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An G, Liu J, Lin T, He L, He Y. Global trends in research of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a bibliometric and visualization analysis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1392245. [PMID: 39015496 PMCID: PMC11249725 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1392245] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to assess the current research status, focus areas, and developmental trends in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) through a bibliometric analysis. Methods Articles focusing on NPC published from 2000 to 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science database. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used for bibliometric and visual analysis. Results A total of 14516 related publications were retrieved. There has been a steady increase in the number of NPC-related publications from 2000 to 2023. China was the dominant country in this field with 8948 papers (61.64%), followed by the USA (2234, 15.39%). Sun Yat-sen University was the most influential institution, while Ma J was the most prolific author. Furthermore, Head And Neck-journal For The Sciences And Specialties Of The Head And Neck was the most prolific journal. International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics had the highest total citation counts. "Introduction chemotherapy", "Concurrent chemotherapy", "Epithelial-mesenchymal transition", "Cancer stem cells", "MicroRNAs", "LncRNA", "Exosomes", and "Biomarker" were the most common keywords. The reference "Chen YP, 2019, Lancet" had the highest citations and strong outbreak value. Conclusion The past two decades have witnessed a significant increase in research on NPC. The optimization of treatment mode is the most widely studied aspect at present. The mechanism of occurrence and development and the most favorable diagnostic and therapeutic targets are the research hotspots in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilin An
- Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Hunan Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chinese Medicine and Protecting Visual Function, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ting Lin
- Hunan Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chinese Medicine and Protecting Visual Function, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lan He
- Hunan Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chinese Medicine and Protecting Visual Function, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The First Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingchun He
- Hunan Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chinese Medicine and Protecting Visual Function, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
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2
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Wang R, Yan Z. Cancer spreading patterns based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1259953. [PMID: 38665432 PMCID: PMC11043583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1259953] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the necessity to discern the rules and patterns of cancer cell spreading. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity contributes to cancer aggressiveness and metastasis. Despite establishing key determinants of cancer aggressiveness and metastatic ability, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism is unknown. We aimed to propose a classification system for cancer cells based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, focusing on hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Methods: We extensively reviewed the concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, specifically considering the hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Results: In this review and hypothesis article, based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, especially the hysteresis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, we proposed a classification of cancer cells, indicating that cancer cells with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity potential could be classified into four types: irreversible hysteresis, weak hysteresis, strong hysteresis, and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. These four types of cancer cells had varied biology, spreading features, and prognoses. Discussion: Our results highlight that the proposed classification system offers insights into the diverse behaviors of cancer cells, providing implications for cancer aggressiveness and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaopeng Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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3
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BharathwajChetty B, Sajeev A, Vishwa R, Aswani BS, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Kunnumakkara AB. Dynamic interplay of nuclear receptors in tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance: Shifting gears in malignant transformations and applications in cancer therapeutics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:321-362. [PMID: 38517618 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10171-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances have brought forth the complex interplay between tumor cell plasticity and its consequential impact on drug resistance and tumor recurrence, both of which are critical determinants of neoplastic progression and therapeutic efficacy. Various forms of tumor cell plasticity, instrumental in facilitating neoplastic cells to develop drug resistance, include epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) alternatively termed epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, the acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC) attributes, and transdifferentiation into diverse cell lineages. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) that play an essential role in regulating a multitude of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. NRs have been implicated to play a critical role in modulating gene expression associated with tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of how NRs regulate these key aspects of cancer biology. We discuss the diverse mechanisms through which NRs influence tumor cell plasticity, including EMT, stemness, and metastasis. Further, we explore the intricate relationship between NRs and drug resistance, highlighting the impact of NR signaling on chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies. We also discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting NRs to overcome tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review also provides valuable insights into the current clinical trials that involve agonists or antagonists of NRs modulating various aspects of tumor cell plasticity, thereby delineating the potential of NRs as therapeutic targets for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandari BharathwajChetty
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Ravichandran Vishwa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Babu Santha Aswani
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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4
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Fontana R, Mestre-Farrera A, Yang J. Update on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:133-156. [PMID: 37758242 PMCID: PMC10872224 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051222-122423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process by which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal traits to promote cell movement. This program is aberrantly activated in human cancers and endows tumor cells with increased abilities in tumor initiation, cell migration, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. The EMT program in tumors is rarely binary and often leads to a series of gradual or intermediate epithelial-mesenchymal states. Functionally, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) improves the fitness of cancer cells during tumor progression and in response to therapies. Here, we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of the diverse roles of EMP in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance and address major clinical challenges due to EMP-driven phenotypic heterogeneity in cancer. Uncovering novel molecular markers and key regulators of EMP in cancer will aid the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent cancer recurrence and overcome therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Aida Mestre-Farrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
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5
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Dalmasso G, Cougnoux A, Faïs T, Bonnin V, Mottet-Auselo B, Nguyen HTT, Sauvanet P, Barnich N, Jary M, Pezet D, Delmas J, Bonnet R. Colibactin-producing Escherichia coli enhance resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs by promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell emergence. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2310215. [PMID: 38374654 PMCID: PMC10880512 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2310215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Human colorectal cancers (CRCs) are readily colonized by colibactin-producing E. coli (CoPEC). CoPEC induces DNA double-strand breaks, DNA mutations, genomic instability, and cellular senescence. Infected cells produce a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which is involved in the increase in tumorigenesis observed in CRC mouse models infected with CoPEC. This study investigated whether CoPEC, and the SASP derived from CoPEC-infected cells, impacted chemotherapeutic resistance. Human intestinal epithelial cells were infected with the CoPEC clinical 11G5 strain or with its isogenic mutant, which is unable to produce colibactin. Chemotherapeutic resistance was assessed in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. Expressions of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in infected cells were investigated. Data were validated using a CRC mouse model and human clinical samples. Both 11G5-infected cells, and uninfected cells incubated with the SASP produced by 11G5-infected cells exhibited an increased resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro and in vivo. This finding correlated with the induction of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which led to the emergence of cells exhibiting CSC features. They grew on ultra-low attachment plates, formed colonies in soft agar, and overexpressed several CSC markers (e.g. CD133, OCT-3/4, and NANOG). In agreement with these results, murine and human CRC biopsies colonized with CoPEC exhibited higher expression levels of OCT-3/4 and NANOG than biopsies devoid of CoPEC. Conclusion: CoPEC might aggravate CRCs by inducing the emergence of cancer stem cells that are highly resistant to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Dalmasso
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antony Cougnoux
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Tiphanie Faïs
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Virginie Bonnin
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Benoit Mottet-Auselo
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Hang TT Nguyen
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Sauvanet
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Centre de référence de la résistance aux antibiotiques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Barnich
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marine Jary
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Denis Pezet
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien Delmas
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Richard Bonnet
- Inserm U1071, USC-INRAe INRAE USC 1382, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l’Hôte (M2iSH), Centre de Recherche en Nutrition Humaine Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Centre de référence de la résistance aux antibiotiques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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6
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Ma J, Wang W, Zhang W, Xu D, Ding J, Wang F, Peng X, Wang D, Li Y. The recent advances in cell delivery approaches, biochemical and engineering procedures of cell therapy applied to coronary heart disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115870. [PMID: 37952359 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115870] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an important topic in the field of regeneration medicine that is gaining attention within the scientific community. However, its potential for treatment in coronary heart disease (CHD) has yet to be established. Several various strategies, types of cells, routes of distribution, and supporting procedures have been tried and refined to trigger heart rejuvenation in CHD. However, only a few of them result in a real considerable promise for clinical usage. In this review, we give an update on techniques and clinical studies of cell treatment as used to cure CHD that are now ongoing or have been completed in the previous five years. We also highlight the emerging efficacy of stem cell treatment for CHD. We specifically examine and comment on current breakthroughs in cell treatment applied to CHD, including the most effective types of cells, transport modalities, engineering, and biochemical approaches used in this context. We believe the current review will be helpful for the researcher to distill this information and design future studies to overcome the challenges faced by this revolutionary approach for CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 13000, China
| | - Wenhai Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Wenbin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Dexin Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Department of Electrodiagnosis, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Xia Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Dahai Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Yanwei Li
- Department of General Practice and Family Medicine, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China.
