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Ianevski A, Nader K, Driva K, Senkowski W, Bulanova D, Moyano-Galceran L, Ruokoranta T, Kuusanmäki H, Ikonen N, Sergeev P, Vähä-Koskela M, Giri AK, Vähärautio A, Kontro M, Porkka K, Pitkänen E, Heckman CA, Wennerberg K, Aittokallio T. Single-cell transcriptomes identify patient-tailored therapies for selective co-inhibition of cancer clones. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8579. [PMID: 39362905 PMCID: PMC11450203 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52980-5] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Intratumoral cellular heterogeneity necessitates multi-targeting therapies for improved clinical benefits in advanced malignancies. However, systematic identification of patient-specific treatments that selectively co-inhibit cancerous cell populations poses a combinatorial challenge, since the number of possible drug-dose combinations vastly exceeds what could be tested in patient cells. Here, we describe a machine learning approach, scTherapy, which leverages single-cell transcriptomic profiles to prioritize multi-targeting treatment options for individual patients with hematological cancers or solid tumors. Patient-specific treatments reveal a wide spectrum of co-inhibitors of multiple biological pathways predicted for primary cells from heterogenous cohorts of patients with acute myeloid leukemia and high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, each with unique resistance patterns and synergy mechanisms. Experimental validations confirm that 96% of the multi-targeting treatments exhibit selective efficacy or synergy, and 83% demonstrate low toxicity to normal cells, highlighting their potential for therapeutic efficacy and safety. In a pan-cancer analysis across five cancer types, 25% of the predicted treatments are shared among the patients of the same tumor type, while 19% of the treatments are patient-specific. Our approach provides a widely-applicable strategy to identify personalized treatment regimens that selectively co-inhibit malignant cells and avoid inhibition of non-cancerous cells, thereby increasing their likelihood for clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Ianevski
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristen Nader
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kyriaki Driva
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Wojciech Senkowski
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daria Bulanova
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lidia Moyano-Galceran
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tanja Ruokoranta
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Hematology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Kuusanmäki
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute (FCI), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nemo Ikonen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Philipp Sergeev
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markus Vähä-Koskela
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anil K Giri
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute (FCI), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Vähärautio
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute (FCI), Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Kontro
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Hematology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute (FCI), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kimmo Porkka
- Department of Hematology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esa Pitkänen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caroline A Heckman
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tero Aittokallio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
- Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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2
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Kutz O, Drukewitz S, Krüger A, Aust D, William D, Oster S, Schröck E, Baretton G, Link T, Wimberger P, Kuhlmann JD. Exploring evolutionary trajectories in ovarian cancer patients by longitudinal analysis of ctDNA. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:2070-2081. [PMID: 38577791 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-1266] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We analysed whether temporal heterogeneity of ctDNA encodes evolutionary patterns in ovarian cancer. METHODS Targeted sequencing of 275 cancer-associated genes was performed in a primary tumor biopsy and in ctDNA of six longitudinal plasma samples from 15 patients, using the Illumina platform. RESULTS While there was low overall concordance between the mutational spectrum of the primary tumor biopsies vs. ctDNA, TP53 variants were the most commonly shared somatic alterations. Up to three variant clusters were detected in each tumor biopsy, likely representing predominant clones of the primary tumor, most of them harbouring a TP53 variant. By tracing these clusters in ctDNA, we propose that liquid biopsy may allow to assess the contribution of ancestral clones of the tumor to relapsed abdominal masses, revealing two evolutionary patterns. In pattern#1, clusters detected in the primary tumor biopsy were likely relapse seeding clones, as they contributed a major share to ctDNA at relapse. In pattern#2, similar clusters were present in tumors and ctDNA; however, they were entirely cleared from liquid biopsy after chemotherapy and were undetectable at relapse. ctDNA private variants were present among both patterns, with some of them mirroring subclonal expansions after chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that tracing the temporal heterogeneity of ctDNA, even below exome scale resolution, deciphers evolutionary trajectories in ovarian cancer. Furthermore, we describe two evolutionary patterns that may help to identify relapse seeding clones for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Kutz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, 9169 University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- ERN GENTURIS, 9169 Hereditary Cancer Syndrome Center , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics , Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Drukewitz
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
- Core Unit for Molecular Tumor Diagnostics (CMTD), 9169 Technische Universitat Dresden , Dresden, Sachsen, Germany
| | - Alexander Krüger
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- Core Unit for Molecular Tumor Diagnostics (CMTD), 9169 Technische Universitat Dresden , Dresden, Sachsen, Germany
