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Lu SL, Pei Y, Liu WW, Han K, Cheng JCH, Li PC. Evaluating ECM stiffness and liver cancer radiation response via shear-wave elasticity in 3D culture models. Radiat Oncol 2024; 19:128. [PMID: 39334323 PMCID: PMC11430210 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-024-02513-7] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stiffness of the tumor microenvironment (TME) directly influences cellular behaviors. Radiotherapy (RT) is a common treatment for solid tumors, but the TME can impact its efficacy. In the case of liver cancer, clinical observations have shown that tumors within a cirrhotic, stiffer background respond less to RT, suggesting that the extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness plays a critical role in the development of radioresistance. METHODS This study explored the effects of ECM stiffness and the inhibition of lysyl oxidase (LOX) isoenzymes on the radiation response of liver cancer in a millimeter-sized three-dimensional (3D) culture. We constructed a cube-shaped ECM-based millimeter-sized hydrogel containing Huh7 human liver cancer cells. By modulating the collagen concentration, we produced two groups of samples with different ECM stiffnesses to mimic the clinical scenarios of normal and cirrhotic livers. We used a single-transducer system for shear-wave-based elasticity measurement, to derive Young's modulus of the 3D cell culture to investigate how the ECM stiffness affects radiosensitivity. This is the first demonstration of a workflow for assessing radiation-induced response in a millimeter-sized 3D culture. RESULTS Increased ECM stiffness was associated with a decreased radiation response. Moreover, sonoporation-assisted LOX inhibition with BAPN (β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate) significantly decreased the initial ECM stiffness and increased RT-induced cell death. Inhibition of LOX was particularly effective in reducing ECM stiffness in stiffer matrices. Combining LOX inhibition with RT markedly increased radiation-induced DNA damage in cirrhotic liver cancer cells, enhancing their response to radiation. Furthermore, LOX inhibition can be combined with sonoporation to overcome stiffness-related radioresistance, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes for patients with liver cancer. CONCLUSIONS The findings underscore the significant influence of ECM stiffness on liver cancer's response to radiation. Sonoporation-aided LOX inhibition emerges as a promising strategy to mitigate stiffness-related resistance, offering potential improvements in liver cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Lun Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu Pei
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate of Institute of Oral Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun Han
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jason Chia-Hsien Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Radiation Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pai-Chi Li
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Khezrian A, Shojaeian A, Khaghani Boroujeni A, Amini R. Therapeutic Opportunities in Breast Cancer by Targeting Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor as a Pleiotropic Cytokine. Breast Cancer (Auckl) 2024; 18:11782234241276310. [PMID: 39246383 PMCID: PMC11380135 DOI: 10.1177/11782234241276310] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
As a heterogeneous disease, breast cancer (BC) has been characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. The tumor microenvironment (TME) also contains inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and soluble factors that all promote BC progression. In this sense, the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine and an upstream regulator of the immune response, enhances breast tumorigenesis through escalating cancer cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and stemness, which then brings tumorigenic effects by activating key oncogenic signaling pathways and inducing immunosuppression. Against this background, this review was to summarize the current understanding of the MIF pathogenic mechanisms in cancer, particularly BC, and address the central role of this immunoregulatory cytokine in signaling pathways and breast tumorigenesis. Furthermore, different inhibitors, such as small molecules as well as antibodies (Abs) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) and their anti-tumor effects in BC studies were examined. Small molecules and other therapy target MIF. Considering MIF as a promising therapeutic target, further clinical evaluation of MIF-targeted agents in patients with BC was warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Khezrian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Institute of Cancer, Avicenna Health Research Institute (AHRI), Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Ali Shojaeian
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Institute of Cancer, Avicenna Health Research Institute (AHRI), Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Armin Khaghani Boroujeni
- Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Razieh Amini
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Institute of Cancer, Avicenna Health Research Institute (AHRI), Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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3
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Zhao J, Tang Y, Hu X, Yin X, Chen Y, Chen J, Liu H, Liu H, Liang J, Zhang X, Zhao J, Zhu S, Ni Y, Wang Z, Dai J, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Yao J, Chen N, Shen P, Liu ZH, Zeng H, Sun GX. Patients with ASPSCR1-TFE3 fusion achieve better response to ICI based combination therapy among TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:132. [PMID: 38926757 PMCID: PMC11200839 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02044-5] [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: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TFE3-rearranged renal cell carcinoma (TFE3-rRCC) is a rare but highly heterogeneous renal cell carcinoma (RCC) entity, of which the clinical treatment landscape is largely undefined. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of different systemic treatments and further explore the molecular correlates. METHODS Thirty-eight patients with metastatic TFE3-rRCC were enrolled. Main outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate. RNA sequencing was performed on 32 tumors. RESULTS Patients receiving first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) based combination therapy achieved longer PFS than those treated without ICI (median PFS: 11.5 vs. 5.1 months, P = 0.098). After stratification of fusion partners, the superior efficacy of first-line ICI based combination therapy was predominantly observed in ASPSCR1-TFE3 rRCC (median PFS: not reached vs. 6.5 months, P = 0.01; ORR: 67.5% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.019), but almost not in non-ASPSCR1-TFE3 rRCC. Transcriptomic data revealed enrichment of ECM and collagen-related signaling in ASPSCR1-TFE3 rRCC, which might interfere with the potential efficacy of anti-angiogenic monotherapy. Whereas angiogenesis and immune activities were exclusively enriched in ASPSCR1-TFE3 rRCC and promised the better clinical outcomes with ICI plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS The current study represents the largest cohort comparing treatment outcomes and investigating molecular correlates of metastatic TFE3-rRCC based on fusion partner stratification. ICI based combination therapy could serve as an effective first-line treatment option for metastatic ASPSCR1-TFE3 rRCC patients. Regarding with other fusion subtypes, further investigations should be performed to explore the molecular mechanisms to propose pointed therapeutic strategy accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yanfeng Tang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xu Hu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yin
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuntian Chen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junru Chen
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Haoyang Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Haolin Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jiayu Liang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xingming Zhang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jinge Zhao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Sha Zhu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuchao Ni
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhipeng Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jindong Dai
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zilin Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yaowen Zhang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jin Yao
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ni Chen
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengfei Shen
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhenhua H Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Guangxi X Sun
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for kidney and urologic diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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Wang J, Zhang B, Chen X, Xin Y, Li K, Zhang C, Tang K, Tan Y. Cell mechanics regulate the migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via JNK signaling. Acta Biomater 2024; 176:321-333. [PMID: 38272199 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.01.024] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, especially those with metastatic competence, show reduced stiffness compared to the non-malignant counterparts. However, it is still unclear whether and how the mechanics of HCC cells influence their migration and invasion. This study reports that HCC cells with enhanced motility show reduced mechanical stiffness and cytoskeleton, suggesting the inverse correlation between cellular stiffness and motility. Through pharmacologic and genetic approaches, inhibiting actomyosin activity reduces HCC cellular stiffness but promotes their migration and invasion, while activating it increases cell stiffness but impairs cell motility. Actomyosin regulates cell motility through the influence on cellular stiffness. Mechanistically, weakening/strengthening cells inhibits/promotes c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, activation/inhibition of which rescues the effects of cell mechanics on their migration and invasion. Further, HCC cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit higher motility but lower stiffness than control cells. Increasing CSC stiffness weakens migration and invasion through the activation of JNK signaling. In conclusion, our findings unveil a new regulatory role of actomyosin-mediated cellular mechanics in tumor cell motility and present new evidence to support that tumor cell softening may be one driving force for HCC metastasis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Tumor cells progressively become softened during metastasis and low cell stiffness is associated with high metastatic potential. However, it remains unclear whether tumor cell softening is a by-product of or a driving force for tumor progression. This work reports that the stiffness of hepatocellular carcinoma cells is linked to their migration and invasion. Importantly, tumor cell softening promotes migration and invasion, while cell stiffening impairs the mobility. Weakening/strengthening cells inhibits/promotes JNK phosphorylation, activation/inhibition of which rescues the effects of cell mechanics on their migration and invasion ability. Further, stiffening liver cancer stem cells attenuates their motility through activating JNK signaling. In summary, our study uncovers a previously unappreciated role of tumor cell mechanics in migration and invasion and implicates the therapeutic potential of cell mechanics in the mechanotargeting of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfan Wang
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Bai Zhang
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xi Chen
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Cunyu Zhang
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Kai Tang
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China.