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7
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Zeng Z, Fu M, Hu Y, Wei Y, Wei X, Luo M. Regulation and signaling pathways in cancer stem cells: implications for targeted therapy for cancer. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:172. [PMID: 37853437 PMCID: PMC10583419 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01877-w] [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] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), initially identified in leukemia in 1994, constitute a distinct subset of tumor cells characterized by surface markers such as CD133, CD44, and ALDH. Their behavior is regulated through a complex interplay of networks, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, epigenetic, tumor microenvironment (TME), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors. Numerous signaling pathways were found to be involved in the regulatory network of CSCs. The maintenance of CSC characteristics plays a pivotal role in driving CSC-associated tumor metastasis and conferring resistance to therapy. Consequently, CSCs have emerged as promising targets in cancer treatment. To date, researchers have developed several anticancer agents tailored to specifically target CSCs, with some of these treatment strategies currently undergoing preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we outline the origin and biological characteristics of CSCs, explore the regulatory networks governing CSCs, discuss the signaling pathways implicated in these networks, and investigate the influential factors contributing to therapy resistance in CSCs. Finally, we offer insights into preclinical and clinical agents designed to eliminate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zeng
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Minyang Fu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology Nursing, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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8
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Cammareri P, Myant KB. Be like water, my cells: cell plasticity and the art of transformation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1272730. [PMID: 37886398 PMCID: PMC10598658 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1272730] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity defines the capacity of cells to adopt distinct identities during development, tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Dynamic fluctuations between different states, within or across lineages, are regulated by changes in chromatin accessibility and in gene expression. When deregulated, cellular plasticity can contribute to cancer initiation and progression. Cancer cells are remarkably plastic which contributes to phenotypic and functional heterogeneity within tumours as well as resistance to targeted therapies. It is for these reasons that the scientific community has become increasingly interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms governing cancer cell plasticity. The purpose of this mini-review is to discuss different examples of cellular plasticity associated with metaplasia and epithelial-mesenchymal transition with a focus on therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin B. Myant
- Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Luo Y, Zhu Q, Xiang S, Wang Q, Li J, Chen X, Yan W, Feng J, Zu X. Downregulated circPOKE promotes breast cancer metastasis through activation of the USP10-Snail axis. Oncogene 2023; 42:3236-3251. [PMID: 37717099 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02823-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among females. Metastasis accounts for the majority of BC related deaths. One feasible strategy to solve this challenging problem is to disrupt the capabilities required for tumor metastasis. Herein, we verified a novel metastasis suppressive circRNA, circPOKE in BC. circPOKE was downregulated in primary and metastatic BC tissues and overexpression of circPOKE inhibited the metastatic potential but not the proliferative ability of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circPOKE competitively binds to USP10, and reduces its binding to Snail, a key transcriptional regulator of EMT, thereby inhibiting Snail stability via the protein-ubiquitination degradation pathway. In addition, we found that circPOKE could be secreted into the extracellular space via exosomes and that exosome-carried circPOKE significantly inhibited the invasive capabilities of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the levels of circPOKE, USP10 and Snail are clinically relevant in BC, suggesting that circPOKE may be used as a potential therapeutic target for patients with BC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Qingyun Zhu
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Shasha Xiang
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Xiguang Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Wen Yan
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Jianbo Feng
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
| | - Xuyu Zu
- Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.
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10
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Yoshizumi A, Kuboki S, Takayashiki T, Takano S, Takayanagi R, Sonoda I, Ohtsuka M. Tspan15-ADAM10 signalling enhances cancer stem cell-like properties and induces chemoresistance via Notch1 activation in ICC. Liver Int 2023; 43:2275-2291. [PMID: 37545390 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Notch1 activation promotes ICC progression and is associated with chemoresistance; however, therapies directly targeting Notch1 showed severe adverse effects. Notch1 activation is mediated by ADAM10, a molecular scissor that separates the target protein from its substrates in the cell membrane. Tspan15 regulates ADAM10 function, but the role of Tspan15 in ICC progression is unclear. METHODS Tspan15, ADAM10, and Notch1 expression and activation in fresh surgical specimens from 80 ICC patients and ICC cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry. RESULTS Tspan15 expression was increased in ICC compared with adjacent liver tissue, and high Tspan15 expression was an independent factor for poor prognosis. In ICC with high Tspan15 expression, vascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and haematogenous recurrence were increased. Tspan15 was co-expressed with ADAM10 in ICC, and associated with the expression of stemness and EMT markers. In ICC cells, Tspan15 induced ADAM10 activation by mediating the translocation of activated m-ADAM10 from the cytoplasm to the surface of the cell membrane, which further activated Notch1 by separating the intracellular domain of Notch1 from its extracellular domain, leading to enhancement of CSC-like properties and EMT. This signalling was associated with enhanced chemoresistance against gemcitabine and cisplatin. Inhibition of Tspan15 or ADAM10 is a promising therapeutic strategy in ICC, as Tspan15 or ADAM10 knockdown or treatment with ADAM10 inhibitor reduced chemoresistance and invasiveness by suppressing Notch1-mediated CSC-like properties and EMT. CONCLUSIONS Tspan15-ADAM10-Notch1 signalling is associated with aggressive tumour progression and poor prognosis in ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arihito Yoshizumi
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuboki
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Takayashiki
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shigetsugu Takano
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Takayanagi
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Itaru Sonoda
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ohtsuka
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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11
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Haerinck J, Goossens S, Berx G. The epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity landscape: principles of design and mechanisms of regulation. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:590-609. [PMID: 37169858 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) enables cells to interconvert between several states across the epithelial-mesenchymal landscape, thereby acquiring hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypic features. This plasticity is crucial for embryonic development and wound healing, but also underlies the acquisition of several malignant traits during cancer progression. Recent research using systems biology and single-cell profiling methods has provided novel insights into the main forces that shape EMP, which include the microenvironment, lineage specification and cell identity, and the genome. Additionally, key roles have emerged for hysteresis (cell memory) and cellular noise, which can drive stochastic transitions between cell states. Here, we review these forces and the distinct but interwoven layers of regulatory control that stabilize EMP states or facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and discuss the therapeutic potential of manipulating the EMP landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jef Haerinck
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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12
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Reisenauer KN, Aroujo J, Tao Y, Ranganathan S, Romo D, Taube JH. Therapeutic vulnerabilities of cancer stem cells and effects of natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1432-1456. [PMID: 37103550 PMCID: PMC10524555 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00002h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 1995 to 2022Tumors possess both genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity leading to the survival of subpopulations post-treatment. The term cancer stem cells (CSCs) describes a subpopulation that is resistant to many types of chemotherapy and which also possess enhanced migratory and anchorage-independent growth capabilities. These cells are enriched in residual tumor material post-treatment and can serve as the seed for future tumor re-growth, at both primary and metastatic sites. Elimination of CSCs is a key goal in enhancing cancer treatment and may be aided by application of natural products in conjunction with conventional treatments. In this review, we highlight molecular features of CSCs and discuss synthesis, structure-activity relationships, derivatization, and effects of six natural products with anti-CSC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaquelin Aroujo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor Univesrity, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Yongfeng Tao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor Univesrity, Waco, TX, USA
| | | | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor Univesrity, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Joseph H Taube
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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13
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Li X, Poire A, Jeong KJ, Zhang D, Chen G, Sun C, Mills GB. Single-cell trajectory analysis reveals a CD9 positive state to contribute to exit from stem cell-like and embryonic diapause states and transit to drug-resistant states. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:285. [PMID: 37542044 PMCID: PMC10403509 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01586-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors (BETi) have been shown to decrease tumor growth in preclinical models and clinical trials. However, toxicity and rapid emergence of resistance have limited their clinical implementation. To identify state changes underlying acquisition of resistance to the JQ1 BETi, we reanalyzed single-cell RNAseq data from JQ1 sensitive and resistant SUM149 and SUM159 triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. Parental and JQ1-resistant SUM149 and SUM159 exhibited a stem cell-like and embryonic diapause (SCLED) cell state as well as a transitional cell state between the SCLED state that is present in both treatment naïve and JQ1 treated cells, and a number of JQ1 resistant cell states. A transitional cell state transcriptional signature but not a SCLED state transcriptional signature predicted worsened outcomes in basal-like breast cancer patients suggesting that transit from the SCLED state to drug-resistant states contributes to patient outcomes. Entry of SUM149 and SUM159 into the transitional cell state was characterized by elevated expression of the CD9 tetraspanin. Knockdown or inhibition of CD9-sensitized cells to multiple targeted and cytotoxic drugs in vitro. Importantly, CD9 knockdown or blockade sensitized SUM149 to JQ1 in vivo by trapping cells in the SCLED state and limiting transit to resistant cell states. Thus, CD9 appears to be critical for the transition from a SCLED state into treatment-resistant cell states and warrants exploration as a therapeutic target in basal-like breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- Division of Oncological Sciences Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China.
| | - Alfonso Poire
- Division of Oncological Sciences Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Kang Jin Jeong
- Division of Oncological Sciences Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Dong Zhang
- Division of Oncological Sciences Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Chaoyang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Gordon B Mills
- Division of Oncological Sciences Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
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14
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Saini M, Schmidleitner L, Moreno HD, Donato E, Falcone M, Bartsch JM, Klein C, Vogel V, Würth R, Pfarr N, Espinet E, Lehmann M, Königshoff M, Reitberger M, Haas S, Graf E, Schwarzmayr T, Strom TM, Spaich S, Sütterlin M, Schneeweiss A, Weichert W, Schotta G, Reichert M, Aceto N, Sprick MR, Trumpp A, Scheel CH. Resistance to mesenchymal reprogramming sustains clonal propagation in metastatic breast cancer. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112533. [PMID: 37257449 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of mesenchymal traits is considered a hallmark of breast cancer progression. However, the functional relevance of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains controversial and context dependent. Here, we isolate epithelial and mesenchymal populations from human breast cancer metastatic biopsies and assess their functional potential in vivo. Strikingly, progressively decreasing epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM) levels correlate with declining disease propagation. Mechanistically, we find that persistent EPCAM expression marks epithelial clones that resist EMT induction and propagate competitively. In contrast, loss of EPCAM defines clones arrested in a mesenchymal state, with concomitant suppression of tumorigenicity and metastatic potential. This dichotomy results from distinct clonal trajectories impacting global epigenetic programs that are determined by the interplay between human ZEB1 and its target GRHL2. Collectively, our results indicate that susceptibility to irreversible EMT restrains clonal propagation, whereas resistance to mesenchymal reprogramming sustains disease spread in multiple models of human metastatic breast cancer, including patient-derived cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Saini
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Laura Schmidleitner
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany; Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Garching, Germany; Center for Organoid Systems (COS), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Garching, Germany; Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Garching, Germany
| | - Helena Domínguez Moreno
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Elisa Donato
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mattia Falcone
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johanna M Bartsch
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Corinna Klein
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Vogel
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roberto Würth
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicole Pfarr
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Elisa Espinet
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mareike Lehmann
- Institute for Lung Health and Immunity (LHI) and Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany; Institute for Lung Research, Philipps-University Marburg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Marburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Research Unit Lung Repair and Regeneration, Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL), Munich, Germany
| | - Manuel Reitberger
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Haas
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany; Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Graf
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schwarzmayr
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tim-Matthias Strom
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Saskia Spaich
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marc Sütterlin
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Women's Clinic, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Schneeweiss
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
| | - Gunnar Schotta
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- Translational Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Center for Functional Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Garching, Germany; Center for Organoid Systems (COS), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Garching, Germany; Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering (MIBE), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Garching, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin R Sprick
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany.
| | - Andreas Trumpp
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany.
| | - Christina H Scheel
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany.
