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Ouyang P, Cheng B, He X, Lou J, Li X, Guo H, Xu F. Navigating the biophysical landscape: how physical cues steer the journey of bone metastatic tumor cells. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:792-808. [PMID: 39127608 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.07.003] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Many tumors prefer to metastasize to bone, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The human skeletal system has unique physical properties, that are distinct from other organs, which play a key role in directing the behavior of tumor cells within bone. Understanding the physical journey of tumor cells within bone is crucial. In this review we discuss bone metastasis in the context of how physical cues in the bone vasculature and bone marrow niche regulate the fate of tumor cells. Our objective is to inspire innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for bone metastasis from a mechanobiological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengrong Ouyang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, P.R. China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Bo Cheng
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P.R. China; TFX Group-Xi'an Jiaotong University Institute of Life Health, Xi'an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Xijing He
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, P.R. China; Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an 710061, P.R. China.
| | - Jiatao Lou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaokang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, P.R. China.
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, P.R. China.
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P.R. China.
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2
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Guo W, Zhang Z, Kang J, Gao Y, Qian P, Xie G. Single-cell transcriptome profiling highlights the importance of telocyte, kallikrein genes, and alternative splicing in mouse testes aging. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14795. [PMID: 38926537 PMCID: PMC11208613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancing healthcare for elderly men requires a deeper understanding of testicular aging processes. In this study, we conducted transcriptomic profiling of 43,323 testicular single cells from young and old mice, shedding light on 1032 telocytes-an underexplored testicular cell type in previous research. Our study unveiled 916 age-related differentially expressed genes (age-DEGs), with telocytes emerging as the cell type harboring the highest count of age-DEGs. Of particular interest, four genes (Klk1b21, Klk1b22, Klk1b24, Klk1b27) from the Kallikrein family, specifically expressed in Leydig cells, displayed down-regulation in aged testes. Moreover, cell-type-level splicing analyses unveiled 1838 age-related alternative splicing (AS) events. While we confirmed the presence of more age-DEGs in somatic cells compared to germ cells, unexpectedly, more age-related AS events were identified in germ cells. Further experimental validation highlighted 4930555F03Rik, a non-coding RNA gene exhibiting significant age-related AS changes. Our study represents the first age-related single-cell transcriptomic investigation of testicular telocytes and Kallikrein genes in Leydig cells, as well as the first delineation of cell-type-level AS dynamics during testicular aging in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuyier Guo
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Qixiu Road 19, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Qixiu Road 19, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jiahui Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Qixiu Road 19, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yajing Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Qixiu Road 19, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Peipei Qian
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Qixiu Road 19, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Gangcai Xie
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Qixiu Road 19, Nantong, 226001, China.
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3
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Heyn JCJ, Rädler JO, Falcke M. Mesenchymal cell migration on one-dimensional micropatterns. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1352279. [PMID: 38694822 PMCID: PMC11062138 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1352279] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Quantitative studies of mesenchymal cell motion are important to elucidate cytoskeleton function and mechanisms of cell migration. To this end, confinement of cell motion to one dimension (1D) significantly simplifies the problem of cell shape in experimental and theoretical investigations. Here we review 1D migration assays employing micro-fabricated lanes and reflect on the advantages of such platforms. Data are analyzed using biophysical models of cell migration that reproduce the rich scenario of morphodynamic behavior found in 1D. We describe basic model assumptions and model behavior. It appears that mechanical models explain the occurrence of universal relations conserved across different cell lines such as the adhesion-velocity relation and the universal correlation between speed and persistence (UCSP). We highlight the unique opportunity of reproducible and standardized 1D assays to validate theory based on statistical measures from large data of trajectories and discuss the potential of experimental settings embedding controlled perturbations to probe response in migratory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes C. J. Heyn
- Fakultät für Physik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Joachim O. Rädler
- Fakultät für Physik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Falcke
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Physics, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Pillai EK, Franze K. Mechanics in the nervous system: From development to disease. Neuron 2024; 112:342-361. [PMID: 37967561 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Physical forces are ubiquitous in biological processes across scales and diverse contexts. This review highlights the significance of mechanical forces in nervous system development, homeostasis, and disease. We provide an overview of mechanical signals present in the nervous system and delve into mechanotransduction mechanisms translating these mechanical cues into biochemical signals. During development, mechanical cues regulate a plethora of processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, network formation, and cortex folding. Forces then continue exerting their influence on physiological processes, such as neuronal activity, glial cell function, and the interplay between these different cell types. Notably, changes in tissue mechanics manifest in neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors, potentially offering new diagnostic and therapeutic target opportunities. Understanding the role of cellular forces and tissue mechanics in nervous system physiology and pathology adds a new facet to neurobiology, shedding new light on many processes that remain incompletely understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Pillai
