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Liu P, Wang L, Yu H. Polyploid giant cancer cells: origin, possible pathways of formation, characteristics, and mechanisms of regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1410637. [PMID: 39055650 PMCID: PMC11269155 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1410637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are characterized by the presence of either a single enlarged nucleus or multiple nuclei and are closely associated with tumor progression and treatment resistance. These cells contribute significantly to cellular heterogeneity and can arise from various stressors, including radiation, chemotherapy, hypoxia, and environmental factors. The formation of PGCCs can occur through mechanisms such as endoreplication, cell fusion, cytokinesis failure, mitotic slippage, or cell cannibalism. Notably, PGCCs exhibit traits similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs) and generate highly invasive progeny through asymmetric division. The presence of PGCCs and their progeny is pivotal in conferring resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, as well as facilitating tumor recurrence and metastasis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the origins, potential formation mechanisms, stressors, unique characteristics, and regulatory pathways of PGCCs, alongside therapeutic strategies targeting these cells. The objective is to enhance the understanding of PGCC initiation and progression, offering novel insights into tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Liu
- Laboratory of Basic Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Beifang Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Laboratory of Basic Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huiying Yu
- Laboratory of Basic Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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2
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Zhao Y, He S, Zhao M, Huang Q. Surviving the Storm: The Role of Poly- and Depolyploidization in Tissues and Tumors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306318. [PMID: 38629780 PMCID: PMC11199982 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306318] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Polyploidization and depolyploidization are critical processes in the normal development and tissue homeostasis of diploid organisms. Recent investigations have revealed that polyaneuploid cancer cells (PACCs) exploit this ploidy variation as a survival strategy against anticancer treatment and for the repopulation of tumors. Unscheduled polyploidization and chromosomal instability in PACCs enhance malignancy and treatment resistance. However, their inability to undergo mitosis causes catastrophic cellular death in most PACCs. Adaptive ploid reversal mechanisms, such as multipolar mitosis, centrosome clustering, meiosis-like division, and amitosis, counteract this lethal outcome and drive cancer relapse. The purpose of this work is to focus on PACCs induced by cytotoxic therapy, highlighting the latest discoveries in ploidy dynamics in physiological and pathological contexts. Specifically, by emphasizing the role of "poly-depolyploidization" in tumor progression, the aim is to identify novel therapeutic targets or paradigms for combating diseases associated with aberrant ploidies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucui Zhao
- Cancer CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai201620China
- Department of Radiation OncologySecond Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhou310009China
| | - Sijia He
- Cancer CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai201620China
| | - Minghui Zhao
- Cancer CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai201620China
- Department of Radiation OncologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing210029China
| | - Qian Huang
- Cancer CenterShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai201620China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic DiseasesShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai201620China
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3
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Mirzayans R. Changing the Landscape of Solid Tumor Therapy from Apoptosis-Promoting to Apoptosis-Inhibiting Strategies. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5379-5396. [PMID: 38920994 PMCID: PMC11202608 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The many limitations of implementing anticancer strategies under the term "precision oncology" have been extensively discussed. While some authors propose promising future directions, others are less optimistic and use phrases such as illusion, hype, and false hypotheses. The reality is revealed by practicing clinicians and cancer patients in various online publications, one of which has stated that "in the quest for the next cancer cure, few researchers bother to look back at the graveyard of failed medicines to figure out what went wrong". The message is clear: Novel therapeutic strategies with catchy names (e.g., synthetic "lethality") have not fulfilled their promises despite decades of extensive research and clinical trials. The main purpose of this review is to discuss key challenges in solid tumor therapy that surprisingly continue to be overlooked by the Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death (NCCD) and numerous other authors. These challenges include: The impact of chemotherapy-induced genome chaos (e.g., multinucleation) on resistance and relapse, oncogenic function of caspase 3, cancer cell anastasis (recovery from late stages of apoptosis), and pitfalls of ubiquitously used preclinical chemosensitivity assays (e.g., cell "viability" and tumor growth delay studies in live animals) that score such pro-survival responses as "lethal" events. The studies outlined herein underscore the need for new directions in the management of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razmik Mirzayans
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
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4
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Conway PJ, Dao J, Kovalskyy D, Mahadevan D, Dray E. Polyploidy in Cancer: Causal Mechanisms, Cancer-Specific Consequences, and Emerging Treatments. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:638-647. [PMID: 38315992 PMCID: PMC11174144 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0578] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance is the major determinant for metastatic disease and fatalities, across all cancers. Depending on the tissue of origin and the therapeutic course, a variety of biological mechanisms can support and sustain drug resistance. Although genetic mutations and gene silencing through epigenetic mechanisms are major culprits in targeted therapy, drug efflux and polyploidization are more global mechanisms that prevail in a broad range of pathologies, in response to a variety of treatments. There is an unmet need to identify patients at risk for polyploidy, understand the mechanisms underlying polyploidization, and to develop strategies to predict, limit, and reverse polyploidy thus enhancing efficacy of standard-of-care therapy that improve better outcomes. This literature review provides an overview of polyploidy in cancer and offers perspective on patient monitoring and actionable therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Conway