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5
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Cambria E, Coughlin MF, Floryan MA, Offeddu GS, Shelton SE, Kamm RD. Linking cell mechanical memory and cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:216-228. [PMID: 38238471 PMCID: PMC11146605 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths; however, the efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs is limited by incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive metastasis. Focusing on the mechanics of metastasis, we propose that the ability of tumour cells to survive the metastatic process is enhanced by mechanical stresses in the primary tumour microenvironment that select for well-adapted cells. In this Perspective, we suggest that biophysical adaptations favourable for metastasis are retained via mechanical memory, such that the extent of memory is influenced by both the magnitude and duration of the mechanical stress. Among the mechanical cues present in the primary tumour microenvironment, we focus on high matrix stiffness to illustrate how it alters tumour cell proliferation, survival, secretion of molecular factors, force generation, deformability, migration and invasion. We particularly centre our discussion on potential mechanisms of mechanical memory formation and retention via mechanotransduction and persistent epigenetic changes. Indeed, we propose that the biophysical adaptations that are induced by this process are retained throughout the metastatic process to improve tumour cell extravasation, survival and colonization in the distant organ. Deciphering mechanical memory mechanisms will be key to discovering a new class of anti-metastatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cambria
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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6
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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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7
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Afshar K, Sanaei MJ, Ravari MS, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Bashash D. An overview of extracellular matrix and its remodeling in the development of cancer and metastasis with a glance at therapeutic approaches. Cell Biochem Funct 2023; 41:930-952. [PMID: 37665068 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an inevitable part of tissues able to provide structural support for cells depending on the purpose of tissues and organs. The dynamic characteristics of ECM let this system fluently interact with the extrinsic triggers and get stiffed, remodeled, and/or degraded ending in maintaining tissue homeostasis. ECM could serve as the platform for cancer progression. The dysregulation of biochemical and biomechanical ECM features might take participate in some pathological conditions such as aging, tissue destruction, fibrosis, and particularly cancer. Tumors can reprogram how ECM remodels by producing factors able to induce protein synthesis, matrix proteinase expression, degradation of the basement membrane, growth signals and proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting the ECM components, their secretion, and their interactions with other cells or tumors could be a promising strategy in cancer therapies. The present study initially introduces the physiological functions of ECM and then discusses how tumor-dependent dysregulation of ECM could facilitate cancer progression and ends with reviewing the novel therapeutic strategies regarding ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimiya Afshar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Javad Sanaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Sadat Ravari
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Sun XS, Wang JW, Han F, Zou RH, Yang ZC, Guo SS, Liu LT, Chen QY, Tang LQ, Mai HQ. Prognostic value of metastatic cervical lymph node stiffness in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A prospective cohort study. Radiother Oncol 2023; 189:109939. [PMID: 37806561 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Extracellular matrix stiffness plays an important role in tumorigenesis. In this study, we assessed the prognostic value of metastatic cervical lymph node (CLN) stiffness measured using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS A total of 325 consecutive patients with NPC and CLN metastases were prospectively enrolled in this study. The association between the CLN stiffness and patient characteristics was also evaluated. Survival analysis was performed for 307 patients with stage M0 disease. Distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) was the primary endpoint. Log-rank test and multivariate analysis were used to explore the prognostic value of CLN stiffness. RESULTS Eighteen patients developed distant metastases before treatment (stage M1) and had significantly higher CLN stiffness (Pt-test < 0.001) than the other patients (stage M0). For stage M0 patients, those in the high-stiffness group had lower 3-year DMFS (83.3% vs. 91.7%, P = 0.013) and 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) (78.2% vs. 87.9%, P = 0.015) than those in the low-stiffness group. Multivariate analysis identified CLN stiffness and pretreatment Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA as independent prognostic factors for DMFS and PFS. We further established stiffness-EBV risk stratification based on these two factors. The concordance index, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analyses showed that our risk stratification outperformed the TNM classification for predicting metastasis. CONCLUSION The stiffness of metastatic CLN is closely associated with the prognosis of patients with NPC. SWE can be used as a pretreatment examination for CLN-positive patients. A multicenter study is required to verify our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Song Sun
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Jian-Wei Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Feng Han
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Ru-Hai Zou
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Zhen-Chong Yang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Ultrasound, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Shan-Shan Guo
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Li-Ting Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Qiu-Yan Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Lin-Quan Tang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| | - Hai-Qiang Mai
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China; Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
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9
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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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10
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Xin Y, Li K, Huang M, Liang C, Siemann D, Wu L, Tan Y, Tang X. Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine. Oncogene 2023; 42:3457-3490. [PMID: 37864030 PMCID: PMC10656290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
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Grants
- R35 GM150812 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project no. 11972316, Y.T.), Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Project no. JCYJ20200109142001798, SGDX2020110309520303, and JCYJ20220531091002006, Y.T.), General Research Fund of Hong Kong Research Grant Council (PolyU 15214320, Y. T.), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF18191421, Y.T.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1-CD75, 1-ZE2M, and 1-ZVY1, Y.T.), the Cancer Pilot Research Award from UF Health Cancer Center (X. T.), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R35GM150812 (X. T.), the National Science Foundation under grant number 2308574 (X. T.), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0393 (X. T.), the University Scholar Program (X. T.), UF Research Opportunity Seed Fund (X. T.), the Gatorade Award (X. T.), and the National Science Foundation REU Site at UF: Engineering for Healthcare (Douglas Spearot and Malisa Sarntinoranont). We are deeply grateful for the insightful discussions with and generous support from all members of Tang (UF)’s and Tan (PolyU)’s laboratories and all staff members of the MAE/BME/ECE/Health Cancer Center at UF and BME at PolyU.
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chenyu Liang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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11
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Kalli M, Poskus MD, Stylianopoulos T, Zervantonakis IK. Beyond matrix stiffness: targeting force-induced cancer drug resistance. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:937-954. [PMID: 37558577 PMCID: PMC10592424 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
During tumor progression, mechanical abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME) trigger signaling pathways in cells that activate cellular programs, resulting in tumor growth and drug resistance. In this review, we describe mechanisms of action for anti-cancer therapies and mechanotransduction programs that regulate cellular processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, survival and phenotype switching. We discuss how the therapeutic response is impacted by the three main mechanical TME abnormalities: high extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and stiffness; interstitial fluid pressure (IFP); and elevated mechanical forces. We also review drugs that normalize these abnormalities or block mechanosensors and mechanotransduction pathways. Finally, we discuss current challenges and perspectives for the development of new strategies targeting mechanically induced drug resistance in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Matthew D Poskus
- Department of Bioengineering and Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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12
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Xu R, Yin P, Wei J, Ding Q. The role of matrix stiffness in breast cancer progression: a review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1284926. [PMID: 37916166 PMCID: PMC10616305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1284926] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of matrix stiffness in cancer development has been investigated in recent years. The gradual elastic force the extracellular matrix imparts to cells, known as matrix stiffness, is one of the most important types of mechanical stimulation. Increased matrix stiffness alters the biological activity of cells, which promotes the growth of numerous malignancies, including breast cancer. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that increasing matrix stiffness activates molecular signaling pathways that are closely linked to breast cancer progression. There are many articles exploring the relationship between mechanism hardness and breast cancer, so we wanted to provide a systematic summary of recent research advances. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanism of matrix stiffness in breast cancer, elaborate on the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on breast cancer biological behavior and signaling pathways, and finally, we will talk about breast cancer treatment that focuses on matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Yin
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jifu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Biju TS, Priya VV, Francis AP. Role of three-dimensional cell culture in therapeutics and diagnostics: an updated review. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:2239-2253. [PMID: 36971997 PMCID: PMC10042111 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01327-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Drug development and testing are a tedious and expensive process with a high degree of uncertainty in the clinical success and preclinical validation of manufactured therapeutic agents. Currently, to understand the drug action, disease mechanism, and drug testing, most therapeutic drug manufacturers use 2D cell culture models to validate the drug action. However, there are many uncertainties and limitations with the conventional use of 2D (monolayer) cell culture models for drug testing that are primarily attributed due to poor mimicking of cellular mechanisms, disturbance in environmental interaction, and changes in structural morphology. To overcome such odds and difficulties in the preclinical validation of therapeutic medications, newer in vivo drug testing cell culture models with higher screening efficiencies are required. One such promising and advanced cell culture model reported recently is the "three-dimensional cell culture model." The 3D cell culture models are reported to show evident benefits over conventional 2D cell models. This review article outlines and describes the current advancement in cell culture models, their types, significance in high-throughput screening, limitations, applications in drug toxicity screening, and preclinical testing methodologies to predict in vivo efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Sara Biju
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Veeraraghavan Vishnu Priya
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India
| | - Arul Prakash Francis
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, 600077, India.
