1
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Yadav C, Yadav R, Nanda S, Ranga S, Ahuja P, Tanwar M. Role of HOX genes in cancer progression and their therapeutical aspects. Gene 2024; 919:148501. [PMID: 38670395 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148501] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
HOX genes constitute a family of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that play pivotal roles in embryonic development, tissue patterning, and cell differentiation. These genes are essential for the precise spatial and temporal control of body axis formation in vertebrates. In addition to their developmental functions, HOX genes have garnered significant attention for their involvement in various diseases, including cancer. Deregulation of HOX gene expression has been observed in numerous malignancies, where they can influence tumorigenesis, progression, and therapeutic responses. This review provides an overview of the diverse roles of HOX genes in development, disease, and potential therapeutic targets, highlighting their significance in understanding biological processes and their potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetna Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Ritu Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India.
| | - Smiti Nanda
- Retd. Senior Professor and Head, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak 124001, India
| | - Shalu Ranga
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Parul Ahuja
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
| | - Mukesh Tanwar
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India
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2
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Miki K, Oe M, Suzuki K, Miki K, Mu H, Kato Y, Iwatake M, Yukawa H, Baba Y, Ueda Y, Mori Y, Ohe K. Dual-responsive near-infrared turn-on fluorescent probe for cancer stem cell-specific visualization. J Mater Chem B 2024. [PMID: 38913327 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00897a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) stands out as one of the most reliable intracellular biomarkers for stem cells because it is expressed in both cancer stem cells (CSCs) and normal somatic stem cells (NSCs). Although several turn-on fluorescent probes for ALDH1A1 have been developed to visualize CSCs in cancer cells, the discrimination of CSCs from NSCs is difficult. We here report an AND-type dual-responsive fluorescent probe, CHO_βgal, the near-infrared fluorescence of which can be turned on after responding to both ALDH1A1 and β-galactosidase. The AND-type dual responsiveness enables CSCs to be clearly visualized, whereas NSCs are non-emissive in microscopy. CSC-positive metastasis model lungs were successfully discriminated from normal lungs in ex vivo staining experiments using CHO_βgal, whereas the single-input ALDH1A1-responsive probe failed to achieve this discrimination owing to pronounced false-positive fluorescence output from lung NSCs. In tissue slice staining experiments, even in the presence of adjacent normal tissues, the peripheral region-specific localization of CSCs was clear. The versatility of CHO_βgal holds promise not only as a fundamental in vitro research tool for visualizing CSCs but also as a valuable asset in practical tissue staining diagnosis, significantly contributing to the assessment of cancer malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Miki
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Oe
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
| | - Kanae Suzuki
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
| | - Koki Miki
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
| | - Huiying Mu
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
| | - Yoshimi Kato
- Institute of Nano-Life-Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
| | - Mayumi Iwatake
- Institute of Nano-Life-Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yukawa
- Institute of Nano-Life-Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
- Institute of Quantum Life Science, Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Anagawa 4-9-1, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
- Department of Quantum Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba 265-8522, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Baba
- Institute of Nano-Life-Systems, Institutes of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603, Japan
- Institute of Quantum Life Science, Quantum Life and Medical Science Directorate, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), Anagawa 4-9-1, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Ueda
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuo Mori
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kouichi Ohe
- Department of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.
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3
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Desai P, Takahashi N, Kumar R, Nichols S, Malin J, Hunt A, Schultz C, Cao Y, Tillo D, Nousome D, Chauhan L, Sciuto L, Jordan K, Rajapakse V, Tandon M, Lissa D, Zhang Y, Kumar S, Pongor L, Singh A, Schroder B, Sharma AK, Chang T, Vilimas R, Pinkiert D, Graham C, Butcher D, Warner A, Sebastian R, Mahon M, Baker K, Cheng J, Berger A, Lake R, Abel M, Krishnamurthy M, Chrisafis G, Fitzgerald P, Nirula M, Goyal S, Atkinson D, Bateman NW, Abulez T, Nair G, Apolo A, Guha U, Karim B, El Meskini R, Ohler ZW, Jolly MK, Schaffer A, Ruppin E, Kleiner D, Miettinen M, Brown GT, Hewitt S, Conrads T, Thomas A. Microenvironment shapes small-cell lung cancer neuroendocrine states and presents therapeutic opportunities. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101610. [PMID: 38897168 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101610] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is the most fatal form of lung cancer. Intratumoral heterogeneity, marked by neuroendocrine (NE) and non-neuroendocrine (non-NE) cell states, defines SCLC, but the cell-extrinsic drivers of SCLC plasticity are poorly understood. To map the landscape of SCLC tumor microenvironment (TME), we apply spatially resolved transcriptomics and quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to metastatic SCLC tumors obtained via rapid autopsy. The phenotype and overall composition of non-malignant cells in the TME exhibit substantial variability, closely mirroring the tumor phenotype, suggesting TME-driven reprogramming of NE cell states. We identify cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) as a crucial element of SCLC TME heterogeneity, contributing to immune exclusion, and predicting exceptionally poor prognosis. Our work provides a comprehensive map of SCLC tumor and TME ecosystems, emphasizing their pivotal role in SCLC's adaptable nature, opening possibilities for reprogramming the TME-tumor communications that shape SCLC tumor states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Desai
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Hospital and Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Takahashi
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samantha Nichols
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Justin Malin
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Allison Hunt
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Christopher Schultz
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yingying Cao
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Desiree Tillo
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics, Resource, Office of Science and Technology Resources, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Darryl Nousome
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics, Resource, Office of Science and Technology Resources, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lakshya Chauhan
- Center for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Linda Sciuto
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kimberly Jordan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vinodh Rajapakse
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mayank Tandon
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics, Resource, Office of Science and Technology Resources, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Delphine Lissa
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lorinc Pongor
- HCEMM Cancer Genomics and Epigenetics Research Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Abhay Singh
- Center for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Brett Schroder
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ajit Kumar Sharma
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tiangen Chang
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rasa Vilimas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Danielle Pinkiert
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chante Graham
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Donna Butcher
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Warner
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Robin Sebastian
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mimi Mahon
- Pain and Palliative care services, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karen Baker
- Pain and Palliative care services, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Cheng
- Pain and Palliative care services, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ann Berger
- Pain and Palliative care services, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ross Lake
- Laboratory of Genitourinary cancer Pathogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Abel
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Manan Krishnamurthy
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - George Chrisafis
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Peter Fitzgerald
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics, Resource, Office of Science and Technology Resources, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Micheal Nirula
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shubhank Goyal
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Devon Atkinson
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas W Bateman
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tamara Abulez
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Govind Nair
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Apolo
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Udayan Guha
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Baktiar Karim
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Rajaa El Meskini
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Zoe Weaver Ohler
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Alejandro Schaffer
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Markku Miettinen
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - G Tom Brown
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stephen Hewitt
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Conrads
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Anish Thomas
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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4
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Li SY, Zhang N, Zhang H, Wang N, Du YY, Li HN, Huang CS, Li XR. Deciphering the TCF19/miR-199a-5p/SP1/LOXL2 pathway: Implications for breast cancer metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:216995. [PMID: 38851313 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216995] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Globally, breast cancer (BC) is the predominant malignancy with a significant death rate due to metastasis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental initiator for metastatic progression. Through advanced computational strategies, TCF19 was identified as a critical EMT-associated gene with diagnostic and prognostic significance in BC, based on a novel EMT score. Molecular details and the pro-EMT impact of the TCF19/miR-199a-5p/SP1/LOXL2 axis were explored in BC cell lines through in vitro validations, and the oncogenic and metastatic potential of TCF19 and LOXL2 were investigated using subcutaneous and tail-vein models. Additionally, BC-specific enrichment of TCF19 and LOXL2 was measured using a distribution landscape driven by diverse genomic analysis techniques. Molecular pathways revealed that TCF19-induced LOXL2 amplification facilitated migratory, invasive, and EMT activities of BC cells in vitro, and promoted the growth and metastatic establishment of xenografts in vivo. TCF19 decreases the expression of miR-199a-5p and alters the nuclear dynamics of SP1, modulating SP1's affinity for the LOXL2 promoter, leading to increased LOXL2 expression and more malignant characteristics in BC cells. These findings unveil a novel EMT-inducing pathway, the TCF19/miR-199a-5P/SP1/LOXL2 axis, highlighting the pivotal role of TCF19 and suggesting potential for novel therapeutic approaches for more focused BC interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yu Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Ning Wang
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Huzhou, PR China
| | - Ya-Ying Du
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Han-Ning Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Chen-Shen Huang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, PR China.
| | - Xing-Rui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
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5
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Rahman MA, Apu EH, Rakib-Uz-Zaman SM, Chakraborti S, Bhajan SK, Taleb SA, Shaikh MH, Jalouli M, Harrath AH, Kim B. Exploring Importance and Regulation of Autophagy in Cancer Stem Cells and Stem Cell-Based Therapies. Cells 2024; 13:958. [PMID: 38891090 PMCID: PMC11171866 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a globally conserved cellular activity that plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis through the breakdown and recycling of cellular constituents. In recent years, there has been much emphasis given to its complex role in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and stem cell treatment. This study examines the molecular processes that support autophagy and how it is regulated in the context of CSCs and stem cell treatment. Although autophagy plays a dual role in the management of CSCs, affecting their removal as well as their maintenance, the intricate interaction between the several signaling channels that control cellular survival and death as part of the molecular mechanism of autophagy has not been well elucidated. Given that CSCs have a role in the development, progression, and resistance to treatment of tumors, it is imperative to comprehend their biological activities. CSCs are important for cancer biology because they also show a tissue regeneration model that helps with organoid regeneration. In other words, the manipulation of autophagy is a viable therapeutic approach in the treatment of cancer and stem cell therapy. Both synthetic and natural substances that target autophagy pathways have demonstrated promise in improving stem cell-based therapies and eliminating CSCs. Nevertheless, there are difficulties associated with the limitations of autophagy in CSC regulation, including resistance mechanisms and off-target effects. Thus, the regulation of autophagy offers a versatile strategy for focusing on CSCs and enhancing the results of stem cell therapy. Therefore, understanding the complex interactions between autophagy and CSC biology would be essential for creating therapeutic treatments that work in both regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ataur Rahman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Global Biotechnology and Biomedical Research Network (GBBRN), Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic University, Kushtia 7003, Bangladesh
| | - Ehsanul Hoque Apu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Knoxville, TN 37923, USA;
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - S. M Rakib-Uz-Zaman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (S.M.R.-U.-Z.); (S.C.)
- Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, School of Data and Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Somdeepa Chakraborti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (S.M.R.-U.-Z.); (S.C.)
| | - Sujay Kumar Bhajan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science & Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh;
| | - Shakila Afroz Taleb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Mushfiq H. Shaikh
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada;
| | - Maroua Jalouli
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh 11623, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Bonglee Kim
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1-5 Hoegidong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
- Korean Medicine-Based Drug Repositioning Cancer Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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6
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Dean PB. Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma and Mesenchymal Features of Other Breast Malignancies. Acad Radiol 2024; 31:2214-2216. [PMID: 38688751 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter B Dean
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Turku Faculty of Medicine, and Breast Radiologist, Section of Radiology, Medical Imaging Department, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
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7
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Carabaña C, Sun W, Veludo Ramos C, Huyghe M, Perkins M, Maillot A, Journot R, Hartani F, Faraldo MM, Lloyd-Lewis B, Fre S. Spatially distinct epithelial and mesenchymal cell subsets along progressive lineage restriction in the branching embryonic mammary gland. EMBO J 2024; 43:2308-2336. [PMID: 38760574 PMCID: PMC11183262 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00115-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
How cells coordinate morphogenetic cues and fate specification during development remains a fundamental question in organogenesis. The mammary gland arises from multipotent stem cells (MaSCs), which are progressively replaced by unipotent progenitors by birth. However, the lack of specific markers for early fate specification has prevented the delineation of the features and spatial localization of MaSC-derived lineage-committed progenitors. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing from E13.5 to birth, we produced an atlas of matched mouse mammary epithelium and mesenchyme and reconstructed the differentiation trajectories of MaSCs toward basal and luminal fate. We show that murine MaSCs exhibit lineage commitment just prior to the first sprouting events of mammary branching morphogenesis at E15.5. We identify early molecular markers for committed and multipotent MaSCs and define their spatial distribution within the developing tissue. Furthermore, we show that the mammary embryonic mesenchyme is composed of two spatially restricted cell populations, and that dermal mesenchyme-produced FGF10 is essential for embryonic mammary branching morphogenesis. Altogether, our data elucidate the spatiotemporal signals underlying lineage specification of multipotent MaSCs, and uncover the signals from mesenchymal cells that guide mammary branching morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carabaña
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Collège Doctoral, Paris, France
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C/Tajo, s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670, Madrid, Spain
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Camila Veludo Ramos
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Mathilde Huyghe
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Meghan Perkins
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Aurélien Maillot
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Robin Journot
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Fatima Hartani
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Marisa M Faraldo
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Bethan Lloyd-Lewis
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - Silvia Fre
- Institut Curie, Laboratory of Genetics and Developmental Biology, PSL Research University, INSERM U934, CNRS UMR3215, 75248, Paris, France.
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8
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Zhang M, Zhang J, Liang X, Zhang M. Stemness related lncRNAs signature for the prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment of ccRCC patients. BMC Med Genomics 2024; 17:150. [PMID: 38822402 PMCID: PMC11141027 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-024-01920-9] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial for the growth, migration, recurrence, and medication resistance of tumors. However, the impact of lncRNAs related to stemness on the outcome and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to predict the outcome and TIME of ccRCC by constructing a stem related lncRNAs (SRlncRNAs) signature. We firstly downloaded ccRCC patients' clinical data and RNA sequencing data from UCSC and TCGA databases, and abtained the differentially expressed lncRNAs highly correlated with stem index in ccRCC through gene expression differential analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. Then, we selected suitable SRlncRNAs for constructing a prognostic signature of ccRCC patients by LASSO Cox regression. Further, we used nomogram and Kaplan Meier curves to evaluate the SRlncRNA signature for the prognose in ccRCC. At last, we used ssGSEA and GSVA to evaluate the correlation between the SRlncRNAs signature and TIME in ccRCC. Finally, We obtained a signtaure based on six SRlncRNAs, which are correlated with TIME and can effectively predict the ccRCC patients' prognosis. The SRlncRNAs signature may be a noval prognostic indicator in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xuemei Liang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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9
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Aziz MA. Multiomics approach towards characterization of tumor cell plasticity and its significance in precision and personalized medicine. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10190-x. [PMID: 38761231 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10190-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity refers to the ability of cells to change their identity or behavior, which can be advantageous in some cases (e.g., tissue regeneration) but detrimental in others (e.g., cancer metastasis). With a better understanding of cellular plasticity, the complexity of cancer cells, their heterogeneity, and their role in metastasis is being unraveled. The plasticity of the cells could also prove as a nemesis to their characterization. In this review, we have attempted to highlight the possibilities and benefits of using multiomics approach in characterizing the plastic nature of cancer cells. There is a need to integrate fragmented evidence at different levels of cellular organization (DNA, RNA, protein, metabolite, epigenetics, etc.) to facilitate the characterization of different forms of plasticity and cell types. We have discussed the role of cellular plasticity in generating intra-tumor heterogeneity. Different omics level evidence is being provided to highlight the variety of molecular determinants discovered using different techniques. Attempts have been made to integrate some of this information to provide a quantitative assessment and scoring of the plastic nature of the cells. However, there is a huge gap in our understanding of mechanisms that lead to the observed heterogeneity. Understanding of these mechanism(s) is necessary for finding targets for early detection and effective therapeutic interventions in metastasis. Targeting cellular plasticity is akin to neutralizing a moving target. Along with the advancements in precision and personalized medicine, these efforts may translate into better clinical outcomes for cancer patients, especially in metastatic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Azhar Aziz
- Interdisciplinary Nanotechnology Center, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Cancer Nanomedicine Consortium, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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10
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Wang N, Miao X, Lu W, Ji Y, Zheng Y, Meng D, Liu H, Xiang C. RUNX3 exerts tumor-suppressive role through inhibiting EXOSC4 expression. Funct Integr Genomics 2024; 24:103. [PMID: 38913281 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-024-01363-6] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer severely affects women health. 70% of breast cancer are estrogen receptor positive. Breast cancer stem cells are a group of tumor with plasticity, causing tumor relapse and metastasis. RUNX3 is a tumor suppressor frequently inactivated in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. However, the mechanism of how RUNX3 is involved in the regualation of cancer stem cell traits in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer remains elusive. In this study, we utilized cut-tag assay to investigate the binding profile RUNX3 in BT474 and T47D cell, and confirmed EXOSC4 as the bona-fide target of RUNX3; RUNX3 could bind to the promoter are of EXOSC4 to suppress its expression. Furthermore, EXOSC4 could increase the colony formation, cell invasion and mammosphere formation ability of breast cancer cells and upregulate the the expression of SOX2 and ALDH1. Consistent with these findings, EXOSC4 was associated with poorer survival for Luminal B/Her2 breast cancer patiens. At last, we confirmed that EXOSC4 mediated the tumor suppressive role of RUNX3 in breast cancer cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that RUNX3 directly binds to the promoter region of EXOSC4, leading to the suppression of EXOSC4 expression and exerting a tumor-suppressive effect in estrogen receptor postivive breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaodan Miao
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wenxin Lu
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yang Ji
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Di Meng
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chenxi Xiang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
- Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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11
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Yu R, Hang Y, Tsai HI, Wang D, Zhu H. Iron metabolism: backfire of cancer cell stemness and therapeutic modalities. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:157. [PMID: 38704599 PMCID: PMC11070091 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03329-x] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), with their ability of self-renewal, unlimited proliferation, and multi-directional differentiation, contribute to tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and resistance to conventional therapy and immunotherapy. Eliminating CSCs has long been thought to prevent tumorigenesis. Although known to negatively impact tumor prognosis, research revealed the unexpected role of iron metabolism as a key regulator of CSCs. This review explores recent advances in iron metabolism in CSCs, conventional cancer therapies targeting iron biochemistry, therapeutic resistance in these cells, and potential treatment options that could overcome them. These findings provide important insights into therapeutic modalities against intractable cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Yinhui Hang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Hsiang-I Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Dongqing Wang
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China.
