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Chen H, Fang S, Zhu X, Liu H. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and prostate cancer stem cells: crosstalk mechanisms and implications for disease progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1412337. [PMID: 39092186 PMCID: PMC11291335 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1412337] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The functional heterogeneity and ecological niche of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs), which are major drivers of prostate cancer development and treatment resistance, have attracted considerable research attention. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), substantially affect PCSC stemness. Additionally, CAFs promote PCSC growth and survival by releasing signaling molecules and modifying the surrounding environment. Conversely, PCSCs may affect the characteristics and behavior of CAFs by producing various molecules. This crosstalk mechanism is potentially crucial for prostate cancer progression and the development of treatment resistance. Using organoids to model the TME enables an in-depth study of CAF-PCSC interactions, providing a valuable preclinical tool to accurately evaluate potential target genes and design novel treatment strategies for prostate cancer. The objective of this review is to discuss the current research on the multilevel and multitarget regulatory mechanisms underlying CAF-PCSC interactions and crosstalk, aiming to inform therapeutic approaches that address challenges in prostate cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hao Liu
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Kurup JT, Kim S, Kidder BL. Identifying Cancer Type-Specific Transcriptional Programs through Network Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4167. [PMID: 37627195 PMCID: PMC10453000 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying cancer type-specific genes that define cell states is important to develop effective therapies for patients and methods for detection, early diagnosis, and prevention. While molecular mechanisms that drive malignancy have been identified for various cancers, the identification of cell-type defining transcription factors (TFs) that distinguish normal cells from cancer cells has not been fully elucidated. Here, we utilized a network biology framework, which assesses the fidelity of cell fate conversions, to identify cancer type-specific gene regulatory networks (GRN) for 17 types of cancer. Through an integrative analysis of a compendium of expression data, we elucidated core TFs and GRNs for multiple cancer types. Moreover, by comparing normal tissues and cells to cancer type-specific GRNs, we found that the expression of key network-influencing TFs can be utilized as a survival prognostic indicator for a diverse cohort of cancer patients. These findings offer a valuable resource for exploring cancer type-specific networks across a broad range of cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiji T. Kurup
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (J.T.K.); (S.K.)
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Seongho Kim
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (J.T.K.); (S.K.)
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Kidder
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (J.T.K.); (S.K.)
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Verma P, Shukla N, Kumari S, Ansari M, Gautam NK, Patel GK. Cancer stem cell in prostate cancer progression, metastasis and therapy resistance. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188887. [PMID: 36997008 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed malignancy in the men worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the sub-population of cells present in the tumor which possess unique properties of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation thus thought to be major cause of therapy resistance, disease relapse, and mortality in several malignancies including PCa. CSCs have also been shown positive for the common stem cells markers such as ALDH EZH2, OCT4, SOX2, c-MYC, Nanog etc. Therefore, isolation and characterization of CSCs specific markers which may discriminate CSCs and normal stem cells are critical to selectively eliminate CSCs. Rapid advances in the field offers a theoretical explanation for many of the enduring uncertainties encompassing the etiology and an optimism for the identification of new stem-cell targets, development of reliable and efficient therapies in the future. The emerging reports have also provided unprecedented insights into CSCs plasticity, quiescence, renewal, and therapeutic response. In this review, we discuss the identification of PCa stem cells, their unique properties, stemness-driving pathways, new diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions.