| | - Daniela Aust
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Pathology, 9169 University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Tumor- and Normal Tissue Bank of the NCT/UCC Dresden , Dresden, Germany
| | - Doreen William
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, 9169 University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- ERN GENTURIS, 9169 Hereditary Cancer Syndrome Center , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics , Dresden, Germany
- Core Unit for Molecular Tumor Diagnostics (CMTD), 9169 National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
| | - Sandra Oster
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- Core Unit for Molecular Tumor Diagnostics (CMTD), 9169 National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
| | - Evelin Schröck
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Genetics, 9169 University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- ERN GENTURIS, 9169 Hereditary Cancer Syndrome Center , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics , Dresden, Germany
- Core Unit for Molecular Tumor Diagnostics (CMTD), 9169 Technische Universitat Dresden , Dresden, Sachsen, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
| | - Gustavo Baretton
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Pathology, 9169 University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Tumor- and Normal Tissue Bank of the NCT/UCC Dresden , Dresden, Germany
| | - Theresa Link
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Dominik Kuhlmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 National Center for Tumour Diseases (NCT) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 9169 Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Dresden, Germany
- 9169 Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden , Dresden, Germany
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Vaena SG, Romeo MJ, Mina-Abouda M, Funk EC, Fullbright G, Long DT, Delaney JR. Autophagy unrelated transcriptional mechanisms of hydroxychloroquine resistance revealed by integrated multi-omics of evolved cancer cells. Cell Cycle 2024:1-21. [PMID: 39299930 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2024.2402191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and chloroquine are repurposed drugs known to disrupt autophagy, a molecular recycling pathway essential for tumor cell survival, chemotherapeutic resistance, and stemness. We pursued a multi-omic strategy in OVCAR3 ovarian cancer and CCL218 colorectal cancer cells. Two genome-scale screens were performed. In the forward genetic screen, cell populations were passaged for 15 drug pulse-chases with HCQ or vehicle control. Evolved cells were collected and processed for bulk RNA-seq, exome-seq, and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq). In the reverse genetic screen, a pooled CRISPR-Cas9 library was used in cells over three pulse-chases of HCQ or vehicle control treatments. HCQ evolved cells displayed remarkably few mutational differences, but substantial transcriptional differences. Transcriptomes revealed multiple pathways associated with resistance to HCQ, including upregulation of glycolysis, exocytosis, and chromosome condensation/segregation, or downregulation of translation and apoptosis. The Cas9 screen identified only one autophagy gene. Chromosome condensation and segregation were confirmed to be disrupted by HCQ in live cells and organelle-free in vitro extracts. Transcriptional plasticity was the primary mechanism by which cells evolved resistance to HCQ. Neither autophagy nor the lysosome were substantive hits. Our analysis may serve as a model for how to better position repurposed drugs in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia G Vaena
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Martin J Romeo
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mirna Mina-Abouda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Emma C Funk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - George Fullbright
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - David T Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joe R Delaney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Li S, Lei N, Chen M, Guo R, Han L, Qiu L, Wu F, Jiang S, Tong N, Wang K, Li Y, Chang L. Exploration of organoids in ovarian cancer: From basic research to clinical translation. Transl Oncol 2024; 50:102130. [PMID: 39303357 PMCID: PMC11437877 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102130] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a highly heterogeneous tumor with a poor prognosis. The lack of reliable and efficient research models that can accurately mimic heterogeneity has impeded in-depth investigations and hindered the clinical translation of research findings in ovarian cancer. Organoid models have emerged as a promising in vitro approach, demonstrating remarkable fidelity to the histological, molecular, genomic, and transcriptomic features of their tissues of origin. In recent years, organoids have contributed to advancing our understanding of ovarian cancer initiation, metastasis, and drug resistance mechanisms, as well as facilitating clinical screening of effective therapeutic agents. The establishment of high-throughput organoid culture systems, coupled with cutting-edge technologies such as organ-on-a-chip, genetic engineering, and 3D printing, has tremendous potential for accelerating ovarian cancer research translation. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest exploration of organoids in basic ovarian cancer research and clinical translation. Furthermore, we discuss the prospects and challenges associated with the use of organoids and related novel technologies in the context of ovarian cancer. This review provides insights into the application of organoids in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Ningjing Lei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengyu Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Ruixia Guo
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Liping Han
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Luojie Qiu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Fengling Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Ningyao Tong
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Kunmei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Yong Li
- St George and Sutherland Clinical Campuses, School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia.