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Molecular Immunology & Microbiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jonathan Dao
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Dmytro Kovalskyy
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Molecular Immunology & Microbiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Eloise Dray
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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5
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White-Gilbertson S, Lu P, Saatci O, Sahin O, Delaney JR, Ogretmen B, Voelkel-Johnson C. Transcriptome analysis of polyploid giant cancer cells and their progeny reveals a functional role for p21 in polyploidization and depolyploidization. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107136. [PMID: 38447798 PMCID: PMC10979113 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107136] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCC) are frequently detected in tumors and are increasingly recognized for their roles in chromosomal instability and associated genome evolution that leads to cancer recurrence. We previously reported that therapy stress promotes polyploidy, and that acid ceramidase plays a role in depolyploidization. In this study, we used an RNA-seq approach to gain a better understanding of the underlying transcriptomic changes that occur as cancer cells progress through polyploidization and depolyploidization. Our results revealed gene signatures that are associated with disease-free and/or overall survival in several cancers and identified the cell cycle inhibitor CDKN1A/p21 as the major hub in PGCC and early progeny. Increased expression of p21 in PGCC was limited to the cytoplasm. We previously demonstrated that the sphingolipid enzyme acid ceramidase is dispensable for polyploidization upon therapy stress but plays a crucial role in depolyploidization. The current study demonstrates that treatment of cells with ceramide is not sufficient for p53-independent induction of p21 and that knockdown of acid ceramidase, which hydrolyzes ceramide, does not interfere with upregulation of p21. In contrast, blocking the expression of p21 with UC2288 prevented the induction of acid ceramidase and inhibited both the formation of PGCC from parental cells as well as the generation of progeny from PGCC. Taken together, our data suggest that p21 functions upstream of acid ceramidase and plays an important role in polyploidization and depolyploidization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai White-Gilbertson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ozge Saatci
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ozgur Sahin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Joe R Delaney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
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Hosea R, Hillary S, Naqvi S, Wu S, Kasim V. The two sides of chromosomal instability: drivers and brakes in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:75. [PMID: 38553459 PMCID: PMC10980778 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01767-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of cancer and is associated with tumor cell malignancy. CIN triggers a chain reaction in cells leading to chromosomal abnormalities, including deviations from the normal chromosome number or structural changes in chromosomes. CIN arises from errors in DNA replication and chromosome segregation during cell division, leading to the formation of cells with abnormal number and/or structure of chromosomes. Errors in DNA replication result from abnormal replication licensing as well as replication stress, such as double-strand breaks and stalled replication forks; meanwhile, errors in chromosome segregation stem from defects in chromosome segregation machinery, including centrosome amplification, erroneous microtubule-kinetochore attachments, spindle assembly checkpoint, or defective sister chromatids cohesion. In normal cells, CIN is deleterious and is associated with DNA damage, proteotoxic stress, metabolic alteration, cell cycle arrest, and senescence. Paradoxically, despite these negative consequences, CIN is one of the hallmarks of cancer found in over 90% of solid tumors and in blood cancers. Furthermore, CIN could endow tumors with enhanced adaptation capabilities due to increased intratumor heterogeneity, thereby facilitating adaptive resistance to therapies; however, excessive CIN could induce tumor cells death, leading to the "just-right" model for CIN in tumors. Elucidating the complex nature of CIN is crucial for understanding the dynamics of tumorigenesis and for developing effective anti-tumor treatments. This review provides an overview of causes and consequences of CIN, as well as the paradox of CIN, a phenomenon that continues to perplex researchers. Finally, this review explores the potential of CIN-based anti-tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rendy Hosea
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Sharon Hillary
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Sumera Naqvi
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shourong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Vivi Kasim
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- The 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
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Chang E, An JY. Whole-genome doubling is a double-edged sword: the heterogeneous role of whole-genome doubling in various cancer types. BMB Rep 2024; 57:125-134. [PMID: 38449300 PMCID: PMC10979346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Whole-genome doubling (WGD), characterized by the duplication of an entire set of chromosomes, is commonly observed in various tumors, occurring in approximately 30-40% of patients with different cancer types. The effect of WGD on tumorigenesis varies depending on the context, either promoting or suppressing tumor progression. Recent advances in genomic technologies and large-scale clinical investigations have led to the identification of the complex patterns of genomic alterations underlying WGD and their functional consequences on tumorigenesis progression and prognosis. Our comprehensive review aims to summarize the causes and effects of WGD on tumorigenesis, highlighting its dualistic influence on cancer cells. We then introduce recent findings on WGD-associated molecular signatures and genetic aberrations and a novel subtype related to WGD. Finally, we discuss the clinical implications of WGD in cancer subtype classification and future therapeutic interventions. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of WGD in cancer biology is crucial to unraveling its complex role in tumorigenesis and identifying novel therapeutic strategies. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(3): 125-134].
