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Chen M, Xia L, Wu C, Wang Z, Ding L, Xie Y, Feng W, Chen Y. Microbe-material hybrids for therapeutic applications. Chem Soc Rev 2024. [PMID: 39005165 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00655g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
As natural living substances, microorganisms have emerged as useful resources in medicine for creating microbe-material hybrids ranging from nano to macro dimensions. The engineering of microbe-involved nanomedicine capitalizes on the distinctive physiological attributes of microbes, particularly their intrinsic "living" properties such as hypoxia tendency and oxygen production capabilities. Exploiting these remarkable characteristics in combination with other functional materials or molecules enables synergistic enhancements that hold tremendous promise for improved drug delivery, site-specific therapy, and enhanced monitoring of treatment outcomes, presenting substantial opportunities for amplifying the efficacy of disease treatments. This comprehensive review outlines the microorganisms and microbial derivatives used in biomedicine and their specific advantages for therapeutic application. In addition, we delineate the fundamental strategies and mechanisms employed for constructing microbe-material hybrids. The diverse biomedical applications of the constructed microbe-material hybrids, encompassing bioimaging, anti-tumor, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation and other diseases therapy are exhaustively illustrated. We also discuss the current challenges and prospects associated with the clinical translation of microbe-material hybrid platforms. Therefore, the unique versatility and potential exhibited by microbe-material hybrids position them as promising candidates for the development of next-generation nanomedicine and biomaterials with unique theranostic properties and functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
| | - Lili Xia
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
| | - Chenyao Wu
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, National Clinical Research Center of Interventional Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, P. R. China.
| | - Yujie Xie
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
| | - Wei Feng
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China.
- Shanghai Institute of Materdicine, Shanghai 200051, P. R. China
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2
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Danielson M, Nicolai CJ, Vo TT, Wolf N, Burke TP. Cytosolic bacterial pathogens activate TLR pathways in tumors that synergistically enhance STING agonist cancer therapies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.30.578087. [PMID: 38352567 PMCID: PMC10862861 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.578087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens that invade the eukaryotic cytosol are distinctive tools for fighting cancer, as they preferentially target tumors and can deliver cancer antigens to MHC-I. Cytosolic bacterial pathogens have undergone extensive preclinical development and human clinical trials, yet the molecular mechanisms by which they are detected by innate immunity in tumors is unclear. We report that intratumoral delivery of phylogenetically distinct cytosolic pathogens, including Listeria, Rickettsia, and Burkholderia species, elicited anti-tumor responses in established, poorly immunogenic melanoma and lymphoma in mice. We were surprised to observe that although the bacteria required entry to the cytosol, the anti-tumor responses were largely independent of the cytosolic sensors cGAS/STING and instead required TLR signaling. Combining pathogens with TLR agonists did not enhance anti-tumor efficacy, while combinations with STING agonists elicited profound, synergistic anti-tumor effects with complete responses in >80% of mice after a single dose. Small molecule TLR agonists also synergistically enhanced the anti-tumor activity of STING agonists. The anti-tumor effects were diminished in Rag2-deficient mice and upon CD8 T cell depletion. Mice cured from combination therapy developed immunity to cancer rechallenge that was superior to STING agonist monotherapy. Together, these data provide a framework for enhancing the efficacy of microbial cancer therapies and small molecule innate immune agonists, via the co-activation of STING and TLRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meggie Danielson
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Chris J Nicolai
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Thaomy T Vo
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Natalie Wolf
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Thomas P Burke
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA USA
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Ikryannikova LN, Gorokhovets NV, Belykh DA, Kurbatov LK, Zamyatnin AA. Bacterial Therapy of Cancer: A Way to the Dustbin of History or to the Medicine of the Future? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119726. [PMID: 37298677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria are the constant companions of the human body throughout its life and even after its death. The history of a human disease such as cancer and the history of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, are believed to closely intertwined. This review was conceived to highlight the attempts of scientists from ancient times to the present day to discover the relationship between bacteria and the emergence or development of tumors in the human body. Challenges and achievements of 21st century science in forcing bacteria to serve for cancer treatment are considered. The future possibilities of bacterial cancer therapy, including the creation of bacterial microrobots, or "bacteriobots", are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa N Ikryannikova