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14
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Huang M, Wang H, Mackey C, Chung MC, Guan J, Zheng G, Roy A, Xie M, Vulpe C, Tang X. YAP at the Crossroads of Biomechanics and Drug Resistance in Human Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12491. [PMID: 37569866 PMCID: PMC10419175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512491] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical forces are of fundamental importance in biology, diseases, and medicine. Mechanobiology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that studies how biological mechanisms are regulated by biomechanical forces and how physical principles can be leveraged to innovate new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews state-of-the-art mechanobiology knowledge about the yes-associated protein (YAP), a key mechanosensitive protein, and its roles in the development of drug resistance in human cancer. Specifically, the article discusses three topics: how YAP is mechanically regulated in living cells; the molecular mechanobiology mechanisms by which YAP, along with other functional pathways, influences drug resistance of cancer cells (particularly lung cancer cells); and finally, how the mechanical regulation of YAP can influence drug resistance and vice versa. By integrating these topics, we present a unified framework that has the potential to bring theoretical insights into the design of novel mechanomedicines and advance next-generation cancer therapies to suppress tumor progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Heyang Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Cole Mackey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Michael C. Chung
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Juan Guan
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Arkaprava Roy
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Mingyi Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Christopher Vulpe
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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15
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Shakiba D, Genin GM, Zustiak SP. Mechanobiology of cancer cell responsiveness to chemotherapy and immunotherapy: Mechanistic insights and biomaterial platforms. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114771. [PMID: 36889646 PMCID: PMC10133187 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114771] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are central to how cancer treatments such as chemotherapeutics and immunotherapies interact with cells and tissues. At the simplest level, electrostatic forces underlie the binding events that are critical to therapeutic function. However, a growing body of literature points to mechanical factors that also affect whether a drug or an immune cell can reach a target, and to interactions between a cell and its environment affecting therapeutic efficacy. These factors affect cell processes ranging from cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix remodeling to transduction of signals by the nucleus to metastasis of cells. This review presents and critiques the state of the art of our understanding of how mechanobiology impacts drug and immunotherapy resistance and responsiveness, and of the in vitro systems that have been of value in the discovery of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Shakiba
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Guy M Genin
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Silviya P Zustiak
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Science and Engineering, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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16
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Dzobo K, Dandara C. The Extracellular Matrix: Its Composition, Function, Remodeling, and Role in Tumorigenesis. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37092398 PMCID: PMC10123695 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a ubiquitous member of the body and is key to the maintenance of tissue and organ integrity. Initially thought to be a bystander in many cellular processes, the extracellular matrix has been shown to have diverse components that regulate and activate many cellular processes and ultimately influence cell phenotype. Importantly, the ECM's composition, architecture, and stiffness/elasticity influence cellular phenotypes. Under normal conditions and during development, the synthesized ECM constantly undergoes degradation and remodeling processes via the action of matrix proteases that maintain tissue homeostasis. In many pathological conditions including fibrosis and cancer, ECM synthesis, remodeling, and degradation is dysregulated, causing its integrity to be altered. Both physical and chemical cues from the ECM are sensed via receptors including integrins and play key roles in driving cellular proliferation and differentiation and in the progression of various diseases such as cancers. Advances in 'omics' technologies have seen an increase in studies focusing on bidirectional cell-matrix interactions, and here, we highlight the emerging knowledge on the role played by the ECM during normal development and in pathological conditions. This review summarizes current ECM-targeted therapies that can modify ECM tumors to overcome drug resistance and better cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- Medical Research Council, SA Wound Healing Unit, Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- The South African Medical Research Council-UCT Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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17
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Tang RZ, Liu XQ. Biophysical cues of in vitro biomaterials-based artificial extracellular matrix guide cancer cell plasticity. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100607. [PMID: 36960095 PMCID: PMC10027567 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence supports a role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer plasticity across multiple tumor types. The lack of in vitro models that represent the native ECMs is a significant challenge for cancer research and drug discovery. Therefore, a major motivation for developing new tumor models is to create the artificial ECM in vitro. Engineered biomaterials can closely mimic the architectural and mechanical properties of ECM to investigate their specific effects on cancer progression, offering an alternative to animal models for the testing of cancer cell behaviors. In this review, we focused on the biomaterials from different sources applied in the fabrication of the artificial ECM and their biophysical cues to recapitulate key features of tumor niche. Furthermore, we summarized how the distinct biophysical cues guided cell behaviors of cancer plasticity, including morphology, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs), proliferation, migration/invasion and drug resistance. We also discuss the future opportunities in using the artificial ECM for applications of tumorigenesis research and precision medicine, as well as provide useful messages of principles for designing suitable biomaterial scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Zhi Tang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, PR China
| | - Xi-Qiu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
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18
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Zhang K, Zhang Q, Jia R, Xiang S, Xu L. A comprehensive review of the relationship between autophagy and sorafenib-resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma: ferroptosis is noteworthy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1156383. [PMID: 37181755 PMCID: PMC10172583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1156383] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) bear a heavy burden of disease and economic burden but have fewer treatment options. Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, is the only approved drug that can be used to limit the progression of inoperable or distant metastatic HCC. However, enhanced autophagy and other molecular mechanisms after sorafenib exposure further induce drug resistance in HCC patients. Sorafenib-associated autophagy also generates a series of biomarkers, which may represent that autophagy is a critical section of sorafenib-resistance in HCC. Furthermore, many classic signaling pathways have been found to be involved in sorafenib-associated autophagy, including the HIF/mTOR signaling pathway, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and sphingolipid signaling, among others. In turn, autophagy also provokes autophagic activity in components of the tumor microenvironment, including tumor cells and stem cells, further impacting sorafenib-resistance in HCC through a special autophagic cell death process called ferroptosis. In this review, we summarized the latest research progress and molecular mechanisms of sorafenib-resistance-associated autophagy in detail, providing new insights and ideas for unraveling the dilemma of sorafenib-resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangnan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shihao Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shihao Xiang, ; Ling Xu,
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shihao Xiang, ; Ling Xu,
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19
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Rizzolio S, Giordano S, Corso S. The importance of being CAFs (in cancer resistance to targeted therapies). J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:319. [PMID: 36324182 PMCID: PMC9632140 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02524-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, clinical oncology has been revolutionized by the advent of targeted drugs. However, the efficacy of these therapies is significantly limited by primary and acquired resistance, that relies not only on cell-autonomous mechanisms but also on tumor microenvironment cues. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are extremely plastic cells of the tumor microenvironment. They not only produce extracellular matrix components that build up the structure of tumor stroma, but they also release growth factors, chemokines, exosomes, and metabolites that affect all tumor properties, including response to drug treatment. The contribution of CAFs to tumor progression has been deeply investigated and reviewed in several works. However, their role in resistance to anticancer therapies, and in particular to molecular therapies, has been largely overlooked. This review specifically dissects the role of CAFs in driving resistance to targeted therapies and discusses novel CAF targeted therapeutic strategies to improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Giordano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Simona Corso
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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20
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Li M, Zhao YY, Cui JF. Matrix stiffness in regulation of tumor angiogenesis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2022; 30:871-878. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v30.i20.871] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the most common malignant features of solid tumors such as liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastrointestinal tumors, which is the basis of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. It is also an important target of anti-tumor therapy. Tumor angiogenesis is usually triggered by biochemical, hypoxic, and biomechanical factors in the microenvironment. The regulation of biochemical signals and hypoxic microenvironment in tumor angiogenesis have been widely documented, but the role of biomechanical signals in tumor angiogenesis has gradually begun to be uncovered in recent years. The vasculature system is naturally sensitive to mechanical stimuli. Recent studies have highlighted the important regulatory effects of biomechanical stimuli, such as matrix stiffness, fluid shear stress, and vascular lumen pressure, on the phenotype and functions of tumor blood vessels. In this paper, we summarize the new progress and internal mechanisms of matrix stiffness-mediated effects on tumor angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ying-Ying Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie-Feng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