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.
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5
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Meng L, Sun S. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the change in cytotoxic NK/T cells, epithelial cells and myeloid cells of the tumor microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:417. [PMID: 39249551 PMCID: PMC11383903 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01290-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The heterogeneity of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) has hindered the clinical treatment, and our current study aims to characterize the change in tumor microenvironment (TME) with the progression of HGSOC via single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). METHODS The single-cell landscape in HGSOC was downloaded from the dataset GSE184880, which included 7 HGSOC and 5 normal samples and then applied for the filtering and annotation of cell clusters. The differentially expressed marker genes in these clusters were analyzed via "FindAllMarker" function in Seurat package and the functional enrichment analyses were implemented using clusterProflier package. Finally, the CellChat package was applied for the cell-cell communication analysis. Cellular experimental were determined Real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS 45,448 single cells were categorized into 10 cell clusters. The proportion of NK/T cells (49.5%), epithelial cells (15.3%) and myeloid cells (14%) was higher in the HGSOC samples. The heterogeneity and different enriched pathways of epithelial cells have been revealed with the progression of HGSOC from early to late stage, concurrent with the reduced activity of cytotoxic NK/T cells and the decreased capabilities of recruiting immune cells and presenting antigens in macrophages. Besides, the cell-cell communication analysis has revealed a strong communication of CXCL and CCL signal between M1 macrophages and cytotoxic NK/T cells in early stage of HGSOC. Moreover, RT-qPCR indicated that CCL4/5 and CCR1/5 levels were upregulated in tumor cell SK-OV-3. CONCLUSION The investigation using scRNA-seq has depicted the change in cytotoxic NK/T cells, epithelial cells and myeloid cells of the TME of HGSOC, which may provide another insight into the specific mechanisms underlying the progression of HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingnan Meng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150007, China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150007, China.
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6
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Kaur K, Sanghu J, Memarzadeh S, Jewett A. Exploring the Potential of Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Targeting High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinomas. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:677. [PMID: 38932405 PMCID: PMC11209217 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs) likely consist of poorly differentiated stem-like cells (PDSLCs) and differentiated tumor cells. Conventional therapeutics are incapable of completely eradicating PDSLCs, contributing to disease progression and tumor relapse. Primary NK cells are known to effectively lyse PDSLCs, but they exhibit low or minimal cytotoxic potential against well-differentiated tumors. We have introduced and discussed the characteristics of super-charged NK (sNK) cells in this review. sNK cells, in comparison to primary NK cells, exhibit a significantly higher capability for the direct killing of both PDSLCs and well-differentiated tumors. In addition, sNK cells secrete significantly higher levels of cytokines, especially those known to induce the differentiation of tumors. In addition, we propose that a combination of sNK and chemotherapy could be one of the most effective strategies to eliminate the heterogeneous population of ovarian tumors; sNK cells can lyse both PDSLCs and well-differentiated tumors, induce the differentiation of PDSLCs, and could be used in combination with chemotherapy to target both well-differentiated and NK-induced differentiated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Jashan Sanghu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.S.); (S.M.)
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sanaz Memarzadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (J.S.); (S.M.)
