investigating the Safety of Lipotransfer after Breast-Conserving Therapy. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081284. [PMID: 36013233 PMCID: PMC9409821 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081284] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of lipotransfer after breast-conserving therapy (BCT) and irradiation in breast cancer patients is an already widespread procedure for reconstructing volume deficits of the diseased breast. Nevertheless, the safety of lipotransfer has still not been clarified yet due to contradictory data. The goal of this in vitro study was to further elucidate the potential effects of lipotransfer on the irradiated remaining breast tissue. The mammary epithelial cell line MCF-10A was co-cultured with the fibroblast cell line MRC-5 and irradiated with 2 and 5 Gy. Afterwards, cells were treated with conditioned medium (CM) from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC), and the effects on the cellular functions of MCF-10A cells and on gene expression at the mRNA level in MCF-10A and MRC-5 cells were analyzed. Treatment with ADSC CM stimulated transmigration and invasion and decreased the surviving fraction of MCF-10A cells. Further, the expression of cytokines, extracellular, and mesenchymal markers was enhanced in mammary epithelial cells. Only an effect of ADSC CM on irradiated fibroblasts could be observed. The present data suggest epithelial–mesenchymal transition-like changes in the epithelial mammary breast cell line. Thus, the benefits of lipotransfer after BCT should be critically weighed against its possible risks for the affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Promny
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-853327
| | - Chiara-Sophia Kutz
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tina Jost
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luitpold V. Distel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sheetal Kadam
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rafael Schmid
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Raymund E. Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annika Kengelbach-Weigand
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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20
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Patel BK, Pepin K, Brandt KR, Mazza GL, Pockaj BA, Chen J, Zhou Y, Northfelt DW, Anderson K, Kling JM, Vachon CM, Swanson KR, Nikkhah M, Ehman R. Association of breast cancer risk, density, and stiffness: global tissue stiffness on breast MR elastography (MRE). Breast Cancer Res Treat 2022; 194:79-89. [PMID: 35501423 PMCID: PMC9538705 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06607-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Quantify in vivo biomechanical tissue properties in various breast densities and in average risk and high-risk women using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)/MRE and examine the association between breast biomechanical properties and cancer risk based on patient demographics and clinical data. METHODS Patients with average risk or high-risk of breast cancer underwent 3.0 T breast MR imaging and elastography. Breast parenchymal enhancement (BPE), density (from most recent mammogram), stiffness, elasticity, and viscosity were recorded. Within each breast density group (non-dense versus dense), stiffness, elasticity, and viscosity were compared across risk groups (average versus high). Separately for stiffness, elasticity, and viscosity, a multivariable logistic regression model was used to evaluate whether the MRE parameter predicted risk status after controlling for clinical factors. RESULTS 50 average risk and 86 high-risk patients were included. Risk groups were similar in age, density, and menopausal status. Among patients with dense breasts, mean stiffness, elasticity, and viscosity were significantly higher in high-risk patients (N = 55) compared to average risk patients (N = 34; all p < 0.001). Stiffness remained a significant predictor of risk status (OR = 4.26, 95% CI [1.96, 9.25]) even after controlling for breast density, BPE, age, and menopausal status. Similar results were seen for elasticity and viscosity. CONCLUSION A structurally based, quantitative biomarker of tissue stiffness obtained from MRE is associated with differences in breast cancer risk in dense breasts. Tissue stiffness could provide a novel prognostic marker to help identify high-risk women with dense breasts who would benefit from increased surveillance and/or risk reduction measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavika K Patel
- Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA.
| | - Kay Pepin
- Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Gina L Mazza
- Department of Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Jun Chen
- Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yuxiang Zhou
- Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 5777 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA
| | | | | | - Juliana M Kling
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Mehdi Nikkhah
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Biodesign Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Richard Ehman
- Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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21
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Devericks EN, Carson MS, McCullough LE, Coleman MF, Hursting SD. The obesity-breast cancer link: a multidisciplinary perspective. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:607-625. [PMID: 35752704 PMCID: PMC9470704 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10043-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, exceptionally prevalent in the USA, promotes the incidence and progression of numerous cancer types including breast cancer. Complex, interacting metabolic and immune dysregulation marks the development of both breast cancer and obesity. Obesity promotes chronic low-grade inflammation, particularly in white adipose tissue, which drives immune dysfunction marked by increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production, alternative macrophage activation, and reduced T cell function. Breast tissue is predominantly composed of white adipose, and developing breast cancer readily and directly interacts with cells and signals from adipose remodeled by obesity. This review discusses the biological mechanisms through which obesity promotes breast cancer, the role of obesity in breast cancer health disparities, and dietary interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of obesity on breast cancer. We detail the intersection of obesity and breast cancer, with an emphasis on the shared and unique patterns of immune dysregulation in these disease processes. We have highlighted key areas of breast cancer biology exacerbated by obesity, including incidence, progression, and therapeutic response. We posit that interception of obesity-driven breast cancer will require interventions that limit protumor signaling from obese adipose tissue and that consider genetic, structural, and social determinants of the obesity–breast cancer link. Finally, we detail the evidence for various dietary interventions to offset obesity effects in clinical and preclinical studies of breast cancer. In light of the strong associations between obesity and breast cancer and the rising rates of obesity in many parts of the world, the development of effective, safe, well-tolerated, and equitable interventions to limit the burden of obesity on breast cancer are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Devericks
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Meredith S Carson
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lauren E McCullough
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael F Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stephen D Hursting
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, USA. .,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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22
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Pathania S, Khan MI, Bandyopadhyay S, Singh SS, Rani K, Parashar TR, Jayaram J, Mishra PR, Srivastava A, Mathur S, Hari S, Vanamail P, Hariprasad G. iTRAQ proteomics of sentinel lymph nodes for identification of extracellular matrix proteins to flag metastasis in early breast cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8625. [PMID: 35599267 PMCID: PMC9124668 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12352-9] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with early breast cancer are affected by metastasis to axillary lymph nodes. Metastasis to these nodes is crucial for staging and quality of surgery. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy that is currently used to assess lymph node metastasis is not effective. This necessitates identification of biomarkers that can flag metastasis. Early stage breast cancer patients were recruited. Surgical resection of breast was followed by identification of sentinel lymph nodes. Fresh frozen section biopsy was used to assign metastatic and non-metastatic sentinel lymph nodes. Discovery phase included iTRAQ proteomics coupled with mass spectrometric analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins. Data is available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD027668. Validation was done by bioinformatic analysis and ELISA. There were 2398 unique protein groups and 109 differentially expressed proteins comparing metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes. Forty nine proteins were up-regulated, and sixty proteins that were down regulated in metastatic group. Bioinformatic analysis showed ECM-receptor interaction pathways to be implicated in lymph node metastasis. ELISA confirmed up-regulation of ECM proteins in metastatic lymph nodes. ECM proteins have requisite parameters to be developed as a diagnostic tool to assess status of sentinel lymph nodes to guide surgical intervention in early breast cancer.
