1
|
Mancini A, Gentile MT, Pentimalli F, Cortellino S, Grieco M, Giordano A. Multiple aspects of matrix stiffness in cancer progression. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1406644. [PMID: 39015505 PMCID: PMC11249764 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1406644] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The biophysical and biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are crucial in the processes of cell differentiation and proliferation. However, it is unclear to what extent tumor cells are influenced by biomechanical and biophysical changes of the surrounding microenvironment and how this response varies between different tumor forms, and over the course of tumor progression. The entire ensemble of genes encoding the ECM associated proteins is called matrisome. In cancer, the ECM evolves to become highly dysregulated, rigid, and fibrotic, serving both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic roles. Tumor desmoplasia is characterized by a dramatic increase of α-smooth muscle actin expressing fibroblast and the deposition of hard ECM containing collagen, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid and is common in many solid tumors. In this review, we described the role of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, in desmoplastic matrix remodeling, tumor state transition driven by microenvironment forces and the signaling pathways in mechanotransduction as potential targeted therapies, focusing on the impact of qualitative and quantitative variations of the ECM on the regulation of tumor development, hypothesizing the presence of matrisome drivers, acting alongside the cell-intrinsic oncogenic drivers, in some stages of neoplastic progression and in some tumor contexts, such as pancreatic carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mancini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- BioUp Sagl, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Teresa Gentile
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University “Giuseppe De Gennaro,” Casamassima, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cortellino
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Responsible Research Hospital, Campobasso, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), Clinical and Translational Oncology, Naples, NA, Italy
- Sbarro Health Research Organization (S.H.R.O.) Italia Foundation ETS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Michele Grieco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Amissah HA, Combs SE, Shevtsov M. Tumor Dormancy and Reactivation: The Role of Heat Shock Proteins. Cells 2024; 13:1087. [PMID: 38994941 PMCID: PMC11240553 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131087] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors are a heterogeneous group of cell masses originating in various organs or tissues. The cellular composition of the tumor cell mass interacts in an intricate manner, influenced by humoral, genetic, molecular, and tumor microenvironment cues that dictate tumor growth or suppression. As a result, tumors undergo a period of a dormant state before their clinically discernible stage, which surpasses the clinical dormancy threshold. Moreover, as a genetically imprinted strategy, early-seeder cells, a distinct population of tumor cells, break off to dock nearby or extravasate into blood vessels to secondary tissues, where they form disseminated solitary dormant tumor cells with reversible capacity. Among the various mechanisms underlying the dormant tumor mass and dormant tumor cell formation, heat shock proteins (HSPs) might play one of the most important roles in how the dormancy program plays out. It is known that numerous aberrant cellular processes, such as malignant transformation, cancer cell stemness, tumor invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and signaling pathway maintenance, are influenced by the HSPs. An accumulating body of knowledge suggests that HSPs may be involved in the angiogenic switch, immune editing, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling cascades, crucial genetically imprinted strategies important to the tumor dormancy initiation and dormancy maintenance program. In this review, we highlight the biological events that orchestrate the dormancy state and the body of work that has been conducted on the dynamics of HSPs in a tumor mass, as well as tumor cell dormancy and reactivation. Additionally, we propose a conceptual framework that could possibly underlie dormant tumor reactivation in metastatic relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haneef Ahmed Amissah
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Department of Medical Biology and Medical Biology, FEFU Campus, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia
- Diagnostics Laboratory Department, Trauma and Specialist Hospital, CE-122-2486, Central Region, Winneba P.O. Box 326, Ghana
| | - Stephanie E Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universität München (TUM), Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Maxim Shevtsov
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universität München (TUM), Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Laboratory of Biomedical Nanotechnologies, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), 194064 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Personalized Medicine Centre, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 197341 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dong Y, Bai J, Zhou J. Developing a dormancy-associated ECM signature in TNBC that is linked to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and selective sensitivity to MAPK inhibitors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32106. [PMID: 38868025 PMCID: PMC11168407 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims Cellular dormancy is a state of quiescence subpopulation of tumor cells, characterized by low differentiation and lack of mitotic activity. They could evade chemotherapy and targeted therapy, leading to drug resistance and disease recurrence. Recent studies have shown a correlation between dormant cancer cells and unique extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, which is critical in regulating cell behavior. However, their interacting roles in TNBC patients remains to be characterized. Main methods Dormant cancer cells in MDA-MB-231 cell line with highest PKH26 dye-retaining were FACS-sorted and gene expression was then analyzed. Dormant associated ECM (DA-ECM) signature was characterized by pathway analysis. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering was used to define distinct ECM features for TNBC patients. ECM-specific tumor biology was defined by integration of bulk RNA-seq with single-cell RNA-seq data, analysis of ligand-receptor interactions and enriched biological pathways, and in silico drug screening. We validated the sensitivity of dormant cancer cells to MAPK inhibitors by flow cytometry in vitro. Key findings We observed that dormant TNBC cells preferentially expressed ∼10 % DA-ECM genes. The DA-ECM High subtype defined by unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis was associated with immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Moreover, ligand-receptor interaction and pathway analysis revealed that the DA-ECM High subtype may likely help maintain tumor cell dormancy through MAPK, Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathways. Finally, in silico drug screening against the DA-ECM signature and in vitro assay showed dormant cancer cells were relatively sensitive to the MAPK pathway inhibitors, which may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for treating TNBC. Significance Collectively, our research revealed that dormancy-associated ECM characterized tumor cells possess significant ECM remodeling capacity, and treatment strategies towards these cells could improve TNBC patient outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Dong