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21
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Azimian Zavareh V, Rafiee L, Sheikholeslam M, Shariati L, Vaseghi G, Savoji H, Haghjooy Javanmard S. Three-Dimensional in Vitro Models: A Promising Tool To Scale-Up Breast Cancer Research. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:4648-4672. [PMID: 36260561 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Common models used in breast cancer studies, including two-dimensional (2D) cultures and animal models, do not precisely model all aspects of breast tumors. These models do not well simulate the cell-cell and cell-stromal interactions required for normal tumor growth in the body and lake tumor like microenvironment. Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models are novel approaches to studying breast cancer. They do not have the restrictions of these conventional models and are able to recapitulate the structural architecture, complexity, and specific function of breast tumors and provide similar in vivo responses to therapeutic regimens. These models can be a link between former traditional 2D culture and in vivo models and are necessary for further studies in cancer. This review attempts to summarize the most common 3D in vitro models used in breast cancer studies, including scaffold-free (spheroid and organoid), scaffold-based, and chip-based models, particularly focused on the basic and translational application of these 3D models in drug screening and the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vajihe Azimian Zavareh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Core Research Facilities (CRF), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Rafiee
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Sheikholeslam
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran.,Cancer Prevention Research Center, Omid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
| | - Houman Savoji
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.,Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montreal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada.,Montreal TransMedTech Institute, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746 73461, Iran
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22
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Creixell M, Kim H, Mohammadi F, Peyton SR, Meyer AS. Systems approaches to uncovering the contribution of environment-mediated drug resistance. CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE 2022; 26:101005. [PMID: 36321161 PMCID: PMC9620953 DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2022.101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer drug response is heavily influenced by the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. Despite a clear appreciation that the ECM influences cancer drug response and progression, a unified view of how, where, and when environment-mediated drug resistance contributes to cancer progression has not coalesced. Here, we survey some specific ways in which the ECM contributes to cancer resistance with a focus on how materials development can coincide with systems biology approaches to better understand and perturb this contribution. We argue that part of the reason that environment-mediated resistance remains a perplexing problem is our lack of a wholistic view of the entire range of environments and their impacts on cell behavior. We cover a series of recent experimental and computational tools that will aid exploration of ECM reactions space, and how they might be synergistically integrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Creixell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Hyuna Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst
| | - Farnaz Mohammadi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Shelly R Peyton
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst
| | - Aaron S Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles
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23
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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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24
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SNAI1-expressing fibroblasts and derived-extracellular matrix as mediators of drug resistance in colorectal cancer patients. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 450:116171. [PMID: 35878797 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to antitumor treatments is one of the most important problems faced by clinicians in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main producers and remodelers of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is directly involved in drug resistance mechanisms. Primary Normal Fibroblasts (NFs) and CAFs and cell lines (fibroblasts and tumor cells), were used to generate ECM and to identify its role in the oxaliplatin and cetuximab chemoresistance processes of CRC cells mediated by SNAI1-expressing fibroblasts. Matrices generated by Snai1 KO MEFs (Knockout Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts) confer less resistance on oxaliplatin and cetuximab than wild-type MEF-derived matrices. Similarly, matrices derived from CAFs cause greater survival of colorectal cancer cells than NF-derived matrices, in a similar way to Snai1 expression levels. In addition, Snail1 expression in fibroblasts regulates drug resistance and metabolism gene expression in tumor cells mediated by ECM. Finally, a series of 531 patients (TCGA) with CRC was used to assess the role of SNAI1 expression in patients' prognosis indicating an association between tumor SNAI1 expression and overall survival in colon cancer patients but not in rectal cancer patients. SNAI1 expression in CRC cancer patients, together with in vitro experimentation, suggests the possible use of SNAI1 expression in tumor-associated fibroblasts as a predictive biomarker of response to oxaliplatin and cetuximab treatments in patients with CRC.
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25
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So CL, Meinert C, Xia Q, Robitaille M, Roberts-Thomson SJ, Monteith GR. Increased matrix stiffness suppresses ATP-induced sustained Ca2+ influx in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Cell Calcium 2022; 104:102569. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2022.102569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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26
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Pritchard JR, Lee MJ, Peyton SR. Materials-driven approaches to understand extrinsic drug resistance in cancer. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:3465-3472. [PMID: 35445686 PMCID: PMC9380814 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00071g] [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] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer has a poor prognosis, because it is broadly disseminated and associated with both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance. Critical unmet needs in effectively killing drug resistant cancer cells include overcoming the drug desensitization characteristics of some metastatic cancers/lesions, and tailoring therapeutic regimens to both the tumor microenvironment and the genetic profiles of the resident cancer cells. Bioengineers and materials scientists are developing technologies to determine how metastatic sites exclude therapies, and how extracellular factors (including cells, proteins, metabolites, extracellular matrix, and abiotic factors) at metastatic sites significantly affect drug pharmacodynamics. Two looming challenges are determining which feature, or combination of features, from the tumor microenvironment drive drug resistance, and what the relative impact is of extracellular signals vs. intrinsic cell genetics in determining drug response. Sophisticated systems biology tools that can de-convolve a crowded network of signals and responses, as well as controllable microenvironments capable of providing discrete and tunable extracellular cues can help us begin to interrogate the high dimensional interactions governing drug resistance in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Pritchard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, State College PA, USA
| | - Michael J Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shelly R Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 240 Thatcher Way, Life Sciences Laboratory N531, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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27
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Breaking through the barrier: Modelling and exploiting the physical microenvironment to enhance drug transport and efficacy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 184:114183. [PMID: 35278523 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical compounds are the main pillar in the treatment of various illnesses. To administer these drugs in the therapeutic setting, multiple routes of administration have been defined, including ingestion, inhalation, and injection. After administration, drugs need to find their way to the intended target for high effectiveness, and this penetration is greatly dependent on obstacles the drugs encounter along their path. Key hurdles include the physical barriers that are present within the body and knowledge of those is indispensable for progress in the development of drugs with increased therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we examine several important physical barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, the gut-mucosal barrier, and the extracellular matrix barrier, and evaluate their influence on drug transport and efficacy. We explore various in vitro model systems that aid in understanding how parameters within the barrier model affect drug transfer and therapeutic effect. We conclude that physical barriers in the body restrict the quantity of drugs that can pass through, mainly as a consequence of the barrier architecture. In addition, the specific physical properties of the tissue can trigger intracellular changes, altering cell behavior in response to drugs. Though the barriers negatively influence drug distribution, physical stimulation of the surrounding environment may also be exploited as a mechanism to control drug release. This drug delivery approach is explored in this review as a potential alternative to the conventional ways of delivering therapeutics.
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28
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Targeting extracellular matrix stiffness and mechanotransducers to improve cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:34. [PMID: 35331296 PMCID: PMC8943941 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01252-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer microenvironment is critical for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The extracellular matrix (ECM) interacts with tumor and stromal cells to promote cancer cells proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and immune evasion. Both ECM itself and ECM stiffening-induced mechanical stimuli may activate cell membrane receptors and mechanosensors such as integrin, Piezo1 and TRPV4, thereby modulating the malignant phenotype of tumor and stromal cells. A better understanding of how ECM stiffness regulates tumor progression will contribute to the development of new therapeutics. The rapidly expanding evidence in this research area suggests that the regulators and effectors of ECM stiffness represent potential therapeutic targets for cancer. This review summarizes recent work on the regulation of ECM stiffness in cancer, the effects of ECM stiffness on tumor progression, cancer immunity and drug resistance. We also discuss the potential targets that may be druggable to intervene ECM stiffness and tumor progression. Based on these advances, future efforts can be made to develop more effective and safe drugs to interrupt ECM stiffness-induced oncogenic signaling, cancer progression and drug resistance.