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23
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Zhou H, Wang M, Zhang Y, Su Q, Xie Z, Chen X, Yan R, Li P, Li T, Qin X, Yang H, Wu C, You F, Li S, Liu Y. Functions and clinical significance of mechanical tumor microenvironment: cancer cell sensing, mechanobiology and metastasis. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 42:374-400. [PMID: 35470988 PMCID: PMC9118059 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic and heterogeneous interaction between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment fuels the occurrence, progression, invasion, and metastasis of solid tumors. In this process, the tumor microenvironment (TME) fractures cellular and matrix architecture normality through biochemical and mechanical means, abetting tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. Tumor cells sense and respond to the strength, direction, and duration of mechanical cues in the TME by various mechanotransduction pathways. However, far less understood is the comprehensive perspective of the functions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction. Due to the great therapeutic difficulties brought by the mechanical changes in the TME, emerging studies have focused on targeting the adverse mechanical factors in the TME to attenuate disease rather than conventionally targeting tumor cells themselves, which has been proven to be a potential therapeutic approach. In this review, we discussed the origins and roles of mechanical factors in the TME, cell sensing, mechano‐biological coupling and signal transduction, in vitro construction of the tumor mechanical microenvironment, applications and clinical significance in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanying Zhou
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Yixi Zhang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Qingqing Su
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Zhengxin Xie
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Xiangyan Chen
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Ran Yan
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China.,Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, P. R. China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Qin
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Chunhui Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Fengming You
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, P. R. China
| | - Shun Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Yiyao Liu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, P. R. China.,Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610072, P. R. China
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24
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He X, Lee B, Jiang Y. Extracellular matrix in cancer progression and therapy. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2022; 2:125-139. [PMID: 37724245 PMCID: PMC10471113 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2021-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The tumor ecosystem with heterogeneous cellular compositions and the tumor microenvironment has increasingly become the focus of cancer research in recent years. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the major component of the tumor microenvironment, and its interactions with the tumor cells and stromal cells have also enjoyed tremendously increased attention. Like the other components of the tumor microenvironment, the ECM in solid tumors differs significantly from that in normal organs and tissues. We review recent studies of the complex roles the tumor ECM plays in cancer progression, from tumor initiation, growth to angiogenesis and invasion. We highlight that the biomolecular, biophysical, and mechanochemical interactions between the ECM and cells not only regulate the steps of cancer progression, but also affect the efficacy of systemic cancer treatment. We further discuss the strategies to target and modify the tumor ECM to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu He
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Byoungkoo Lee
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Yi Jiang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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25
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Gadaleta E, Thorn GJ, Ross-Adams H, Jones LJ, Chelala C. Field cancerization in breast cancer. J Pathol 2022; 257:561-574. [PMID: 35362092 PMCID: PMC9322418 DOI: 10.1002/path.5902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer affects one in seven women worldwide during their lifetime. Widespread mammographic screening programs and education campaigns allow for early detection of the disease, often during its asymptomatic phase. Current practice in treatment and recurrence monitoring is based primarily on pathological evaluations but can also encompass genomic evaluations, both of which focus on the primary tumor. Although breast cancer is one of the most studied cancers, patients still recur at a rate of up to 15% within the first 10 years post‐surgery. Local recurrence was originally attributed to tumor cells contaminating histologically normal (HN) tissues beyond the surgical margin, but advances in technology have allowed for the identification of distinct aberrations that exist in the peri‐tumoral tissues themselves. One leading theory to explain this phenomenon is the field cancerization theory. Under this hypothesis, tumors arise from a field of molecularly altered cells that create a permissive environment for malignant evolution, which can occur with or without morphological changes. The traditional histopathology paradigm dictates that molecular alterations are reflected in the tissue phenotype. However, the spectrum of inter‐patient variability of normal breast tissue may obfuscate recognition of a cancerized field during routine diagnostics. In this review, we explore the concept of field cancerization focusing on HN peri‐tumoral tissues: we present the pathological and molecular features of field cancerization within these tissues and discuss how the use of peri‐tumoral tissues can affect research. Our observations suggest that pathological and molecular evaluations could be used synergistically to assess risk and guide the therapeutic management of patients. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Gadaleta
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Graeme J Thorn
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Helen Ross-Adams
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Louise J Jones
- Centre for Tumour Biology Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Claude Chelala
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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26
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Sharma V, Letson J, Furuta S. Fibrous stroma: Driver and passenger in cancer development. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabg3449. [PMID: 35258999 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abg3449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative evidence shows that fibrogenic stroma and stiff extracellular matrix (ECM) not only result from tumor growth but also play pivotal roles in cellular transformation and tumor initiation. This emerging concept may largely account for the increased cancer risk associated with environmental fibrogenic agents, such as asbestos and silica, and with chronic conditions that are fibrogenic, such as obesity and diabetes. It may also contribute to poor outcomes in patients treated with certain chemotherapeutics that can promote fibrosis, such as bleomycin and methotrexate. Although the mechanistic details of this phenomenon are still being unraveled, we provide an overview of the experimental evidence linking fibrogenic stroma and tumor initiation. In this Review, we will summarize the causes and consequences of fibrous stroma and how this stromal cue is transmitted to the nuclei of parenchymal cells through a physical continuum from the ECM to chromatin, as well as ECM-dependent biochemical signaling that contributes to cellular transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Sharma
- Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Joshua Letson
- Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Saori Furuta
- Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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27
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Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 Expression as Worse Prognostic Marker in Invasive Breast Cancer. Breast J 2022; 2022:5169405. [PMID: 35711892 PMCID: PMC9187291 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5169405] [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: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) is arising as a promising therapeutic target in breast carcinoma (BC). The ability of DDR2 to bind to collagen promotes protumoral responses in cancer cells that influence the tumor microenvironment (TME). Nonetheless, the interrelation between DDR2 expression and TME modulation during BC progression remains poorly known. For this reason, we aim to evaluate the correlation between intratumoral expression of DDR2 and the infiltration of the main TME cell populations, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). First, collagen and DDR2 expression levels were analyzed in human invasive BC samples. Then, DDR2 status correlation with tumor aggressiveness and patient survival were retrieved from different databases. Subsequently, the main pathways, cell types, and tissues correlated with DDR2 expression in BC were obtained through bioinformatics approach. Finally, we studied the association of DDR2 expression with the recruitment of CAFs and TAMs. Our findings showed that, together with the expected overexpression of TME markers, DDR2 was upregulated in tumor samples. Besides, we uncovered that altered TME markers were linked to DDR2 expression in invasive BC patients. Consequently, DDR2 modulates the stromal reaction through CAFs and TAMs infiltration and could be used as a potential worse prognostic factor in the treatment response of invasive BC.