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Institute of Medical Physics and Microtissue Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestraße 91, 91052 Erlangen, Germany; Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Kussmaulallee 1, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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5
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Feng J, Sun Q, Chen P, Ren K, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Gao S, Song Z, Wang J, Liao F, Han D. Characterization of Cancer Cell Mechanics by Measuring Active Deformation Behavior. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2300520. [PMID: 37775303 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Active deformation behavior reflects cell structural dynamics adapting to varying environmental constraints during malignancy progression. In most cases, cell mechanics is characterized by modeling using static equilibrium systems, which fails to comprehend cell deformation behavior leading to inaccuracies in distinguishing cancer cells from normal cells. Here, a method is introduced to measure the active deformation behavior of cancer cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the newly developed deformation behavior cytometry (DBC). During the measurement, cells are deformed and allows a long timescale relaxation (≈5 s). Two parameters are derived to represent deformation behavior: apparent Poisson's ratio for adherent cells, which is measured with AFM and refers to the ratio of the lateral strain to the longitudinal strain of the cell, and shape recovery for suspended cells, which is measured with DBC. Active deformation behavior defines cancer cell mechanics better than traditional mechanical parameters (e.g., stiffness, diffusion, and viscosity). Additionally, aquaporins are essential for promoting the deformation behavior, while the actin cytoskeleton acts as a downstream effector. Therefore, the potential application of the cancer cell active deformation behavior as a biomechanical marker or therapeutic target in cancer treatment should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Feng
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Quanmei Sun
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Peipei Chen
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Keli Ren
- The Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yahong Shi
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Songkun Gao
- Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Zhiwei Song
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jigang Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Fulong Liao
- Artemisinin Research Center and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Dong Han
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
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6
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Oh M, Batty S, Banerjee N, Kim TH. High extracellular glucose promotes cell motility by modulating cell deformability and contractility via the cAMP-RhoA-ROCK axis in human breast cancer cells. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar79. [PMID: 37195739 PMCID: PMC10398875 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-12-0560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanical properties, or mechanotypes, of cells are largely determined by their deformability and contractility. The ability of cancer cells to deform and generate contractile force is critical in multiple steps of metastasis. Identifying soluble cues that regulate cancer cell mechanotypes and understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating these cellular mechanotypes could provide novel therapeutic targets to prevent metastasis. Although a strong correlation between high glucose level and cancer metastasis has been demonstrated, the causality has not been elucidated, and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, using novel high-throughput mechanotyping assays, we show that human breast cancer cells become less deformable and more contractile with increased extracellular glucose levels (>5 mM). These altered cell mechanotypes are due to increased F-actin rearrangement and nonmuscle myosin II (NMII) activity. We identify the cAMP-RhoA-ROCK-NMII axis as playing a major role in regulating cell mechanotypes at high extracellular glucose levels, whereas calcium and myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) are not required. The altered mechanotypes are also associated with increased cell migration and invasion. Our study identifies key components in breast cancer cells that convert high extracellular glucose levels into changes in cellular mechanotype and behavior relevant in cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijung Oh
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Skylar Batty
- Undergraduate Pipeline Network Summer Research Program, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
| | - Nayan Banerjee
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131
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Kerhervé M, Rosińska S, Trillet K, Zeinaty A, Feyeux M, Nedellec S, Gavard J. Neuropilin-1 modulates the 3D invasive properties of glioblastoma stem-like cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:981583. [PMID: 36204684 PMCID: PMC9530787 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.981583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a rare, yet devastating, primary brain tumor in adults. Current treatments remain generally ineffective and GBM almost invariably recurs, resulting in median survival of 15 months. This high malignancy sources notably from the resilience and invasive capabilities of tumor cells. Within GBM, exists a population of self-sustaining transformed cells with stem-like properties (GSCs), which are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, growth, and invasion, as well as recurrence. In the tumor microenvironment, GSCs might be found in the vicinity of brain endothelial cells, which provide a protective habitat. Likewise, these resistant, quiescent GSCs may accumulate in hypoxic zones, away