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhyong Chang
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- L-HOPE Program for Community-Based Total Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Joon-Yong An
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- L-HOPE Program for Community-Based Total Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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8
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Jiao Y, Yu Y, Zheng M, Yan M, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang S. Dormant cancer cells and polyploid giant cancer cells: The roots of cancer recurrence and metastasis. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1567. [PMID: 38362620 PMCID: PMC10870057 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1567] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour cell dormancy is critical for metastasis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) with giant or multiple nuclei and high DNA content have the properties of cancer stem cell and single PGCCs can individually generate tumours in immunodeficient mice. PGCCs represent a dormant form of cancer cells that survive harsh tumour conditions and contribute to tumour recurrence. Hypoxic mimics, chemotherapeutics, radiation and cytotoxic traditional Chinese medicines can induce PGCCs formation through endoreduplication and/or cell fusion. After incubation, dormant PGCCs can recover from the treatment and produce daughter cells with strong proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities via asymmetric cell division. Additionally, PGCCs can resist hypoxia or chemical stress and have a distinct protein signature that involves chromatin remodelling and cell cycle regulation. Dormant PGCCs form the cellular basis for therapeutic resistance, metastatic cascade and disease recurrence. This review summarises regulatory mechanisms governing dormant cancer cells entry and exit of dormancy, which may be used by PGCCs, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting PGCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Jiao
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yongjun Yu
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Man Yan
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Jiangping Wang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
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Xu H, Zeng S, Wang Y, Yang T, Wang M, Li X, He Y, Peng X, Li X, Qiao Q, Zhang J. Cytoplasmic SIRT1 promotes paclitaxel resistance in ovarian carcinoma through increased formation and survival of polyploid giant cancer cells. J Pathol 2023; 261:210-226. [PMID: 37565313 DOI: 10.1002/path.6167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance is a notable cause of death in patients with ovarian carcinoma. Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), commonly arising in tumor tissues following chemotherapy, have recently been considered to contribute to drug resistance. As a type III deacetylase, Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) plays essential roles in the cell cycle, cellular senescence, and drug resistance. Accumulating evidence has suggested that alteration in its subcellular localization via nucleocytoplasmic shuttling is a critical process influencing the functions of SIRT1. However, the roles of SIRT1 subcellular localization in PGCC formation and subsequent senescence escape remain unclear. In this study, we compared the differences in the polyploid cell population and senescence state of PGCCs following paclitaxel treatment between tumor cells overexpressing wild-type SIRT1 (WT SIRT1) and those expressing nuclear localization sequence (NLS)-mutated SIRT1 (SIRT1NLSmt ). We investigated the involvement of cytoplasmic SIRT1 in biological processes and signaling pathways, including the cell cycle and cellular senescence, in ovarian carcinoma cells' response to paclitaxel treatment. We found that the SIRT1NLSmt tumor cell population contained more polyploid cells and fewer senescent PGCCs than the SIRT1-overexpressing tumor cell population. Comparative proteomic analyses using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)/MS showed the differences in the differentially expressed proteins related to PGCC formation, cell growth, and death, including CDK1 and CDK2, between SIRT1NLSmt and SIRT1 cells or PGCCs. Our results suggested that ovarian carcinoma cells utilize polyploidy formation as a survival mechanism during exposure to paclitaxel-based treatment via the effect of cytoplasmic SIRT1 on PGCC formation and survival, thereby boosting paclitaxel resistance. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Shujun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yingmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Tong Yang
- Department of Pathology, No. 971 Hospital of People's Liberation Army Navy, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Minmin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yejun He
- School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xin Peng
- School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Qing Qiao
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
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10