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28
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Jiang Y, Wen W, Yang F, Han D, Zhang W, Qin W. Prospect of Prostate Cancer Treatment: Armed CAR-T or Combination Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040967. [PMID: 35205714 PMCID: PMC8869943 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate of prostate cancer is higher in male cancers. With a hidden initiation of disease and long duration, prostate cancer seriously affects men's physical and mental health. Prostate cancer is initially androgen-dependent, and endocrine therapy can achieve good results. However, after 18-24 months of endocrine therapy, most patients eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which becomes metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that is difficult to treat. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy is an emerging immune cell therapy that brings hope to cancer patients. CAR-T has shown considerable advantages in the treatment of hematologic tumors. However, there are still obstacles to CAR-T treatment of solid tumors because the physical barrier and the tumor microenvironment inhibit the function of CAR-T cells. In this article, we review the progress of CAR-T therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer and discuss the prospects and challenges of armed CAR-T and combined treatment strategies. At present, there are still many obstacles in the treatment of prostate cancer with CAR-T, but when these obstacles are solved, CAR-T cells can become a favorable weapon for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Jiang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.J.); (F.Y.); (D.H.)
| | - Weihong Wen
- Department of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (W.Q.)
| | - Fa Yang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.J.); (F.Y.); (D.H.)
| | - Donghui Han
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.J.); (F.Y.); (D.H.)
| | - Wuhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, Air Force 986 Hospital, Xi’an 710054, China;
| | - Weijun Qin
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (Y.J.); (F.Y.); (D.H.)
- Correspondence: (W.W.); (W.Q.)
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29
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Mohammadalipour A, Diaz MF, Livingston M, Ewere A, Zhou A, Horton PD, Olamigoke LT, Lamar JM, Hagan JP, Lee HJ, Wenzel PL. RhoA-ROCK competes with YAP to regulate amoeboid breast cancer cell migration in response to lymphatic-like flow. FASEB Bioadv 2022; 4:342-361. [PMID: 35520391 PMCID: PMC9065582 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2021-00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic drainage generates force that induces prostate cancer cell motility via activation of Yes-associated protein (YAP), but whether this response to fluid force is conserved across cancer types is unclear. Here, we show that shear stress corresponding to fluid flow in the initial lymphatics modifies taxis in breast cancer, whereas some cell lines use rapid amoeboid migration behavior in response to fluid flow, a separate subset decrease movement. Positive responders displayed transcriptional profiles characteristic of an amoeboid cell state, which is typical of cells advancing at the edges of neoplastic tumors. Regulation of the HIPPO tumor suppressor pathway and YAP activity also differed between breast subsets and prostate cancer. Although subcellular localization of YAP to the nucleus positively correlated with overall velocity of locomotion, YAP gain- and loss-of-function demonstrates that YAP inhibits breast cancer motility but is outcompeted by other pro-taxis mediators in the context of flow. Specifically, we show that RhoA dictates response to flow. GTPase activity of RhoA, but not Rac1 or Cdc42 Rho family GTPases, is elevated in cells that positively respond to flow and is unchanged in cells that decelerate under flow. Disruption of RhoA or the RhoA effector, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), blocked shear stress-induced motility. Collectively, these findings identify biomechanical force as a regulator amoeboid cell migration and demonstrate stratification of breast cancer subsets by flow-sensing mechanotransduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Mohammadalipour
- Department of Integrative Biology & PharmacologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA
| | - Miguel F. Diaz
- Department of Integrative Biology & PharmacologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Children’s Regenerative Medicine ProgramDepartment of Pediatric SurgeryThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBrown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA
| | - Megan Livingston
- Department of Integrative Biology & PharmacologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Children’s Regenerative Medicine ProgramDepartment of Pediatric SurgeryThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBrown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Biochemistry and Cell Biology ProgramMD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of TexasHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Adesuwa Ewere
- Children’s Regenerative Medicine ProgramDepartment of Pediatric SurgeryThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBrown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,School of MedicineUniversity of Texas Medical BranchGalvestonTexasUSA
| | - Allen Zhou
- Children’s Regenerative Medicine ProgramDepartment of Pediatric SurgeryThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBrown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA
| | - Paulina D. Horton
- Department of Integrative Biology & PharmacologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Children’s Regenerative Medicine ProgramDepartment of Pediatric SurgeryThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBrown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Immunology ProgramMD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of TexasHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Loretta T. Olamigoke
- Vivian L. Smith Department of NeurosurgeryThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA
| | - John M. Lamar
- Molecular and Cellular PhysiologyAlbany Medical CollegeAlbanyNew YorkUSA
| | - John P. Hagan
- Vivian L. Smith Department of NeurosurgeryThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA
| | - Hyun J. Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyCollege of MedicineChung‐Ang UniversitySeoulSouth Korea,Department of Global Innovative DrugsGraduate School of Chung‐Ang UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Pamela L. Wenzel
- Department of Integrative Biology & PharmacologyThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Children’s Regenerative Medicine ProgramDepartment of Pediatric SurgeryThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBrown Foundation Institute of Molecular MedicineThe University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonTexasUSA,Biochemistry and Cell Biology ProgramMD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of TexasHoustonTexasUSA,Immunology ProgramMD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of TexasHoustonTexasUSA
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30
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Rao VS, Gu Q, Tzschentke S, Lin K, Ganig N, Thepkaysone ML, Wong FC, Polster H, Seifert L, Seifert AM, Buck N, Riediger C, Weiße J, Gutschner T, Michen S, Temme A, Schneider M, Baenke F, Weitz J, Kahlert C. Extravesicular TIMP-1 is a non-invasive independent prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target in colorectal liver metastases. Oncogene 2022; 41:1809-1820. [PMID: 35140332 PMCID: PMC8933275 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02218-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Molecular reprogramming of stromal microarchitecture by tumour-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) is proposed to favour pre-metastatic niche formation. We elucidated the role of extravesicular tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1EV) in pro-invasive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling of the liver microenvironment to aid tumour progression in colorectal cancer (CRC). Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a high expression of stromal TIMP1 in the invasion front that was associated with poor progression-free survival in patients with colorectal liver metastases. Molecular analysis identified TIMP1EV enrichment in CRC-EVs as a major factor in the induction of TIMP1 upregulation in recipient fibroblasts. Mechanistically, we proved that EV-mediated TIMP1 upregulation in recipient fibroblasts induced ECM remodelling. This effect was recapitulated by human serum-derived EVs providing strong evidence that CRC release active EVs into the blood circulation of patients for the horizontal transfer of malignant traits to recipient cells. Moreover, EV-associated TIMP1 binds to HSP90AA, a heat-shock protein, and the inhibition of HSP90AA on human-derived serum EVs attenuates TIMP1EV-mediated ECM remodelling, rendering EV-associated TIMP1 a potential therapeutic target. Eventually, in accordance with REMARK guidelines, we demonstrated in three independent cohorts that EV-bound TIMP1 is a robust circulating biomarker for a non-invasive, preoperative risk stratification in patients with colorectal liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Sadananda Rao
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Qianyu Gu
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sandra Tzschentke
- Department of Medicine, Haematology/Oncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kuailu Lin
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Ganig
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - May-Linn Thepkaysone
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fang Cheng Wong
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Heike Polster
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lena Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases, Partner site Dresden, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian M Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases, Partner site Dresden, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Buck
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carina Riediger
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jonas Weiße
- Junior Research Group 'RNA Biology and Pathogenesis', Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Tony Gutschner
- Junior Research Group 'RNA Biology and Pathogenesis', Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Susanne Michen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section of Experimental Neurosurgery and Tumour Immunology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Achim Temme
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section of Experimental Neurosurgery and Tumour Immunology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Baenke
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jürgen Weitz
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases, Partner site Dresden, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Kahlert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,National Center for Tumor Diseases, Partner site Dresden, Heidelberg, Germany.