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15
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Akhmetkaliyev A, Alibrahim N, Shafiee D, Tulchinsky E. EMT/MET plasticity in cancer and Go-or-Grow decisions in quiescence: the two sides of the same coin? Mol Cancer 2023; 22:90. [PMID: 37259089 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01793-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) are genetic determinants of cellular plasticity. These programs operate in physiological (embryonic development, wound healing) and pathological (organ fibrosis, cancer) conditions. In cancer, EMT and MET interfere with various signalling pathways at different levels. This results in gross alterations in the gene expression programs, which affect most, if not all hallmarks of cancer, such as response to proliferative and death-inducing signals, tumorigenicity, and cell stemness. EMT in cancer cells involves large scale reorganisation of the cytoskeleton, loss of epithelial integrity, and gain of mesenchymal traits, such as mesenchymal type of cell migration. In this regard, EMT/MET plasticity is highly relevant to the Go-or-Grow concept, which postulates the dichotomous relationship between cell motility and proliferation. The Go-or-Grow decisions are critically important in the processes in which EMT/MET plasticity takes the central stage, mobilisation of stem cells during wound healing, cancer relapse, and metastasis. Here we outline the maintenance of quiescence in stem cell and metastatic niches, focusing on the implication of EMT/MET regulatory networks in Go-or-Grow switches. In particular, we discuss the analogy between cells residing in hybrid quasi-mesenchymal states and GAlert, an intermediate phase allowing quiescent stem cells to enter the cell cycle rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azamat Akhmetkaliyev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Darya Shafiee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | - Eugene Tulchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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16
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Verstappe J, Berx G. A role for partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in enabling stemness in homeostasis and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:15-28. [PMID: 36773819 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have self-renewal capacities and the ability to give rise to differentiated cells thereby sustaining tissues during homeostasis and injury. This structural hierarchy extends to tumours which harbor stem-like cells deemed cancer stem cells that propagate the tumour and drive metastasis and relapse. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays an important role in development and cancer cell migration, was shown to be correlated with stemness in both homeostasis and cancer indicating that stemness can be acquired and is not necessarily an intrinsic trait. Nowadays it is experimentally proven that the activation of an EMT program does not necessarily drive cells towards a fully mesenchymal phenotype but rather to hybrid E/M states. This review offers the latest advances in connecting the EMT status and stem-cell state of both non-transformed and cancer cells. Recent literature clearly shows that hybrid EMT states have a higher probability of acquiring stem cell traits. The position of a cell along the EMT-axis which coincides with a stem cell-like state is known as the stemness window. We show how the original EMT-state of a cell dictates the EMT/MET inducing programmes required to reach stemness. Lastly we present the mechanism of stemness regulation and the regulatory feedback loops which position cells at a certain EMT state along the EMT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Verstappe
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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17
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Warrier NM, Kelkar N, Johnson CT, Govindarajan T, Prabhu V, Kumar P. Understanding cancer stem cells and plasticity: Towards better therapeutics. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151321. [PMID: 37137199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151321] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cancer cells to finally overcome various lines of treatment in due course has always baffled the scientific community. Even with the most promising therapies, relapse is ultimately seen, and this resilience has proved to be a major hurdle in the management of cancer. Accumulating evidence now attributes this resilience to plasticity. Plasticity is the ability of cells to change their properties and is substantial as it helps in normal tissue regeneration or post-injury repair processes. It also helps in the overall maintenance of homeostasis. Unfortunately, this critical ability of cells, when activated incorrectly, can lead to numerous diseases, including cancer. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the plasticity aspect with an emphasis on cancer stem cells (CSCs). We discuss the various forms of plasticity that provide survival advantages to CSCs. Moreover, we explore various factors that affect plasticity. Furthermore, we provide the therapeutic implications of plasticity. Finally, we provide an insight into the future targeted therapies involving plasticity for better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neerada Meenakshi Warrier
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Nachiket Kelkar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Carol Tresa Johnson
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Vijendra Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
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18
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Yang X, Xu G, Liu X, Zhou G, Zhang B, Wang F, Wang L, Li B, Li L. Carbon nanomaterial-involved EMT and CSC in cancer. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 38:1-13. [PMID: 34619029 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) are ubiquitous in our daily lives because of the outstanding physicochemical properties. CNMs play curial parts in industrial and medical fields, however, the risks of CNMs exposure to human health are still not fully understood. In view of, it is becoming extremely difficult to ignore the existence of the toxicity of CNMs. With the increasing exploitation of CNMs, it's necessary to evaluate the potential impact of these materials on human health. In recent years, more and more researches have shown that CNMs are contributed to the cancer formation and metastasis after long-term exposure through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) which is associated with cancer progression and invasion. This review discusses CNMs properties and applications in industrial and medical fields, adverse effects on human health, especially the induction of tumor initiation and metastasis through EMT and CSCs procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Yang
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Gongquan Xu
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guiming Zhou
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Rushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weihai, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lingjuan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China
| | - Bin Li
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Li
- Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
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19
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Wang T, Rho O, Eguiarte-Solomon F, DiGiovanni J. Twist1 as a target for prevention of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:62-76. [PMID: 36373194 PMCID: PMC9772054 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23482] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) represents an important clinical problem requiring novel approaches for both prevention and treatment. The transcription factor, Twist-related protein 1 (Twist1), has been identified as having a key mechanistic role in the development and progression of cSCC. Studies in relevant mouse models of cSCC have shown that Twist1 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness driving progression and metastasis of cSCC. In addition, further research has shown that Twist1 regulates the balance between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and therefore impacts earlier stages of cSCC development. Through use of keratinocyte specific Twist1 knockout models, a role for this gene in keratinocyte stem cell homeostasis has been revealed. As a transcription factor, Twist1 regulates a large number of genes both in a positive, as well as a negative manner across several interdependent pathways. Studies in keratinocyte specific knockout models have shown that Twist1 upregulates the expression of genes involved in proliferation, stemness, and EMT while downregulating the expression of genes associated with differentiation. Furthermore, a number of compounds, including naturally occurring compounds, have been identified that target Twist1 and can block its effects in cancer cells and in keratinocytes in vivo. Collectively, the current understanding of Twist1 function in cSCC development and progression suggests that it represents a potential target for prevention and treatment of cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingzeng Wang
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - Okkyung Rho
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - Fernando Eguiarte-Solomon
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
| | - John DiGiovanni
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Center for Molecular Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78723, United States
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20
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Khales SA, Mozaffari-Jovin S, Geerts D, Abbaszadegan MR. TWIST1 activates cancer stem cell marker genes to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumorigenesis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1272. [PMID: 36474162 PMCID: PMC9724315 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10252-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Overexpression of EMT master transcription factors can promote differentiated cells to undergo cancer reprogramming processes and acquire a stem cell-like status. METHODS The KYSE-30 and YM-1 ESCC cell lines were transduced with retroviruses expressing TWIST1 or GFP and analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and immunostaining to investigate the correlation between TWIST1 and stemness markers expression. Cells expressing TWIST1 were characterized for mRNA candidates by qRT-PCR and for protein candidates by Flow cytometry and Immunocytochemistry. TWIST1-ESCC cells were also evaluated for apoptosis and drug resistance. RESULTS Here we identify a role for TWIST1 in the establishment of ESCC cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotype, facilitating the transformation of non-CSCs to CSCs. We provide evidence that TWIST1 expression correlates with the expression of CSC markers in ESCC cell lines. ChIP assay results demonstrated that TWIST1 regulates CSC markers, including CD44, SALL4, NANOG, MEIS1, GDF3, and SOX2, through binding to the E-box sequences in their promoters. TWIST1 promoted EMT through E-cadherin downregulation and vimentin upregulation. Moreover, TWIST1 expression repressed apoptosis in ESCC cells through upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of the Bax protein, and increased ABCG2 and ABCC4 transporters expression, which may lead to drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS These findings support a critical role for TWIST1 in CSC-like generation, EMT progression, and inhibition of apoptosis in ESCC. Thus, TWIST1 represents a therapeutic target for the suppression of esophageal cell transformation to CSCs and ESCC malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Ardalan Khales
- grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sina Mozaffari-Jovin
- grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran ,grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Dirk Geerts
- grid.5650.60000000404654431Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran ,grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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21
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Marles H, Biddle A. Cancer stem cell plasticity and its implications in the development of new clinical approaches for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 204:115212. [PMID: 35985402 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents a major worldwide disease burden, with high rates of recurrence and metastatic spread following existing treatment methods. Populations of treatment resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) are well characterised in oral SCC. These populations of CSCs engage the cellular programme known as epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) to enhance metastatic spread and therapeutic resistance. EMT is characterised by specific morphological changes and the expression of certain cell surface markers that represent a transition from an epithelial phenotype to a mesenchymal phenotype. This process is regulated by several cellular pathways that interact both horizontally and hierarchically. The cellular changes in EMT occur along a spectrum, with sub-populations of cells displaying both epithelial and mesenchymal features. The unique features of these CSCs in terms of their EMT state, cell surface markers and metabolism may offer new druggable targets. In addition, these features could be used to identify more aggressive disease states and the opportunity to personalise therapy depending on the presence of certain CSC sub-populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Marles
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Adrian Biddle
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK.