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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7
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Rausio H, Cervera A, Heuser VD, West G, Oikkonen J, Pianfetti E, Lovino M, Ficarra E, Taimen P, Hynninen J, Lehtonen R, Hautaniemi S, Carpén O, Huhtinen K. PIK3R1 fusion drives chemoresistance in ovarian cancer by activating ERK1/2 and inducing rod and ring-like structures. Neoplasia 2024; 51:100987. [PMID: 38489912 PMCID: PMC10955102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.100987] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Gene fusions are common in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Such genetic lesions may promote tumorigenesis, but the pathogenic mechanisms are currently poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of a PIK3R1-CCDC178 fusion identified from a patient with advanced HGSC. We show that the fusion induces HGSC cell migration by regulating ERK1/2 and increases resistance to platinum treatment. Platinum resistance was associated with rod and ring-like cellular structure formation. These structures contained, in addition to the fusion protein, CIN85, a key regulator of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling. Our data suggest that the fusion-driven structure formation induces a previously unrecognized cell survival and resistance mechanism, which depends on ERK1/2-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Rausio
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Drug Research Doctoral Programme (DRDP), University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Alejandra Cervera
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Genómica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vanina D Heuser
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Gun West
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaana Oikkonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elena Pianfetti
- Department of Engineering, Enzo Ferrari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marta Lovino
- Department of Engineering, Enzo Ferrari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Ficarra
- Department of Engineering, Enzo Ferrari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pekka Taimen
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Rainer Lehtonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Carpén
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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8
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Launonen IM, Erkan EP, Niemiec I, Junquera A, Hincapié-Otero M, Afenteva D, Liang Z, Salko M, Szabo A, Perez-Villatoro F, Falco MM, Li Y, Micoli G, Nagaraj A, Haltia UM, Kahelin E, Oikkonen J, Hynninen J, Virtanen A, Nirmal AJ, Vallius T, Hautaniemi S, Sorger P, Vähärautio A, Färkkilä A. Chemotherapy induces myeloid-driven spatial T-cell exhaustion in ovarian cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585657. [PMID: 38562799 PMCID: PMC10983974 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
To uncover the intricate, chemotherapy-induced spatiotemporal remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, we conducted integrative spatial and molecular characterization of 97 high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) samples collected before and after chemotherapy. Using single-cell and spatial analyses, we identify increasingly versatile immune cell states, which form spatiotemporally dynamic microcommunities at the tumor-stroma interface. We demonstrate that chemotherapy triggers spatial redistribution and exhaustion of CD8+ T cells due to prolonged antigen presentation by macrophages, both within interconnected myeloid networks termed "Myelonets" and at the tumor stroma interface. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics identifies prominent TIGIT-NECTIN2 ligand-receptor interactions induced by chemotherapy. Using a functional patient-derived immuno-oncology platform, we show that CD8+T-cell activity can be boosted by combining immune checkpoint blockade with chemotherapy. Our discovery of chemotherapy-induced myeloid-driven spatial T-cell exhaustion paves the way for novel immunotherapeutic strategies to unleash CD8+ T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity in HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga-Maria Launonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Iga Niemiec
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ada Junquera
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Daria Afenteva
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zhihan Liang
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matilda Salko
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Angela Szabo
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Matias M Falco
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yilin Li
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giulia Micoli
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ashwini Nagaraj
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ulla-Maija Haltia
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Oncology, Clinical trials unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Essi Kahelin
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital
| | - Jaana Oikkonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Anni Virtanen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital
| | - Ajit J Nirmal
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Tuulia Vallius
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Ludwig Center at Harvard
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Anna Vähärautio
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Finland
| | - Anniina Färkkilä
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Oncology, Clinical trials unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute for Life Sciences, University of Helsinki, Finland
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9
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Perkiö A, Pradhan B, Genc F, Pirttikoski A, Pikkusaari S, Erkan EP, Falco MM, Huhtinen K, Narva S, Hynninen J, Kauppi L, Vähärautio A. Locus-specific LINE-1 expression in clinical ovarian cancer specimens at the single-cell level. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4322. [PMID: 38383551 PMCID: PMC10881972 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54113-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE-1s/L1s) are a group of retrotransposons that can copy themselves within a genome. In humans, it is the most successful transposon in nucleotide content. L1 expression is generally mild in normal human tissues, but the activity has been shown to increase significantly in many cancers. Few studies have examined L1 expression at single-cell resolution, thus it is undetermined whether L1 reactivation occurs solely in malignant cells within tumors. One of the cancer types with frequent L1 activity is high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Here, we identified locus-specific L1 expression with 3' single-cell RNA sequencing in pre- and post-chemotherapy HGSOC sample pairs from 11 patients, and in fallopian tube samples from five healthy women. Although L1 expression quantification with the chosen technique was challenging due to the repetitive nature of the element, we found evidence of L1 expression primarily in cancer cells, but also in other cell types, e.g. cancer-associated fibroblasts. The expression levels were similar in samples taken before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, indicating that L1 transcriptional activity was unaffected by clinical platinum-taxane treatment. Furthermore, L1 activity was negatively associated with the expression of MYC target genes, a finding that supports earlier literature of MYC being an L1 suppressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Perkiö
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Barun Pradhan
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fatih Genc
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Pirttikoski
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Pikkusaari
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Erdogan Pekcan Erkan
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Matias Marin Falco
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Sara Narva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Kauppi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Anna Vähärautio
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute (FCI), Helsinki, Finland.