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12
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Sánchez Rivera FJ, Dow LE. How CRISPR Is Revolutionizing the Generation of New Models for Cancer Research. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041384. [PMID: 37487630 PMCID: PMC11065179 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041384] [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] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancers arise through acquisition of mutations in genes that regulate core biological processes like cell proliferation and cell death. Decades of cancer research have led to the identification of genes and mutations causally involved in disease development and evolution, yet defining their precise function across different cancer types and how they influence therapy responses has been challenging. Mouse models have helped define the in vivo function of cancer-associated alterations, and genome-editing approaches using CRISPR have dramatically accelerated the pace at which these models are developed and studied. Here, we highlight how CRISPR technologies have impacted the development and use of mouse models for cancer research and discuss the many ways in which these rapidly evolving platforms will continue to transform our understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Sánchez Rivera
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Lukas E Dow
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York 10065, USA
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13
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Wang K, Hou L, Wang X, Zhai X, Lu Z, Zi Z, Zhai W, He X, Curtis C, Zhou D, Hu Z. PhyloVelo enhances transcriptomic velocity field mapping using monotonically expressed genes. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:778-789. [PMID: 37524958 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01887-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a powerful approach for studying cellular differentiation, but accurately tracking cell fate transitions can be challenging, especially in disease conditions. Here we introduce PhyloVelo, a computational framework that estimates the velocity of transcriptomic dynamics by using monotonically expressed genes (MEGs) or genes with expression patterns that either increase or decrease, but do not cycle, through phylogenetic time. Through integration of scRNA-seq data with lineage information, PhyloVelo identifies MEGs and reconstructs a transcriptomic velocity field. We validate PhyloVelo using simulated data and Caenorhabditis elegans ground truth data, successfully recovering linear, bifurcated and convergent differentiations. Applying PhyloVelo to seven lineage-traced scRNA-seq datasets, generated using CRISPR-Cas9 editing, lentiviral barcoding or immune repertoire profiling, demonstrates its high accuracy and robustness in inferring complex lineage trajectories while outperforming RNA velocity. Additionally, we discovered that MEGs across tissues and organisms share similar functions in translation and ribosome biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Liangzhen Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Xin Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangwei Zhai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaolian Lu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhike Zi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiwei Zhai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xionglei He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Christina Curtis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Da Zhou
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Zheng Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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14
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Frezzetti D, Caridi V, Marra L, Camerlingo R, D’Alessio A, Russo F, Dotolo S, Rachiglio AM, Esposito Abate R, Gallo M, Maiello MR, Morabito A, Normanno N, De Luca A. The Impact of Inadequate Exposure to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors on the Development of Resistance in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4844. [PMID: 38732063 PMCID: PMC11084975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) inevitably develop resistance through several biological mechanisms. However, little is known on the molecular mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to suboptimal EGFR-TKI doses, due to pharmacodynamics leading to inadequate drug exposure. To evaluate the effects of suboptimal EGFR-TKI exposure on resistance in NSCLC, we obtained HCC827 and PC9 cell lines resistant to suboptimal fixed and intermittent doses of gefitinib and compared them to cells exposed to higher doses of the drug. We analyzed the differences in terms of EGFR signaling activation and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, whole transcriptomes byRNA sequencing, and cell motility. We observed that the exposure to low doses of gefitinib more frequently induced a partial EMT associated with an induced migratory ability, and an enhanced transcription of cancer stem cell markers, particularly in the HCC827 gefitinib-resistant cells. Finally, the HCC827 gefitinib-resistant cells showed increased secretion of the EMT inducer transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, whose inhibition was able to partially restore gefitinib sensitivity. These data provide evidence that different levels of exposure to EGFR-TKIs in tumor masses might promote different mechanisms of acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Frezzetti
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Vincenza Caridi
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Laura Marra
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Rosa Camerlingo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Amelia D’Alessio
- Laboratory of Toxicology Analysis, Department for the Treatment of Addictions, ASL Salerno, 84124 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Francesco Russo
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, National Research Council of Italy, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Serena Dotolo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Anna Maria Rachiglio
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Riziero Esposito Abate
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Marianna Gallo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Monica Rosaria Maiello
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Alessandro Morabito
- Thoracic Department, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Nicola Normanno
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Antonella De Luca
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
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15
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Aguadé-Gorgorió G, Anderson AR, Solé R. Modeling tumors as species-rich ecological communities. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590504. [PMID: 38712062 PMCID: PMC11071393 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Many advanced cancers resist therapeutic intervention. This process is fundamentally related to intra-tumor heterogeneity: multiple cell populations, each with different mutational and phenotypic signatures, coexist within a tumor and its metastatic nodes. Like species in an ecosystem, many cancer cell populations are intertwined in a complex network of ecological interactions. Most mathematical models of tumor ecology, however, cannot account for such phenotypic diversity nor are able to predict its consequences. Here we propose that the Generalized Lotka-Volterra model (GLV), a standard tool to describe complex, species-rich ecological communities, provides a suitable framework to describe the ecology of heterogeneous tumors. We develop a GLV model of tumor growth and discuss how its emerging properties, such as outgrowth and multistability, provide a new understanding of the disease. Additionally, we discuss potential extensions of the model and their application to three active areas of cancer research, namely phenotypic plasticity, the cancer-immune interplay and the resistance of metastatic tumors to treatment. Our work outlines a set of questions and a tentative road map for further research in cancer ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander R.A. Anderson
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, USA
| | - Ricard Solé
- ICREA-Complex Systems Lab, UPF-PRBB, Dr. Aiguader 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Santa Fe Institute, 1399 Hyde Park Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
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16
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Tian Y, Zhou Y, Chen F, Qian S, Hu X, Zhang B, Liu Q. Research progress in MCM family: Focus on the tumor treatment resistance. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116408. [PMID: 38479176 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors constitute a significant category of diseases posing a severe threat to human survival and health, thereby representing one of the most challenging and pressing issues in the field of biomedical research. Due to their malignant nature, which is characterized by a high potential for metastasis, rapid dissemination, and frequent recurrence, the prevailing approach in clinical oncology involves a comprehensive treatment strategy that combines surgery with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapies, and other interventions. Treatment resistance remains a major obstacle in the comprehensive management of tumors, serving as a primary cause for the failure of integrated tumor therapies and a critical factor contributing to patient relapse and mortality. The Minichromosome Maintenance (MCM) protein family comprises functional proteins closely associated with the development of resistance in tumor therapy.The influence of MCMs manifests through various pathways, encompassing modulation of DNA replication, cell cycle regulation, and DNA damage repair mechanisms. Consequently, this leads to an enhanced tolerance of tumor cells to chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and radiation. Consequently, this review explores the specific roles of the MCM family in various cancer treatment strategies. Its objective is to enhance our comprehension of resistance mechanisms in tumor therapy, thereby presenting novel targets for clinical research aimed at overcoming resistance in cancer treatment. This bears substantial clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Intestinal Surgery of Hunan Cancer Hospital & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic School of Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, PR China
| | - Fuxin Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic School of Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Siyi Qian
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic School of Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Xingming Hu
- The 1st Department of Thoracic Surgery of Hunan Cancer Hospital & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Intestinal Surgery of Hunan Cancer Hospital & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic School of Medicine Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Intestinal Surgery of Hunan Cancer Hospital & the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
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17
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Sheng N, Fu R, Zhou C, Li Y, Fan Y, Wang J, Nan X. SOX9 promotes stemness in the CAL27 cell line of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4000. [PMID: 38566395 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a prevalent form of oral malignancy, with increasing incidence. Unfortunately, the 5-year survival rate for patients has not exceeded 50%. Studies have shown that sex-determining region Y box 9 (SOX9) correlates with malignancy and tumor stemness in a variety of tumors. To investigate the role of SOX9 in TSCC stemness, we analyzed its influence on various aspects of tumor biology, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, sphere and clone formation, and drug resistance in TSCC. Our data suggest a close association between SOX9 expression and both the stemness phenotype and drug resistance in TSCC. Immunohistochemical experiments revealed a progressive increase of SOX9 expression in normal oral mucosa, paracancerous tissues, and tongue squamous carcinoma tissues. Furthermore, the expression of SOX9 was closely linked to the TNM stage, but not to lymph node metastasis or tumor diameter. SOX9 is a crucial gene in TSCC responsible for promoting the stemness function of cancer stem cells. Developing drugs that target SOX9 is extremely important in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanning Sheng
- Faculty of Stomatology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Cancer, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rong Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chuhuan Zhou
- Faculty of Stomatology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Cancer, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Prosthodontics, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yawei Fan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Faculty of Stomatology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xinrong Nan
- Faculty of Stomatology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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18
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Chen S, Navickas A, Goodarzi H. Translational adaptation in breast cancer metastasis and emerging therapeutic opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:304-318. [PMID: 38453522 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.002] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer's tendency to metastasize poses a critical barrier to effective treatment, making it a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. A growing body of evidence is showing that translational adaptation is emerging as a key mechanism enabling cancer cells to thrive in the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we systematically summarize how breast cancer cells utilize translational adaptation to drive metastasis, highlighting the intricate regulation by specific translation machinery and mRNA attributes such as sequences and structures, along with the involvement of tRNAs and other trans-acting RNAs. We provide an overview of the latest findings and emerging concepts in this area, discussing their potential implications for therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Albertas Navickas
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3348, INSERM U1278, Orsay, France; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR3348, INSERM U1278, Orsay, France.
| | - Hani Goodarzi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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19
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Rashid M, Devi BM, Banerjee M. Combinatorial Cooperativity in miR200-Zeb Feedback Network can Control Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:48. [PMID: 38555331 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01277-1] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Carcinomas often utilize epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs for cancer progression and metastasis. Numerous studies report SNAIL-induced miR200/Zeb feedback circuit as crucial in regulating EMT by placing cancer cells in at least three phenotypic states, viz. epithelial (E), hybrid (h-E/M), mesenchymal (M), along the E-M phenotypic spectrum. However, a coherent molecular-level understanding of how such a tiny circuit controls carcinoma cell entrance into and residence in various states is lacking. Here, we use molecular binding data and mathematical modeling to report that the miR200/Zeb circuit can essentially utilize combinatorial cooperativity to control E-M phenotypic plasticity. We identify minimal combinatorial cooperativities that give rise to E, h-E/M, and M phenotypes. We show that disrupting a specific number of miR200 binding sites on Zeb as well as Zeb binding sites on miR200 can have phenotypic consequences-the circuit can dynamically switch between two (E, M) and three (E, h-E/M, M) phenotypes. Further, we report that in both SNAIL-induced and SNAIL knock-out miR200/Zeb circuits, cooperative transcriptional feedback on Zeb as well as Zeb translation inhibition due to miR200 are essential for the occurrence of intermediate h-E/M phenotype. Finally, we demonstrate that SNAIL can be dispensable for EMT, and in the absence of SNAIL, the transcriptional feedback can control cell state transition from E to h-E/M, to M state. Our results thus highlight molecular-level regulation of EMT in miR200/Zeb circuit and we expect these findings to be crucial to future efforts aiming to prevent EMT-facilitated dissemination of carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubasher Rashid
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India.