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22
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Current Landscape of Therapeutic Resistance in Lung Cancer and Promising Strategies to Overcome Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194562. [PMID: 36230484 PMCID: PMC9558974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite an initial response to therapy, many lung cancer patients inevitably develop resistance to therapy leading to decreased duration of response and success of treatment. Recent research aims to elucidate mechanisms of resistance in order to improve drug response and treatment outcomes. By utilizing multidisciplinary approaches that target various resistance mechanism, it may be possible to delay development of treatment resistance or even resensitize cancers. This review aims to discuss novel approaches to improve clinical outcomes, delay the occurrence of resistance, and overcome resistance. Abstract Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide with a 5-year survival rate of less than 18%. Current treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Despite advances in therapeutic options, resistance to therapy remains a major obstacle to the effectiveness of long-term treatment, eventually leading to therapeutic insensitivity, poor progression-free survival, and disease relapse. Resistance mechanisms stem from genetic mutations and/or epigenetic changes, unregulated drug efflux, tumor hypoxia, alterations in the tumor microenvironment, and several other cellular and molecular alterations. A better understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for targeting factors involved in therapeutic resistance, establishing novel antitumor targets, and developing therapeutic strategies to resensitize cancer cells towards treatment. In this review, we summarize diverse mechanisms driving resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, and promising strategies to help overcome this therapeutic resistance.
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23
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Liu J, Shu G, Wu A, Zhang X, Zhou Z, Alvero AB, Mor G, Yin G. TWIST1 induces proteasomal degradation of β-catenin during the differentiation of ovarian cancer stem-like cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15650. [PMID: 36123378 PMCID: PMC9485151 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18662-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the leading gynecologic cancers worldwide. Cancer stem-like cells are correlated with relapse and resistance to chemotherapy. Twist1, which is involved in ovarian cancer stem-like cell differentiation, is positively correlated with CTNNB1 in different differentiation stages of ovarian cancer cells: primary epithelial ovarian cancer cells (primary EOC cells), mesenchymal spheroid-forming cells (MSFCs) and secondary epithelial ovarian cancer cells (sEOC cells). However, the expression of β-catenin is inversed compared to CTNNB1 in these 3 cell states. We further demonstrated that β-catenin is regulated by the protein degradation system in MSFCs and secondary EOC but not in primary EOC cells. The differentiation process from primary EOC cells to MSFCs and sEOC cells might be due to the downregulation of β-catenin protein levels. Finally, we found that TWIST1 can enhance β-catenin degradation by upregulating Axin2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Liu
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Guang Shu
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Anqi Wu
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Ayesha B. Alvero
- grid.254444.70000 0001 1456 7807C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Gil Mor
- grid.254444.70000 0001 1456 7807C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Gang Yin
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China ,grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 China
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24
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Huang Y, Hong W, Wei X. The molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of EMT in tumor progression and metastasis. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:129. [PMID: 36076302 PMCID: PMC9461252 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01347-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process in normal embryonic development and tissue regeneration. However, aberrant reactivation of EMT is associated with malignant properties of tumor cells during cancer progression and metastasis, including promoted migration and invasiveness, increased tumor stemness, and enhanced resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is tightly regulated by a complex network which is orchestrated with several intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including multiple transcription factors, post-translational control, epigenetic modifications, and noncoding RNA-mediated regulation. In this review, we described the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and the stages of tumorigenesis involved in the EMT process and discussed the dynamic non-binary process of EMT and its role in tumor metastasis. Finally, we summarized the challenges of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in EMT and proposed strategies for tumor therapy targeting EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiqi Hong
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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25
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Gelissen JH, Huang GS. Intersections of endocrine pathways and the epithelial mesenchymal transition in endometrial cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:914405. [PMID: 36052252 PMCID: PMC9424890 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.914405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which cancer cells of epithelial origin, including endometrial cancer, acquire a mesenchymal phenotype with enhanced migratory and invasive capacity, to facilitate metastasis. The regulation of EMT is tissue-specific, and in endometrial cancer, endocrine signaling pathways serve as critical regulators of EMT. The intersections of endocrine signaling and EMT highlight potential avenues for therapeutic intervention to target cancer metastasis with the aim of reduced mortality.
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26
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Burkhardt DB, San Juan BP, Lock JG, Krishnaswamy S, Chaffer CL. Mapping Phenotypic Plasticity upon the Cancer Cell State Landscape Using Manifold Learning. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:1847-1859. [PMID: 35736000 PMCID: PMC9353259 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Phenotypic plasticity describes the ability of cancer cells to undergo dynamic, nongenetic cell state changes that amplify cancer heterogeneity to promote metastasis and therapy evasion. Thus, cancer cells occupy a continuous spectrum of phenotypic states connected by trajectories defining dynamic transitions upon a cancer cell state landscape. With technologies proliferating to systematically record molecular mechanisms at single-cell resolution, we illuminate manifold learning techniques as emerging computational tools to effectively model cell state dynamics in a way that mimics our understanding of the cell state landscape. We anticipate that "state-gating" therapies targeting phenotypic plasticity will limit cancer heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. SIGNIFICANCE Nongenetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic plasticity have emerged as significant drivers of tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Herein, we discuss new experimental and computational techniques to define phenotypic plasticity as a scaffold to guide accelerated progress in uncovering new vulnerabilities for therapeutic exploitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B. Burkhardt
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Cellarity, Somerville, Massachusetts
| | - Beatriz P. San Juan
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John G. Lock
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Smita Krishnaswamy
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Computer Science, Computational Biology Bioinformatics Program, Applied Math Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christine L. Chaffer
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
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27
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Le Minh G, Reginato MJ. Role of O-GlcNAcylation on cancer stem cells: Connecting nutrient sensing to cell plasticity. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 157:195-228. [PMID: 36725109 PMCID: PMC9895886 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.06.002] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor growth and metastasis can be promoted by a small sub-population of cancer cells, termed cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). While CSCs possess capability in self-renewing and differentiating, the hierarchy of CSCs during tumor growth is highly plastic. This plasticity in CSCs fate and function can be regulated by signals from the tumor microenvironment. One emerging pathway in CSCs that connects the alteration in microenvironment and signaling network in cancer cells is the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP). The final product of HBP, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), is utilized for glycosylating of membrane and secreted proteins, but also nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins by the post-translational modification O-GlcNAcylation. O-GlcNAcylation and its enzyme, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), are upregulated in nearly all cancers and been linked to regulate many cancer cell phenotypes. Recent studies have begun to connect OGT and O-GlcNAcylation to regulation of CSCs. In this review, we will discuss the emerging role of OGT and O-GlcNAcylation in regulating fate and plasticity of CSCs, as well as the potential in targeting OGT/O-GlcNAcylation in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giang Le Minh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mauricio J Reginato
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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28
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Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity Induced by Discontinuous Exposure to TGFβ1 Promotes Tumour Growth. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11071046. [PMID: 36101425 PMCID: PMC9312510 DOI: 10.3390/biology11071046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In this manuscript, we used a non-genetically manipulated EMT/MET cell line model to demonstrate that epithelial mesenchymal plasticity occurring in normal cells generates co-existing phenotypically and functionally divergent cell subpopulations which result in fast growing tumours in vivo. Abstract Transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal cellular states (EMT/MET) contribute to cancer progression. We hypothesize that EMT followed by MET promotes cell population heterogeneity, favouring tumour growth. We developed an EMT model by on and off exposure of epithelial EpH4 cells (E-cells) to TGFβ1 that mimics phenotypic EMT (M-cells) and MET. We aimed at understanding whether phenotypic MET is accompanied by molecular and functional reversion back to epithelia by using RNA sequencing, immunofluorescence (IF), proliferation, wound healing, focus formation and mamosphere formation assays as well as cell xenografts in nude mice. Phenotypic reverted epithelial cells (RE-cells) obtained after MET induction presented epithelial morphologies and proliferation rates resembling E cells. However, the RE transcriptomic profile and IF staining of epithelial and mesenchymal markers revealed a uniquely heterogeneous mixture of cell subpopulations with a high self-renewal ability. RE cell heterogeneity was stably maintained for long periods after TGFβ1 removal both in vitro and in large tumours derived from the nude mice. Overall, we show that phenotypic reverted epithelial cells (RE cells) do not return to the molecular and functional epithelial state and present mesenchymal features related to aggressiveness and cellular heterogeneity that favour tumour growth in vivo. This work strengthens epithelial cell reprogramming and cellular heterogeneity fostered by inflammatory cues as a tumour growth-promoting factor in vivo.