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8/2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Neonila V Gorokhovets
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8/2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Darya A Belykh
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8/2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Leonid K Kurbatov
- Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya 10/8, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8/2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/73, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/40, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Center for Translation Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
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4
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Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen that can cause severe invasive infections upon ingestion with contaminated food. Clinically, listerial disease, or listeriosis, most often presents as bacteremia, meningitis or meningoencephalitis, and pregnancy-associated infections manifesting as miscarriage or neonatal sepsis. Invasive listeriosis is life-threatening and a main cause of foodborne illness leading to hospital admissions in Western countries. Sources of contamination can be identified through international surveillance systems for foodborne bacteria and strains' genetic data sharing. Large-scale whole genome studies have increased our knowledge on the diversity and evolution of L. monocytogenes, while recent pathophysiological investigations have improved our mechanistic understanding of listeriosis. In this article, we present an overview of human listeriosis with particular focus on relevant features of the causative bacterium, epidemiology, risk groups, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel M Koopmans
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - José A Vázquez-Boland
- Infection Medicine, Edinburgh Medical School (Biomedical Sciences), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Neurology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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5
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Oladejo M, Paulishak W, Wood L. Synergistic potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors and therapeutic cancer vaccines. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:81-95. [PMID: 36526110 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) function at different stages of the cancer immune cycle due to their distinct mechanisms of action. Therapeutic cancer vaccines enhance the activation and infiltration of cytotoxic immune cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME), while ICIs, prevent and/or reverse the dysfunction of these immune cells. The efficacy of both classes of immunotherapy has been evaluated in monotherapy, but they have been met with several challenges. Although therapeutic cancer vaccines can activate anti-tumor immune responses, these responses are susceptible to attenuation by immunoregulatory molecules. Similarly, ICIs are ineffective in the absence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Further, ICIs are often associated with immune-related adverse effects that may limit quality of life and compliance. However, the combination of the improved immunogenicity afforded by cancer vaccines and restrained immunosuppression provided by immune checkpoint inhibitors may provide a suitable platform for therapeutic synergism. In this review, we revisit the history and various classifications of therapeutic cancer vaccines. We also provide a summary of the currently approved ICIs. Finally, we provide mechanistic insights into the synergism between ICIs and cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Oladejo
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Wyatt Paulishak
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Laurence Wood
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA.
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Oladejo M, Nguyen HM, Silwal A, Reese B, Paulishak W, Markiewski MM, Wood LM. Listeria-based immunotherapy directed against CD105 exerts anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor efficacy in renal cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1038807. [PMID: 36439126 PMCID: PMC9692019 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1038807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor-associated angiogenesis is currently at the forefront of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) therapy, with sunitinib and bevacizumab leading to increased survival in patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC). However, resistance often occurs shortly after initiation of therapy, suggesting that targeting the tumor-associated vascular endothelium may not be sufficient to eradicate RCC. This study reports the therapeutic efficacy of a Listeria (Lm)-based vaccine encoding an antigenic fragment of CD105 (Lm-LLO-CD105A) that targets both RCC tumor cells and the tumor-associated vasculature. Lm-LLO-CD105A treatment reduced primary tumor growth in both subcutaneous and orthotopic models of murine RCC. The vaccine conferred anti-tumor immunity and remodeled the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in increased infiltration of polyfunctional CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and reduced infiltration of immunosuppressive cell types within the TME. We further provide evidence that the therapeutic efficacy of Lm-LLO-CD105A is mediated by CD8+ T cells and is dependent on the robust antigenic expression of CD105 by RCC tumor cells. The result from this study demonstrates the safety and promising therapeutic efficacy of targeting RCC-associated CD105 expression with Lm-based immunotherapy.