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ADRB3 induces mobilization and inhibits differentiation of both breast cancer cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:141. [PMID: 35145073 PMCID: PMC8831559 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04603-4] [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: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic tumors are mainly composed of neoplastic cells escaping from the primary tumor and inflammatory cells egressing from bone marrow. Cancer cell and inflammatory cell are remained in the state of immaturity during migration to distant organs. Here, we show that ADRB3 is crucial in cell mobilization and differentiation. Immunohistochemistry revealed ADRB3 expression is significantly more frequent in breast cancer tissues than in adjacent noncancerous tissues (92.1% vs. 31.5%). Expression of ADRB3 correlated with malignant degree, TNM stage and poor prognosis. Moreover, ADRB3 expression was markedly high in activated disseminated tumor cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), lymphocytes and neutrophil extracellular traps of patients. Importantly, ADRB3 promoted the expansion of MDSC through stimulation of bone marrow mobilization and inhibiting of the differentiation of immature myeloid cells. Furthermore, ADRB3 promoted MCF-7 cells proliferation and inhibited transdifferentiation into adipocyte-like cell by activating mTOR pathway. Ultimately, the MDSC-deficient phenotype of ADRB3 -/- PyMT mice was associated with impairment of mammary tumorigenesis and reduction in pulmonary metastasis. Collectively, ADRB3 promotes metastasis by inducing mobilization and inhibiting differentiation of both breast cancer cells and MDSCs.
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32
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Doyle AD, Nazari SS, Yamada KM. Cell-extracellular matrix dynamics. Phys Biol 2022; 19:10.1088/1478-3975/ac4390. [PMID: 34911051 PMCID: PMC8855216 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac4390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The sites of interaction between a cell and its surrounding microenvironment serve as dynamic signaling hubs that regulate cellular adaptations during developmental processes, immune functions, wound healing, cell migration, cancer invasion and metastasis, as well as in many other disease states. For most cell types, these interactions are established by integrin receptors binding directly to extracellular matrix proteins, such as the numerous collagens or fibronectin. For the cell, these points of contact provide vital cues by sampling environmental conditions, both chemical and physical. The overall regulation of this dynamic interaction involves both extracellular and intracellular components and can be highly variable. In this review, we highlight recent advances and hypotheses about the mechanisms and regulation of cell-ECM interactions, from the molecular to the tissue level, with a particular focus on cell migration. We then explore how cancer cell invasion and metastasis are deeply rooted in altered regulation of this vital interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Doyle
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA,Correspondence:
| | - Shayan S. Nazari
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kenneth M. Yamada
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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33
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Correlation of breast cancer microcirculation construction with tumor stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261138. [PMID: 34932597 PMCID: PMC8691655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study is to explore the correlation between the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) characteristics of breast cancer and the epithelial-mesenchyme transformation (EMT). Methods Totally 119 patients of breast cancer underwent CEUS. Tissues in the active area were collected and subjected to the immunohistochemical detection, PT-PCR and Western blot. Correlation analysis was conducted between the clinical pathological parameters and the CEUS indicators. Results The expression levels of CD44, N-cadherin, and β-catenin in breast cancer tissues were higher than those in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). However, the expression levels of CD24 and E-cadherin in breast cancer tissues were lower than those in adjacent tissues (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in E-cadherin mRNA and Vimentin levels between cancer and adjacent tissues (P>0.05). The expressions were up-regulated in the CSCs, with higher histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and negative estrogen receptor (ER) expression. Smaller breast tumors, with no lymph node metastasis, lower clinical stage, and positive ER expression, tended to exhibit the up-regulated epithelial phenotype. Breast tumors, with high histological grade, lymph node metastasis, high clinical staging grade, and negative ER expression, tended to exhibit the up-regulated interstitial phenotype. The peak intensity of the time-intensity curve (TIC) for the CEUS was positively correlated with the CSC marker CD44 and the interstitial phenotype marker N-cadherin. The starting time of enhancement was negatively correlated with the N-cadherin. Area under the curve was positively correlated with the expression of CD44 and N-cadherin, while negatively correlated with the epithelial phenotype marker β-catenin. The time to peak was negatively correlated with the interstitial phenotypes Vimentin and N-cadherin, with no correlation with the E-cadherin or β-catenin. Conclusion Breast cancers show the enlarged lesions after enlargement and perfusion defect for the CEUS. The fast-in pattern, high enhancement, and high perfusion in the TIC are correlated with the CSCs and EMT expressions, suggesting poor disease prognosis.
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34
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D’Andrea MR, Cereda V, Coppola L, Giordano G, Remo A, De Santis E. Propensity for Early Metastatic Spread in Breast Cancer: Role of Tumor Vascularization Features and Tumor Immune Infiltrate. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235917. [PMID: 34885027 PMCID: PMC8657227 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex and highly heterogeneous disease consisting of various subtypes. It is classified into human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER-2)-enriched, luminal A, luminal B and basal-like/triple negative (TNBC) breast cancer, based on histological and molecular features. At present, clinical decision-making in breast cancer is focused only on the assessment of tumor cells; nevertheless, it has been recognized that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical biologic role in breast cancer. This is constituted by a large group of immune and non-immune cells, but also by non-cellular components, such as several cytokines. TME is deeply involved in angiogenesis, immune-evasion strategies, and propensity for early metastatic spread, impacting on prognosis and prediction of response to specific treatments. In this review, we focused our attention on the early morphological changes of tumor microenvironment (tumor vasculature features, presence of immune and non-immune cells infiltrating the stroma, levels of cytokines) during breast cancer development. At the same time, we correlate these characteristics with early metastatic propensity (defined as synchronous metastasis or early recurrence) with particular attention to breast cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rosario D’Andrea
- Clinical Oncology Unit, San Paolo Hospital, Largo Donatori del Sangue 1, Civitavecchia, 00053 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vittore Cereda
- Clinical Oncology Unit, San Paolo Hospital, Largo Donatori del Sangue 1, Civitavecchia, 00053 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-07-6659-1230
| | - Luigi Coppola
- Unit of Anatomy, Pathological Histology and Diagnostic Cytology, Department of Diagnostic and Pharma-Ceutical Services, Sandro Pertini Hospital, 00157 Rome, Italy;
| | - Guido Giordano
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Andrea Remo
- Pathology Unit, Mater Salutis Hospital, ULSS9, Legnago, 37045 Verona, Italy;
| | - Elena De Santis
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
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35
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Sex-Based Differences in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1329:499-533. [PMID: 34664253 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73119-9_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancers are heterogeneous multifactorial diseases consisting of a major public health issue worldwide. Sex disparities are evidenced in cancer incidence, mortality, expression of prognosis factor, response to treatment, and survival. For both sexes, an interplay of intrinsic and environmental factors influences cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) components. The TME cumulates both supportive and communicative functions, contributing to cancer development, progression, and metastasis dissemination. The frontline topics of this chapter are focused on the contribution of sex, via steroid hormones, such as estrogens and androgens, on the following components of the TME: cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, and immunity/inflammatory system.