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29
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Rossi M, Altea-Manzano P, Demicco M, Doglioni G, Bornes L, Fukano M, Vandekeere A, Cuadros AM, Fernández-García J, Riera-Domingo C, Jauset C, Planque M, Alkan HF, Nittner D, Zuo D, Broadfield LA, Parik S, Pane AA, Rizzollo F, Rinaldi G, Zhang T, Teoh ST, Aurora AB, Karras P, Vermeire I, Broekaert D, Elsen JV, Knott MML, Orth MF, Demeyer S, Eelen G, Dobrolecki LE, Bassez A, Brussel TV, Sotlar K, Lewis MT, Bartsch H, Wuhrer M, Veelen PV, Carmeliet P, Cools J, Morrison SJ, Marine JC, Lambrechts D, Mazzone M, Hannon GJ, Lunt SY, Grünewald TGP, Park M, Rheenen JV, Fendt SM. PHGDH heterogeneity potentiates cancer cell dissemination and metastasis. Nature 2022; 605:747-753. [PMID: 35585241 PMCID: PMC9888363 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04758-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis requires the transient activation of cellular programs enabling dissemination and seeding in distant organs1. Genetic, transcriptional and translational heterogeneity contributes to this dynamic process2,3. Metabolic heterogeneity has also been observed4, yet its role in cancer progression is less explored. Here we find that the loss of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) potentiates metastatic dissemination. Specifically, we find that heterogeneous or low PHGDH expression in primary tumours of patients with breast cancer is associated with decreased metastasis-free survival time. In mice, circulating tumour cells and early metastatic lesions are enriched with Phgdhlow cancer cells, and silencing Phgdh in primary tumours increases metastasis formation. Mechanistically, Phgdh interacts with the glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase, and the loss of this interaction activates the hexosamine-sialic acid pathway, which provides precursors for protein glycosylation. As a consequence, aberrant protein glycosylation occurs, including increased sialylation of integrin αvβ3, which potentiates cell migration and invasion. Inhibition of sialylation counteracts the metastatic ability of Phgdhlow cancer cells. In conclusion, although the catalytic activity of PHGDH supports cancer cell proliferation, low PHGDH protein expression non-catalytically potentiates cancer dissemination and metastasis formation. Thus, the presence of PHDGH heterogeneity in primary tumours could be considered a sign of tumour aggressiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Rossi
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patricia Altea-Manzano
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Margherita Demicco
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ginevra Doglioni
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Bornes
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marina Fukano
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anke Vandekeere
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alejandro M Cuadros
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Juan Fernández-García
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carla Riera-Domingo
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cristina Jauset
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mélanie Planque
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - H Furkan Alkan
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Nittner
- Histopathology Expertise Center, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dongmei Zuo
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Broadfield
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sweta Parik
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antonino Alejandro Pane
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Rizzollo
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gianmarco Rinaldi
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tao Zhang
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Shao Thing Teoh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Arin B Aurora
- Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Panagiotis Karras
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ines Vermeire
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dorien Broekaert
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joke Van Elsen
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maximilian M L Knott
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin F Orth
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sofie Demeyer
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Leukemia, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Eelen
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Ayse Bassez
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Brussel
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karl Sotlar
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Harald Bartsch
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter van Veelen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jan Cools
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Leukemia, VIB-KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sean J Morrison
- Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Center for Cancer Biology (CCB), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Tumor Inflammation and Angiogenesis, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Science, Molecular Biotechnology Centre, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophia Y Lunt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Thomas G P Grünewald
- Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Translational Pediatric Sarcoma Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Morag Park
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI), McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium.
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Te Boekhorst V, Jiang L, Mählen M, Meerlo M, Dunkel G, Durst FC, Yang Y, Levine H, Burgering BMT, Friedl P. Calpain-2 regulates hypoxia/HIF-induced plasticity toward amoeboid cancer cell migration and metastasis. Curr Biol 2022; 32:412-427.e8. [PMID: 34883047 PMCID: PMC10439789 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia, through hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), drives cancer cell invasion and metastatic progression in various cancer types. In epithelial cancer, hypoxia induces the transition to amoeboid cancer cell dissemination, yet the molecular mechanisms, relevance for metastasis, and effective intervention to combat hypoxia-induced amoeboid reprogramming remain unclear. Here, we identify calpain-2 as a key regulator and anti-metastasis target of hypoxia-induced transition from collective to amoeboid dissemination of breast and head and neck (HN) carcinoma cells. Hypoxia-induced amoeboid dissemination occurred through low extracellular matrix (ECM)-adhesive, predominantly bleb-based amoeboid movement, which was maintained by a low-oxidative and -glycolytic energy metabolism ("eco-mode"). Hypoxia induced calpain-2-mediated amoeboid conversion by deactivating β1 integrins through enzymatic cleavage of the focal adhesion adaptor protein talin-1. Consequently, targeted downregulation or pharmacological inhibition of calpain-2 restored talin-1 integrity and β1 integrin engagement and reverted amoeboid to elongated phenotypes under hypoxia. Calpain-2 activity was required for hypoxia-induced amoeboid conversion in the orthotopic mouse dermis and upregulated in invasive HN tumor xenografts in vivo, and attenuation of calpain activity prevented hypoxia-induced metastasis to the lungs. This identifies the calpain-2/talin-1/β1 integrin axis as a druggable mechanosignaling program that conserves energy yet enables metastatic dissemination that can be reverted by interfering with calpain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Te Boekhorst
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Liying Jiang
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marius Mählen
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike Meerlo
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gina Dunkel
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Franziska C Durst
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yanjun Yang
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Department of Applied Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Department of Applied Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Boudewijn M T Burgering
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Cancer Genomics Center, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Friedl
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Cancer Genomics Center, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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31
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Zhang L, Zhang SS, Wang KF, Li YH, Xu HJ, Sun KX, Ma S, Leng HM, Chen SZ, Jia WJ, Zhu XJ, Li J. Overexpression of Twist1 in vascular endothelial cells promotes pathological retinal angiogenesis in mice. Zool Res 2022; 43:64-74. [PMID: 34845879 PMCID: PMC8743260 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2021.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal angiogenesis is a critical process for normal retinal function. However, uncontrolled angiogenesis can lead to pathological neovascularization (NV), which is closely related to most irreversible blindness-causing retinal diseases. Understanding the molecular basis behind pathological NV is important for the treatment of related diseases. Twist-related protein 1 (TWIST1) is a well-known transcription factor and principal inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in many human cancers. Our previous study showed that Twist1 expression is elevated in pathological retinal NV. To date, however, the role of TWIST1 in retinal pathological angiogenesis remains to be elucidated. To study the role of TWIST1 in pathological retinal NV and identify specific molecular targets for antagonizing pathological NV, we generated an inducible vascular endothelial cell (EC)-specific Twist1 transgenic mouse model ( Tg-Twist1 iEC+ ). Whole-mount retinas from Tg-Twist1 iEC+ mice showed retarded vascular progression and increased vascular density in the front end of the growing retinal vasculature, as well as aneurysm-like pathological retinal NV. Furthermore, overexpression of Twist1 in the ECs promoted cell proliferation but disturbed cell polarity, thus leading to uncontrolled retinal angiogenesis. TWIST1 promoted pathological NV by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inducing the expression of NV formation-related genes, thereby acting as a 'valve' in the regulation of pathological angiogenesis. This study identified the critical role of TWIST1 in retinal pathological NV, thus providing a potential therapeutic target for pathological NV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Kai-Fang Wang
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Yi-Hui Li
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Hui-Juan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Kuan-Xiang Sun
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Shi Ma
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Hong-Mei Leng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Si-Zhu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Wen-Jing Jia
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xian-Jun Zhu
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Biological Resources, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, Qinghai 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China. E-mail:
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The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition at the Crossroads between Metabolism and Tumor Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020800. [PMID: 35054987 PMCID: PMC8776206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotype is emerging as a key determinant of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. It is a plastic process in which epithelial cells first acquire the ability to invade the extracellular matrix and migrate into the bloodstream via transdifferentiation into mesenchymal cells, a phenomenon known as epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and then reacquire the epithelial phenotype, the reverse process called mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), to colonize a new organ. During all metastatic stages, metabolic changes, which give cancer cells the ability to adapt to increased energy demand and to withstand a hostile new environment, are also important determinants of successful cancer progression. In this review, we describe the complex interaction between EMT and metabolism during tumor progression. First, we outline the main connections between the two processes, with particular emphasis on the role of cancer stem cells and LncRNAs. Then, we focus on some specific cancers, such as breast, lung, and thyroid cancer.