| | - Brasanna M Devi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
| | - Malay Banerjee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
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20
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Tafech A, Stéphanou A. On the Importance of Acidity in Cancer Cells and Therapy. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:225. [PMID: 38666837 PMCID: PMC11048434 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells are associated with high glycolytic activity, which results in acidification of the tumor microenvironment. The occurrence of this stressful condition fosters tumor aggressiveness, with the outcome of invasiveness and metastasis that are linked to a poor clinical prognosis. Acidosis can be both the cause or consequence of alterations in the functions and expressions of transporters involved in intracellular acidity regulation. This review aims to explore the origin of acidity in cancer cells and the various mechanisms existing in tumors to resist, survive, or thrive in the acidic environment. It highlights the difficulties in measuring the intracellular pH evolution that impedes our understanding of the many regulatory and feedback mechanisms. It finally presents the consequences of acidity on tumor development as well as the friend or foe role of acidity in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angélique Stéphanou
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
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21
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Kang M, Armenteros JJA, Gulati GS, Gleyzer R, Avagyan S, Brown EL, Zhang W, Usmani A, Earland N, Wu Z, Zou J, Fields RC, Chen DY, Chaudhuri AA, Newman AM. Mapping single-cell developmental potential in health and disease with interpretable deep learning. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585637. [PMID: 38562882 PMCID: PMC10983880 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has transformed our understanding of cell fate in developmental systems. However, identifying the molecular hallmarks of potency - the capacity of a cell to differentiate into other cell types - has remained challenging. Here, we introduce CytoTRACE 2, an interpretable deep learning framework for characterizing potency and differentiation states on an absolute scale from scRNA-seq data. Across 31 human and mouse scRNA-seq datasets encompassing 28 tissue types, CytoTRACE 2 outperformed existing methods for recovering experimentally determined potency levels and differentiation states covering the entire range of cellular ontogeny. Moreover, it reconstructed the temporal hierarchy of mouse embryogenesis across 62 timepoints; identified pan-tissue expression programs that discriminate major potency levels; and facilitated discovery of cellular phenotypes in cancer linked to survival and immunotherapy resistance. Our results illuminate a fundamental feature of cell biology and provide a broadly applicable platform for delineating single-cell differentiation landscapes in health and disease.
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22
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Tsanov KM, Barriga FM, Ho YJ, Alonso-Curbelo D, Livshits G, Koche RP, Baslan T, Simon J, Tian S, Wuest AN, Luan W, Wilkinson JE, Masilionis I, Dimitrova N, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Chaligné R, Pe’er D, Massagué J, Lowe SW. Metastatic site influences driver gene function in pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.17.585402. [PMID: 38562717 PMCID: PMC10983983 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.17.585402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Driver gene mutations can increase the metastatic potential of the primary tumor1-3, but their role in sustaining tumor growth at metastatic sites is poorly understood. A paradigm of such mutations is inactivation of SMAD4 - a transcriptional effector of TGFβ signaling - which is a hallmark of multiple gastrointestinal malignancies4,5. SMAD4 inactivation mediates TGFβ's remarkable anti- to pro-tumorigenic switch during cancer progression and can thus influence both tumor initiation and metastasis6-14. To determine whether metastatic tumors remain dependent on SMAD4 inactivation, we developed a mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that enables Smad4 depletion in the pre-malignant pancreas and subsequent Smad4 reactivation in established metastases. As expected, Smad4 inactivation facilitated the formation of primary tumors that eventually colonized the liver and lungs. By contrast, Smad4 reactivation in metastatic disease had strikingly opposite effects depending on the tumor's organ of residence: suppression of liver metastases and promotion of lung metastases. Integrative multiomic analysis revealed organ-specific differences in the tumor cells' epigenomic state, whereby the liver and lungs harbored chromatin programs respectively dominated by the KLF and RUNX developmental transcription factors, with Klf4 depletion being sufficient to reverse Smad4's tumor-suppressive activity in liver metastases. Our results show how epigenetic states favored by the organ of residence can influence the function of driver genes in metastatic tumors. This organ-specific gene-chromatin interplay invites consideration of anatomical site in the interpretation of tumor genetics, with implications for the therapeutic targeting of metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaloyan M. Tsanov
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Francisco M. Barriga
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yu-Jui Ho
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Direna Alonso-Curbelo
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Geulah Livshits
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard P. Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timour Baslan
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Janelle Simon
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sha Tian
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra N. Wuest
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei Luan
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - John E. Wilkinson
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ignas Masilionis
- Computational & Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nevenka Dimitrova
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine A. Iacobuzio-Donahue
- David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronan Chaligné
- Computational & Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dana Pe’er
- Computational & Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Joan Massagué
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott W. Lowe
- Cancer Biology & Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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23
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Lin Z, Roche ME, Díaz-Barros V, Domingo-Vidal M, Whitaker-Menezes D, Tuluc M, Uppal G, Caro J, Curry JM, Martinez-Outschoorn U. MiR-200c reprograms fibroblasts to recapitulate the phenotype of CAFs in breast cancer progression. Cell Stress 2024; 8:1-20. [PMID: 38476765 PMCID: PMC10927306 DOI: 10.15698/cst2024.03.293] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal-epithelial plasticity driving cancer progression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is undetermined. This work identifies a subgroup of CAFs in human breast cancer exhibiting mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) or epithelial-like profile with high miR-200c expression. MiR-200c overexpression in fibroblasts is sufficient to drive breast cancer aggressiveness. Oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment induces miR-200c by DNA demethylation. Proteomics, RNA-seq and functional analyses reveal that miR-200c is a novel positive regulator of NFκB-HIF signaling via COMMD1 downregulation and stimulates pro-tumorigenic inflammation and glycolysis. Reprogramming fibroblasts toward MET via miR-200c reduces stemness and induces a senescent phenotype. This pro-tumorigenic profile in CAFs fosters carcinoma cell resistance to apoptosis, proliferation and immunosuppression, leading to primary tumor growth, metastases, and resistance to immuno-chemotherapy. Conversely, miR-200c inhibition in fibroblasts restrains tumor growth with abated oxidative stress and an anti-tumorigenic immune environment. This work determines the mechanisms by which MET in CAFs via miR-200c transcriptional enrichment with DNA demethylation triggered by oxidative stress promotes cancer progression. CAFs undergoing MET trans-differentiation and senescence coordinate heterotypic signaling that may be targeted as an anti-cancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Megan E. Roche
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Víctor Díaz-Barros
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Marina Domingo-Vidal
- Immunology, Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Diana Whitaker-Menezes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Madalina Tuluc
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Guldeep Uppal
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Jaime Caro
- Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joseph M. Curry
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ubaldo Martinez-Outschoorn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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24
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Carroll C, Manaprasertsak A, Boffelli Castro A, van den Bos H, Spierings DC, Wardenaar R, Bukkuri A, Engström N, Baratchart E, Yang M, Biloglav A, Cornwallis CK, Johansson B, Hagerling C, Arsenian-Henriksson M, Paulsson K, Amend SR, Mohlin S, Foijer F, McIntyre A, Pienta KJ, Hammarlund EU. Drug-resilient Cancer Cell Phenotype Is Acquired via Polyploidization Associated with Early Stress Response Coupled to HIF2α Transcriptional Regulation. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:691-705. [PMID: 38385626 PMCID: PMC10919208 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance and recurrence remain core challenges in cancer therapy. How therapy resistance arises is currently not fully understood with tumors surviving via multiple alternative routes. Here, we demonstrate that a subset of cancer cells survives therapeutic stress by entering a transient state characterized by whole-genome doubling. At the onset of the polyploidization program, we identified an upregulation of key transcriptional regulators, including the early stress-response protein AP-1 and normoxic stabilization of HIF2α. We found altered chromatin accessibility, ablated expression of retinoblastoma protein (RB1), and enrichment of AP-1 motif accessibility. We demonstrate that AP-1 and HIF2α regulate a therapy resilient and survivor phenotype in cancer cells. Consistent with this, genetic or pharmacologic targeting of AP-1 and HIF2α reduced the number of surviving cells following chemotherapy treatment. The role of AP-1 and HIF2α in stress response by polyploidy suggests a novel avenue for tackling chemotherapy-induced resistance in cancer. SIGNIFICANCE In response to cisplatin treatment, some surviving cancer cells undergo whole-genome duplications without mitosis, which represents a mechanism of drug resistance. This study presents mechanistic data to implicate AP-1 and HIF2α signaling in the formation of this surviving cell phenotype. The results open a new avenue for targeting drug-resistant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Carroll
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Auraya Manaprasertsak
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Arthur Boffelli Castro
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hilda van den Bos
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Diana C.J. Spierings
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Anuraag Bukkuri
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Niklas Engström
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Etienne Baratchart
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Minjun Yang
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andrea Biloglav
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Bertil Johansson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Catharina Hagerling
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marie Arsenian-Henriksson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Paulsson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sarah R. Amend
- Cancer Ecology Center, the Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sofie Mohlin
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alan McIntyre
- Hypoxia and Acidosis Group, Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth J. Pienta
- Cancer Ecology Center, the Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emma U. Hammarlund
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center (SCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Lund University Cancer Center (LUCC), Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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25
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Mistry T, Nath A, Pal R, Ghosh S, Mahata S, Kumar Sahoo P, Sarkar S, Choudhury T, Nath P, Alam N, Nasare VD. Emerging Futuristic Targeted Therapeutics: A Comprising Study Towards a New Era for the Management of TNBC. Am J Clin Oncol 2024; 47:132-148. [PMID: 38145412 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is characterized by high lethality attributed to factors such as chemoresistance, transcriptomic, and genomic heterogeneity, leading to a poor prognosis and limiting available targeted treatment options. While the identification of molecular targets remains pivotal for therapy involving chemo drugs, the current challenge lies in the poor response rates, low survival rates, and frequent relapses. Despite various clinical investigations exploring molecular targeted therapies in conjunction with conventional chemo treatment, the outcomes have been less than optimal. The critical need for more effective therapies underscores the urgency to discover potent novel treatments, including molecular and immune targets, as well as emerging strategies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of conventional treatment approaches and explores emerging molecular and immune-targeted therapeutics, elucidating their mechanisms to address the existing obstacles for a more effective management of triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanuma Mistry
- Departments of Pathology and Cancer Screening
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
| | - Arijit Nath
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to be University, School of Biotechnology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ranita Pal
- Departments of Pathology and Cancer Screening
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Neyaz Alam
- Surgical Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute
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26
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Fatma H, Siddique HR. Cancer cell plasticity, stem cell factors, and therapy resistance: how are they linked? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:423-440. [PMID: 37796391 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10144-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity can occur naturally in an organism and is considered an adapting mechanism during the developmental stage. However, abnormal cellular plasticity is observed in different diseased conditions, including cancer. Cancer cell plasticity triggers the stimuli of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), abnormal epigenetic changes, expression of stem cell factors and implicated signaling pathways, etc., and helps in the maintenance of CSC phenotype. Conversely, CSC maintains the cancer cell plasticity, EMT, and epigenetic plasticity. EMT contributes to increased cell migration and greater diversity within tumors, while epigenetic changes, stem cell factors (OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2), and various signaling pathways allow cancer cells to maintain various phenotypes, giving rise to intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. The intricate relationships between cancer cell plasticity and stem cell factors help the tumor cells adopt drug-tolerant states, evade senescence, and successfully acquire drug resistance with treatment dismissal. Inhibiting molecules/signaling pathways involved in promoting CSCs, cellular plasticity, EMT, and epigenetic plasticity might be helpful for successful cancer therapy management. This review discussed the role of cellular plasticity, EMT, and stem cell factors in tumor initiation, progression, reprogramming, and therapy resistance. Finally, we discussed how the intervention in this axis will help better manage cancers and improve patient survivability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Fatma
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India
| | - Hifzur R Siddique
- Molecular Cancer Genetics & Translational Research Lab, Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP, 202002, India.