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29
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Kuermanbayi S, Yang Y, Zhao Y, Li Y, Wang L, Yang J, Zhou Y, Xu F, Li F. In situ monitoring of functional activity of extracellular matrix stiffness-dependent multidrug resistance protein 1 using scanning electrochemical microscopy. Chem Sci 2022; 13:10349-10360. [PMID: 36277620 PMCID: PMC9473519 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc02708a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness affects the drug resistance behavior of cancer cells, while multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) on the cell membrane confers treatment resistance via actively transporting drugs out of cancer cells. However, the relationship between ECM stiffness and MRP1 functional activity in cancer cells remains elusive, mainly due to the technical challenge of in situ monitoring. Herein, we engineered in vitro cancer cell models using breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells) as the reprehensive cells on polyacrylamide (PA) gels with three stiffness, mimicking different developmental stages of cancer. We in situ characterized the functional activity of MRP1 and investigated the effect of ECM stiffness on MRP1 of cancer cells before and after vincristine treatment using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with ferrocenecarboxylic acid (FcCOOH) as the redox mediator and endogenous glutathione (GSH) as the indicator. The SECM results show that the functional activity of MRP1 is enhanced with increasing ECM stiffness, and the MRP1-mediated vincristine efflux activity of MCF-7 cells is more affected by ECM stiffness than that of MDA-MB-231 cells. This work, for the first time, applied SECM to in situ and quantitatively monitor the functional activity of MRP1 in cancer cells in different tumor mechanical microenvironments, which could help to elucidate the mechanism of matrix stiffness-dependent drug resistance behavior in cancer cells. SECM using FcCOOH as the redox mediator and endogenous GSH as the indicator was employed to investigate the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on the functional activity of MRP1 in cancer cells in situ.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuake Kuermanbayi
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaowei Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yabei Li
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- School of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Feng Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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30
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Jansen LE, Kim H, Hall CL, McCarthy TP, Lee MJ, Peyton SR. A poly(ethylene glycol) three-dimensional bone marrow hydrogel. Biomaterials 2022; 280:121270. [PMID: 34890973 PMCID: PMC8890749 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) hydrogels made from synthetic polymers have emerged as in vitro cell culture platforms capable of representing the extracellular geometry, modulus, and water content of tissues in a tunable fashion. Hydrogels made from these otherwise non-bioactive polymers can be decorated with short peptides derived from proteins naturally found in tissues to support cell viability and direct phenotype. We identified two key limitations that limit the ability of this class of materials to recapitulate real tissue. First, these environments typically display between 1 and 3 bioactive peptides, which vastly underrepresents the diversity of proteins found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of real tissues. Second, peptides chosen are ubiquitous in ECM and not derived from proteins found in specific tissues, per se. To overcome this critical limitation in hydrogel design and functionality, we developed an approach to incorporate the complex and specific protein signature of bone marrow into a poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel. This bone marrow hydrogel mimics the elasticity of marrow and has 20 bone marrow-specific and cell-instructive peptides. We propose this tissue-centric approach as the next generation of 3D hydrogel design for applications in tissue engineering and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Jansen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Hyuna Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Christopher L Hall
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Thomas P McCarthy
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Michael J Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shelly R Peyton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA; Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst 240 Thatcher Way, Life Sciences Laboratory N531, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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31
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Zhou M, Chen X, Bai H, Sun Y, Zhang Z, Li S, Wang X, Zeng M. RABL2A-CCDC34 Axis Promotes Sorafenib Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. DNA Cell Biol 2021; 40:1418-1427. [PMID: 34767735 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.0473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined the regulatory role of CCDC34 in the sorafenib sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its functional partners. Wide-type Huh7 and Hep3B and induced sorafenib-resistant (SR) Huh7/SR and Hep3B/SR cells were used as in vitro cell models. Immunofluorescent staining and coimmunoprecipitation were performed to check protein-protein interaction. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL), PI/Annexin V staining, and western blot analysis were performed to assess cell response to sorafenib. The results showed that CCDC34 upregulation in HCC was associated with poor survival. Huh7/SR and Hep3B/SR cells had significantly higher CCDC34 expression than the parental cell lines. RABL2A expression was significantly upregulated in SR HCC cells and interacted with CCDC34 in its GTP-bound state in Huh7/SR and Hep3B/SR cells. RABL2A depletion sensitized Huh7/SR and Hep3B/SR cells to sorafenib. RABL2A Q80L mutant (GTP-bound state locked), but not S35N mutant (GDP-bound state locked) overexpression increased sorafenib IC50 of Huh7 and Hep3B cells. CCDC34 depletion nearly abrogated the protective effects of RABL2A Q80L overexpression both in vitro and in vivo. RABL2A Q80L overexpression significantly increased the expression of p-p38 and p-JNK, the effects of which were significantly attenuated by CCDC34 depletion. In summary, we infer that the RABL2A-CCDC34 axis plays an important role in mediating p38/MAPK and JNK/MAPK signaling, thereby contributing to acquired sorafenib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiu Zhou
- Cancer Center, Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China.,School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Cancer Center, Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China.,School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hansong Bai
- Cancer Center, Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China.,School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuemei Sun
- Cancer Center, Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zican Zhang
- Cancer Center, Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Simin Li
- Cancer Center, Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoshan Wang
- Cancer Center, Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Cancer Center, Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China.,School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Cancer Center, Chengdu BOE Hospital, Chengdu, China
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32
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Sükei T, Palma E, Urbani L. Interplay between Cellular and Non-Cellular Components of the Tumour Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5586. [PMID: 34771746 PMCID: PMC8583132 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide. Currently, treatments available for advanced HCC provide dismal chances of survival, thus there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. While much of the focus of recent decades has been on targeting malignant cells, promising results have emerged from targeting the tumour microenvironment (TME). The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the main non-cellular component of the TME and it profoundly changes during tumorigenesis to promote the growth and survival of malignant cells. Despite this, many in vitro models for drug testing fail to consider the TME leading to a high failure rate in clinical trials. Here, we present an overview of the function and properties of the ECM in the liver and how these change during malignant transformation. We also discuss the relationship between immune cells and ECM in the TME in HCC. Lastly, we present advanced, 3D culture techniques of cancer modelling and argue that the incorporation of TME components into these is essential to better recapitulate the complex interactions within the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Sükei
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK; (T.S.); (E.P.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Elena Palma
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK; (T.S.); (E.P.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Luca Urbani
- The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK; (T.S.); (E.P.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
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33
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Wu J, Liyarita BR, Zhu H, Liu M, Hu X, Shao F. Self-Assembly of Dendritic DNA into a Hydrogel: Application in Three-Dimensional Cell Culture. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:49705-49712. [PMID: 34658242 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c14445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
With inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and unique programmability, hydrogels with a DNA framework show great potential in three-dimensional (3D) cell culture. Here, a DNA hydrogel was assembled by a dendritic DNA with four branches. The hydrogel showed tunable mechanical strength and reversible thixotropy even under a nanomolar DNA concentration. The cell culture medium can be converted into the hydrogel isothermally at physiological temperature. This DNA hydrogel allows both cancer and somatic cells to be seeded in situ and to achieve high proliferation and viability. The bis-entity of dendritic branches enabled the specific loading of bioactive clues to regulate cell behaviors. Thus, the dendritic DNA-assembled hydrogel could serve as a highly biocompatible, readily functionalizing, and easy-casting gel platform for 3D cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Wu
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Nanyang Technological University, 637371 Singapore
| | - Bella Rosa Liyarita
- Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Nanyang Technological University, 637371 Singapore
| | - Haishuang Zhu
- ZJU-UIUC Institute, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Temasek Laboratories@NTU, Nanyang Technological University, 637371 Singapore
| | - Xiao Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Environment Chemistry and Materials Centre, NEWRI, Nanyang Technological University, 637371 Singapore
| | - Fangwei Shao
- ZJU-UIUC Institute, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining, Zhejiang 314400, China
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Chen Y, Li P, Peng Y, Xie X, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Li T, Qin X, Li S, Yang H, Wu C, Zheng C, Zhu J, You F, Liu Y. Protective autophagy attenuates soft substrate-induced apoptosis through ROS/JNK signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 172:590-603. [PMID: 34242793 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironments are characterized not only in terms of chemical composition, but also by physical properties such as stiffness, which influences morphology, proliferation, and fate of tumor cells. However, the underlying mechanisms between matrix stiffness and the apoptosis-autophagy balance remain largely unexplored. In this study, we cultured human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells on rigid (57 kPa), stiff (38 kPa) or soft (10 kPa) substrates and demonstrated that increasing autophagy levels and autophagic flux in the cells cultured on soft substrates partly attenuated soft substrate-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, this protective autophagy is regulated by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which triggers the downstream signals of JNK, Bcl-2 and Beclin-1. More importantly, soft substrate-induced activation of ROS/JNK signaling promotes cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, whereas it increases protective autophagy by suppressing the interaction of Bcl-2 and Beclin-1. Taken together, our data suggest that JNK is the mediator of soft substrate-induced breast cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy which is likely to be the mechanism that partly attenuates mitochondrial apoptosis. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism by which autophagy plays a protective role against soft substrate-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yueting Peng
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Xie
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yixi Zhang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiang Qin
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shun Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chunhui Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chuan Zheng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jie Zhu
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Fengming You
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yiyao Liu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China; TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China.
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Actin cytoskeleton deregulation confers midostaurin resistance in FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia. Commun Biol 2021; 4:799. [PMID: 34172833 PMCID: PMC8233337 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02215-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) is one of the most frequent mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. FLT3 inhibitors, such as midostaurin, are used clinically but fail to entirely eradicate FLT3-ITD + AML. This study introduces a new perspective and highlights the impact of RAC1-dependent actin cytoskeleton remodeling on resistance to midostaurin in AML. RAC1 hyperactivation leads resistance via hyperphosphorylation of the positive regulator of actin polymerization N-WASP and antiapoptotic BCL-2. RAC1/N-WASP, through ARP2/3 complex activation, increases the number of actin filaments, cell stiffness and adhesion forces to mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) being identified as a biomarker of resistance. Midostaurin resistance can be overcome by a combination of midostaruin, the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax and the RAC1 inhibitor Eht1864 in midostaurin-resistant AML cell lines and primary samples, providing the first evidence of a potential new treatment approach to eradicate FLT3-ITD + AML. Garitano-Trojaola et al. used a combination of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and primary samples to show that RAC1-dependent actin cytoskeleton remodeling through BCL2 family plays a key role in resistance to the FLT3 inhibitor, Midostaurin in AML. They showed that by targeting RAC1 and BCL2, Midostaurin resistance was diminished, which potentially paves the way for an innovate treatment approach for FLT3 mutant AML.