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Mirzayans R, Murray D. Intratumor Heterogeneity and Treatment Resistance of Solid Tumors with a Focus on Polyploid/Senescent Giant Cancer Cells (PGCCs). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11534. [PMID: 37511291 PMCID: PMC10380821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Single cell biology has revealed that solid tumors and tumor-derived cell lines typically contain subpopulations of cancer cells that are readily distinguishable from the bulk of cancer cells by virtue of their enormous size. Such cells with a highly enlarged nucleus, multiple nuclei, and/or multiple micronuclei are often referred to as polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), and may exhibit features of senescence. PGCCs may enter a dormant phase (active sleep) after they are formed, but a subset remain viable, secrete growth promoting factors, and can give rise to therapy resistant and tumor repopulating progeny. Here we will briefly discuss the prevalence and prognostic value of PGCCs across different cancer types, the current understanding of the mechanisms of their formation and fate, and possible reasons why these tumor repopulating "monsters" continue to be ignored in most cancer therapy-related preclinical studies. In addition to PGCCs, other subpopulations of cancer cells within a solid tumor (such as oncogenic caspase 3-activated cancer cells and drug-tolerant persister cancer cells) can also contribute to therapy resistance and pose major challenges to the delivery of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razmik Mirzayans
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - David Murray
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
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11
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Neves Rebello Alves L, Dummer Meira D, Poppe Merigueti L, Correia Casotti M, do Prado Ventorim D, Ferreira Figueiredo Almeida J, Pereira de Sousa V, Cindra Sant'Ana M, Gonçalves Coutinho da Cruz R, Santos Louro L, Mendonça Santana G, Erik Santos Louro T, Evangelista Salazar R, Ribeiro Campos da Silva D, Stefani Siqueira Zetum A, Silva Dos Reis Trabach R, Imbroisi Valle Errera F, de Paula F, de Vargas Wolfgramm Dos Santos E, Fagundes de Carvalho E, Drumond Louro I. Biomarkers in Breast Cancer: An Old Story with a New End. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1364. [PMID: 37510269 PMCID: PMC10378988 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer in the world. It is a heterogeneous disease and the leading cause of cancer mortality in women. Advances in molecular technologies allowed for the identification of new and more specifics biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and risk prediction, enabling personalized treatments, improving therapy, and preventing overtreatment, undertreatment, and incorrect treatment. Several breast cancer biomarkers have been identified and, along with traditional biomarkers, they can assist physicians throughout treatment plan and increase therapy success. Despite the need of more data to improve specificity and determine the real clinical utility of some biomarkers, others are already established and can be used as a guide to make treatment decisions. In this review, we summarize the available traditional, novel, and potential biomarkers while also including gene expression profiles, breast cancer single-cell and polyploid giant cancer cells. We hope to help physicians understand tumor specific characteristics and support decision-making in patient-personalized clinical management, consequently improving treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyvia Neves Rebello Alves
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Débora Dummer Meira
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Luiza Poppe Merigueti
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
| | - Matheus Correia Casotti
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Diego do Prado Ventorim
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo (Ifes), Cariacica 29150-410, ES, Brazil
| | - Jucimara Ferreira Figueiredo Almeida
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
| | - Valdemir Pereira de Sousa
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Marllon Cindra Sant'Ana
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
| | - Rahna Gonçalves Coutinho da Cruz
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
| | - Luana Santos Louro
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Curso de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29090-040, ES, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Mendonça Santana
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Curso de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29090-040, ES, Brazil
| | - Thomas Erik Santos Louro
- Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória (EMESCAM), Vitória 29027-502, ES, Brazil
| | - Rhana Evangelista Salazar
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Danielle Ribeiro Campos da Silva
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Aléxia Stefani Siqueira Zetum
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Raquel Silva Dos Reis Trabach
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
| | - Flávia Imbroisi Valle Errera
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Flávia de Paula
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Eldamária de Vargas Wolfgramm Dos Santos
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
| | - Elizeu Fagundes de Carvalho
- Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes (IBRAG), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20551-030, RJ, Brazil
| | - Iúri Drumond Louro
- Núcleo de Genética Humana e Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória 29047-105, ES, Brazil
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12