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Sepporta MV, Praz V, Balmas Bourloud K, Joseph JM, Jauquier N, Riggi N, Nardou-Auderset K, Petit A, Scoazec JY, Sartelet H, Renella R, Mühlethaler-Mottet A. TWIST1 expression is associated with high-risk neuroblastoma and promotes primary and metastatic tumor growth. Commun Biol 2022; 5:42. [PMID: 35022561 PMCID: PMC8755726 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02958-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The embryonic transcription factors TWIST1/2 are frequently overexpressed in cancer, acting as multifunctional oncogenes. Here we investigate their role in neuroblastoma (NB), a heterogeneous childhood malignancy ranging from spontaneous regression to dismal outcomes despite multimodal therapy. We first reveal the association of TWIST1 expression with poor survival and metastasis in primary NB, while TWIST2 correlates with good prognosis. Secondly, suppression of TWIST1 by CRISPR/Cas9 results in a reduction of tumor growth and metastasis colonization in immunocompromised mice. Moreover, TWIST1 knockout tumors display a less aggressive cellular morphology and a reduced disruption of the extracellular matrix (ECM) reticulin network. Additionally, we identify a TWIST1-mediated transcriptional program associated with dismal outcome in NB and involved in the control of pathways mainly linked to the signaling, migration, adhesion, the organization of the ECM, and the tumor cells versus tumor stroma crosstalk. Taken together, our findings confirm TWIST1 as promising therapeutic target in NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Vittoria Sepporta
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Viviane Praz
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Experimental Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katia Balmas Bourloud
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Joseph
- Pediatric Surgery, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Jauquier
- Pediatric Surgery, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolò Riggi
- Experimental Pathology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katya Nardou-Auderset
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ophthalmic Hospital Jules-Gonin - Fondation Asile Des Aveugles, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Audrey Petit
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department, CHU de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- Department of Biology and Medical Pathology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Hervé Sartelet
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
- Department of Biopathology, CHRU de Nancy, University of Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Raffaele Renella
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Annick Mühlethaler-Mottet
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, Woman-Mother-Child Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Sahoo S, Ashraf B, Duddu AS, Biddle A, Jolly MK. Interconnected high-dimensional landscapes of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and stemness in cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:279-290. [PMID: 34993766 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Establishing macrometastases at distant organs is a highly challenging process for cancer cells, with extremely high attrition rates. A very small percentage of disseminated cells have the ability to dynamically adapt to their changing micro-environments through reversibly switching to another phenotype, aiding metastasis. Such plasticity can be exhibited along one or more axes-epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) being the two most studied, and often tacitly assumed to be synonymous. Here, we review the emerging concepts related to EMP and CSCs across multiple cancers. Both processes are multi-dimensional in nature; for instance, EMP can be defined on morphological, molecular and functional changes, which may or may not be synchronized. Similarly, self-renewal, multi-lineage potential, and resistance to anoikis and/or therapy may not all occur simultaneously in CSCs. Thus, understanding the complexity in defining EMP and CSCs is essential if we are to understand their contribution to cancer metastasis. This will require a more comprehensive understanding of the non-linearity of these processes. These processes are dynamic, reversible, and semi-independent in nature; cells traverse the inter-connected high-dimensional EMP and CSC landscapes in diverse paths, each of which may exhibit a distinct EMP-CSC coupling. Our proposed model offers a potential unifying framework for elucidating the coupled decision-making along these dimensions and highlights a key set of open questions to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering (BSSE), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.,UG Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Bazella Ashraf
- Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Kashmir, Ganderbal, India
| | - Atchuta Srinivas Duddu
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering (BSSE), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Adrian Biddle
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering (BSSE), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
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35
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Long L, Hu Y, Long T, Lu X, Tuo Y, Li Y, Ke Z. Tumor-associated macrophages induced spheroid formation by CCL18-ZEB1-M-CSF feedback loop to promote transcoelomic metastasis of ovarian cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 9:jitc-2021-003973. [PMID: 34969774 PMCID: PMC8718465 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OvCa)-tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) spheroids are abundantly present within ascites of high malignant patients. This study investigated the mutual interaction of OvCa cells and TAMs in the spheroids. Methods Three-dimensional coculture system and transwell coculture system were created to mimic the OvCa and TAMs in spheroids and in disassociated state. Transwell-migration assay and scratch wound healing assay were used to measure the invasive and migratory capacity. Western blot, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and immunostaining were used to measure the mesenchymal and epithelial markers. Flow cytometry was used to assess the polarization of TAMs. Also, the differential gene expression profile of OvCa cells and OvCa cells from spheroids were tested by RNA-sequence. Finally, the ovarian mice models were constructed by intraperitoneal injection of ID8 or OvCa-TAMs spheroids. Results Our results indicated that the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids was positive related to the malignancy of OvCa cells. M2-TAMs induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of OvCa cells by releasing chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18) in the spheroids. While, CCL18 induced macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) transcription in OvCa cells through zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). This study further indicated that M-CSF secreted by OvCa cells drived the polarization of M2-TAMs. Therefore, a CCL18-ZEB1-M-CSF interacting loop between OvCa cells and TAMs in the spheroids was identified. Moreover, with blocking the expression of ZEB1 in the OvCa cell, the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids was impeded. In the ovarian mice models, the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids in the ascites was promoted by overexpressing of ZEB1 in OvCa cells, which resulted in faster and earlier transcoelomic metastasis. Conclusion These findings suggested that the formation of OvCa-TAMs spheroids resulted in aggressive phenotype of OvCa cells, as a specific feedback loop CCL18-ZEB1-M-CSF in it. Inhibition of ZEB1 reduced OvCa-TAMs spheroids in the ascites, impeding the transcoelomic metastasis and improving the outcome of ovarian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Long
- Translation Medicine Center, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Translation Medicine Center, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tengfei Long
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Lu
- Department of Pathology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Tuo
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubing Li
- The Reproductive Center, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zunfu Ke
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, UK
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Herzog BH, Devarakonda S, Govindan R. Overcoming Chemotherapy Resistance in SCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2021; 16:2002-2015. [PMID: 34358725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
SCLC is an aggressive form of lung cancer with a very poor prognosis. Although SCLC initially responds very well to platinum-based chemotherapy, it eventually recurs and at recurrence is nearly universally resistant to therapy. In light of the recent advances in understanding regarding the biology of SCLC, we review findings related to SCLC chemotherapy resistance. We discuss the potential clinical implications of recent preclinical discoveries in altered signaling pathways, transcriptional landscapes, metabolic vulnerabilities, and the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett H Herzog
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Alvin J Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Siddhartha Devarakonda
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Alvin J Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ramaswamy Govindan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Alvin J Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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37
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Sznurkowska MK, Aceto N. The gate to metastasis: key players in cancer cell intravasation. FEBS J 2021; 289:4336-4354. [PMID: 34077633 PMCID: PMC9546053 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is a leading cause of cancer‐related death and consists of a sequence of events including tumor expansion, intravasation of cancer cells into the circulation, survival in the bloodstream, extravasation at distant sites, and subsequent organ colonization. Particularly, intravasation is a process whereby cancer cells transverse the endothelium and leave the primary tumor site, pioneering the metastatic cascade. The identification of those mechanisms that trigger the entry of cancer cells into the bloodstream may reveal fundamentally novel ways to block metastasis at its start. Multiple factors have been implicated in cancer progression, yet, signals that unequivocally provoke the detachment of cancer cells from the primary tumor are still under investigation. Here, we discuss the role of intrinsic properties of cancer cells, tumor microenvironment, and mechanical cues in the intravasation process, outlining studies that suggest the involvement of various factors and highlighting current understanding and open questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena K Sznurkowska
- Department of Biomedicine, Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biomedicine, Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland
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Kvokačková B, Remšík J, Jolly MK, Souček K. Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Mediated by Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2188. [PMID: 34063254 PMCID: PMC8125677 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast carcinoma known for its unusually aggressive behavior and poor clinical outcome. Besides the lack of molecular targets for therapy and profound intratumoral heterogeneity, the relatively quick overt metastatic spread remains a major obstacle in effective clinical management. The metastatic colonization of distant sites by primary tumor cells is affected by the microenvironment, epigenetic state of particular subclones, and numerous other factors. One of the most prominent processes contributing to the intratumoral heterogeneity is an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an evolutionarily conserved developmental program frequently hijacked by tumor cells, strengthening their motile and invasive features. In response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, malignant cells can revert the EMT state through the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), a process that is believed to be critical for the establishment of macrometastasis at secondary sites. Notably, cancer cells rarely undergo complete EMT and rather exist in a continuum of E/M intermediate states, preserving high levels of plasticity, as demonstrated in primary tumors and, ultimately, in circulating tumor cells, representing a simplified element of the metastatic cascade. In this review, we focus on cellular drivers underlying EMT/MET phenotypic plasticity and its detrimental consequences in the context of TNBC cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Kvokačková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic;
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Remšík
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic;
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Agnoletto C, Caruso C, Garofalo C. Heterogeneous Circulating Tumor Cells in Sarcoma: Implication for Clinical Practice. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092189. [PMID: 34063272 PMCID: PMC8124844 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The present review is aimed to discuss the relevance of assaying for the presence and isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with sarcoma. Just a few studies have been performed to detect and enumerate viable CTCs in sarcoma and a majority of them still represent proof-of-concept studies, while more frequently tumor cells have been detected in the circulation by using the PCR-based method. Nevertheless, recent advances in technologies allowed detection of epithelial–mesenchymal transitioned CTCs from patients with mesenchymal malignancies, despite results being mostly preliminary. The possibility to identify CTCs holds a great promise for both applications of liquid biopsy in sarcoma for precision medicine, and for research purposes to pinpoint the mechanism of the metastatic process through the characterization of tumor mesenchymal cells. Coherently, clinical trials in sarcoma have been designed accordingly to detect CTCs, for diagnosis, identification of novel therapeutic targets and resistance mechanisms of systemic therapies, and patient stratification. Abstract Bone and soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) represent a group of heterogeneous rare malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, with a poor prognosis. Due to their low incidence, only a few studies have been reported addressing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in sarcoma, despite the well-documented relevance for applications of liquid biopsy in precision medicine. In the present review, the most recent data relative to the detection and isolation of viable and intact CTCs in these tumors will be reviewed, and the heterogeneity in CTCs will be discussed. The relevance of epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and stemness in defining the phenotypic and functional properties of these rare cells in sarcoma will be highlighted. Of note, the existence of dynamic epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related processes in sarcoma tumors has only recently been related to their clinical aggressiveness. Also, the presence of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-positive CTC in sarcoma has been weakly correlated with poor outcome and disease progression, thus proving the existence of both epithelial and mesenchymal CTC in sarcoma. The advancement in technologies for capturing and enumerating all diverse CTCs phenotype originating from these mesenchymal tumors are presented, and results provide a promising basis for clinical application of CTC detection in sarcoma.