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jin Bai
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Jianjun Zhou
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, Wang L, Wei Y, Wei C, Yang H, Chen Q, Zhang R, Shen H. Advances in the molecular regulation mechanism of tumor dormancy and its therapeutic strategy. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:184. [PMID: 38795254 PMCID: PMC11127899 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor dormancy is a stage in the growth and development of malignant cells and is one of the biological characteristics of malignant cells. Complex transitions involving dormant tumor cells between quiescent and proliferative states pose challenges for tumor eradication. This paper explores the biological features and molecular mechanisms of tumor dormancy and highlights emerging therapies. The strategies discussed promise innovative clinical potential against malignant tumors. Understanding the mechanisms of dormancy can help provide valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors to advance the fight against this world problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaojun Wei
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuang Wei
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, People's Republic of China
| | - Haohang Yang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiurui Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Han Shen
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 51006, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu R, Zhao Y, Su S, Kwabil A, Njoku PC, Yu H, Li X. Unveiling cancer dormancy: Intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic forces. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216899. [PMID: 38649107 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216899] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells disseminate in various distant organs at early stages of cancer progression. These disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can stay dormant/quiescent without causing patient symptoms for years or decades. These dormant tumor cells survive despite curative treatments by entering growth arrest, escaping immune surveillance, and/or developing drug resistance. However, these dormant cells can reactivate to proliferate, causing metastatic progression and/or relapse, posing a threat to patients' survival. It's unclear how cancer cells maintain dormancy and what triggers their reactivation. What are better approaches to prevent metastatic progression and relapse through harnessing cancer dormancy? To answer these remaining questions, we reviewed the studies of tumor dormancy and reactivation in various types of cancer using different model systems, including the brief history of dormancy studies, the intrinsic characteristics of dormant cells, and the external cues at the cellular and molecular levels. Furthermore, we discussed future directions in the field and the strategies for manipulating dormancy to prevent metastatic progression and recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 010070, China; Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Yawei Zhao
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Shang Su
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Augustine Kwabil
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Prisca Chinonso Njoku
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Haiquan Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 010070, China.
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bresnahan E, Bravo-Cordero JJ. Sweet dreams: glycosylation controls tumor cell dormancy. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:180-181. [PMID: 38311543 PMCID: PMC10939740 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.01.011] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
In a recent study in Cancer Cell, Sreekumar et al. used therapy-associated breast cancer mouse models as well as in vitro dormancy models to identify extracellular matrix (ECM)-related tumor cell-autonomous mechanisms of dormancy in residual tumor cells (RTCs). The study reveals an important role of the glycosylation of proteoglycans in sustaining dormancy and opens the door to leverage this biology to eliminate RTCs and prevent recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin Bresnahan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA
| | - Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Collignon E. Unveiling the role of cellular dormancy in cancer progression and recurrence. Curr Opin Oncol 2024; 36:74-81. [PMID: 38193374 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000001013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cellular dormancy is a major contributor to cancer progression and recurrence. This review explores recent findings on the molecular mechanisms implicated in cancer dormancy and investigates potential strategies to improve therapeutic interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Research on cancer dormancy reveals a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Providing a latent reservoir of tumor cells with reduced proliferation and enhanced drug-tolerance, dormant cancer cells emerge from a clonally diverse population after therapy or at metastatic sites. These cells exhibit distinct transcriptional and epigenetic profiles, involving the downregulation of Myc and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, and the induction of autophagy. Senescence traits, under the control of factors such as p53, also contribute significantly. The tumor microenvironment can either promote or prevent dormancy establishment, notably through the involvement of T and NK cells within the dormant tumor niche. Strategies to combat dormancy-related relapse include direct elimination of dormant tumor cells, sustaining dormancy to prolong survival, or awakening dormant cells to re-sensitize them to antiproliferative drugs. SUMMARY Improving our understanding of cancer dormancy at primary and secondary sites provides valuable insights into patient care and relapse prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Collignon
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Faculty of Medicine, ULB-Cancer Research Centre (U-CRC) and Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiao Y, Yu Y, Zheng M, Yan M, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang S. Dormant cancer cells and polyploid giant cancer cells: The roots of cancer recurrence and metastasis. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1567. [PMID: 38362620 PMCID: PMC10870057 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1567] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour cell dormancy is critical for metastasis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) with giant or multiple nuclei and high DNA content have the properties of cancer stem cell and single PGCCs can individually generate tumours in immunodeficient mice. PGCCs represent a dormant form of cancer cells that survive harsh tumour conditions and contribute to tumour recurrence. Hypoxic mimics, chemotherapeutics, radiation and cytotoxic traditional Chinese medicines can induce PGCCs formation through endoreduplication and/or cell fusion. After incubation, dormant PGCCs can recover from the treatment and produce daughter cells with strong proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities via asymmetric cell division. Additionally, PGCCs can resist hypoxia or chemical stress and have a distinct protein signature that involves chromatin remodelling and cell cycle regulation. Dormant PGCCs form the cellular basis for therapeutic resistance, metastatic cascade and disease recurrence. This review summarises regulatory mechanisms governing dormant cancer cells entry and exit of dormancy, which may be used by PGCCs, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting PGCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Jiao