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36
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Corder RD, Gadi SV, Vachieri RB, Jayes FL, Cullen JM, Khan SA, Taylor DK. Using rheology to quantify the effects of localized collagenase treatments on uterine fibroid digestion. Acta Biomater 2021; 134:443-452. [PMID: 34371168 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.003] [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: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are stiff, benign tumors containing excessive, disordered collagens that occur in 70-80% of women before age 50 and cause bleeding and pain. Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is a bacterial enzyme capable of digesting the collagens present in fibroids. By combining CCH with injectable drug delivery systems to enhance effectiveness, a new class of treatments could be developed to reduce the stiffness of fibroids, preventing the need for surgical removal and preserving fertility. In this work, we achieved localization of CCH via physical entrapment by co-injecting a thermoresponsive pNIPAM-based polymeric delivery system called LiquoGel (LQG), which undergoes a sol-gel transition upon heating. Toxicity study results for LQG injected subcutaneously into mice demonstrate that LQG does not induce lesions or other adverse effects. We then used rheology to quantify the effects of localized CCH injections on the modulus and viscoelasticity of uterine fibroids, which exhibit gel-like behavior, through ex vivo and in vivo digestion studies. Ex vivo CCH injections reduce the tissue modulus by over two orders of magnitude and co-injection of LQG enhances this effect. Rheological results from an in vivo digestion study in mice show a significant reduction in tissue modulus and increase in tissue viscoelasticity 7 days after a single injection of LQG+CCH. Parallel histological staining validates that the observed rheological changes correspond to an increase in collagen lysis after treatment by LQG+CCH. These results show promise for development of injectable and localized enzymatic therapies for uterine fibroids and other dense tumors. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Uterine fibroids are stiff, benign tumors containing high collagen levels that cause bleeding and pain in women. Fertility-preserving and minimally-invasive treatments to soften fibroids are needed as an alternative to surgical removal via hysterectomy. We demonstrate through ex vivo and in vivo studies that co-injecting a thermoresponsive polymer delivery system (LQG) alongside a bacterial collagenase (CCH) enzyme significantly increases treatment effectiveness at softening fibroids through CCH localization. We use rheology to measure the modulus and viscoelasticity of fibroids and histology to show that fibroid softening corresponds to a decrease in collagen after treatment with LQG+CCH. These results highlight the utility of rheology at quantifying tissue properties and present a promising injectable therapy for fibroids and other dense tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ria D Corder
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Sashi V Gadi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707, USA; Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 8401, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Robert B Vachieri
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | - Friederike L Jayes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Campus Box 3084, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - John M Cullen
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 8401, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Saad A Khan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Campus Box 7905, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Darlene K Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707, USA.
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37
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Thompson PA, Huang C, Yang J, Wertheim BC, Roe D, Zhang X, Ding J, Chalasani P, Preece C, Martinez J, Chow HHS, Stopeck AT. Sulindac, a Nonselective NSAID, Reduces Breast Density in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer Treated with Aromatase Inhibitors. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:5660-5668. [PMID: 34112707 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of sulindac, a nonselective anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for activity to reduce breast density (BD), a risk factor for breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN An open-label phase II study was conducted to test the effect of 12 months' daily sulindac at 150 mg twice daily on change in percent BD in postmenopausal hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. Change in percent BD in the contralateral, unaffected breast was measured by noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and reported as change in MRI percent BD (MRPD). A nonrandomized patient population on AI therapy (observation group) with comparable baseline BD was also followed for 12 months. Changes in tissue collagen after 6 months of sulindac treatment were explored using second-harmonic generated microscopy in a subset of women in the sulindac group who agreed to repeat breast biopsy. RESULTS In 43 women who completed 1 year of sulindac (86% of those accrued), relative MRPD significantly decreased by 9.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), -14.6 to -4.7] at 12 months, an absolute decrease of -1.4% (95% CI, -2.5 to -0.3). A significant decrease in mean breast tissue collagen fiber straightness (P = 0.032), an investigational biomarker of tissue inflammation, was also observed. MRPD (relative or absolute) did not change in the AI-only observation group (N = 40). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to indicate that the NSAID sulindac may reduce BD. Additional studies are needed to verify these findings and determine if prostaglandin E2 inhibition by NSAIDs is important for BD or collagen modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Thompson
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York. .,Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Chuan Huang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York.,Department of Radiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jie Yang
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York.,Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | | | - Denise Roe
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Pavani Chalasani
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Christina Preece
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York.,Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Jessica Martinez
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - Alison T Stopeck
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York.,Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
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38
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A blueprint of the topology and mechanics of the human ovary for next-generation bioengineering and diagnosis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5603. [PMID: 34556652 PMCID: PMC8460685 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the first dissection of the human ovary dates back to the 17th century, the biophysical characteristics of the ovarian cell microenvironment are still poorly understood. However, this information is vital to deciphering cellular processes such as proliferation, morphology and differentiation, as well as pathologies like tumor progression, as demonstrated in other biological tissues. Here, we provide the first readout of human ovarian fiber morphology, interstitial and perifollicular fiber orientation, pore geometry, topography and surface roughness, and elastic and viscoelastic properties. By determining differences between healthy prepubertal, reproductive-age, and menopausal ovarian tissue, we unravel and elucidate a unique biophysical phenotype of reproductive-age tissue, bridging biophysics and female fertility. While these data enable to design of more biomimetic scaffolds for the tissue-engineered ovary, our analysis pipeline is applicable for the characterization of other organs in physiological or pathological states to reveal their biophysical markers or design their bioinspired analogs. Although the first dissection of the human ovary dates back to the 17th century, its characterization is still limited. Here, the authors have unraveled a unique biophysical and topological phenotype of reproductive-age tissue, bridging biophysics and female fertility and providing a blueprint for the artificial ovary.