from the perivascular niche, or travel towards the healthy brain parenchyma, by eminently co-opting neuro-vascular tracks. Herein, we established an ex vivo model to explore GSC invasive behavior. We found that patient-derived cells massively invade the collagen matrix. In addition, we described that the glycoprotein Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) contributes to GSC spreading and invasion. Indeed, both RNA interference-mediated silencing and CRISPR-mediated gene editing deletion of NRP1 strongly impaired the 3D invasive properties of patient-derived GSCs and their close localization to the brain blood vessels. Of note, other typical features of GSCs, such as expansion and self-renewal were maintained. From a mechanistic standpoint, this biological effect might rely on the expression of the β3 subunit integrin cell-extracellular matrix adhesive receptor. Our data, therefore, propose a reliable approach to explore invasive properties of patient glioma cells ex vivo and identify NRP1 as a mediator in this malignant process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Kerhervé
- Team SOAP, CRCI2NA, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université D’Angers, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nantes, France
| | - Sara Rosińska
- Team SOAP, CRCI2NA, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université D’Angers, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nantes, France
| | - Kilian Trillet
- Team SOAP, CRCI2NA, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université D’Angers, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nantes, France
| | - Alya Zeinaty
- Team SOAP, CRCI2NA, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université D’Angers, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nantes, France
| | - Magalie Feyeux
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, Inserm, BioCore, US16, SFR Bonamy, Nantes, France
| | - Steven Nedellec
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, Inserm, BioCore, US16, SFR Bonamy, Nantes, France
| | - Julie Gavard
- Team SOAP, CRCI2NA, Nantes Université, Inserm, CNRS, Université D’Angers, Nantes, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de L’Ouest (ICO), Angers, France
- *Correspondence: Julie Gavard,
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Sivagurunathan S, Vahabikashi A, Yang H, Zhang J, Vazquez K, Rajasundaram D, Politanska Y, Abdala-Valencia H, Notbohm J, Guo M, Adam SA, Goldman RD. Expression of vimentin alters cell mechanics, cell-cell adhesion, and gene expression profiles suggesting the induction of a hybrid EMT in human mammary epithelial cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:929495. [PMID: 36200046 PMCID: PMC9527304 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.929495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vimentin is a Type III intermediate filament (VIF) cytoskeletal protein that regulates the mechanical and migratory behavior of cells. Its expression is considered to be a marker for the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) that takes place in tumor metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms regulated by the expression of vimentin in the EMT remain largely unexplored. We created MCF7 epithelial cell lines expressing vimentin from a cumate-inducible promoter to address this question. When vimentin expression was induced in these cells, extensive cytoplasmic VIF networks were assembled accompanied by changes in the organization of the endogenous keratin intermediate filament networks and disruption of desmosomes. Significant reductions in intercellular forces by the cells expressing VIFs were measured by quantitative monolayer traction force and stress microscopy. In contrast, laser trapping micro-rheology revealed that the cytoplasm of MCF7 cells expressing VIFs was stiffer than the uninduced cells. Vimentin expression activated transcription of genes involved in pathways responsible for cell migration and locomotion. Importantly, the EMT related transcription factor TWIST1 was upregulated only in wild type vimentin expressing cells and not in cells expressing a mutant non-polymerized form of vimentin, which only formed unit length filaments (ULF). Taken together, our results suggest that vimentin expression induces a hybrid EMT correlated with the upregulation of genes involved in cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suganya Sivagurunathan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amir Vahabikashi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Haiqian Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA, United States
| | - Jun Zhang
- Biophysics Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kelly Vazquez
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dhivyaa Rajasundaram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yuliya Politanska
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hiam Abdala-Valencia
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jacob Notbohm
- Biophysics Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , MA, United States
| | - Stephen A Adam
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert D Goldman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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9
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Biomechanics of cancer stem cells. Essays Biochem 2022; 66:359-369. [PMID: 35942932 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220014] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been believed to be one driving force for tumor progression and drug resistance. Despite the significance of biochemical signaling in malignancy, highly malignant tumor cells or CSCs exhibit lower cellular stiffness than weakly malignant cells or non-CSCs, which are softer than their healthy counterparts, suggesting the inverse correlation between cell stiffness and malignancy. Recent years have witnessed the rapid accumulation of evidence illustrating the reciprocity between cell cytoskeleton/mechanics and CSC functions and the potential of cellular stiffness for specific targeting of CSCs. However, a systematic understanding of tumor cell mechanics and their role in CSCs and tumor progression is still lacking. The present review summarizes the recent progress in the alterations of tumor cell cytoskeleton and stiffness at different stages of tumor progression and recapitulates the relationship between cellular stiffness and CSC functions. The altered cell mechanics may mediate the mechanoadaptive responses that possibly empower CSCs to survive and thrive during metastasis. Furthermore, we highlight the possible impact of tumor cell mechanics on CSC malignancy, which may potentiate low cell stiffness as a mechanical marker for CSC targeting.