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Hussein NA, Malla S, Pasternak MA, Terrero D, Brown NG, Ashby CR, Assaraf YG, Chen ZS, Tiwari AK. The role of endolysosomal trafficking in anticancer drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 57:100769. [PMID: 34217999 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major obstacle towards curative treatment of cancer. Despite considerable progress in delineating the basis of intrinsic and acquired MDR, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Emerging evidences suggest that dysregulation in endolysosomal compartments is involved in mediating MDR through multiple mechanisms, such as alterations in endosomes, lysosomes and autophagosomes, that traffic and biodegrade the molecular cargo through macropinocytosis, autophagy and endocytosis. For example, altered lysosomal pH, in combination with transcription factor EB (TFEB)-mediated lysosomal biogenesis, increases the sequestration of hydrophobic anti-cancer drugs that are weak bases, thereby producing an insufficient and off-target accumulation of anti-cancer drugs in MDR cancer cells. Thus, the use of well-tolerated, alkalinizing compounds that selectively block Vacuolar H⁺-ATPase (V-ATPase) may be an important strategy to overcome MDR in cancer cells and increase chemotherapeutic efficacy. Other mechanisms of endolysosomal-mediated drug resistance include increases in the expression of lysosomal proteases and cathepsins that are involved in mediating carcinogenesis and chemoresistance. Therefore, blocking the trafficking and maturation of lysosomal proteases or direct inhibition of cathepsin activity in the cytosol may represent novel therapeutic modalities to overcome MDR. Furthermore, endolysosomal compartments involved in catabolic pathways, such as macropinocytosis and autophagy, are also shown to be involved in the development of MDR. Here, we review the role of endolysosomal trafficking in MDR development and discuss how targeting endolysosomal pathways could emerge as a new therapeutic strategy to overcome chemoresistance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor A Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, 43614, OH, USA
| | - Saloni Malla
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, 43614, OH, USA
| | - Mariah A Pasternak
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, 43614, OH, USA
| | - David Terrero
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, 43614, OH, USA
| | - Noah G Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, 43614, OH, USA
| | - Charles R Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, USA.
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, 43614, OH, USA; Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, 43614, OH, USA.
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Khalaf K, Hana D, Chou JTT, Singh C, Mackiewicz A, Kaczmarek M. Aspects of the Tumor Microenvironment Involved in Immune Resistance and Drug Resistance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:656364. [PMID: 34122412 PMCID: PMC8190405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.656364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and ever-changing "rogue organ" composed of its own blood supply, lymphatic and nervous systems, stroma, immune cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). These complex components, utilizing both benign and malignant cells, nurture the harsh, immunosuppressive and nutrient-deficient environment necessary for tumor cell growth, proliferation and phenotypic flexibility and variation. An important aspect of the TME is cellular crosstalk and cell-to-ECM communication. This interaction induces the release of soluble factors responsible for immune evasion and ECM remodeling, which further contribute to therapy resistance. Other aspects are the presence of exosomes contributed by both malignant and benign cells, circulating deregulated microRNAs and TME-specific metabolic patterns which further potentiate the progression and/or resistance to therapy. In addition to biochemical signaling, specific TME characteristics such as the hypoxic environment, metabolic derangements, and abnormal mechanical forces have been implicated in the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will provide an overview of tumor microenvironmental composition, structure, and features that influence immune suppression and contribute to treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Khalaf
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Doris Hana
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jadzia Tin-Tsen Chou
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Chandpreet Singh
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Drain AP, Zahir N, Northey JJ, Zhang H, Huang PJ, Maller O, Lakins JN, Yu X, Leight JL, Alston-Mills BP, Hwang ES, Chen YY, Park CC, Weaver VM. Matrix compliance permits NF-κB activation to drive therapy resistance in breast cancer. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20191360. [PMID: 33822843 PMCID: PMC8025243 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are associated with poor survival mediated by treatment resistance. TNBCs are fibrotic, yet little is known regarding how the extracellular matrix (ECM) evolves following therapy and whether it impacts treatment response. Analysis revealed that while primary untreated TNBCs are surrounded by a rigid stromal microenvironment, chemotherapy-resistant residual tumors inhabit a softer niche. TNBC organoid cultures and xenograft studies showed that organoids interacting with soft ECM exhibit striking resistance to chemotherapy, ionizing radiation, and death receptor ligand TRAIL. A stiff ECM enhanced proapoptotic JNK activity to sensitize cells to treatment, whereas a soft ECM promoted treatment resistance by elevating NF-κB activity and compromising JNK activity. Treatment-resistant residual TNBCs residing within soft stroma had elevated activated NF-κB levels, and disengaging NF-κB activity sensitized tumors in a soft matrix to therapy. Thus, the biophysical properties of the ECM modify treatment response, and agents that modulate stiffness-dependent NF-κB or JNK activity could enhance therapeutic efficacy in patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P. Drain
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- University of California, Berkeley–University of California, San Francisco Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Nastaran Zahir
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jason J. Northey
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Po-Jui Huang
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Ori Maller
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Johnathon N. Lakins
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Xinmiao Yu
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Jennifer L. Leight
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Brenda P. Alston-Mills
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - E. Shelley Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Yunn-Yi Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Catherine C. Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- University of California, San Francisco Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Valerie M. Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- University of California, San Francisco Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Abstract
The extracellular matrix is a fundamental, core component of all tissues and organs, and is essential for the existence of multicellular organisms. From the earliest stages of organism development until death, it regulates and fine-tunes every cellular process in the body. In cancer, the extracellular matrix is altered at the biochemical, biomechanical, architectural and topographical levels, and recent years have seen an exponential increase in the study and recognition of the importance of the matrix in solid tumours. Coupled with the advancement of new technologies to study various elements of the matrix and cell-matrix interactions, we are also beginning to see the deployment of matrix-centric, stromal targeting cancer therapies. This Review touches on many of the facets of matrix biology in solid cancers, including breast, pancreatic and lung cancer, with the aim of highlighting some of the emerging interactions of the matrix and influences that the matrix has on tumour onset, progression and metastatic dissemination, before summarizing the ongoing work in the field aimed at developing therapies to co-target the matrix in cancer and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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40
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Ng K, Shea QT, Wong T, Luk ST, Tong M, Lo C, Man K, Yun J, Guan X, Lee TK, Zheng Y, Ma S. Chemotherapy-Enriched THBS2-Deficient Cancer Stem Cells Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis through Matrix Softness Induced Histone H3 Modifications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2002483. [PMID: 33717837 PMCID: PMC7927606 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The physical microenvironment is a critical mediator of tumor behavior. However, detailed biological and mechanistic insight is lacking. The present study reveals the role of chemotherapy-enriched CD133+ liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) with THBS2 deficiency. This subpopulation of cells contributes to a more aggressive cancer and functional stemness phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, collagen degradation, and matrix stiffness. The local soft spots created by these liver CSCs can enhance stemness and drug resistance and provide a route of escape to facilitate HCC metastasis. Interestingly, a positive feed-forward loop is identified where a local soft spot microenvironment in the HCC tumor is enriched with CD133 expressing cells that secrete markedly less ECM-modifying THBS2 upon histone H3 modification at its promoter region, allowing the maintenance of a localized soft spot matrix. Clinically, THBS2 deficiency is also correlated with low HCC survival, where high levels of CSCs with low THBS2 expression in HCC are associated with decreased collagen fiber deposits and an invasive tumor front. The findings have implications for the treatment of cancer stemness and for the prevention of tumor outgrowth through disseminated tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai‐Yu Ng
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Queenie T. Shea
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Tin‐Lok Wong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Steve T. Luk
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Chung‐Mau Lo
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Jing‐Ping Yun
- Department of PathologySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CentreGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Xin‐Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
- Department of Clinical OncologyQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Terence K. Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Yong‐Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
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Wantoch von Rekowski K, König P, Henze S, Schlesinger M, Zawierucha P, Januchowski R, Bendas G. Insight into Cisplatin-Resistance Signaling of W1 Ovarian Cancer Cells Emerges mTOR and HSP27 as Targets for Sensitization Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9240. [PMID: 33287446 PMCID: PMC7730285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment possesses a strong impact on the tumor chemoresistance when cells bind to components of the extracellular matrix. Here we elucidate the signaling pathways of cisplatin resistance in W1 ovarian cancer cells binding to collagen type 1 (COL1) and signaling interference with constitutive cisplatin resistance in W1CR cells to discover the targets for sensitization. Proteome kinase arrays and Western blots were used to identify the signaling components, their impact on cisplatin resistance was evaluated by inhibitory or knockdown approaches. W1 cell binding to COL1 upregulates integrin-associated signals via FAK/PRAS40/mTOR, confirmed by β1-integrin (ITGB1) knockdown. mTOR appears as key for resistance, its blockade reversed COL1 effects on W1 cell resistance completely. W1CR cells compensate ITGB1-knockdown by upregulation of discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) as alternative COL1 sensor. COL1 binding via DDR1 activates the MAPK pathway, of which JNK1/2 appears critical for COL1-mediated resistance. JNK1/2 inhibition inverts COL1 effects in W1CR cells, whereas intrinsic cisplatin resistance remained unaffected. Remarkably, knockdown of HSP27, another downstream MAPK pathway component overcomes intrinsic resistance completely sensitizing W1CR cells to the level of W1 cells for cisplatin cytotoxicity. Our data confirm the independent regulation of matrix-induced and intrinsic chemoresistance in W1 ovarian cancer cells and offer novel targets for sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philipp König
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany; (K.W.v.R.); (P.K.); (S.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Svenja Henze
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany; (K.W.v.R.); (P.K.); (S.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Martin Schlesinger
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany; (K.W.v.R.); (P.K.); (S.H.); (M.S.)