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Garrido Castillo LN, Anract J, Delongchamps NB, Huillard O, BenMohamed F, Decina A, Lebret T, Dachez R, Paterlini-Bréchot P. Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells Are Frequently Found in the Urine of Prostate Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3366. [PMID: 37444476 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the third cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Its early and reliable diagnosis is still a public health issue, generating many useless prostate biopsies. Prostate cancer cells detected in urine could be the target of a powerful test but they are considered too rare. By using an approach targeting rare cells, we have analyzed urine from 45 patients with prostate cancer and 43 healthy subjects under 50 y.o. We observed a relevant number of giant cells in patients with cancer. Giant cells, named Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells (PGCC), are thought to be involved in tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. We thus performed immune-morphological studies with cancer-related markers such as α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) to understand if the giant cells we found are PGCC or other urinary cells. We found PGCC in the urine of 22 patients, including those with early-stage prostate cancer, and one healthy subject. Although these results are preliminary, they provide, for the first time, clinical evidence that prostate cancers release PGCC into the urine. They are expected to stimulate further studies aimed at understanding the role of urinary PGCC and their possible use as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julien Anract
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Service d'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Barry Delongchamps
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Service d'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Huillard
- Service de Cancérologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | | | | | - Thierry Lebret
- Service d'Onco-Urologie, Hôpital Foch, F-92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Roger Dachez
- Innodiag, Pathology Laboratory, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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13
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Schvarzstein M, Alam F, Toure M, Yanowitz JL. An Emerging Animal Model for Querying the Role of Whole Genome Duplication in Development, Evolution, and Disease. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:26. [PMID: 37367480 PMCID: PMC10299280 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole genome duplication (WGD) or polyploidization can occur at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. At the cellular level, tetraploidization has been proposed as a driver of aneuploidy and genome instability and correlates strongly with cancer progression, metastasis, and the development of drug resistance. WGD is also a key developmental strategy for regulating cell size, metabolism, and cellular function. In specific tissues, WGD is involved in normal development (e.g., organogenesis), tissue homeostasis, wound healing, and regeneration. At the organismal level, WGD propels evolutionary processes such as adaptation, speciation, and crop domestication. An essential strategy to further our understanding of the mechanisms promoting WGD and its effects is to compare isogenic strains that differ only in their ploidy. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is emerging as an animal model for these comparisons, in part because relatively stable and fertile tetraploid strains can be produced rapidly from nearly any diploid strain. Here, we review the use of Caenorhabditis polyploids as tools to understand important developmental processes (e.g., sex determination, dosage compensation, and allometric relationships) and cellular processes (e.g., cell cycle regulation and chromosome dynamics during meiosis). We also discuss how the unique characteristics of the C. elegans WGD model will enable significant advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of polyploidization and its role in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Schvarzstein
- Biology Department, Brooklyn College at the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
- Biology Department, The Graduate Center at the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Biochemistry Department, The Graduate Center at the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Fatema Alam
- Biology Department, Brooklyn College at the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
| | - Muhammad Toure
- Biology Department, Brooklyn College at the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
| | - Judith L. Yanowitz
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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14
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Lau TY, Poon RY. Whole-Genome Duplication and Genome Instability in Cancer Cells: Double the Trouble. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043733. [PMID: 36835147 PMCID: PMC9959281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-genome duplication (WGD) is one of the most common genomic abnormalities in cancers. WGD can provide a source of redundant genes to buffer the deleterious effect of somatic alterations and facilitate clonal evolution in cancer cells. The extra DNA and centrosome burden after WGD is associated with an elevation of genome instability. Causes of genome instability are multifaceted and occur throughout the cell cycle. Among these are DNA damage caused by the abortive mitosis that initially triggers tetraploidization, replication stress and DNA damage associated with an enlarged genome, and chromosomal instability during the subsequent mitosis in the presence of extra centrosomes and altered spindle morphology. Here, we chronicle the events after WGD, from tetraploidization instigated by abortive mitosis including mitotic slippage and cytokinesis failure to the replication of the tetraploid genome, and finally, to the mitosis in the presence of supernumerary centrosomes. A recurring theme is the ability of some cancer cells to overcome the obstacles in place for preventing WGD. The underlying mechanisms range from the attenuation of the p53-dependent G1 checkpoint to enabling pseudobipolar spindle formation via the clustering of supernumerary centrosomes. These survival tactics and the resulting genome instability confer a subset of polyploid cancer cells proliferative advantage over their diploid counterparts and the development of therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Yin Lau
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Randy Y.C. Poon
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-2358-8718
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15
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Adibi R, Moein S, Gheisari Y. Zoledronic acid targets chemo-resistant polyploid giant cancer cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:419. [PMID: 36624105 PMCID: PMC9829701 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27090-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are known as a key source of failure of current therapies, sufficient drugs to target these cells are not yet introduced. Considering the similarities of polyploid cells in regeneration and cancer, we hypothesized that zoledronic acid (ZA), an osteoclast-targeting agent, might be used to eliminate PGCCs. The 5637-bladder cancer cell line was treated with various doses of cisplatin to enrich polyploid cells and the efficacy of different concentrations of ZA in reducing this population was assessed. The metabolic profile of PGCCs was investigated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Lipid profiles, mitochondrial density, and ROS content were also measured to assess the response of the cells to ZA. Cancer cells surviving after three days of exposure with 6 μM cisplatin were mainly polyploid. These cells demonstrated special morphological features such as fusion with diploid or other polyploid cells and originated in daughter cells through budding. ZA could substantially eradicate PGCCs with the maximal effect observed with 50 μM which resulted in the drop of PGCC fraction from 60 ± 7.5 to 19 ± 1.7%. Enriched PGCCs after cisplatin-treatment demonstrated a drastic metabolic shift compared to untreated cancer cells with an augmentation of lipids. Further assays confirmed the high content of lipid droplets and cholesterol in these cells which were reduced after ZA administration. Additionally, the mitochondrial density and ROS increased in PGCCs both of which declined in response to ZA. Taken together, we propose that ZA is a potent inhibitor of PGCCs which alters the metabolism of PGCCs. Although this drug has been successfully exploited as adjuvant therapy for some malignancies, the current evidence on its effects on PGCCs justifies further trials to assess its potency for improving the success of current therapies for tackling tumor resistance and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezvan Adibi
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XDepartment of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shiva Moein
- grid.411036.10000 0001 1498 685XRegenerative Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 8174673461 Iran
| | - Yousof Gheisari
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. .,Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 8174673461, Iran.
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16
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Mirzayans R, Murray D. What Are the Reasons for Continuing Failures in Cancer Therapy? Are Misleading/Inappropriate Preclinical Assays to Be Blamed? Might Some Modern Therapies Cause More Harm than Benefit? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13217. [PMID: 36362004 PMCID: PMC9655591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 50 years of cancer research has resulted in the generation of massive amounts of information, but relatively little progress has been made in the treatment of patients with solid tumors, except for extending their survival for a few months at best. Here, we will briefly discuss some of the reasons for this failure, focusing on the limitations and sometimes misunderstanding of the clinical relevance of preclinical assays that are widely used to identify novel anticancer drugs and treatment strategies (e.g., "synthetic lethality"). These include colony formation, apoptosis (e.g., caspase-3 activation), immunoblotting, and high-content multiwell plate cell-based assays, as well as tumor growth studies in animal models. A major limitation is that such assays are rarely designed to recapitulate the tumor repopulating properties associated with therapy-induced cancer cell dormancy (durable proliferation arrest) reflecting, for example, premature senescence, polyploidy and/or multinucleation. Furthermore, pro-survival properties of apoptotic cancer cells through phoenix rising, failed apoptosis, and/or anastasis (return from the brink of death), as well as cancer immunoediting and the impact of therapeutic agents on interactions between cancer and immune cells are often overlooked in preclinical studies. A brief review of the history of cancer research makes one wonder if modern strategies for treating patients with solid tumors may sometimes cause more harm than benefit.