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39
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Hajjarian Z, Brachtel EF, Tshikudi DM, Nadkarni SK. Mapping Mechanical Properties of the Tumor Microenvironment by Laser Speckle Rheological Microscopy. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4874-4885. [PMID: 34526347 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3898] [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: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Altered mechanical properties of the tumor matrix have emerged as both the cause and consequence of breast carcinogenesis. Increased tumor stiffness has traditionally provided a viable metric to screen for malignancies via palpation or imaging. Previous studies have demonstrated that the microscale mechanical properties of the cell substrate influence tumor proliferation and invasive migration in vitro. Nevertheless, the association of the mechanical microenvironment with clinical hallmarks of aggressiveness in human breast tumors, including histopathological subtype, grade, receptor expression status, and lymph node involvement is poorly understood. This is largely due to the lack of tools for mapping tumor viscoelastic properties in clinical specimens with high spatial resolution over a large field of view (FoV). Here we introduce laser Speckle rHEologicAl micRoscopy (SHEAR) that for the first time enables mapping the magnitude viscoelastic or shear modulus, |G*(x,y,ω)|, over a range of frequencies (ω = 1-250 rad/second) in excised tumors within minutes with a spatial resolution of approximately 50 μm, over multiple cm2 FoV. Application of SHEAR in a cohort of 251 breast cancer specimens from 148 patients demonstrated that |G*(x,y,ω)| (ω = 2π rad/second) closely corresponds with histological features of the tumor, and that the spatial gradient of the shear modulus, |∇|G*(x,y,ω)||, is elevated at the tumor invasive front. Multivariate analyses established that the metrics, (|G* |) and (|∇|G* ||), measured by SHEAR are associated with prognosis. These findings implicate the viscoelastic properties of the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer prognosis and likely pave the path for identifying new modifiable targets for treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: Laser speckle rheological microscopy establishes the links between microscale heterogeneities of viscoelasticity and histopathological subtype, tumor grade, receptor expression, as well as lymph node status in breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Hajjarian
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elena F Brachtel
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Diane M Tshikudi
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Seemantini K Nadkarni
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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40
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Berger Fridman I, Kostas J, Gregus M, Ray S, Sullivan MR, Ivanov AR, Cohen S, Konry T. High-throughput microfluidic 3D biomimetic model enabling quantitative description of the human breast tumor microenvironment. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:473-488. [PMID: 34153511 PMCID: PMC8434998 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is driven by both genetic aberrations in the tumor cells and fundamental changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). These changes offer potential targets for novel therapeutics, yet lack of in vitro 3D models recapitulating this complex microenvironment impedes such progress. Here, we generated several tumor-stroma scaffolds reflecting the dynamic in vivo breast TME, using a high throughput microfluidic system. Alginate (Alg) or alginate-alginate sulfate (Alg/Alg-S) hydrogels were used as ECM-mimics, enabling the encapsulation and culture of tumor cells, fibroblasts and immune cells (macrophages and T cells, of the innate and adaptive immune systems, respectively). Specifically, Alg/Alg-S was shown capable of capturing and presenting growth factors and cytokines with binding affinity that is comparable to heparin. Viability and cytotoxicity were shown to strongly correlate with the dynamics of cellular milieu, as well as hydrogel type. Using on-chip immunofluorescence, production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were imaged and quantitatively analyzed. We then show how macrophages in our microfluidic system were shifted from a proinflammatory to an immunosuppressive phenotype when encapsulated in Alg/Alg-S, reflecting in vivo TME dynamics. LC-MS proteomic profiling of tumor cells sorted from the TME scaffolds revealed upregulation of proteins involved in cell-cell interactions and immunomodulation in Alg/Alg-S scaffolds, correlating with in vivo findings and demonstrating the appropriateness of Alg/Alg-S as an ECM biomimetic. Finally, we show the formation of large tumor-derived vesicles, formed exclusively in Alg/Alg-S scaffolds. Altogether, our system offers a robust platform for quantitative description of the breast TME that successfully recapitulates in vivo patterns. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cancer progression is driven by profound changes in both tumor cells and surrounding stroma. Here, we present a high throughput microfluidic system for the generation and analysis of dynamic tumor-stroma scaffolds, that mimic the complex in vivo TME cell proportions and compositions, constructing robust in vitro models for the study of the TME. Utilizing Alg/Alg-S as a bioinspired ECM, mimicking heparin's in vivo capabilities of capturing and presenting signaling molecules, we show how Alg/Alg-S induces complex in vivo-like responses in our models. Alg/Alg-S is shown here to promote dynamic protein expression patterns, that can serve as potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment. Formation of large tumor-derived vesicles, observed exclusively in the Alg/Alg-S scaffolds suggests a mechanism for tumor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Berger Fridman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
| | - James Kostas
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Michal Gregus
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Somak Ray
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Matthew R Sullivan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Alexander R Ivanov
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Barnett Institute of Chemical and Biological Analysis, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Smadar Cohen
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, POB 653, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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41
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Luo Z, Zhou X, Mandal K, He N, Wennerberg W, Qu M, Jiang X, Sun W, Khademhosseini A. Reconstructing the tumor architecture into organoids. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113839. [PMID: 34153370 PMCID: PMC8560135 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading health burden worldwide. One of the challenges hindering cancer therapy development is the substantial discrepancies between the existing cancer models and the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human patients. Constructing tumor organoids represents an emerging approach to recapitulate the pathophysiological features of the TME in vitro. Over the past decade, various approaches have been demonstrated to engineer tumor organoids as in vitro cancer models, such as incorporating multiple cellular populations, reconstructing biophysical and chemical traits, and even recapitulating structural features. In this review, we focus on engineering approaches for building tumor organoids, including biomaterial-based, microfabrication-assisted, and synthetic biology-facilitated strategies. Furthermore, we summarize the applications of engineered tumor organoids in basic cancer research, cancer drug discovery, and personalized medicine. We also discuss the challenges and future opportunities in using tumor organoids for broader applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Luo
- Department of Bioengineering, California NanoSystems Institute and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xingwu Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, California NanoSystems Institute and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kalpana Mandal
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Na He
- School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Wally Wennerberg
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Moyuan Qu
- Department of Bioengineering, California NanoSystems Institute and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, and Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xing Jiang
- Department of Bioengineering, California NanoSystems Institute and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wujin Sun
- Department of Bioengineering, California NanoSystems Institute and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA.
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Department of Bioengineering, California NanoSystems Institute and Center for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Radiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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42
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Liu YL, Bager CL, Willumsen N, Ramchandani D, Kornhauser N, Ling L, Cobham M, Andreopoulou E, Cigler T, Moore A, LaPolla D, Fitzpatrick V, Ward M, Warren JD, Fischbach C, Mittal V, Vahdat LT. Tetrathiomolybdate (TM)-associated copper depletion influences collagen remodeling and immune response in the pre-metastatic niche of breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2021; 7:108. [PMID: 34426581 PMCID: PMC8382701 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-021-00313-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetrathiomolybdate (TM) is a novel, copper-depleting compound associated with promising survival in a phase II study of patients with high-risk and triple-negative breast cancer. We sought to elucidate the mechanism of TM by exploring its effects on collagen processing and immune function in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Using an exploratory cohort, we identified markers of collagen processing (LOXL2, PRO-C3, C6M, and C1M) that differed between those with breast cancer versus controls. We measured these collagen biomarkers in TM-treated patients on the phase II study and detected evidence of decreased collagen cross-linking and increased degradation over formation in those without disease compared to those who experienced disease progression. Preclinical studies revealed decreased collagen deposition, lower levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and higher CD4+ T-cell infiltration in TM-treated mice compared with controls. This study reveals novel mechanisms of TM targeting the TME and immune response with potential applications across cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying L Liu
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Lu Ling
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Anne Moore
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Claudia Fischbach
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Linda T Vahdat
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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43
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Schuler LA, Murdoch FE. Endogenous and Therapeutic Estrogens: Maestro Conductors of the Microenvironment of ER+ Breast Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153725. [PMID: 34359625 PMCID: PMC8345134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) marks heterogeneous breast cancers which display a repertoire of somatic genomic mutations and an immune environment that differs from other breast cancer subtypes. These cancers also exhibit distinct biological behaviors; despite an overall better prognosis than HER2+ or triple negative breast cancers, disseminated dormant cells can lead to disease recurrence decades after the initial diagnosis and treatment. Estrogen is the best studied driver of these cancers, and antagonism or reduction of estrogen activity is the cornerstone of therapeutic approaches. In addition to reducing proliferation of ERα+ cancer cells, these treatments also alter signals to multiple other target cells in the environment, including immune cell subpopulations, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells via several distinct estrogen receptors. In this review, we update progress in our understanding of the stromal cells populating the microenvironments of primary and metastatic ER+ tumors, the effects of estrogen on tumor and stromal cells to modulate immune activity and the extracellular matrix, and net outcomes in experimental and clinical studies. We highlight new approaches that will illuminate the unique biology of these cancers, provide the foundation for developing new treatment and prevention strategies, and reduce mortality of this disease.