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Rutter JW, Dekker L, Owen KA, Barnes CP. Microbiome engineering: engineered live biotherapeutic products for treating human disease. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1000873. [PMID: 36185459 PMCID: PMC9523163 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1000873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The human microbiota is implicated in many disease states, including neurological disorders, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. This potentially huge impact on human health has prompted the development of microbiome engineering methods, which attempt to adapt the composition and function of the human host-microbiota system for a therapeutic purpose. One promising method is the use of engineered microorganisms that have been modified to perform a therapeutic function. The majority of these products have only been demonstrated in laboratory models; however, in recent years more concepts have reached the translational stage. This has led to an increase in the number of clinical trials, which are designed to assess the safety and efficacy of these treatments in humans. Within this review, we highlight the progress of some of these microbiome engineering clinical studies, with a focus on engineered live biotherapeutic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack W. Rutter
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jack W. Rutter,
| | - Linda Dekker
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberley A. Owen
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chris P. Barnes
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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8
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Bacteria therapeutics for cancer oncology: a crossroads for new paradigms. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:2043-2050. [PMID: 35304339 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A promising treatment for cancer remains challenging owing to insufficient tumor targeting and predictable resistance. Current therapies have their drawbacks and there is a need for innovative treatment that can overcome all the limitations with the traditional approaches. One of the novel treatments is bacteria-mediated cancer therapy, which has shown a beneficial impact on tumor regression and metastasis inhibition. It can selectively target cancer cells and potentially serve as a therapeutic-gene-drug delivery approach. In their original form, genetically or chemically modified, or combined with conventional therapeutic approaches, bacteria produce safe and effective cancer with minimized cytotoxicity. This review discusses the key benefits, applicability and further implementations in the clinical translation of bacteriotherapy for cancer treatments.
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9
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Bacteria and bacterial derivatives as delivery carriers for immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114085. [PMID: 34933064 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the role of microorganisms in human health and disease, with evidence showing that new types of biotherapy using engineered bacterial therapeutics, including bacterial derivatives, can address specific mechanisms of disease. The complex interactions between microorganisms and metabolic/immunologic pathways underlie many diseases with unmet medical needs, suggesting that targeting these interactions may improve patient treatment. Using tools from synthetic biology and chemical engineering, non-pathogenic bacteria or bacterial products can be programmed and designed to sense and respond to environmental signals to deliver therapeutic effectors. This review describes current progress in biotherapy using live bacteria and their derivatives to achieve therapeutic benefits against various diseases.
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10
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Microbiota and cancer: current understanding and mechanistic implications. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 24:193-202. [PMID: 34387847 PMCID: PMC8360819 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During last few decades, role of microbiota and its importance in several diseases has been a hot topic for research. The microbiota is considered as an accessory organ for maintaining normal physiology of an individual. These microbiota organisms which normally colonize several epithelial surfaces are known to secrete several small molecules leading to local and systemic effects on normal biological processes. The role of microbiota is also established in carcinogenesis as per several recent findings. The effects of microbiota on cancer is not only limited to their contribution in oncogenesis, but the overall susceptibility for oncogenesis and its subsequent progression, development of coinfections, and response to anticancer therapy is also found to be affected by microbiota. The information about microbiota and subsequent contributions of microbes in anticancer response motivated researchers in development of microbes-based anticancer therapeutics. We provided current status of microbiota contribution in oncogenesis with special reference to their mechanistic implications in different aspects of oncogenesis. In addition, the mechanistic implications of bacteria in anticancer therapy are also discussed. We conclude that several mechanisms of microbiota-mediated regulation of oncogenesis is known, but approaches must be focused on understanding contribution of microbiota as a community rather than single organisms-mediated effects.