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17
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El Baba R, Pasquereau S, Haidar Ahmad S, Diab-Assaf M, Herbein G. Oncogenic and Stemness Signatures of the High-Risk HCMV Strains in Breast Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174271. [PMID: 36077806 PMCID: PMC9455011 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lately, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been progressively implicated in carcinogenesis alongside its oncomodulatory impact. CMV-Transformed Human mammary epithelial cells (CTH) phenotype might be defined by giant cell cycling, whereby the generation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) could expedite the acquisition of malignant phenotypes. Herein, the main study objectives were to assess the transformation potential in vitro and evaluate the obtained cellular phenotype, the genetic and molecular features, and the activation of cellular stemness programs of HCMV strains, B544 and B693, which were previously isolated from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) biopsies. The strains’ sensitivity to paclitaxel and ganciclovir combination therapy was evaluated. A unique molecular landscape was unveiled in the tumor microenvironment of TNBC harboring high-risk HCMV. Overall, the explicit oncogenic and stemness signatures highlight HCMV potential in breast cancer progression thus paving the way for targeted therapies and clinical interventions which prolong the overall survival of breast cancer patients. Abstract Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) oncomodulation, molecular mechanisms, and ability to support polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) generation might underscore its contribution to oncogenesis, especially breast cancers. The heterogeneity of strains can be linked to distinct properties influencing the virus-transforming potential, cancer types induced, and patient’s clinical outcomes. Methods: We evaluated the transforming potential in vitro and assessed the acquired cellular phenotype, genetic and molecular features, and stimulation of stemness of HCMV strains, B544 and B693, isolated from EZH2HighMycHigh triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) biopsies. Therapeutic response assessment after paclitaxel (PTX) and ganciclovir (GCV) treatment was conducted in addition to the molecular characterization of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Findings: HCMV-B544 and B693 transformed human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). We detected multinucleated and lipid droplet-filled PGCCs harboring HCMV. Colony formation was detected and Myc was overexpressed in CMV-Transformed-HMECs (CTH cells). CTH-B544 and B693 stimulated stemness and established an epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid state. HCMV-IE1 was detected in CTH long-term cultures indicating a sustained viral replication. Biopsy B693 unveiled a tumor signature predicting a poor prognosis. CTH-B544 cells were shown to be more sensitive to PTX/GCV therapy. Conclusion: The oncogenic and stemness signatures of HCMV strains accentuate the oncogenic potential of HCMV in breast cancer progression thereby leading the way for targeted therapies and innovative clinical interventions that will improve the overall survival of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Sébastien Pasquereau
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Mona Diab-Assaf
- Molecular Cancer and Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Lebanese University, Beirut 1500, Lebanon
| | - Georges Herbein
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 25030 Besançon, France
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-381-665-616; Fax: +33-381-665-695
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18
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Polyploidy as an Adaptation against Loss of Heterozygosity in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158528. [PMID: 35955663 PMCID: PMC9369199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyploidy is common in cancer cells and has implications for tumor progression and resistance to therapies, but it is unclear whether it is an adaptation of the tumor or the non-adaptive effect of genomic instability. I discuss the possibility that polyploidy reduces the deleterious effects of loss of heterozygosity, which arises as a consequence of mitotic recombination, and which in diploid cells leads instead to the rapid loss of complementation of recessive deleterious mutations. I use computational predictions of loss of heterozygosity to show that a population of diploid cells dividing by mitosis with recombination can be easily invaded by mutant polyploid cells or cells that divide by endomitosis, which reduces loss of complementation, or by mutant cells that occasionally fuse, which restores heterozygosity. A similar selective advantage of polyploidy has been shown for the evolution of different types of asexual reproduction in nature. This provides an adaptive explanation for cyclical ploidy, mitotic slippage and cell fusion in cancer cells.
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19
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Polyploid giant cancer cells are dependent on cholesterol for progeny formation through amitotic division. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8971. [PMID: 35624221 PMCID: PMC9142539 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12705-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells (PGCC) are increasingly being recognized as drivers of cancer recurrence. Therapy stress promotes the formation of these cells, which upon stress cessation often successfully generate more aggressive progeny that repopulate the tumor. Therefore, identification of potential PGCC vulnerabilities is key to preventing therapy failure. We have previously demonstrated that PGCC progeny formation depends on the lysosomal enzyme acid ceramidase (ASAH1). In this study, we compared transcriptomes of parental cancer cells and PGCC in the absence or presence of the ASAH1 inhibitor LCL521. Results show that PGCC express less INSIG1, which downregulates cholesterol metabolism and that inhibition of ASAH1 increased HMGCR which is the rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. Confocal microscopy revealed that ceramide and cholesterol do not colocalize. Treatment with LCL521 or simvastatin to inhibit ASAH1 or HMGCR, respectively, resulted in accumulation of ceramide at the cell surface of PGCC and prevented PGCC progeny formation. Our results suggest that similarly to inhibition of ASAH1, disruption of cholesterol signaling is a potential strategy to interfere with PGCC progeny formation.