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27
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Uddin MH, Zhang D, Muqbil I, El-Rayes BF, Chen H, Philip PA, Azmi AS. Deciphering cellular plasticity in pancreatic cancer for effective treatments. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:393-408. [PMID: 38194153 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10164-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Cellular plasticity and therapy resistance are critical features of pancreatic cancer, a highly aggressive and fatal disease. The pancreas, a vital organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, is often affected by two main types of cancer: the pre-dominant ductal adenocarcinoma and the less common neuroendocrine tumors. These cancers are difficult to treat due to their complex biology characterized by cellular plasticity leading to therapy resistance. Cellular plasticity refers to the capability of cancer cells to change and adapt to different microenvironments within the body which includes acinar-ductal metaplasia, epithelial to mesenchymal/epigenetic/metabolic plasticity, as well as stemness. This plasticity allows heterogeneity of cancer cells, metastasis, and evasion of host's immune system and develops resistance to radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. To overcome this resistance, extensive research is ongoing exploring the intrinsic and extrinsic factors through cellular reprogramming, chemosensitization, targeting metabolic, key survival pathways, etc. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms of cellular plasticity involving cellular adaptation and tumor microenvironment and provided a comprehensive understanding of its role in therapy resistance and ways to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Dingqiang Zhang
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Irfana Muqbil
- Department of Natural Sciences, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Philip A Philip
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, HWCRC 740, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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28
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Ebrahimi N, Manavi MS, Faghihkhorasani F, Fakhr SS, Baei FJ, Khorasani FF, Zare MM, Far NP, Rezaei-Tazangi F, Ren J, Reiter RJ, Nabavi N, Aref AR, Chen C, Ertas YN, Lu Q. Harnessing function of EMT in cancer drug resistance: a metastasis regulator determines chemotherapy response. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:457-479. [PMID: 38227149 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10162-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complicated molecular process that governs cellular shape and function changes throughout tissue development and embryogenesis. In addition, EMT contributes to the development and spread of tumors. Expanding and degrading the surrounding microenvironment, cells undergoing EMT move away from the main location. On the basis of the expression of fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP1), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), collagen, and smooth muscle actin (-SMA), the mesenchymal phenotype exhibited in fibroblasts is crucial for promoting EMT. While EMT is not entirely reliant on its regulators like ZEB1/2, Twist, and Snail proteins, investigation of upstream signaling (like EGF, TGF-β, Wnt) is required to get a more thorough understanding of tumor EMT. Throughout numerous cancers, connections between tumor epithelial and fibroblast cells that influence tumor growth have been found. The significance of cellular crosstalk stems from the fact that these events affect therapeutic response and disease prognosis. This study examines how classical EMT signals emanating from various cancer cells interfere to tumor metastasis, treatment resistance, and tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Ebrahimi
- Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | | - Siavash Seifollahy Fakhr
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Science and Biotechnology, Campus Hamar, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Mohammad Mehdi Zare
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Nazanin Pazhouhesh Far
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei-Tazangi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Translational Medicine Group, Xsphera Biosciences, 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Chu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yavuz Nuri Ertas
- ERNAM-Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Türkiye.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Erciyes University, Kayseri, 38039, Türkiye.
| | - Qi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
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Thakur D, Sengupta D, Mahapatra E, Das S, Sarkar R, Mukherjee S. Glucocorticoid receptor: a harmonizer of cellular plasticity in breast cancer-directs the road towards therapy resistance, metastatic progression and recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:481-499. [PMID: 38170347 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent therapeutic advances have significantly uplifted the quality of life in breast cancer patients, yet several impediments block the road to disease-free survival. This involves unresponsiveness towards administered therapy, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastatic progression with the eventual appearance of recurrent disease. Attainment of such characteristics is a huge adaptive challenge to which tumour cells respond by acquiring diverse phenotypically plastic states. Several signalling networks and mediators are involved in such a process. Glucocorticoid receptor being a mediator of stress response imparts prognostic significance in the context of breast carcinoma. Involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor in the signalling cascade of breast cancer phenotypic plasticity needs further elucidation. This review attempted to shed light on the inter-regulatory interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor with the mediators of the plasticity program in breast cancer; which may provide a hint for strategizing therapeutics against the glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor axis so as to modulate phenotypic plasticity in breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Thakur
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Debomita Sengupta
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Elizabeth Mahapatra
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Salini Das
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Ruma Sarkar
- B. D. Patel Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT Campus, Changa, Gujarat, 388421, India
| | - Sutapa Mukherjee
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India.
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Bose A, Datta S, Mandal R, Ray U, Dhar R. Increased heterogeneity in expression of genes associated with cancer progression and drug resistance. Transl Oncol 2024; 41:101879. [PMID: 38262110 PMCID: PMC10832509 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101879] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in the number of regulatory molecules and differences in timings of molecular events can generate variation in gene expression among genetically identical cells in the same environmental condition. This variation, termed as expression noise, can create differences in metabolic state and cellular functions, leading to phenotypic heterogeneity. Expression noise and phenotypic heterogeneity have been recognized as important contributors to intra-tumor heterogeneity, and have been associated with cancer growth, progression, and therapy resistance. However, how expression noise changes with cancer progression in actual cancer patients has remained poorly explored. Such an analysis, through identification of genes with increasing expression noise, can provide valuable insights into generation of intra-tumor heterogeneity, and could have important implications for understanding immune-suppression, drug tolerance and therapy resistance. In this work, we performed a genome-wide identification of changes in gene expression noise with cancer progression using single-cell RNA-seq data of lung adenocarcinoma patients at different stages of cancer. We identified 37 genes in epithelial cells that showed an increasing noise trend with cancer progression, many of which were also associated with cancer growth, EMT and therapy resistance. We found that expression of several of these genes was positively associated with expression of mitochondrial genes, suggesting an important role of mitochondria in generation of heterogeneity. In addition, we uncovered substantial differences in sample-specific noise profiles which could have implications for personalized prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Bose
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Subhasis Datta
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Rakesh Mandal
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Upasana Ray
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Riddhiman Dhar
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India.
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Abbaszadeh F, Faraji F, Amirian R, Sinha D, McMahon EG, Bishayee A. Targeting the key players of phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells by phytochemicals. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:261-292. [PMID: 38169011 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Plasticity of phenotypic traits refers to an organism's ability to change in response to environmental stimuli. As a result, the response may alter an organism's physiological state, morphology, behavior, and phenotype. Phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells describes the considerable ability of cancer cells to transform phenotypes through non-genetic molecular signaling activities that promote therapy evasion and tumor metastasis via amplifying cancer heterogeneity. As a result of metastable phenotypic state transitions, cancer cells can tolerate chemotherapy or develop transient adaptive resistance. Therefore, new findings have paved the road in identifying factors and agents that inhibit or suppress phenotypic plasticity. It has also investigated novel multitargeted agents that may promise new effective strategies in cancer treatment. Despite the efficiency of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, drug toxicity, development of resistance, and high-cost limit their use in cancer therapy. Recent research has shown that small molecules derived from natural sources are capable of suppressing cancer by focusing on the plasticity of phenotypic responses. This systematic, comprehensive, and critical review analyzes the current state of knowledge regarding the ability of phytocompounds to target phenotypic plasticity at both preclinical and clinical levels. Current challenges/pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Faraji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517838678, Iran
| | - Roshanak Amirian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Dona Sinha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, 700 026, West Bengal, India
| | - Emily G McMahon
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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BharathwajChetty B, Sajeev A, Vishwa R, Aswani BS, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Kunnumakkara AB. Dynamic interplay of nuclear receptors in tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance: Shifting gears in malignant transformations and applications in cancer therapeutics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:321-362. [PMID: 38517618 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10171-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances have brought forth the complex interplay between tumor cell plasticity and its consequential impact on drug resistance and tumor recurrence, both of which are critical determinants of neoplastic progression and therapeutic efficacy. Various forms of tumor cell plasticity, instrumental in facilitating neoplastic cells to develop drug resistance, include epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) alternatively termed epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, the acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC) attributes, and transdifferentiation into diverse cell lineages. Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) that play an essential role in regulating a multitude of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. NRs have been implicated to play a critical role in modulating gene expression associated with tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of how NRs regulate these key aspects of cancer biology. We discuss the diverse mechanisms through which NRs influence tumor cell plasticity, including EMT, stemness, and metastasis. Further, we explore the intricate relationship between NRs and drug resistance, highlighting the impact of NR signaling on chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies. We also discuss the emerging therapeutic strategies targeting NRs to overcome tumor cell plasticity and drug resistance. This review also provides valuable insights into the current clinical trials that involve agonists or antagonists of NRs modulating various aspects of tumor cell plasticity, thereby delineating the potential of NRs as therapeutic targets for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandari BharathwajChetty
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Ravichandran Vishwa
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Babu Santha Aswani
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India.