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Li M, Brokaw A, Furuta AM, Coler B, Obregon-Perko V, Chahroudi A, Wang HY, Permar SR, Hotchkiss CE, Golos TG, Rajagopal L, Adams Waldorf KM. Non-human Primate Models to Investigate Mechanisms of Infection-Associated Fetal and Pediatric Injury, Teratogenesis and Stillbirth. Front Genet 2021; 12:680342. [PMID: 34290739 PMCID: PMC8287178 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.680342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide array of pathogens has the potential to injure the fetus and induce teratogenesis, the process by which mutations in fetal somatic cells lead to congenital malformations. Rubella virus was the first infectious disease to be linked to congenital malformations due to an infection in pregnancy, which can include congenital cataracts, microcephaly, hearing impairment and congenital heart disease. Currently, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading infectious cause of congenital malformations globally, affecting 1 in every 200 infants. However, our knowledge of teratogenic viruses and pathogens is far from complete. New emerging infectious diseases may induce teratogenesis, similar to Zika virus (ZIKV) that caused a global pandemic in 2016-2017; thousands of neonates were born with congenital microcephaly due to ZIKV exposure in utero, which also included a spectrum of injuries to the brain, eyes and spinal cord. In addition to congenital anomalies, permanent injury to fetal and neonatal organs, preterm birth, stillbirth and spontaneous abortion are known consequences of a broader group of infectious diseases including group B streptococcus (GBS), Listeria monocytogenes, Influenza A virus (IAV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Animal models are crucial for determining the mechanism of how these various infectious diseases induce teratogenesis or organ injury, as well as testing novel therapeutics for fetal or neonatal protection. Other mammalian models differ in many respects from human pregnancy including placentation, labor physiology, reproductive tract anatomy, timeline of fetal development and reproductive toxicology. In contrast, non-human primates (NHP) most closely resemble human pregnancy and exhibit key similarities that make them ideal for research to discover the mechanisms of injury and for testing vaccines and therapeutics to prevent teratogenesis, fetal and neonatal injury and adverse pregnancy outcomes (e.g., stillbirth or spontaneous abortion). In this review, we emphasize key contributions of the NHP model pre-clinical research for ZIKV, HCMV, HIV, IAV, L. monocytogenes, Ureaplasma species, and GBS. This work represents the foundation for development and testing of preventative and therapeutic strategies to inhibit infectious injury of human fetuses and neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alyssa Brokaw
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Anna M. Furuta
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brahm Coler
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Veronica Obregon-Perko
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ann Chahroudi
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Hsuan-Yuan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sallie R. Permar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Charlotte E. Hotchkiss
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thaddeus G. Golos
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Lakshmi Rajagopal
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kristina M. Adams Waldorf
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Paul D. Cancer as a form of life: Musings of the cancer and evolution symposium. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 165:120-139. [PMID: 33991584 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Advanced cancer is one of the major problems in oncology as currently, despite the recent technological and scientific advancements, the mortality of metastatic disease remains very high at 70-90%. The field of oncology is in urgent need of novel ideas in order to improve quality of life and prognostic of cancer patients. The Cancer and Evolution Symposium organized online October 14-16, 2020 brought together a group of specialists from different fields that presented innovative strategies for better understanding, preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. Today still, the main reasons behind the high incidence and mortality of advanced cancer are, on one hand, the paucity of funding and effort directed to cancer prevention and early detection, and, on the other hand, the lack of understanding of the cancer process itself. I argue that besides being a disease, cancer is also a form of life, and, this frame of reference may provide a fresh look on this complex process. Here, I provide a different angle to several contemporary cancer theories discussing them from the perspective of "cancer-forms of life" (i.e. bionts) point of view. The perspectives and the several "bionts" introduced here, by no means exclusive or comprehensive, are just a shorthand that will hopefully encourage the readers, to further explore the contemporary oncology theoretical landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doru Paul
- Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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