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20
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Dittmar T, Weiler J, Luo T, Hass R. Cell-Cell Fusion Mediated by Viruses and HERV-Derived Fusogens in Cancer Initiation and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5363. [PMID: 34771528 PMCID: PMC8582398 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a well-known, but still scarcely understood biological phenomenon, which might play a role in cancer initiation, progression and formation of metastases. Although the merging of two (cancer) cells appears simple, the entire process is highly complex, energy-dependent and tightly regulated. Among cell fusion-inducing and -regulating factors, so-called fusogens have been identified as a specific type of proteins that are indispensable for overcoming fusion-associated energetic barriers and final merging of plasma membranes. About 8% of the human genome is of retroviral origin and some well-known fusogens, such as syncytin-1, are expressed by human (cancer) cells. Likewise, enveloped viruses can enable and facilitate cell fusion due to evolutionarily optimized fusogens, and are also capable to induce bi- and multinucleation underlining their fusion capacity. Moreover, multinucleated giant cancer cells have been found in tumors derived from oncogenic viruses. Accordingly, a potential correlation between viruses and fusogens of human endogenous retroviral origin in cancer cell fusion will be summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany;
| | - Julian Weiler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany;
| | - Tianjiao Luo
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
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21
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Liu J, Erenpreisa J, Sikora E. Polyploid giant cancer cells: An emerging new field of cancer biology. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:1-4. [PMID: 34695579 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Liu
- Department of Anatomical Pathology and Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | | | - Ewa Sikora
- Laboratory of Moleuclar Bases of Aging, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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22
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Liu J, Niu N, Li X, Zhang X, Sood AK. The life cycle of polyploid giant cancer cells and dormancy in cancer: Opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:132-144. [PMID: 34670140 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent data suggest that most genotoxic agents in cancer therapy can lead to shock of genome and increase in cell size, which leads whole genome duplication or multiplication, formation of polyploid giant cancer cells, activation of an early embryonic program, and dedifferentiation of somatic cells. This process is achieved via the giant cell life cycle, a recently proposed mechanism for malignant transformation of somatic cells. Increase in both cell size and ploidy allows cells to completely or partially restructures the genome and develop into a blastocyst-like structure, similar to that observed in blastomere-stage embryogenesis. Although blastocyst-like structures with reprogrammed genome can generate resistant or metastatic daughter cells or benign cells of different lineages, they also acquired ability to undergo embryonic diapause, a reversible state of suspended embryonic development in which cells enter dormancy for survival in response to environmental stress. Therapeutic agents can activate this evolutionarily conserved developmental program, and when cells awaken from embryonic diapause, this leads to recurrence or metastasis. Understanding of the key mechanisms that regulate the different stages of the giant cell life cycle offers new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Liu
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Na Niu
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Departments of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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23
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Liu J. Giant cells: Linking McClintock's heredity to early embryogenesis and tumor origin throughout millennia of evolution on Earth. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:176-192. [PMID: 34116161 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The "life code" theory postulates that egg cells, which are giant, are the first cells in reproduction and that damaged or aged giant somatic cells are the first cells in tumorigenesis. However, the hereditary basis for giant cells remains undefined. Here I propose that stress-induced genomic reorganization proposed by Nobel Laureate Barbara McClintock may represent the underlying heredity for giant cells, referred to as McClintock's heredity. Increase in cell size may serve as a response to environmental stress via switching proliferative mitosis to intranuclear replication for reproduction. Intranuclear replication activates McClintock's heredity to reset the genome following fertilization for reproduction or restructures the somatic genome for neoplastic transformation via formation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs). The genome-based McClintock heredity functions together with gene-based Mendel's heredity to regulate the genomic stability at two different stages of life cycle or tumorigenesis. Thus, giant cells link McClintock's heredity to both early embryogenesis and tumor origin. Cycling change in cell size together with ploidy number switch may represent the most fundamental mechanism on how both germ and soma for coping with environmental stresses for the survival across the tree of life which evolved over millions of years on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Liu
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, United States.
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