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Addison JB, Voronkova MA, Fugett JH, Lin CC, Linville NC, Trinh B, Livengood RH, Smolkin MB, Schaller MD, Ruppert JM, Pugacheva EN, Creighton CJ, Ivanov AV. Functional Hierarchy and Cooperation of EMT Master Transcription Factors in Breast Cancer Metastasis. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:784-798. [PMID: 33500360 PMCID: PMC8137545 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several master transcription factors (TF) can activate the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, their individual and combinatorial contributions to EMT in breast cancer are not defined. We show that overexpression of EMT-TFs individually in epithelial cells upregulated endogenous SNAI2, ZEB1/2, TCF4, and TWIST1/2 as a result of positive feedback mediated in part by suppression of their negative regulator miRNAs miR200s/203/205. We identified TCF4 as a potential new target of miR200s. Expression of ZEB1/2 strongly correlated with the mesenchymal phenotype in breast cancer cells, with the CD24-/CD44+ stemness profile, and with lower expression of core epithelial genes in human breast tumors. Knockdown of EMT-TFs identified the key role of ZEB1 and its functional cooperation with other EMT-TFs in the maintenance of the mesenchymal state. Inducible ZEB1+2 knockdown in xenograft models inhibited pulmonary metastasis, emphasizing their critical role in dissemination from primary site and in extravasation. However, ZEB1+2 depletion one-week after intravenous injection did not inhibit lung colonization, suggesting that ZEB1/2 and EMT are not essential for macrometastatic outgrowth. These results provide strong evidence that EMT is orchestrated by coordinated expression of several EMT-TFs and establish ZEB1 as a key master regulator of EMT and metastasis in breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS: The EMT program is orchestrated by coordinated expression of multiple EMT transcription factors, whereas ZEB1 integrates the EMT master regulatory network and plays the major role in promoting EMT and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Addison
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Maria A Voronkova
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - James H Fugett
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Chen-Chung Lin
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Nathaniel C Linville
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Brandon Trinh
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ryan H Livengood
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Matthew B Smolkin
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Michael D Schaller
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - J Michael Ruppert
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Elena N Pugacheva
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine and Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Alexey V Ivanov
- WVU Cancer Institute and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.
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Lambert AW, Weinberg RA. Linking EMT programmes to normal and neoplastic epithelial stem cells. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:325-338. [PMID: 33547455 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00332-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial stem cells serve critical physiological functions in the generation, maintenance and repair of diverse tissues through their ability to self-renew and spawn more specialized, differentiated cell types. In an analogous fashion, cancer stem cells have been proposed to fuel the growth, progression and recurrence of many carcinomas. Activation of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a latent cell-biological programme involved in development and wound healing, has been linked to the formation of both normal and neoplastic stem cells, but the mechanistic basis underlying this connection remains unclear. In this Perspective, we outline the instances where aspects of an EMT have been implicated in normal and neoplastic epithelial stem cells and consider the involvement of this programme during tissue regeneration and repair. We also discuss emerging concepts and evidence related to the heterogeneous and plastic cell states generated by EMT programmes and how these bear on our understanding of cancer stem cell biology and cancer metastasis. A more comprehensive accounting of the still-elusive links between EMT programmes and the stem cell state will surely advance our understanding of both normal stem cell biology and cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert A Weinberg
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- MIT Ludwig Center for Molecular Oncology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Huna A, Nawrocki-Raby B, Padilla-Benavides T, Gavard J, Coscoy S, Bernard D, Boissan M. Loss of the Metastasis Suppressor NME1, But Not of Its Highly Related Isoform NME2, Induces a Hybrid Epithelial-Mesenchymal State in Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3718. [PMID: 33918324 PMCID: PMC8038181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important for the initial steps of metastasis. Although it is well accepted that the nucleoside diphosphate kinase NME1 is a metastasis suppressor, its effect on EMT remains poorly documented, as does that of its closely related isoform, NME2. Here, by using gene silencing, inactivation and overexpression strategies in a variety of cellular models of cancer, we show that NME1 is a powerful inhibitor of EMT. Genetic manipulation of NME2, by contrast, had no effect on the EMT phenotype of cancer cells, indicating a specific function of NME1 in EMT regulation. Loss of NME1 in epithelial cancer cells resulted in a hybrid phenotype intermediate between epithelial and mesenchymal cells, which is known to be associated with cells with a highly metastatic character. Conversely, overexpression of NME1 in mesenchymal cancer cells resulted in a more epithelial phenotype. We found that NME1 expression was negatively associated with EMT markers in many human cancers and was reduced in human breast tumor cell lines with the aggressive 'triple-negative' phenotype when compared to human breast tumor cell lines positive for estrogen receptor. We show that NME1, but not NME2, is an inhibitor of essential concerted intracellular signaling pathways involved in inducing EMT, including the AKT and MAPK (ERK, p38, and JNK) pathways. Additionally, NME1 depletion considerably altered the distribution of E-cadherin, a gatekeeper of the epithelial phenotype, shifting it from the plasma membrane to the cytosol and resulting in less E-cadherin on the cell surface than in control cells. Functional aggregation and dispersion assays demonstrated that inactivation of NME1 decreases E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion. We conclude that NME1, but not NME2, acts specifically to inhibit EMT and prevent the earliest stages of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anda Huna
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Léon Bérard Center, Lyon University, 69008 Lyon, France; (A.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Béatrice Nawrocki-Raby
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, INSERM, P3Cell UMR-S 1250, SFR CAP-SANTE, 51097 Reims, France;
| | | | - Julie Gavard
- Team SOAP, CRCINA, Inserm, CNRS, Université de Nantes, Université d’Angers, 44000 Nantes, France;
- Integrated Center for Oncology, ICO, 44800 St. Herblain, France
| | - Sylvie Coscoy
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR168, Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, 75005 Paris, France;
- Equipe Labellisée «Ligue Contre le Cancer», 75006 Paris, France
| | - David Bernard
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Léon Bérard Center, Lyon University, 69008 Lyon, France; (A.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Mathieu Boissan
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, 75012 Paris, France
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Hormonology, Tenon Hospital, AP-HP, 75020 Paris, France
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Kawasaki K, Kuboki S, Furukawa K, Takayashiki T, Takano S, Ohtsuka M. LGR5 induces β-catenin activation and augments tumour progression by activating STAT3 in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Liver Int 2021; 41:865-881. [PMID: 33249719 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS LGR5 enhances Wnt-β-catenin signalling; however, involvement of LGR5 or Wnt-β-catenin signalling in ICC progression has not been reported. METHODS Functions and regulations of LGR5-mediated β-catenin activation in ICC progression were evaluated using surgical specimens collected from 61 ICC patients or 2 ICC cell lines. RESULTS LGR5 expression was increased in some cases of ICC. It was positively correlated with β-catenin activation, OLFM4 expression and STAT3 activation, and negatively correlated with GRIM19 expression in ICC, thereby enhancing cancer stem cell (CSC)-like property and EMT. High LGR5 expression was an independent factor for poor prognosis in ICC after operation. In vitro, Wnt inhibition by IWP-2 suppressed β-catenin activation, OLFM4 expression and STAT3 activation. IWP-2 treatment decreased expression of EpCAM, CD133, vimentin and increased E-cadherin expression. The rate of mesenchymal cells was decreased and cell invasiveness was suppressed after IWP-2 treatment, suggesting that Wnt-β-catenin signalling enhanced CSC-like property and EMT by activating STAT3. In addition, LGR5 knockdown inhibited β-catenin activation, resulting in suppression of β-catenin-induced STAT3 activation through inhibition of OLFM4-GRIM19 cascade. As these results, LGR5 knockdown suppressed CSC-like property and EMT. Therefore, LGR5 was a key regulator for β-catenin activation, and β-catenin was unable to be activated without LGR5. CONCLUSIONS LGR5 is essential for β-catenin activation induced by Wnt signalling. Activated β-catenin further activates STAT3 and enhances CSC-like property and EMT, leading to aggressive tumour progression and poor prognosis in patients with ICC. Therefore, LGR5 is an excellent prognostic predictor and a promising therapeutic target for ICC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keishi Kawasaki
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuboki
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Katsunori Furukawa
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Takayashiki
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shigetsugu Takano
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ohtsuka
- Department of General Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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Genetic and Non-Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Cancer Evolution. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061380. [PMID: 33803675 PMCID: PMC8002988 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Our manuscript summarizes the up-to-date data on the complex and dynamic nature of adaptation mechanisms and evolutionary processes taking place during cancer initiation, development and progression. Although for decades cancer has been viewed as a process governed by genetic mechanisms, it is becoming more and more clear that non-genetic mechanisms may play an equally important role in cancer evolution. In this review, we bring together these fundamental concepts and discuss how those tightly interconnected mechanisms lead to the establishment of highly adaptive quickly evolving cancers. Furthermore, we argue that in depth understanding of cancer progression from the evolutionary perspective may allow the prediction and direction of the evolutionary path of cancer populations towards drug sensitive phenotypes and thus facilitate the development of more effective anti-cancer approaches. Abstract Cancer development can be defined as a process of cellular and tissular microevolution ultimately leading to malignancy. Strikingly, though this concept has prevailed in the field for more than a century, the precise mechanisms underlying evolutionary processes occurring within tumours remain largely uncharacterized and rather cryptic. Nevertheless, although our current knowledge is fragmentary, data collected to date suggest that most tumours display features compatible with a diverse array of evolutionary paths, suggesting that most of the existing macro-evolutionary models find their avatar in cancer biology. Herein, we discuss an up-to-date view of the fundamental genetic and non-genetic mechanisms underlying tumour evolution with the aim of concurring into an integrated view of the evolutionary forces at play throughout the emergence and progression of the disease and into the acquisition of resistance to diverse therapeutic paradigms. Our ultimate goal is to delve into the intricacies of genetic and non-genetic networks underlying tumour evolution to build a framework where both core concepts are considered non-negligible and equally fundamental.