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Zhang Y, Chen B, Xu P, Liu C, Huang P. Reprogramming Prostate Cancer Cells into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: a Promising Model of Prostate Cancer Stem Cell Research. Cell Reprogram 2020; 22:262-268. [PMID: 32816532 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2020.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer stem cells (PrCSCs) are responsible for the development of castration-resistant disease and are associated with poor outcomes; however, the origin of PrCSCs is still not known due to the lack of a suitable model. In the current study, the human prostate cancer cell line 22RV1 was used to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) via the exogenous expression of four classic transcription factors (OCT-4, SOX2, KLF4, and C-MYC). The iPSCs were analyzed by phase contrast microscopy, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, and examined for karyotype and embryoid body and teratoma formation. The analyses demonstrated that the prostate cancer cells were successfully reprogrammed into iPSCs by characteristic human embryonic stem cell morphology, cell marker expression, AP activity, embryoid body, and pluripotency capability in generating all three embryonic germ layers. These results may provide a convenient and accessible model for studying the origin of PrCSCs and the process by which progenitor cells are transformed into PrCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binshen Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiao Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Urology, Okayama Medical Innovation Center, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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Nascimento-Gonçalves E, Ferreira R, Oliveira PA, Colaço BJA. An Overview of Current Alternative Models for Use in the Context of Prostate Cancer Research. Altern Lab Anim 2020; 48:58-69. [PMID: 32614643 DOI: 10.1177/0261192920929701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, particularly in elderly populations. To mitigate the expected increase in prostate cancer-related morbidity and mortality as a result of an expanding aged population, safer and more effective therapeutics are required. To this end, plenty of research is focusing on the mechanisms underlying cancer initiation and development, the metastatic process and on the discovery of new therapies. While animal models are used (mainly rats and mice) for the study of prostate cancer, alternative models and methods are increasingly being considered to replace, or at least reduce, the number of animals used in this particular field of research. In this review, we cover some of the alternative models that are currently available for use in the study of prostate cancer, including: mathematical models; 2-D and 3-D cell cultures; microfluidic devices; the chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane-based model; and zebrafish embryo-based models. The main advantages and limitations, as well as some examples of applications, are given for each type of model. According to our analysis, immortalised cell lines are still the most commonly used models in the field of prostate cancer research. However, the use of alternative models for prostate cancer research will likely become more prevalent in the coming years partly because of the increasing societal pressure to reduce the numbers of laboratory animals. In this context, the development and dissemination of effective non-animal alternative models assumes particular relevance and will be instrumental in leveraging their success. Taking these perspectives into account, we believe that technological advances will lead to more effective cell culture systems, namely 3-D cultures or organ-on-a-chip devices, which can be used to replace animal-based models in prostate cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete Nascimento-Gonçalves
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, 386361University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, 56066University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,Organic Chemistry, Natural Products and Foodstuffs (QOPNA/LAQV), Department of Chemistry, 56062University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- Organic Chemistry, Natural Products and Foodstuffs (QOPNA/LAQV), Department of Chemistry, 56062University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, 386361University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal.,Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, 56066University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Bruno Jorge Antunes Colaço
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, 56066University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.,Department of Zootechnics, 56066University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
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Gong L, Yan Q, Zhang Y, Fang X, Liu B, Guan X. Cancer cell reprogramming: a promising therapy converting malignancy to benignity. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2019; 39:48. [PMID: 31464654 PMCID: PMC6716904 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-019-0393-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in reprogramming terminally differentiated somatic cells and cancer cells into induced pluripotent cells and cancer cells with benign phenotypes. Recent studies have explored various approaches to induce reprogramming from one cell type to another, including lineage-specific transcription factors-, combinatorial small molecules-, microRNAs- and embryonic microenvironment-derived exosome-mediated reprogramming. These reprogramming approaches have been proven to be technically feasible and versatile to enable re-activation of sequestered epigenetic regions, thus driving fate decisions of differentiated cells. One of the significant utilities of cancer cell reprogramming is the therapeutic potential of retrieving normal cell functions from various malignancies. However, there are several major obstacles to overcome in cancer cell reprogramming before clinical translation, including characterization of reprogramming mechanisms, improvement of reprogramming efficiency and safety, and development of delivery methods. Recently, several insights in reprogramming mechanism have been proposed, and determining progress has been achieved to promote reprogramming efficiency and feasibility, allowing it to emerge as a promising therapy against cancer in the near future. This review aims to discuss recent applications in cancer cell reprogramming, with a focus on the clinical significance and limitations of different reprogramming approaches, while summarizing vital roles played by transcription factors, small molecules, microRNAs and exosomes during the reprogramming process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanqi Gong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China
| | - Qian Yan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China
| | - Xiaona Fang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China
| | - Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China. .,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P.R. China.
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