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10
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Sveen A, Johannessen B, Klokkerud SM, Kraggerud SM, Meza-Zepeda LA, Bjørnslett M, Bischof K, Myklebost O, Taskén K, Skotheim RI, Dørum A, Davidson B, Lothe RA. Evolutionary mode and timing of dissemination of high-grade serous carcinomas. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e170423. [PMID: 38175731 PMCID: PMC11143962 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.170423] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Dissemination within the peritoneal cavity is a main determinant of poor patient outcomes from high-grade serous carcinomas (HGSCs). The dissemination process is poorly understood from a cancer evolutionary perspective. We reconstructed the evolutionary trajectories across a median of 5 tumor sites and regions from each of 23 patients based on deep whole-exome sequencing. Polyclonal cancer origin was detected in 1 patient. Ovarian tumors had more complex subclonal architectures than other intraperitoneal tumors in each patient, which indicated that tumors developed earlier in the ovaries. Three common modes of dissemination were identified, including monoclonal or polyclonal dissemination of monophyletic (linear) or polyphyletic (branched) subclones. Mutation profiles of initial or disseminated clones varied greatly among cancers, but recurrent mutations were found in 7 cancer-critical genes, including TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, and DNMT3A, and in the PI3K/AKT1 pathway. Disseminated clones developed late in the evolutionary trajectory models of most cancers, in particular in cancers with DNA damage repair deficiency. Polyclonal dissemination was predicted to occur predominantly as a single and rapid wave, but chemotherapy exposure was associated with higher genomic diversity of disseminated clones. In conclusion, we described three common evolutionary dissemination modes across HGSCs and proposed factors associated with dissemination diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Sveen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Johannessen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Solveig M.K. Klokkerud
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrid M. Kraggerud
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Leonardo A. Meza-Zepeda
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research
- Genomics Core Facility, Department of Core Facilities, Institute for Cancer Research
| | - Merete Bjørnslett
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katharina Bischof
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, and
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ola Myklebost
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjetil Taskén
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rolf I. Skotheim
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Dørum
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, and
| | - Ben Davidson
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild A. Lothe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Koskela H, Li Y, Joutsiniemi T, Muranen T, Isoviita VM, Huhtinen K, Micoli G, Lavikka K, Marchi G, Hietanen S, Virtanen A, Hautaniemi S, Oikkonen J, Hynninen J. HRD related signature 3 predicts clinical outcome in advanced tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 180:91-98. [PMID: 38061276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.11.027] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated usability of single base substitution signature 3 (Sig3) as a biomarker for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) in tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective observational trial includes 165 patients with advanced HGSC. Fresh tissue samples (n = 456) from multiple intra-abdominal areas at diagnosis and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) were collected for whole-genome sequencing. Sig3 was assessed by fitting samples independently with COSMIC v3.2 reference signatures. An HR scar assay was applied for comparison. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were studied using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Sig3 has a bimodal distribution, eliminating the need for an arbitrary cutoff typical in HR scar tests. Sig3 could be assessed from samples with low (10%) cancer cell proportion and was consistent between multiple samples and stable during NACT. At diagnosis, 74 (45%) patients were HRD (Sig3+), while 91 (55%) were HR proficient (HRP, Sig3-). Sig3+ patients had longer PFS and OS than Sig3- patients (22 vs. 13 months and 51 vs. 34 months respectively, both p < 0.001). Sig3 successfully distinguished the poor prognostic HRP group among BRCAwt patients (PFS 19 months for Sig3+ and 13 months for Sig3- patients, p < 0.001). However, Sig3 at diagnosis did not predict chemoresponse anymore in the first relapse. The patient-level concordance between Sig3 and HR scar assay was 87%, and patients with HRD according to both tests had the longest median PFS. CONCLUSIONS Sig3 is a prognostic marker in advanced HGSC and useful tool in patient stratification for HRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Koskela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Yilin Li
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Titta Joutsiniemi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Taru Muranen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Veli-Matti Isoviita
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Giulia Micoli
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Lavikka
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giovanni Marchi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sakari Hietanen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Anni Virtanen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Oikkonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
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12