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Colonization of distant organs by tumor cells generating circulating homotypic clusters adaptive to fluid shear stress. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6150. [PMID: 33731803 PMCID: PMC7969766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85743-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Once disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) arrive at a metastatic organ, they remain there, latent, and become seeds of metastasis. However, the clonal composition of DTCs in a latent state remains unclear. Here, we applied high-resolution DNA barcode tracking to a mouse model that recapitulated the metastatic dormancy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We found that clones abundantly circulated peripheral blood dominated DTCs. Through analyses of multiple barcoded clonal lines, we identified specific subclonal population that preferentially generated homotypic circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters and dominated DTCs. Despite no notable features under static conditions, this population significantly generated stable cell aggregates that were resistant to anoikis under fluid shear stress (FSS) conditions in an E-cadherin-dependent manner. Our data from various cancer cell lines indicated that the ability of aggregate-constituting cells to regulate cortical actin-myosin dynamics governed the aggregates' stability in FSS. The CTC cluster-originating cells were characterized by the expression of a subset of E-cadherin binding factors enriched with actin cytoskeleton regulators. Furthermore, this expression signature was associated with locoregional and metastatic recurrence in HNSCC patients. These results reveal a biological selection of tumor cells capable of generating FSS-adaptive CTC clusters, which leads to distant colonization.
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46
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Li WJ, Wang Y, Liu R, Kasinski AL, Shen H, Slack FJ, Tang DG. MicroRNA-34a: Potent Tumor Suppressor, Cancer Stem Cell Inhibitor, and Potential Anticancer Therapeutic. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:640587. [PMID: 33763422 PMCID: PMC7982597 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.640587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence indicates that virtually all treatment-naive tumors contain a subpopulation of cancer cells that possess some stem cell traits and properties and are operationally defined as cancer cell stem cells (CSCs). CSCs manifest inherent heterogeneity in that they may exist in an epithelial and proliferative state or a mesenchymal non-proliferative and invasive state. Spontaneous tumor progression, therapeutic treatments, and (epi)genetic mutations may also induce plasticity in non-CSCs and reprogram them into stem-like cancer cells. Intrinsic cancer cell heterogeneity and induced cancer cell plasticity, constantly and dynamically, generate a pool of CSC subpopulations with varying levels of epigenomic stability and stemness. Despite the dynamic and transient nature of CSCs, they play fundamental roles in mediating therapy resistance and tumor relapse. It is now clear that the stemness of CSCs is coordinately regulated by genetic factors and epigenetic mechanisms. Here, in this perspective, we first provide a brief updated overview of CSCs. We then focus on microRNA-34a (miR-34a), a tumor-suppressive microRNA (miRNA) devoid in many CSCs and advanced tumors. Being a member of the miR-34 family, miR-34a was identified as a p53 target in 2007. It is a bona fide tumor suppressor, and its expression is dysregulated and downregulated in various human cancers. By targeting stemness factors such as NOTCH, MYC, BCL-2, and CD44, miR-34a epigenetically and negatively regulates the functional properties of CSCs. We shall briefly discuss potential reasons behind the failure of the first-in-class clinical trial of MRX34, a liposomal miR-34a mimic. Finally, we offer several clinical settings where miR-34a can potentially be deployed to therapeutically target CSCs and advanced, therapy-resistant, and p53-mutant tumors in order to overcome therapy resistance and curb tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jess Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Experimental Therapeutics Graduate Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Ruifang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Haifa Shen
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Frank J Slack
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Experimental Therapeutics Graduate Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Wang H, Cui G, Yu B, Sun M, Yang H. Cancer Stem Cell Niche in Colorectal Cancer and Targeted Therapies. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1979-1993. [PMID: 32268862 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200408102305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells, are a sub-population of tumor cells found in many human cancers that are endowed with self-renewal and pluripotency. CSCs may be more resistant to conventional anticancer therapies than average cancer cells, as they can easily escape the cytotoxic effects of standard chemotherapy, thereby resulting in tumor relapse. Despite significant progress in related research, effective elimination of CSCs remains an unmet clinical need. CSCs are localized in a specialized microenvironment termed the niche, which plays a pivotal role in cancer multidrug resistance. The niche components of CSCs, such as the extracellular matrix, also physically shelter CSCs from therapeutic agents. Colorectal cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide and presents a relatively transparent process of cancer initiation and development, making it an ideal model for CSC niche research. Here, we review recent advances in the field of CSCs using colorectal cancer as an example to illustrate the potential therapeutic value of targeting the CSC niche. These findings not only provide a novel theoretical basis for in-depth discussions on tumor occurrence, development, and prognosis evaluation, but also offer new strategies for the targeted treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China.,Laboratory medical college, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Guihua Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Meiyan Sun
- Laboratory medical college, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
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Lu YB, Sun TJ, Chen YT, Cai ZY, Zhao JY, Miao F, Yang YN, Wang SX. Targeting the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Stem Cells for a Better Clinical Outcome of Glioma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2020; 19:1533033820948053. [PMID: 33089751 PMCID: PMC7586027 DOI: 10.1177/1533033820948053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the central nervous system with a poor prognosis at present due to lack of effective treatment options. Its initiation, migration, and multipotency are affected by cancer stem cell’s transition. Previous studies imply that changes in the cancer stem cells can affect the malignant differentiation of the tumor. We found that the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related regulatory pathway is an important target for tumor therapy. In this review, we discuss the transition factor of EMT and 3 specific pathways that affect the EMT of cancer stem cells during tumor development. We conclude that targeting the EMT process of cancer stem cells can be a feasible approach in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Bao Lu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,*Both authors contributed equally to this study and share first authorship
| | - Tian-Jiao Sun
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.,*Both authors contributed equally to this study and share first authorship
| | - Yu-Tong Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zong-Yan Cai
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jia-Yu Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Feng Miao
- Zhangye People's Hospital Affiliated to Hexi University, Zhangye, Gansu, China
| | - Yong-Na Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Shi-Xin Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Overton IM, Sims AH, Owen JA, Heale BSE, Ford MJ, Lubbock ALR, Pairo-Castineira E, Essafi A. Functional Transcription Factor Target Networks Illuminate Control of Epithelial Remodelling. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102823. [PMID: 33007944 PMCID: PMC7652213 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell identity is governed by gene expression, regulated by transcription factor (TF) binding at cis-regulatory modules. Decoding the relationship between TF binding patterns and gene regulation is nontrivial, remaining a fundamental limitation in understanding cell decision-making. We developed the NetNC software to predict functionally active regulation of TF targets; demonstrated on nine datasets for the TFs Snail, Twist, and modENCODE Highly Occupied Target (HOT) regions. Snail and Twist are canonical drivers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a cell programme important in development, tumour progression and fibrosis. Predicted "neutral" (non-functional) TF binding always accounted for the majority (50% to 95%) of candidate target genes from statistically significant peaks and HOT regions had higher functional binding than most of the Snail and Twist datasets examined. Our results illuminated conserved gene networks that control epithelial plasticity in development and disease. We identified new gene functions and network modules including crosstalk with notch signalling and regulation of chromatin organisation, evidencing networks that reshape Waddington's epigenetic landscape during epithelial remodelling. Expression of orthologous functional TF targets discriminated breast cancer molecular subtypes and predicted novel tumour biology, with implications for precision medicine. Predicted invasion roles were validated using a tractable cell model, supporting our approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M. Overton
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (A.H.S.); (B.S.E.H.); (M.J.F.); (A.L.R.L.); (E.P.-C.); (A.E.)
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology (SynthSys), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrew H. Sims
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (A.H.S.); (B.S.E.H.); (M.J.F.); (A.L.R.L.); (E.P.-C.); (A.E.)
| | - Jeremy A. Owen
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Bret S. E. Heale
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (A.H.S.); (B.S.E.H.); (M.J.F.); (A.L.R.L.); (E.P.-C.); (A.E.)
| | - Matthew J. Ford
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (A.H.S.); (B.S.E.H.); (M.J.F.); (A.L.R.L.); (E.P.-C.); (A.E.)
| | - Alexander L. R. Lubbock
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (A.H.S.); (B.S.E.H.); (M.J.F.); (A.L.R.L.); (E.P.-C.); (A.E.)
| | - Erola Pairo-Castineira
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (A.H.S.); (B.S.E.H.); (M.J.F.); (A.L.R.L.); (E.P.-C.); (A.E.)
| | - Abdelkader Essafi
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK; (A.H.S.); (B.S.E.H.); (M.J.F.); (A.L.R.L.); (E.P.-C.); (A.E.)
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Angiotensin Inhibition, TGF-β and EMT in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102785. [PMID: 32998363 PMCID: PMC7601465 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin inhibitors are standard drugs in cardiovascular and renal diseases that have antihypertensive and antifibrotic properties. These drugs also exert their antifibrotic effects in cancer by reducing collagen and hyaluronan deposition in the tumor stroma, thus enhancing drug delivery. Angiotensin II signaling interferes with the secretion of the cytokine TGF-β-a known driver of malignancy. TGF-β stimulates matrix production in cancer-associated fibroblasts, and thus drives desmoplasia. The effect of TGF-β on cancer cells itself is stage-dependent and changes during malignant progression from inhibitory to stimulatory. The intracellular signaling for the TGF-β family can be divided into an SMAD-dependent canonical pathway and an SMAD-independent noncanonical pathway. These capabilities have made TGF-β an interesting target for numerous drug developments. TGF-β is also an inducer of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a highly complex spatiotemporal-limited process controlled by a plethora of factors. EMT is a hallmark of metastatic cancer, and with its reversal, an important step in the metastatic cascade is characterized by a loss of epithelial characteristics and/or the gain of mesenchymal traits.
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