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Hlavca S, Chan WH, Engel RM, Abud HE. Clusterin: a marker and mediator of chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:379-391. [PMID: 38319453 PMCID: PMC11015998 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Intra-tumoural heterogeneity and cancer cell plasticity in colorectal cancer (CRC) have been key challenges to effective treatment for patients. It has been suggested that a subpopulation of LGR5-expressing cancer stem cells (CSCs) is responsible for driving tumour relapse and therapy resistance in CRC. However, studies have revealed that the LGR5+ve CSC population is highly sensitive to chemotherapy. It has been hypothesised that another subset of tumour cells can phenotypically revert to a stem-like state in response to chemotherapy treatment which replenishes the LGR5+ve CSC population and maintains tumour growth. Recently, a unique stem cell population marked by enriched clusterin (CLU) expression and termed the revival stem cell (RevSC) was identified in the regenerating murine intestine. This CLU-expressing cell population is quiescent during homeostasis but has the ability to survive and regenerate other stem cells upon injury. More recently, the CLU+ve signature has been implicated in several adverse outcomes in CRC, including chemotherapy resistance and poor patient survival; however, the mechanism behind this remains undetermined. In this review, we discuss recent insights on CLU in CRC and its roles in enhancing the plasticity of cells and further consider the implications of CLU as a prospective target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Hlavca
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Wing Hei Chan
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Rebekah M Engel
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Cabrini Monash University, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, VIC, 3144, Australia
| | - Helen E Abud
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
- Department of Surgery, Cabrini Monash University, Cabrini Hospital, Malvern, VIC, 3144, Australia.
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Knopik-Skrocka A, Sempowicz A, Piwocka O. Plasticity and resistance of cancer stem cells as a challenge for innovative anticancer therapies - do we know enough to overcome this? EXCLI JOURNAL 2024; 23:335-355. [PMID: 38655094 PMCID: PMC11036066 DOI: 10.17179/excli2024-6972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
According to the CSC hypothesis, cancer stem cells are pivotal in initiating, developing, and causing cancer recurrence. Since the identification of CSCs in leukemia, breast cancer, glioblastoma, and colorectal cancer in the 1990s, researchers have actively investigated the origin and biology of CSCs. However, the CSC hypothesis and the role of these cells in tumor development model is still in debate. These cells exhibit distinct surface markers, are capable of self-renewal, demonstrate unrestricted proliferation, and display metabolic adaptation. CSC phenotypic plasticity and the capacity to EMT is strictly connected to the stemness state. CSCs show high resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. The plasticity of CSCs is significantly influenced by tumor microenvironment factors, such as hypoxia. Targeting the genetic and epigenetic changes of cancer cells, together with interactions with the tumor microenvironment, presents promising avenues for therapeutic strategies. See also the Graphical abstract(Fig. 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Knopik-Skrocka
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznań, Poland
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Alicja Sempowicz
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University of Poznań, Poland
- Section of Regenerative Medicine and Cancer Research, Natural Sciences Club, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Oliwia Piwocka
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Broghammer F, Korovina I, Gouda M, Celotti M, van Es J, Lange I, Brunner C, Mircetic J, Coppes RP, Gires O, Dahl A, Seifert M, Cordes N. Resistance of HNSCC cell models to pan-FGFR inhibition depends on the EMT phenotype associating with clinical outcome. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:39. [PMID: 38378518 PMCID: PMC10880239 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01954-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focal adhesion signaling involving receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) and integrins co-controls cancer cell survival and therapy resistance. However, co-dependencies between these receptors and therapeutically exploitable vulnerabilities remain largely elusive in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS The cytotoxic and radiochemosensitizing potential of targeting 10 RTK and β1 integrin was determined in up to 20 3D matrix-grown HNSCC cell models followed by drug screening and patient-derived organoid validation. RNA sequencing and protein-based biochemical assays were performed for molecular characterization. Bioinformatically identified transcriptomic signatures were applied to patient cohorts. RESULTS Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR 1-4) targeting exhibited the strongest cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effects as monotherapy and combined with β1 integrin inhibition, exceeding the efficacy of the other RTK studied. Pharmacological pan-FGFR inhibition elicited responses ranging from cytotoxicity/radiochemosensitization to resistance/radiation protection. RNA sequence analysis revealed a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in sensitive cell models, whereas resistant cell models exhibited a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accordingly, inhibition of EMT-associated kinases such as EGFR caused reduced adaptive resistance and enhanced (radio)sensitization to FGFR inhibition cell model- and organoid-dependently. Transferring the EMT-associated transcriptomic profiles to HNSCC patient cohorts not only demonstrated their prognostic value but also provided a conclusive validation of the presence of EGFR-related vulnerabilities that can be strategically exploited for therapeutic interventions. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that pan-FGFR inhibition elicits a beneficial radiochemosensitizing and a detrimental radioprotective potential in HNSCC cell models. Adaptive EMT-associated resistance appears to be of clinical importance, and we provide effective molecular approaches to exploit this therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Broghammer
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Irina Korovina
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mahesh Gouda
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwigs-Maximilians-University University Hospital, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martina Celotti
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan van Es
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inga Lange
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cornelia Brunner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jovan Mircetic
- German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center (MSNZ) P2, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robert P Coppes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section of Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier Gires
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Dahl
- DRESDEN-Concept Genome Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Seifert
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry (IMB), Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69192, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nils Cordes
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328, Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69192, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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Alfonsín G, Berral-González A, Rodríguez-Alonso A, Quiroga M, De Las Rivas J, Figueroa A. Stratification of Colorectal Patients Based on Survival Analysis Shows the Value of Consensus Molecular Subtypes and Reveals the CBLL1 Gene as a Biomarker of CMS2 Tumours. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1919. [PMID: 38339195 PMCID: PMC10856263 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The consensus molecular subtypes (CMSs) classification of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a system for patient stratification that can be potentially applied to therapeutic decisions. Hakai (CBLL1) is an E3 ubiquitin-ligase that induces the ubiquitination and degradation of E-cadherin, inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), tumour progression and metastasis. Using bioinformatic methods, we have analysed CBLL1 expression on a large integrated cohort of primary tumour samples from CRC patients. The cohort included survival data and was divided into consensus molecular subtypes. Colon cancer tumourspheres were used to analyse the expression of stem cancer cells markers via RT-PCR and Western blotting. We show that CBLL1 gene expression is specifically associated with canonical subtype CMS2. WNT target genes LGR5 and c-MYC show a similar association with CMS2 as CBLL1. These mRNA levels are highly upregulated in cancer tumourspheres, while CBLL1 silencing shows a clear reduction in tumoursphere size and in stem cell biomarkers. Importantly, CMS2 patients with high CBLL1 expression displayed worse overall survival (OS), which is similar to that associated with CMS4 tumours. Our findings reveal CBLL1 as a specific biomarker for CMS2 and the potential of using CMS2 with high CBLL1 expression to stratify patients with poor OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Alfonsín
- Epithelial Plasticity and Metastasis Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain; (G.A.); (A.R.-A.); (M.Q.)
| | - Alberto Berral-González
- Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics Group, Cancer Research Center (CiC-IBMCC, CSIC/USAL & IBSAL), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), University of Salamanca (USAL) and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Andrea Rodríguez-Alonso
- Epithelial Plasticity and Metastasis Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain; (G.A.); (A.R.-A.); (M.Q.)
| | - Macarena Quiroga
- Epithelial Plasticity and Metastasis Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain; (G.A.); (A.R.-A.); (M.Q.)
| | - Javier De Las Rivas
- Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics Group, Cancer Research Center (CiC-IBMCC, CSIC/USAL & IBSAL), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), University of Salamanca (USAL) and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Angélica Figueroa
- Epithelial Plasticity and Metastasis Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), 15006 A Coruña, Spain; (G.A.); (A.R.-A.); (M.Q.)