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44
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Gunaydin G. CAFs Interacting With TAMs in Tumor Microenvironment to Enhance Tumorigenesis and Immune Evasion. Front Oncol 2021; 11:668349. [PMID: 34336660 PMCID: PMC8317617 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.668349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are among the most important and abundant players of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs as well as TAMs are known to play pivotal supportive roles in tumor growth and progression. The number of CAF or TAM cells is mostly correlated with poor prognosis. Both CAFs and TAMs are in a reciprocal communication with the tumor cells in the tumor milieu. In addition to such interactions, CAFs and TAMs are also involved in a dynamic and reciprocal interrelationship with each other. Both CAFs and TAMs are capable of altering each other's functions. Here, the current understanding of the distinct mechanisms about the complex interplay between CAFs and TAMs are summarized. In addition, the consequences of such a mutual relationship especially for tumor progression and tumor immune evasion are highlighted, focusing on the synergistic pleiotropic effects. CAFs and TAMs are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment; thus, they may prove to be potential therapeutic targets. A better understanding of the tri-directional interactions of CAFs, TAMs and cancer cells in terms of tumor progression will pave the way for the identification of novel theranostic cues in order to better target the crucial mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurcan Gunaydin
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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45
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Serum Amyloid A Proteins and Their Impact on Metastasis and Immune Biology in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133179. [PMID: 34202272 PMCID: PMC8267706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The liver responds to systemic inflammation and injury in a coordinated manner, called the acute phase response. While this normal physiological response aims to restore homeostasis, malignant transformation coopts this biology to increase the risk for metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. In this Review, we discuss the importance of acute phase response proteins in regulating cancer biology and treatment efficacy. We also consider potential strategies to intervene on acute phase biology as an approach to improve outcomes in cancer. Abstract Cancer triggers the systemic release of inflammatory molecules that support cancer cell metastasis and immune evasion. Notably, this biology shows striking similarity to an acute phase response that is coordinated by the liver. Consistent with this, a role for the liver in defining cancer biology is becoming increasingly appreciated. Understanding the mechanisms that link acute phase biology to metastasis and immune evasion in cancer may reveal vulnerable pathways and novel therapeutic targets. Herein, we discuss a link between acute phase biology and cancer with a focus on serum amyloid A proteins and their involvement in regulating the metastatic cascade and cancer immunobiology.
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46
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Nazari SS. Generation of 3D Tumor Spheroids with Encapsulating Basement Membranes for Invasion Studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 87:e105. [PMID: 32436628 PMCID: PMC8172047 DOI: 10.1002/cpcb.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In the past, in vitro studies of invasion and tumor progression were performed primarily using cancer cells cultured on a flat, two‐dimensional (2D) surface in a monolayer. In recent years, however, many studies have demonstrated differences in cell signaling and cell migration between 2D and 3D cell cultures. Traditional 2D monolayer cancer cell invasion models do not fully recapitulate 3D cell‐to‐cell and cell−to−extracellular matrix interactions that in vivo models can provide. Moreover, although in vivo animal models are irreplaceable for studying tumor biology and metastasis, they are costly, time‐consuming, and impractical for answering preliminary questions. Thus, emergent and evolving 3D spheroid cell culture models have changed the way we study tumors and their interactions with their surrounding extracellular matrix. In the case of breast cancer, metastasis of breast cancer tumors results in high mortality rates, and thus development of robust cell culture models that are reproducible and practical for studying breast cancer progression is important for ultimately developing preventatives for cancer metastasis. This article provides a set of protocols for generating uniform spheroids with a thin sheet of basement membrane for studying the initial invasion of mammary epithelial cells into a surrounding collagen‐rich extracellular matrix. Details are provided for generating 3D spheroids with a basement membrane, polymerizing collagen I, embedding the spheroids in the 3D collagen gel, and immunostaining the spheroids for invasion studies. Published 2020. U.S. Government. Basic Protocol 1: Growth of uniformly sized tumor spheroids with an encapsulating basement membrane Basic Protocol 2: Polymerization and embedding of tumor spheroids in a 3D type I collagen gel Alternate Protocol: Embedding of tumor spheroids in collagen gels using a sandwich method Basic Protocol 3: Fixing and immunostaining of tumor spheroids embedded in 3D collagen gels
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan S Nazari
- Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Niklaus NJ, Tokarchuk I, Zbinden M, Schläfli AM, Maycotte P, Tschan MP. The Multifaceted Functions of Autophagy in Breast Cancer Development and Treatment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061447. [PMID: 34207792 PMCID: PMC8229352 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy (herein referred to as autophagy) is a complex catabolic process characterized by the formation of double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes. During this process, autophagosomes engulf and deliver their intracellular content to lysosomes, where they are degraded by hydrolytic enzymes. Thereby, autophagy provides energy and building blocks to maintain cellular homeostasis and represents a dynamic recycling mechanism. Importantly, the clearance of damaged organelles and aggregated molecules by autophagy in normal cells contributes to cancer prevention. Therefore, the dysfunction of autophagy has a major impact on the cell fate and can contribute to tumorigenesis. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and has the highest mortality rate among all cancers in women worldwide. Breast cancer patients often have a good short-term prognosis, but long-term survivors often experience aggressive recurrence. This phenomenon might be explained by the high heterogeneity of breast cancer tumors rendering mammary tumors difficult to target. This review focuses on the mechanisms of autophagy during breast carcinogenesis and sheds light on the role of autophagy in the traits of aggressive breast cancer cells such as migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J. Niklaus
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (N.J.N.); (I.T.); (M.Z.); (A.M.S.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Igor Tokarchuk
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (N.J.N.); (I.T.); (M.Z.); (A.M.S.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mara Zbinden
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (N.J.N.); (I.T.); (M.Z.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Anna M. Schläfli
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (N.J.N.); (I.T.); (M.Z.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Paola Maycotte
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente (CIBIOR), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Puebla 74360, Mexico;
| | - Mario P. Tschan
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland; (N.J.N.); (I.T.); (M.Z.); (A.M.S.)