| | - Piotr Zawierucha
- Department of RNA Metabolism, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, 61-704 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Radosław Januchowski
- Institute of Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, Zyty 28 St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland;
| | - Gerd Bendas
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, 53113 Bonn, Germany; (K.W.v.R.); (P.K.); (S.H.); (M.S.)
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Yoo J, Seo BK, Park EK, Kwon M, Jeong H, Cho KR, Woo OH, Song SE, Cha J. Tumor stiffness measured by shear wave elastography correlates with tumor hypoxia as well as histologic biomarkers in breast cancer. Cancer Imaging 2020; 20:85. [PMID: 33256820 PMCID: PMC7706221 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-020-00362-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound technique for the noninvasive quantification of tissue stiffness. The hypoxic tumor microenvironment promotes tumor stiffness and is associated with poor prognosis in cancer. We aimed to investigate the correlation between tumor hypoxia and histologic biomarkers and tumor stiffness measured by SWE in breast cancer. Methods From June 2016 to January 2018, 82 women with invasive breast cancer who underwent SWE before treatment were enrolled. Average tumor elasticity (Eaverage) and tumor-to-fat elasticity ratio (Eratio) were extracted from SWE. Immunohistochemical staining of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) was used to assess tumor hypoxia in breast cancer tissues and automated digital image analysis was performed to assess GLUT1 activities. Spearman correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between GLUT1 expression and SWE values, histologic biomarkers, and molecular subtypes. The Mann–Whitney U test, t test, or Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare SWE values and histologic features according to the GLUT1 expression (≤the median vs > median). Results Eaverage (r = 0.676) and Eratio (r = 0.411) correlated significantly with GLUT1 expression (both p < 0.001). Eaverage was significantly higher in cancers with estrogen receptor (ER)–, progesterone receptor (PR)–, Ki67+, and high-grade (p < 0.05). Eratio was higher in cancers with Ki67+, lymph node metastasis, and high-grade (p < 0.05). Cancers with high GLUT1 expression (>median) had higher Eaverage (mean, 85.4 kPa vs 125.5 kPa) and Eratio (mean, 11.7 vs 17.9), and more frequent ER– (21.7% vs 78.3%), PR– (26.4% vs 73.1%), Ki67+ (31.7%% vs 68.3%), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) + (25.0% vs 75.0%), high-grade (28.6% vs 71.4%), and HER2-overexpressing (25.0% vs 75.0%) and triple-negative (23.1% vs 76.9%) subtypes (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that Eaverage was independently associated with GLUT1 expression (p < 0.001). Conclusions Tumor stiffness on SWE is significantly correlated with tumor hypoxia as well as histologic biomarkers. In particular, Eaverage on SWE has independent prognostic significance for tumor hypoxia in the multivariable analysis and can potentially be used as a noninvasive imaging biomarker to predict prognosis and pretreatment risk stratification in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonghyun Yoo
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 123 Jeokgeum-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15355, South Korea
| | - Bo Kyoung Seo
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 123 Jeokgeum-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15355, South Korea.
| | - Eun Kyung Park
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 123 Jeokgeum-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15355, South Korea
| | - Myoungae Kwon
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 123 Jeokgeum-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15355, South Korea
| | - Hoiseon Jeong
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 123 Jeokgeum-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15355, South Korea
| | - Kyu Ran Cho
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Ok Hee Woo
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 148 Gurodong-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul, 08308, South Korea
| | - Sung Eun Song
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Jaehyung Cha
- Medical Science Research Center, Korea University Ansan Hospital, 123 Jeokgeum-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, 15355, South Korea
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Li Y, Khuu N, Prince E, Tao H, Zhang N, Chen Z, Gevorkian A, McGuigan AP, Kumacheva E. Matrix Stiffness-Regulated Growth of Breast Tumor Spheroids and Their Response to Chemotherapy. Biomacromolecules 2020; 22:419-429. [PMID: 33136364 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) are an important factor contributing to therapy failure in cancer patients. Current in vitro breast cancer spheroid models examining the role of mechanical properties on spheroid response to chemotherapy are limited by the use of two-dimensional cell culture, as well as simultaneous variation in hydrogel matrix stiffness and other properties, e.g., hydrogel composition, pore size, and cell adhesion ligand density. In addition, currently used hydrogel matrices do not replicate the filamentous ECM architecture in a breast tumor microenvironment. Here, we report a collagen-alginate hydrogel with a filamentous architecture and a 20-fold variation in stiffness, achieved independently of other properties, used for the evaluation of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer spheroid response to doxorubicin. The variation in hydrogel mechanical properties was achieved by altering the degree of cross-linking of alginate molecules. We show that soft hydrogels promote the growth of larger MCF-7 tumor spheroids with a lower fraction of proliferating cells and enhance spheroid resistance to doxorubicin. Notably, the stiffness-dependent chemotherapeutic response of the spheroids was temporally mediated: it became apparent at sufficiently long cell culture times, when the matrix stiffness has influenced the spheroid growth. These findings highlight the significance of decoupling matrix stiffness from other characteristics in studies of chemotherapeutic resistance of tumor spheroids and in development of drug screening platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, People's Republic of China
| | - Nancy Khuu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Prince
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Huachen Tao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Ningtong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Zhengkun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Albert Gevorkian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Alison P McGuigan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada.,The Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada.,The Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
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44
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Xin Y, Li K, Yang M, Tan Y. Fluid Shear Stress Induces EMT of Circulating Tumor Cells via JNK Signaling in Favor of Their Survival during Hematogenous Dissemination. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218115. [PMID: 33143160 PMCID: PMC7663710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells metastasize to distal organs mainly through hematogenous dissemination, where they experience considerable levels of fluid shear stress. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in tumor metastasis. However, how fluid shear stress influences the EMT phenotype of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in suspension has not been fully understood. The role of shear-induced EMT in cell survival under blood shear flow remains unclear. This study shows that the majority of breast CTCs underwent apoptosis under shear flow and the surviving cells exhibited mesenchymal phenotype, suggesting that fluid shear stress induces EMT. Mechanistically, fluid shear stress-activated Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, inhibition/activation of which suppressed/promoted the EMT phenotype. In particular, shear flow facilitated the JNK-dependent transition of epithelial CTCs into the mesenchymal status and maintained the pre-existing mesenchymal cells. Importantly, the induction of EMT suppressed the pro-apoptosis gene p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) and enhanced the survival of suspended CTCs in fluid shear stress, which was rescued by overexpressing PUMA or silencing JNK signaling, suggesting that shear-induced EMT promotes CTC survival through PUMA downregulation and JNK activation. Further, the expressions of EMT markers and JUN were correlated with poor patient survival. In summary, our findings have demonstrated that fluid shear stress induces EMT in suspended CTCs via JNK signaling that promotes their survival in shear flow. This study thus unveils a new role of blood shear stress in CTC survival and facilitates the development of novel therapeutics against tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; (Y.X.); (K.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; (Y.X.); (K.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Mo Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China; (Y.X.); (K.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- Correspondence:
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45
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Schröder M, Tan L, Wang J, Liang Y, Gray NS, Knapp S, Chaikuad A. Catalytic Domain Plasticity of MKK7 Reveals Structural Mechanisms of Allosteric Activation and Diverse Targeting Opportunities. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:1285-1295.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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46
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Li X, Chen W, Liu K, Zhang S, Yang R, Liu K, Li D, Huang Y. Oridonin Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma to the Anticancer Effect of Sorafenib by Targeting the Akt Pathway. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:8081-8091. [PMID: 32982405 PMCID: PMC7494228 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s257482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oridonin is the core bioactive component of Rabdosia rubescens, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used in the treatment of hepatoma. Sorafenib, a targeted therapeutic agent for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has recently been shown to exert limited clinical effects. However, few studies have focused on the synergistic effect of these two drugs on hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods We treated different HCC cell lines with different concentrations of oridonin and sorafenib and assessed the viability by using MTT assays and examined proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis after cotreatment of HepG2 cells with 20 μM oridonin and 5 μM sorafenib via colony formation assays, Transwell assays and flow cytometry. Regulatory effects were measured by Western blotting. The in vivo synergistic effect was confirmed through xenograft tumor models, and tumor tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results The inhibitory effects of oridonin and sorafenib cotreatment on HCC cells were stronger than those of either drug alone. In addition, combined treatment with the two drugs synergistically inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition and the Akt pathway but not NF-κB or MAPK signaling. Akt phosphorylation by SC79 reversed the inhibitory effects of the combined treatment. Synergistic inhibition was equally observed in vivo. Conclusion Oridonin combined with sorafenib synergistically inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition and induced apoptosis by targeting the Akt pathway but not NF-κB or MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuguang Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Abdominal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Weirun Chen