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Huang Q, Chen H, Yin D, Wang J, Wang S, Yang F, Li J, Mu T, Li J, Zhao J, Yin R, Li W, Qiu M, Zhang E, Li X. Multi-omics analysis reveals NNMT as a master metabolic regulator of metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:24. [PMID: 38291241 PMCID: PMC10828394 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00509-w] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming has been observed in cancer metastasis, whereas metabolic changes required for malignant cells during lymph node metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still poorly understood. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of paired ESCC tumor tissues and lymph nodes to uncover the reprogramming of tumor microenvironment (TME) and metabolic pathways. By integrating analyses of scRNA-seq data with metabolomics of ESCC tumor tissues and plasma samples, we found nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism pathway was dysregulated in ESCC patients with lymph node metastasis (LN+), exhibiting as significantly increased 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA) in both tumors and plasma. Further data indicated high expression of N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which converts active methyl groups from the universal methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), to stable MNA, contributed to the increased MNA in LN+ ESCC. NNMT promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of ESCC in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting E-cadherin expression. Mechanically, high NNMT expression consumed too much active methyl group and decreased H3K4me3 modification at E-cadherin promoter and inhibited m6A modification of E-cadherin mRNA, therefore inhibiting E-cadherin expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Finally, a detection method of lymph node metastasis was build based on the dysregulated metabolites, which showed good performance among ESCC patients. For lymph node metastasis of ESCC, this work supports NNMT is a master regulator of the cross-talk between cellular metabolism and epigenetic modifications, which may be a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Haiming Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Dandan Yin
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 21009, China
- Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 21009, China
- Biobank of Lung Cancer, Jiangsu Biobank of Clinical Resources, Nanjing, 21009, China
| | - Shaodong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Teng Mu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Jilun Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Rong Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 21009, China
- Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 21009, China
- Biobank of Lung Cancer, Jiangsu Biobank of Clinical Resources, Nanjing, 21009, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Mantang Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Erbao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Xiangnan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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Li H, Huang H, Tan H, Jia Q, Song W, Zhang Q, Zhou B, Bai J. Key processes in tumor metastasis and therapeutic strategies with nanocarriers: a review. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:197. [PMID: 38270746 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis occurs at all stages of tumor development, with unexplored changes occurring at the primary site and distant colonization sites. The growing understanding of the metastatic process of tumor cells has contributed to the emergence of better treatment options and strategies. This review summarizes a range of features related to tumor cell metastasis and nanobased drug delivery systems for inhibiting tumor metastasis. The mechanisms of tumor metastasis in the ideal order of metastatic progression were summarized. We focus on the prominent role of nanocarriers in the treatment of tumor metastasis, summarizing the latest applications of nanocarriers in combination with drugs to target important components and processes of tumor metastasis and providing ideas for more effective nanodrug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, 261053, Weifang, China
| | - Haiqin Huang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, 261053, Weifang, China
| | - Haining Tan
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Qitao Jia
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, 261053, Weifang, China
| | - Weina Song
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory and Critical Care, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University Dezhou Hospital, 253000, Dezhou, China
| | - Qingdong Zhang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, 261053, Weifang, China.
| | - Baolong Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, 261053, Weifang, China.
| | - Jingkun Bai
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, 261053, Weifang, China.
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Hu Q, Luo M, Wang R. Identifying critical regulatory interactions in cell fate decision and transition by systematic perturbation analysis. J Theor Biol 2024; 577:111673. [PMID: 37984586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2023.111673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
One of the most significant challenges in biology is to elucidate the roles of various regulatory interactions in cell fate decision and transition. However, it remains to be fully clarified how they cooperate and determine fate transition. Here, a general framework based on statistical analysis and bifurcation theory is proposed to identify crucial regulatory interactions and how they play decisive roles in fate transition. More exactly, specific feedback loops determine occurrence of bifurcations by which cell fate transition can be realized. While regulatory interactions in the feedback loops determine the direction of transition. In addition, two-parameter bifurcation analysis further provides detailed understanding of how the fate transition based on statistical analysis occurs. Statistical analysis can also be used to reveal synergistic combinatorial perturbations by which fate transition can be more efficiently realized. The integrative analysis approach can be used to identify critical regulatory interactions in cell fate transition and reveal how specific cell fate transition occurs. To verify feasibility of the approach, the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) network is chosen as an illustrative example. In agreement with experimental observations, the approach reveals some critical regulatory interactions and underlying mechanisms in cell fate determination and transitions between three states. The approach can also be applied to analyze other regulatory networks related to cell fate decision and transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Hu
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Min Luo
- School of Sciences, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Mathematics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China; Newtouch Center for Mathematics of Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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Tao Y, Dai L, Liang W, Li X, Lyu Y, Li J, Li Z, Shi Z, Liang X, Zhou S, Fu X, Hu W, Wang X. Advancements and perspectives of RBX2 as a molecular hallmark in cancer. Gene 2024; 892:147864. [PMID: 37820940 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a challenging issue for human health. One of the key methods to address this issue is by comprehending the molecular causes of tumors and creating medications that target those causes. RBX2 (RING box protein 2), also known as ROC2 (Regulator of Cullins 2), RNF7 (RING Finger Protein 7), or SAG (Sensitive to Apoptosis Gene) is a key component of the Cullin-RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) and overexpressed in various human cancers. RBX2 is a potential drug target, the expression of which correlates with tumor staging, grading, and prognosis analysis. Through a synergistically biological interaction with Kras mutation in preclinical models, RBX2 accelerated the progression of skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer. In accordance, the aberrant expression of RBX2 will lead to dysregulation of many signaling pathways, which is crucial for tumor initiation and growth. However, the impact of RBX2 on tumors also intriguingly demonstrates a spatial reliance manner. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of RBX2 in multiple cancer types and suggested a significant potential of RBX2 as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Lirui Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pituitary Adenoma Multidisciplinary Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wulong Liang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yuan Lyu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Junqi Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China; Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Zian Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Zimin Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Xianyin Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Shaolong Zhou
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Xudong Fu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Weihua Hu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Xinjun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
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Wang J, Peng J, Chen Y, Nasser MI, Qin H. The role of stromal cells in epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and its therapeutic potential. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:13. [PMID: 38244071 PMCID: PMC10799841 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00867-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical tumor invasion and metastasis process. EMT enables tumor cells to migrate, detach from their original location, enter the circulation, circulate within it, and eventually exit from blood arteries to colonize in foreign sites, leading to the development of overt metastases, ultimately resulting in death. EMT is intimately tied to stromal cells around the tumor and is controlled by a range of cytokines secreted by stromal cells. This review summarizes recent research on stromal cell-mediated EMT in tumor invasion and metastasis. We also discuss the effects of various stromal cells on EMT induction and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which several significant stromal cells convert from foes to friends of cancer cells to fuel EMT processes via their secretions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a result, a better knowledge of the role of stromal cells in cancer cells' EMT may pave the path to cancer eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjing Wang
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junmei Peng
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonglin Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
- The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - M I Nasser
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hui Qin
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
- The Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province Department of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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Brockmueller A, Buhrmann C, Moravejolahkami AR, Shakibaei M. Resveratrol and p53: How are they involved in CRC plasticity and apoptosis? J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00005-5. [PMID: 38190940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.005] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC), which is mainly caused by epigenetic and lifestyle factors, is very often associated with functional plasticity during its development. In addition, the malignant plasticity of CRC cells underscores one of their survival abilities to functionally adapt to specific stresses, including inflammation, that occur during carcinogenesis. This leads to the generation of various subsets of cancer cells with phenotypic diversity and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), formation of cancer cell stem cells (CSCs) and metabolic reprogramming. This can enhance cancer cell differentiation and facilitate tumorigenic potential, drug resistance and metastasis. AIM OF REVIEW The tumor protein p53 acts as one of the central suppressors of carcinogenesis by regulating its target genes, whose proteins are involved in the plasticity of cancer cells, autophagy, cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair. The aim of this review is to summarize the latest published research on resveratrol's effect in the prevention of CRC, its regulatory actions, specifically on the p53 pathway, and its treatment options. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, is a potent inducer of a variety of tumor-controlling. However, the underlying mechanisms linking the p53 signaling pathway to the functional anti-plasticity effect of resveratrol in CRC are still poorly understood. Therefore, this review discusses novel relationships between anti-cellular plasticity/heterogeneity, pro-apoptosis and modulation of tumor protein p53 signaling in CRC oncogenesis, as one of the crucial mechanisms by which resveratrol prevents malignant phenotypic changes leading to cell migration and drug resistance, thus improving the ongoing treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aranka Brockmueller
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Constanze Buhrmann
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Amir Reza Moravejolahkami
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition & Food Science, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 11, D-80336 Munich, Germany.