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Skorda A, Lauridsen AR, Huhtinen K, Lahtinen A, Senkowski W, Oikkonen J, Hynninen J, Hautaniemi S, Kallunki T. Quantification of cell death and proliferation of patient-derived ovarian cancer organoids through 3D imaging and image analysis. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102683. [PMID: 37976153 PMCID: PMC10692951 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102683] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are ideal ex vivo model systems to study cancer progression and drug resistance mechanisms. Here, we present a protocol for measuring drug efficacy in three-dimensional (3D) high-grade serous ovarian cancer PDO cultures through quantification of cytotoxicity using propidium iodide incorporation in dead cells. We also provide detailed steps to analyze proliferation of PDOs using the Ki67 biomarker. We describe steps for sample processing, immunofluorescent staining, high-throughput confocal imaging, and image-based quantification for 3D cultures. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Lahtinen et al. (2023).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Skorda
- Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Alexandra Lahtinen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Wojciech Senkowski
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jaana Oikkonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 200521 Turku, Finland
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Kallunki
- Danish Cancer Institute, Danish Cancer Society, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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13
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Nguyen MTN, Rajavuori A, Huhtinen K, Hietanen S, Hynninen J, Oikkonen J, Hautaniemi S. Circulating tumor DNA-based copy-number profiles enable monitoring treatment effects during therapy in high-grade serous carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115630. [PMID: 37806091 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115630] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis has emerged as a promising tool for detecting and profiling longitudinal genomics changes in cancer. While copy-number alterations (CNAs) play a major role in cancers, treatment effect monitoring using copy-number profiles has received limited attention as compared to mutations. A major reason for this is the insensitivity of CNA analysis for the real-life tumor-fraction ctDNA samples. We performed copy-number analysis on 152 plasma samples obtained from 29 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) using a sequencing panel targeting over 500 genes. Twenty-one patients had temporally matched tissue and plasma sample pairs, which enabled assessing concordance with tissues sequenced with the same panel or whole-genome sequencing and to evaluate sensitivity. Our approach could detect concordant CNA profiles in most plasma samples with as low as 5% tumor content and highly amplified regions in samples with ∼1% of tumor content. Longitudinal profiles showed changes in the CNA profiles in seven out of 11 patients with high tumor-content plasma samples at relapse. These changes included focal acquired or lost copy-numbers, even though most of the genome remained stable. Two patients displayed major copy-number profile changes during therapy. Our analysis revealed ctDNA-detectable subclonal selection resulting from both surgical operations and chemotherapy. Overall, longitudinal ctDNA data showed acquired and diminished CNAs at relapse when compared to pre-treatment samples. These results highlight the importance of genomic profiling during treatment as well as underline the usability of ctDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai T N Nguyen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00291, Finland
| | - Anna Rajavuori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4, Turku 20521, Finland
| | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00291, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Sakari Hietanen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4, Turku 20521, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4, Turku 20521, Finland
| | - Jaana Oikkonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00291, Finland.
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00291, Finland.
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14
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Azzalini E, Stanta G, Canzonieri V, Bonin S. Overview of Tumor Heterogeneity in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15077. [PMID: 37894756 PMCID: PMC10606847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015077] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancers encompass a group of neoplasms originating from germinal tissues and exhibiting distinct clinical, pathological, and molecular features. Among these, epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) are the most prevalent, comprising five distinct tumor histotypes. Notably, high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOCs) represent the majority, accounting for over 70% of EOC cases. Due to their silent and asymptomatic behavior, HGSOCs are generally diagnosed in advanced stages with an evolved and complex genomic state, characterized by high intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) due to chromosomal instability that distinguishes HGSOCs. Histologically, these cancers exhibit significant morphological diversity both within and between tumors. The histologic patterns associated with solid, endometrioid, and transitional (SET) and classic subtypes of HGSOCs offer prognostic insights and may indicate specific molecular profiles. The evolution of HGSOC from primary to metastasis is typically characterized by clonal ITH, involving shared or divergent mutations in neoplastic sub-clones within primary and metastatic sites. Disease progression and therapy resistance are also influenced by non-clonal ITH, related to interactions with the tumor microenvironment and further genomic changes. Notably, significant alterations occur in nonmalignant cells, including cancer-associated fibroblast and immune cells, during tumor progression. This review provides an overview of the complex nature of HGSOC, encompassing its various aspects of intratumor heterogeneity, histological patterns, and its dynamic evolution during progression and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eros Azzalini
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (G.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Giorgio Stanta
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (G.S.); (V.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (G.S.); (V.C.)