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaihang Liu
- Department of General Practice, The People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru Yang
- Department of General Practice, Women & Children Health Institute Futian Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kairui Liu
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Dateng Li
- Department of Statistical Science, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275, USA
| | - Youxing Huang
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
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47
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Su CY, Li JQ, Zhang LL, Wang H, Wang FH, Tao YW, Wang YQ, Guo QR, Li JJ, Liu Y, Yan YY, Zhang JY. The Biological Functions and Clinical Applications of Integrins in Cancers. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:579068. [PMID: 33041823 PMCID: PMC7522798 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.579068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrins are the adhesion molecules and receptors of extracellular matrix (ECM). They mediate the interactions between cells-cells and cells-ECM. The crosstalk between cancer cells and their microenvironment triggers a variety of critical signaling cues and promotes the malignant phenotype of cancer. As a type of transmembrane protein, integrin-mediated cell adhesion is essential in regulating various biological functions of cancer cells. Recent evidence has shown that integrins present on tumor cells or tumor-associated stromal cells are involved in ECM remodeling, and as mechanotransducers sensing changes in the biophysical properties of the ECM, which contribute to cancer metastasis, stemness and drug resistance. In this review, we outline the mechanism of integrin-mediated effects on biological changes of cancers and highlight the current status of clinical treatments by targeting integrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yue Su
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Quan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Ling-Ling Zhang
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics/Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng-Hua Wang
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics/Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Wen Tao
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Qing Wang
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiao-Ru Guo
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Jun Li
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Liu
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Yan Yan
- Institute of Immunology and School of Medicine, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jian-Ye Zhang
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Molecular Target and Clinical Pharmacology and the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
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48
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Liu XQ, Chen XT, Liu ZZ, Gu SS, He LJ, Wang KP, Tang RZ. Biomimetic Matrix Stiffness Modulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Malignant Phenotypes and Macrophage Polarization through Multiple Modes of Mechanical Feedbacks. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:3994-4004. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Qiu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xin-Ting Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Sai-Sai Gu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Li-Jie He
- Graphitene Ltd., Flixborough, North Lincolnshire DN15 8SJ, United Kingdom
| | - Kai-Ping Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
| | - Rui-Zhi Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
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Girard CA, Lecacheur M, Ben Jouira R, Berestjuk I, Diazzi S, Prod'homme V, Mallavialle A, Larbret F, Gesson M, Schaub S, Pisano S, Audebert S, Mari B, Gaggioli C, Leucci E, Marine JC, Deckert M, Tartare-Deckert S. A Feed-Forward Mechanosignaling Loop Confers Resistance to Therapies Targeting the MAPK Pathway in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1927-1941. [PMID: 32179513 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and stiffening is a physical hallmark of several solid cancers and is associated with therapy failure. BRAF-mutant melanomas treated with BRAF and MEK inhibitors almost invariably develop resistance that is frequently associated with transcriptional reprogramming and a de-differentiated cell state. Melanoma cells secrete their own ECM proteins, an event that is promoted by oncogenic BRAF inhibition. Yet, the contribution of cancer cell-derived ECM and tumor mechanics to drug adaptation and therapy resistance remains poorly understood. Here, we show that melanoma cells can adapt to targeted therapies through a mechanosignaling loop involving the autocrine remodeling of a drug-protective ECM. Analyses revealed that therapy-resistant cells associated with a mesenchymal dedifferentiated state displayed elevated responsiveness to collagen stiffening and force-mediated ECM remodeling through activation of actin-dependent mechanosensors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF). Short-term inhibition of MAPK pathway also induced mechanosignaling associated with deposition and remodeling of an aligned fibrillar matrix. This provided a favored ECM reorganization that promoted tolerance to BRAF inhibition in a YAP- and MRTF-dependent manner. Matrix remodeling and tumor stiffening were also observed in vivo upon exposure of BRAF-mutant melanoma cell lines or patient-derived xenograft models to MAPK pathway inhibition. Importantly, pharmacologic targeting of YAP reversed treatment-induced excessive collagen deposition, leading to enhancement of BRAF inhibitor efficacy. We conclude that MAPK pathway targeting therapies mechanically reprogram melanoma cells to confer a drug-protective matrix environment. Preventing melanoma cell mechanical reprogramming might be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients on targeted therapies. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings reveal a biomechanical adaptation of melanoma cells to oncogenic BRAF pathway inhibition, which fuels a YAP/MRTF-dependent feed-forward loop associated with tumor stiffening, mechanosensing, and therapy resistance. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/10/1927/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe A Girard
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | - Margaux Lecacheur
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | - Rania Ben Jouira
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | - Ilona Berestjuk
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | - Serena Diazzi
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | - Virginie Prod'homme
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | - Aude Mallavialle
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | - Frédéric Larbret
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | - Maéva Gesson
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France.,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | | | - Sabrina Pisano
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, IRCAN, Nice, France
| | - Stéphane Audebert
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Bernard Mari
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | | | - Eleonora Leucci
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,TRACE, LKI Leuven Cancer Institute, KU Leuven
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory For Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marcel Deckert
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France. .,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
| | - Sophie Tartare-Deckert
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, C3M, Nice, France. .,Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer 2016, Nice, France
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50
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Seitz T, Freese K, Dietrich P, Thasler WE, Bosserhoff A, Hellerbrand C. Fibroblast Growth Factor 9 is expressed by activated hepatic stellate cells and promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4546. [PMID: 32161315 PMCID: PMC7066162 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely associated with liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and cancer-associated myofibroblasts are key players in liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Overexpression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors contributes to HCC development and progression. This study aimed to elucidate the role of FGFs in the HSC-HCC crosstalk. Analysis of the expression of the fifteen paracrine FGF-members revealed that FGF9 was only expressed by HSC but not by HCC cells. Also in human HCC tissues, HSC/stromal myofibroblasts were identified as cellular source of FGF9. High expression levels of FGF9 significantly correlated with poor patient survival. Stimulation with recombinant FGF9 induced ERK- and JNK-activation combined with significantly enhanced proliferation, clonogenicity, and migration of HCC cells. Moreover, FGF9 significantly reduced the sensitivity of HCC cells against sorafenib. Protumorigenic effects of FGF9 on HCC cells were almost completely abrogated by the FGFR1/2/3 inhibitor BGJ398, while the selective FGFR4 inhibitor BLU9931 had no significant effect. In conclusion, these data indicate that stroma-derived FGF9 promotes tumorigenicity and sorafenib resistance of HCC cells and FGF9 overexpression correlates with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Herewith, FGF9 appears as potential prognostic marker and novel therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Seitz
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kim Freese
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Dietrich
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Clinic 1, Department of Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Anja Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany.
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