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Derbal Y. Adaptive Control of Tumor Growth. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241230869. [PMID: 38294947 PMCID: PMC10832444 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241230869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment optimizations select the most optimum combinations of drugs, sequencing schedules, and appropriate doses that would limit toxicity and yield an improved patient quality of life. However, these optimizations often lack an adequate consideration of cancer's near-infinite potential for evolutionary adaptation to therapeutic interventions. Adapting cancer therapy based on monitored tumor burden and clonal composition is an intuitively sound approach to the treatment of cancer as an inherently complex and adaptive system. The adaptation would be driven by clinical outcome setpoints embodying the aims to thwart therapeutic resistance and maintain a long-term management of the disease or even a cure. However, given the nonlinear, stochastic dynamics of tumor response to therapeutic interventions, adaptive therapeutic strategies may at least need a one-step-ahead prediction of tumor burden to maintain their control over tumor growth dynamics. The article explores the feasibility of adaptive cancer treatment driven by tumor state feedback assuming cell adaptive fitness to be the underlying source of phenotypic plasticity and pathway entropy as a biomarker of tumor growth trajectory. The exploration is undertaken using deterministic and stochastic models of tumor growth dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youcef Derbal
- Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Heilala M, Lehtonen A, Arasalo O, Peura A, Pokki J, Ikkala O, Nonappa, Klefström J, Munne PM. Fibrin Stiffness Regulates Phenotypic Plasticity of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301137. [PMID: 37671812 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM)-regulated phenotypic plasticity is crucial for metastatic progression of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). While ECM faithful cell-based models are available for in situ and invasive tumors, such as cell aggregate cultures in reconstituted basement membrane and in collagenous gels, there are no ECM faithful models for metastatic circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Such models are essential to represent the stage of metastasis where clinical relevance and therapeutic opportunities are significant. Here, CTC-like DU4475 TNBC cells are cultured in mechanically tunable 3D fibrin hydrogels. This is motivated, as in circulation fibrin aids CTC survival by forming a protective coating reducing shear stress and immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity and promotes several stages of late metastatic processes at the interface between circulation and tissue. This work shows that fibrin hydrogels support DU4475 cell growth, resulting in spheroid formation. Furthermore, increasing fibrin stiffness from 57 to 175 Pa leads to highly motile, actin and tubulin containing cellular protrusions, which are associated with specific cell morphology and gene expression patterns that markedly differ from basement membrane or suspension cultures. Thus, mechanically tunable fibrin gels reveal specific matrix-based regulation of TNBC cell phenotype and offer scaffolds for CTC-like cells with better mechano-biological properties than liquid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Heilala
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Aalto, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Arttu Lehtonen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12200, Aalto, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Ossi Arasalo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12200, Aalto, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Aino Peura
- Finnish Cancer Institute and FICAN South, Helsinki University Hospital & Cancer Cell Circuitry Laboratory, Translational Cancer Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8), Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Juho Pokki
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University, P.O. Box 12200, Aalto, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Olli Ikkala
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, P.O. Box 15100, Aalto, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Nonappa
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University, P.O. Box 541, Tampere, FI-33720, Finland
| | - Juha Klefström
- Finnish Cancer Institute and FICAN South, Helsinki University Hospital & Cancer Cell Circuitry Laboratory, Translational Cancer Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8), Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Pauliina M Munne
- Finnish Cancer Institute and FICAN South, Helsinki University Hospital & Cancer Cell Circuitry Laboratory, Translational Cancer Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8), Helsinki, 00014, Finland
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Rokavec M, Jaeckel S, Hermeking H. Nidogen-1/NID1 Function and Regulation during Progression and Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5316. [PMID: 38001576 PMCID: PMC10670298 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225316] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that the extracellular matrix and basement membrane protein Nidogen1 (NID1) is secreted by more malignant, mesenchymal-like CRC cells and induces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promotes the migration and invasion of less malignant, epithelial-like CRC cells. Here, we performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of multiple datasets derived from CRC patients and showed that elevated expression of NID1 and the genes ITGA3, ITGB1, and ITGAV, which encode NID1 receptors, is associated with poor prognosis and advanced tumor stage. Accordingly, the expression of NID1, ITGA3, ITGB1, and ITGAV was associated with an EMT signature, which included SNAIL/SNAI1, an EMT-inducing transcription factor. In CRC cells, ectopic SNAIL expression induced NID1 and SNAIL occupancy was detected at an E-box upstream of the NID1 transcription start site. Therefore, NID1 represents a direct target of SNAIL. Ectopic expression of NID1 or treatment with NID1-containing medium endowed non-metastatic CRC cells with the capacity to form lung metastases after xenotransplantation into mice. Suppression of the NID1 receptor ITGAV decreased cell viability, particularly in CMS/consensus molecular subtype 4 CRC cells. Taken together, our results show that NID1 is a direct target of EMT-TF SNAIL and is associated with and promotes CRC progression and metastasis. Furthermore, the NID1 receptor ITGAV represents a candidate therapeutic target in CMS4 colorectal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matjaz Rokavec
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Jaeckel
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Heiko Hermeking
- Experimental and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, D-80337 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, D-80336 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69129 Heidelberg, Germany
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Yang Y, Zhu G, Yang L, Yang Y. Targeting CD24 as a novel immunotherapy for solid cancers. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:312. [PMID: 37919766 PMCID: PMC10623753 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01315-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24), a mucin-like highly glycosylated molecule has been extensively studied as a cancer stem cell marker in a variety of solid cancers. The functional role of CD24 is either fulfilled by combining with ligands or participating in signal transduction, which mediate the initiation and progression of neoplasms. Recently, CD24 was also described as an innate immune checkpoint with apparent significance in several types of solid cancers. Herein, we review the current understanding of the molecular fundamentals of CD24, the role of CD24 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, the possibility as a promising therapeutic target and summarized different therapeutic agents or strategies targeting CD24 in solid cancers. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Tumor-Targeted Drug Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, Henan, China
| | - Guangming Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Taian, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Endometrial Disease Prevention and Treatment Zhengzhou China, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Tumor-Targeted Drug Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, Henan, China.
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Jain P, Pillai M, Duddu AS, Somarelli JA, Goyal Y, Jolly MK. Dynamical hallmarks of cancer: Phenotypic switching in melanoma and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:48-63. [PMID: 37788736 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.007] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity was recently incorporated as a hallmark of cancer. This plasticity can manifest along many interconnected axes, such as stemness and differentiation, drug-sensitive and drug-resistant states, and between epithelial and mesenchymal cell-states. Despite growing acceptance for phenotypic plasticity as a hallmark of cancer, the dynamics of this process remains poorly understood. In particular, the knowledge necessary for a predictive understanding of how individual cancer cells and populations of cells dynamically switch their phenotypes in response to the intensity and/or duration of their current and past environmental stimuli remains far from complete. Here, we present recent investigations of phenotypic plasticity from a systems-level perspective using two exemplars: epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in carcinomas and phenotypic switching in melanoma. We highlight how an integrated computational-experimental approach has helped unravel insights into specific dynamical hallmarks of phenotypic plasticity in different cancers to address the following questions: a) how many distinct cell-states or phenotypes exist?; b) how reversible are transitions among these cell-states, and what factors control the extent of reversibility?; and c) how might cell-cell communication be able to alter rates of cell-state switching and enable diverse patterns of phenotypic heterogeneity? Understanding these dynamic features of phenotypic plasticity may be a key component in shifting the paradigm of cancer treatment from reactionary to a more predictive, proactive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Maalavika Pillai
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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Romero-Arias JR, González-Castro CA, Ramírez-Santiago G. A multiscale model of the role of microenvironmental factors in cell segregation and heterogeneity in breast cancer development. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011673. [PMID: 37992135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We analyzed a quantitative multiscale model that describes the epigenetic dynamics during the growth and evolution of an avascular tumor. A gene regulatory network (GRN) formed by a set of ten genes that are believed to play an important role in breast cancer development was kinetically coupled to the microenvironmental agents: glucose, estrogens, and oxygen. The dynamics of spontaneous mutations was described by a Yule-Furry master equation whose solution represents the probability that a given cell in the tissue undergoes a certain number of mutations at a given time. We assumed that the mutation rate is modified by a spatial gradient of nutrients. The tumor mass was simulated by means of cellular automata supplemented with a set of reaction diffusion equations that described the transport of microenvironmental agents. By analyzing the epigenetic state space described by the GRN dynamics, we found three attractors that were identified with cellular epigenetic states: normal, precancer and cancer. For two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) tumors we calculated the spatial distribution of the following quantities: (i) number of mutations, (ii) mutation of each gene and, (iii) phenotypes. Using estrogen as the principal microenvironmental agent that regulates cell proliferation process, we obtained tumor shapes for different values of estrogen consumption and supply rates. It was found that he majority of mutations occurred in cells that were located close to the 2D tumor perimeter or close to the 3D tumor surface. Also, it was found that the occurrence of different phenotypes in the tumor are controlled by estrogen concentration levels since they can change the individual cell threshold and gene expression levels. All results were consistently observed for 2D and 3D tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Roberto Romero-Arias
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Ashouri A, Zhang C, Gaiti F. Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1856. [PMID: 37895205 PMCID: PMC10606072 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101856] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer begins with cells transitioning from their multicellular nature to a state akin to unicellular organisms. This shift leads to a breakdown in the crucial regulators inherent to multicellularity, resulting in the emergence of diverse cancer cell subpopulations that have enhanced adaptability. The presence of different cell subpopulations within a tumour, known as intratumoural heterogeneity (ITH), poses challenges for cancer treatment. In this review, we delve into the dynamics of the shift from multicellularity to unicellularity during cancer onset and progression. We highlight the role of genetic and non-genetic factors, as well as tumour microenvironment, in promoting ITH and cancer evolution. Additionally, we shed light on the latest advancements in omics technologies that allow for in-depth analysis of tumours at the single-cell level and their spatial organization within the tissue. Obtaining such detailed information is crucial for deepening our understanding of the diverse evolutionary paths of cancer, allowing for the development of effective therapies targeting the key drivers of cancer evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arghavan Ashouri
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Chufan Zhang
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Federico Gaiti
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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Ta N, Jiang X, Zhang Y, Wang H. Ferroptosis as a promising therapeutic strategy for melanoma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1252567. [PMID: 37795022 PMCID: PMC10546212 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1252567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most common and deadliest type of skin cancer and is associated with high mortality rates across all races and ethnicities. Although present treatment options combined with surgery provide short-term clinical benefit in patients and early diagnosis of non-metastatic MM significantly increases the probability of survival, no efficacious treatments are available for MM. The etiology and pathogenesis of MM are complex. Acquired drug resistance is associated with a pool prognosis in patients with advanced-stage MM. Thus, these patients require new therapeutic strategies to improve their treatment response and prognosis. Multiple studies have revealed that ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death (RCD) characterized by iron dependant lipid peroxidation, can prevent the development of MM. Recent studies have indicated that targeting ferroptosis is a promising treatment strategy for MM. This review article summarizes the core mechanisms underlying the development of ferroptosis in MM cells and its potential role as a therapeutic target in MM. We emphasize the emerging types of small molecules inducing ferroptosis pathways by boosting the antitumor activity of BRAFi and immunotherapy and uncover their beneficial effects to treat MM. We also summarize the application of nanosensitizer-mediated unique dynamic therapeutic strategies and ferroptosis-based nanodrug targeting strategies as therapeutic options for MM. This review suggests that pharmacological induction of ferroptosis may be a potential therapeutic target for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ta
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Xiaodong Jiang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Chifeng University Health Science Center, Chifeng, China
| | - Yongchun Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
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