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Serena Bonin
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (G.S.); (V.C.)
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15
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Ariotta V, Lehtonen O, Salloum S, Micoli G, Lavikka K, Rantanen V, Hynninen J, Virtanen A, Hautaniemi S. H&E image analysis pipeline for quantifying morphological features. J Pathol Inform 2023; 14:100339. [PMID: 37915837 PMCID: PMC10616375 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2023.100339] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Detecting cell types from histopathological images is essential for various digital pathology applications. However, large number of cells in whole-slide images (WSIs) necessitates automated analysis pipelines for efficient cell type detection. Herein, we present hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) Image Processing pipeline (HEIP) for automatied analysis of scanned H&E-stained slides. HEIP is a flexible and modular open-source software that performs preprocessing, instance segmentation, and nuclei feature extraction. To evaluate the performance of HEIP, we applied it to extract cell types from ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) patient WSIs. HEIP showed high precision in instance segmentation, particularly for neoplastic and epithelial cells. We also show that there is a significant correlation between genomic ploidy values and morphological features, such as major axis of the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ariotta
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Oskari Lehtonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shams Salloum
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giulia Micoli
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Lavikka
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Rantanen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, 200521 Turku, Finland
| | - Anni Virtanen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUS Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Piki E, Dini A, Raivola J, Salokas K, Zhang K, Varjosalo M, Pellinen T, Välimäki K, Veskimäe KT, Staff S, Hautaniemi S, Murumägi A, Ungureanu D. ROR1-STAT3 signaling contributes to ovarian cancer intra-tumor heterogeneity. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:222. [PMID: 37400436 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01527-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt pathway dysregulation through genetic and non-genetic alterations occurs in multiple cancers, including ovarian cancer (OC). The aberrant expression of the non-canonical Wnt signaling receptor ROR1 is thought to contribute to OC progression and drug resistance. However, the key molecular events mediated by ROR1 that are involved in OC tumorigenesis are not fully understood. Here, we show that ROR1 expression is enhanced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and Wnt5a binding to ROR1 can induce oncogenic signaling via AKT/ERK/STAT3 activation in OC cells. Proteomics analysis of isogenic ROR1-knockdown OC cells identified STAT3 as a downstream effector of ROR1 signaling. Transcriptomics analysis of clinical samples (n = 125) revealed that ROR1 and STAT3 are expressed at higher levels in stromal cells than in epithelial cancer cells of OC tumors, and these findings were corroborated by multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) analysis of an independent OC cohort (n = 11). Our results show that ROR1 and its downstream STAT3 are co-expressed in epithelial as well as stromal cells of OC tumors, including cancer-associated fibroblasts or CAFs. Our data provides the framework to expand the clinical utility of ROR1 as a therapeutic target to overcome OC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Piki
- Disease Networks Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Alice Dini
- Disease Networks Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juuli Raivola
- Applied Tumor Genomics, Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Salokas
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaiyang Zhang
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teijo Pellinen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, FIMM, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja Välimäki
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, FIMM, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristina Tabor Veskimäe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Synnöve Staff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Astrid Murumägi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, FIMM, Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE) University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniela Ungureanu
- Disease Networks Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
- Applied Tumor Genomics, Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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17
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Shimizu A, Lengyel E. Decoding evolutionary trajectories of ovarian cancer metastasis. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1008-1010. [PMID: 37311411 PMCID: PMC11246747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.05.011] [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] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The genetic changes during high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastasis have largely remained a mystery. Lahtinen et al. show that ovarian cancer metastasizes along three different evolutionary states that have distinct mutations and signaling pathways, potentially allowing the identification of targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aasa Shimizu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Section of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ernst Lengyel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Section of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Chicago, IL, USA.
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