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10
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Crestani M, Dini T, Gauthier NC, Monzo P. Protocol to assess human glioma propagating cell migration on linear micropatterns mimicking brain invasion tracks. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101331. [PMID: 35496779 PMCID: PMC9043773 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) cells invade the brain by following linear structures like blood vessel walls and white matter tracts by using specific motility modes. In this protocol, we describe two micropatterning techniques allowing recapitulation of these linear tracks in vitro: micro-contact printing and deep UV photolithography. We also detail how to maintain, transfect, and prepare human glioma propagating cells (hGPCs) for migration assays on linear tracks, followed by image acquisition and analysis, to measure key parameters of their motility. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Monzo et al. (2016) and Monzo et al. (2021a). Micropatterning of linear tracks on imaging dishes Maintenance and preparation of human glioma propagating cells (hGPC) for transfection Transfection of hGPC by electroporation and preparation for imaging Imaging of hGPC migration on linear tracks, cell tracking, and analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Crestani
- IFOM - the Firc Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Tania Dini
- IFOM - the Firc Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Nils C. Gauthier
- IFOM - the Firc Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Corresponding author
| | - Pascale Monzo
- IFOM - the Firc Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello, 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
- Corresponding author
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11
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Grespi F, Vianello C, Cagnin S, Giacomello M, De Mario A. The Interplay of Microtubules with Mitochondria–ER Contact Sites (MERCs) in Glioblastoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040567. [PMID: 35454156 PMCID: PMC9030160 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are heterogeneous neoplasms, classified into grade I to IV according to their malignancy and the presence of specific histological/molecular hallmarks. The higher grade of glioma is known as glioblastoma (GB). Although progress has been made in surgical and radiation treatments, its clinical outcome is still unfavorable. The invasive properties of GB cells and glioma aggressiveness are linked to the reshaping of the cytoskeleton. Recent works suggest that the different susceptibility of GB cells to antitumor immune response is also associated with the extent and function of mitochondria–ER contact sites (MERCs). The presence of MERCs alterations could also explain the mitochondrial defects observed in GB models, including abnormalities of energy metabolism and disruption of apoptotic and calcium signaling. Based on this evidence, the question arises as to whether a MERCs–cytoskeleton crosstalk exists, and whether GB progression is linked to an altered cytoskeleton–MERCs interaction. To address this possibility, in this review we performed a meta-analysis to compare grade I and grade IV GB patients. From this preliminary analysis, we found that GB samples (grade IV) are characterized by altered expression of cytoskeletal and MERCs related genes. Among them, the cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4 or CLIMP-63) appears particularly interesting as it encodes a MERCs protein controlling the ER anchoring to microtubules (MTs). Although further in-depth analyses remain necessary, this perspective review may provide new hints to better understand GB molecular etiopathogenesis, by suggesting that cytoskeletal and MERCs alterations cooperate to exacerbate the cellular phenotype of high-grade GB and that MERCs players can be exploited as novel biomarkers/targets to enhance the current therapy for GB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Grespi
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35100 Padua, Italy; (F.G.); (C.V.); (S.C.)
| | - Caterina Vianello
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35100 Padua, Italy; (F.G.); (C.V.); (S.C.)
| | - Stefano Cagnin
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35100 Padua, Italy; (F.G.); (C.V.); (S.C.)
- CRIBI Biotechnology Center, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35100 Padua, Italy
- CIR-Myo Myology Center, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35100 Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Giacomello
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35100 Padua, Italy; (F.G.); (C.V.); (S.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35100 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Agnese De Mario
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58b, 35100 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (A.D.M.)
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