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yongjun Yu
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Man Yan
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Jiangping Wang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jones MJ, Jones MC. Cell cycle control by cell-matrix interactions. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102288. [PMID: 38056140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is required for normal cell cycle progression and accurate cell division. However, how cell adhesion to the wide range of ECM proteins found in human tissues influences the cell cycle is not fully understood. The composition and physical properties of the ECM can have profound effects on cell proliferation but can also promote cell cycle exit and quiescence. Furthermore, during tumor development and progression, changes in the ECM can drive both cancer cell proliferation and dormancy. Cell-matrix adhesion is primarily sensed via integrin-associated adhesion complexes, which in turn are regulated by the cell cycle machinery. In particular, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) has been shown to play a crucial role in regulating adhesion complexes during interphase and entry into mitosis. These reciprocal links between cell cycle progression and cell-matrix interactions are now being identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Jones
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL6 8BU, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C Jones
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL6 8BU, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Megino-Luque C, Bravo-Cordero JJ. Metastasis suppressor genes and their role in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1147-1154. [PMID: 37982987 PMCID: PMC10842895 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10155-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The metastatic cascade is a complex process with multiple factors contributing to the seeding and growth of cancer cells at metastatic sites. Within this complex process, several genes have been identified as metastasis suppressors, playing a role in the inhibition of metastasis. Interestingly, some of these genes have been shown to also play a role in regulating the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we comment on the recent developments in the biology of metastasis suppressor genes and their crosstalk with the microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Megino-Luque
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhao Y, Sheldon M, Sun Y, Ma L. New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5497. [PMID: 38067201 PMCID: PMC10705714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Marisela Sheldon
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
| | - Yutong Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.Z.); (M.S.)
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Soureas K, Papadimitriou MA, Panoutsopoulou K, Pilala KM, Scorilas A, Avgeris M. Cancer quiescence: non-coding RNAs in the spotlight. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:843-858. [PMID: 37516569 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer quiescence reflects the ability of cancer cells to enter a reversible slow-cycling or mitotically dormant state and represents a powerful self-protecting mechanism preventing cancer cell 'damage' from hypoxic conditions, nutrient deprivation, immune surveillance, and (chemo)therapy. When stress conditions are restrained, and tumor microenvironment becomes beneficial, quiescent cancer cells re-enter cell cycle to facilitate tumor spread and cancer progression/metastasis. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic role of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in orchestrating cancer quiescence. The elucidation of regulatory ncRNA networks will shed light on the quiescence-proliferation equilibrium and, ultimately, pave the way for new treatment options. Herein, we have summarized the ever-growing role of ncRNAs upon cancer quiescence regulation and their impact on treatment resistance and modern cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Soureas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry - Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'P. & A. Kyriakou' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Alexandra Papadimitriou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Panoutsopoulou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina-Marina Pilala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Scorilas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Margaritis Avgeris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry - Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'P. & A. Kyriakou' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang Y, Yan L, Wang Z, Li F, Lv J, Liu J, Liu X, Bao L, Zhang Y. Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research on Tumor Dormancy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3230. [PMID: 37370845 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor dormancy continues to be a research hotspot with numerous pressing problems that need to be solved. The goal of this study is to perform a bibliometric analysis of pertinent articles published in the twenty-first century. We concentrate on significant keywords, nations, authors, affiliations, journals, and literature in the field of tumor dormancy, which will help researchers to review the results that have been achieved and better understand the directions of future research. We retrieved research articles on tumor dormancy from the Web of Science Core Collection. This study made use of the visualization tools VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica, as visualization helps us to uncover the intrinsic connections between information. Research on tumor dormancy has been growing in the 21st century, especially from 2015 to the present. The United States is a leader in many aspects of this research area, such as in the number of publications, the number of partners, the most productive institutions, and the authors working in this field. Harvard University is the institution with the highest number of publications, and Aguirre-Ghiso, Julio A. is the author with the highest number of publications and citations. The keywords that emerged after 2017 were "early dissemination", "inhibition", "mechanism", "bone metastasis", and "promotion". We believe that research on tumor dormancy mechanisms and therapy has been, and will continue to be, a major area of interest. The exploration of the tumor dormancy microenvironment and immunotherapeutic treatments for tumor dormancy is likely to represent the most popular future research topics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhe Zhang
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Lirong Yan
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Zhongqing Wang
- Department of Information Center, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Fang Li
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Jinqi Lv
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Jiaqing Liu
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Xuqin Liu
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Li Bao
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- The First Laboratory of Cancer Institute, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China
| |
Collapse
|