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-31-632-87-80
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48
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Ren G, Zheng X, Sharma V, Letson J, Nestor-Kalinoski AL, Furuta S. Loss of Nitric Oxide Induces Fibrogenic Response in Organotypic 3D Co-Culture of Mammary Epithelia and Fibroblasts-An Indicator for Breast Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112815. [PMID: 34198735 PMCID: PMC8201212 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fibrosis, which is often caused by chronic diseases and environmental substances, is closely associated with cancer. Thus, the development of a robust method allowing for deep studies of the linkage between fibrosis and cancer is essential. Here, we tested whether our novel three-dimensional (3D) co-culture of breast epithelia and fibroblasts would be a suitable model for that purpose. We compared the phenotypic effects of L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) production, on 3D mono- and co-cultures. We previously reported that prolonged NO depletion with L-NAME caused fibrosis and tumorigenesis in mouse mammary glands. Such in vivo effects of L-NAME were well recapitulated in 3D co-cultures, but not in 3D mono-cultures of epithelia and fibroblasts. These results support not only the essential roles of the presence of the stroma in cancer development, but also the utility of this co-culture in studying the causal relationship between fibrosis and cancer. Abstract Excessive myofibroblast activation, which leads to dysregulated collagen deposition and the stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM), plays pivotal roles in cancer initiation and progression. Cumulative evidence attests to the cancer-causing effects of a number of fibrogenic factors found in the environment, diseases and drugs. While identifying such factors largely depends on epidemiological studies, it would be of great importance to develop a robust in vitro method to demonstrate the causal relationship between fibrosis and cancer. Here, we tested whether our recently developed organotypic three-dimensional (3D) co-culture would be suitable for that purpose. This co-culture system utilizes the discontinuous ECM to separately culture mammary epithelia and fibroblasts in the discrete matrices to model the complexity of the mammary gland. We observed that pharmaceutical deprivation of nitric oxide (NO) in 3D co-cultures induced myofibroblast differentiation of the stroma as well as the occurrence of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the parenchyma. Such in vitro response to NO deprivation was unique to co-cultures and closely mimicked the phenotype of NO-depleted mammary glands exhibiting stromal desmoplasia and precancerous lesions undergoing EMT. These results suggest that this novel 3D co-culture system could be utilized in the deep mechanistic studies of the linkage between fibrosis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Ren
- Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (G.R.); (X.Z.); (V.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Xunzhen Zheng
- Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (G.R.); (X.Z.); (V.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Vandana Sharma
- Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (G.R.); (X.Z.); (V.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Joshua Letson
- Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (G.R.); (X.Z.); (V.S.); (J.L.)
| | - Andrea L. Nestor-Kalinoski
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| | - Saori Furuta
- Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (G.R.); (X.Z.); (V.S.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence:
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49
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Su CY, Burchett A, Dunworth M, Choi JS, Ewald AJ, Ahn EH, Kim DH. Engineering a 3D collective cancer invasion model with control over collagen fiber alignment. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120922. [PMID: 34126408 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prior to cancer cell invasion, the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding the tumor is remodeled, such that circumferentially oriented matrix fibers become radially aligned. This predisposed radially aligned matrix structure serves as a critical regulator of cancer invasion. However, a biomimetic 3D model recapitulating a tumor's behavioral response to these ECM structures is not yet available. In this study, we have developed a phase-specific, force-guided method to establish a 3D dual topographical tumor model in which each tumor spheroid/organoid is surrounded by radially aligned collagen I fibers on one side and circumferentially oriented fibers on the opposite side. A coaxial rotating cylinder system was employed to construct the dual fiber topography and to pre-seed tumor spheroids/organoids within a single device. This system enables the application of different force mechanisms in the nucleation and elongation phases of collagen fiber polymerization to guide fiber alignment. In the nucleation phase, fiber alignment is enhanced by a horizontal laminar Couette flow driven by the inner cylinder rotation. In the elongation phase, fiber growth is guided by a vertical gravitational force to form a large aligned collagen matrix gel (35 × 25 × 0.5 mm) embedded with >1000 tumor spheroids. The fibers above each tumor spheroid are radially aligned along the direction of gravitational force in contrast to the circumferentially oriented fibers beneath each tumor spheroid/organoid, where the presence of the tumor interferes with the gravity-induced fiber alignment. After tumor invasion, there are more disseminated multicellular clusters on the radially aligned side, compared to the side of the tumor spheroid/organoid facing circumferentially oriented fibers. These results indicate that our 3D dual topographical model recapitulates the preference of tumors to invade and disseminate along radially aligned fibers. We anticipate that this 3D dual topographical model will have broad utility to those studying collective tumor invasion and that it has the potential to identify cancer invasion-targeted therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yi Su
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alice Burchett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Matthew Dunworth
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jong Seob Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Eun Hyun Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Deok-Ho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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50
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Ahmed A, Joshi IM, Larson S, Mansouri M, Gholizadeh S, Allahyari Z, Forouzandeh F, Borkholder DA, Gaborski TR, Abhyankar VV. Microengineered 3D Collagen Gels with Independently Tunable Fiber Anisotropy and Directionality. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2021; 6:2001186. [PMID: 34150990 PMCID: PMC8211114 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202001186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and migration, have been linked to the alignment (anisotropy) and orientation (directionality) of collagen fibers in the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Given the critical role that biophysical cell-matrix interactions play in regulating biological functions, several microfluidic-based methods have been used to establish 3D collagen gels with defined fiber properties; these gels have helped to establish quantitative relationships between structural ECM cues and observed cell responses. Although existing microfluidic fabrication methods provide excellent definition over collagen fiber anisotropy, they have not demonstrated the independent control over fiber anisotropy and directionality necessary to replicate in vivo collagen architecture. Therefore, to advance collagen microengineering capabilities, we present a user-friendly technology platform that uses controlled fluid flows within a non-uniform microfluidic channel network to create collagen landscapes that can be tuned as a function of extensional strain rate. Herein, we demonstrate capabilities to i) control the degree of fiber anisotropy, ii) create spatial gradients in fiber anisotropy, iii) independently define fiber directionality, and iv) generate multi-material interfaces within a 3D environment. We then address the practical issue of integrating cells into microfluidic systems by using a peel-off template technique to provide direct access to microengineered collagen gels, and demonstrate that cells respond to the defined properties of the landscape. Finally, the platform's modular capability is highlighted by integrating a sub-micrometer thick porous parylene membrane onto the microengineered collagen as a method to define cell-substrate interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Ahmed
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Indranil M Joshi
- Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Stephen Larson
- Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Mehran Mansouri
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Shayan Gholizadeh
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Zahra Allahyari
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Farzad Forouzandeh
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - David A Borkholder
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Thomas R Gaborski
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Vinay V Abhyankar
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
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