1
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Zhang TQ, Lv QY, Jin WL. The cellular-centered view of hypoxia tumor microenvironment: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189137. [PMID: 38880161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189137] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a profoundly dynamic, heterogeneous and aggressive systemic ailment, with a coordinated evolution of various types of tumor niches. Hypoxia plays an indispensable role in the tumor micro-ecosystem, drastically enhancing the plasticity of cancer cells, fibroblasts and immune cells and orchestrating intercellular communication. Hypoxia-induced signals, particularly hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), drive the reprogramming of genetic, transcriptional, and proteomic profiles. This leads to a spectrum of interconnected processes, including augmented survival of cancer cells, evasion of immune surveillance, metabolic reprogramming, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, and the development of resistance to conventional therapeutic modalities like radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we summarize the latest research on the multifaceted effects of hypoxia, where a multitude of cellular and non-cellular elements crosstalk with each other and co-evolve in a synergistic manner. Additionally, we investigate therapeutic approaches targeting hypoxic niche, encompassing hypoxia-activated prodrugs, HIF inhibitors, nanomedicines, and combination therapies. Finally, we discuss some of the issues to be addressed and highlight the potential of emerging technologies in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Qi Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Qian-Yu Lv
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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2
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van Luyk ME, Krotenberg Garcia A, Lamprou M, Suijkerbuijk SJE. Cell competition in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer. Oncogenesis 2024; 13:28. [PMID: 39060237 PMCID: PMC11282291 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-024-00530-5] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Adult tissues set the scene for a continuous battle between cells, where a comparison of cellular fitness results in the elimination of weaker "loser" cells. This phenomenon, named cell competition, is beneficial for tissue integrity and homeostasis. In fact, cell competition plays a crucial role in tumor suppression, through elimination of early malignant cells, as part of Epithelial Defense Against Cancer. However, it is increasingly apparent that cell competition doubles as a tumor-promoting mechanism. The comparative nature of cell competition means that mutational background, proliferation rate and polarity all factor in to determine the outcome of these processes. In this review, we explore the intricate and context-dependent involvement of cell competition in homeostasis and regeneration, as well as during initiation and progression of primary and metastasized colorectal cancer. We provide a comprehensive overview of molecular and cellular mechanisms governing cell competition and its parallels with regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Elise van Luyk
- Division of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Krotenberg Garcia
- Division of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Lamprou
- Division of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Jacoba Elisabeth Suijkerbuijk
- Division of Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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3
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Januškevičienė I, Petrikaitė V. Exploring doxorubicin transport in 2D and 3D models of MDA-MB-231 sublines: impact of hypoxia and cellular heterogeneity on doxorubicin accumulation in cells. Am J Cancer Res 2024; 14:3584-3599. [PMID: 39113879 PMCID: PMC11301288 DOI: 10.62347/vnwh9165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment is challenging due to its aggressive nature and heterogeneity of this type of cancer, characterized by various subtypes and intratumoral diversity. Doxorubicin (DOX) plays a crucial role in TNBC chemotherapy reducing the tumor size and improving patient survival. However, decreased drug uptake and increased resistance in specific cell subpopulations reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. This study explored the differences in DOX transport in MDA-MB-231 phenotypic sublines in cell monolayer (2D model) and cell spheroids (3D cultures). Cell spheroids were formed using magnetic 3D Bioprinting method. DOX transport into cells and spheroids was evaluated using fluorescence microscopy after different incubation durations with DOX in normoxia and hypoxia. In hypoxia, DOX transport into cells was 2.5 to 5-fold lower than in normoxia. The subline F5 monolayer-cultured cells exhibited the highest DOX uptake, while subline H2 cells showed the lowest uptake in normoxia and hypoxia. In 3D cultures, DOX transport was up to 2-fold lower in spheroids formed from subline H2 cells. Spheroids from subline D8 and MDA-MB-231 parent cells had the highest DOX uptake. A correlation was observed between the characteristics of the cells and their resistance to anticancer drugs. The results indicate that different cancer cell subpopulations in tumours due to differences in drug uptake could significantly impact treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrė Januškevičienė
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Sukilėlių av., LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vilma Petrikaitė
- Laboratory of Drug Targets Histopathology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Sukilėlių av., LT-50162 Kaunas, Lithuania
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4
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Ebrahim T, Ebrahim AS, Kandouz M. Diversity of Intercellular Communication Modes: A Cancer Biology Perspective. Cells 2024; 13:495. [PMID: 38534339 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060495] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
From the moment a cell is on the path to malignant transformation, its interaction with other cells from the microenvironment becomes altered. The flow of molecular information is at the heart of the cellular and systemic fate in tumors, and various processes participate in conveying key molecular information from or to certain cancer cells. For instance, the loss of tight junction molecules is part of the signal sent to cancer cells so that they are no longer bound to the primary tumors and are thus free to travel and metastasize. Upon the targeting of a single cell by a therapeutic drug, gap junctions are able to communicate death information to by-standing cells. The discovery of the importance of novel modes of cell-cell communication such as different types of extracellular vesicles or tunneling nanotubes is changing the way scientists look at these processes. However, are they all actively involved in different contexts at the same time or are they recruited to fulfill specific tasks? What does the multiplicity of modes mean for the overall progression of the disease? Here, we extend an open invitation to think about the overall significance of these questions, rather than engage in an elusive attempt at a systematic repertory of the mechanisms at play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanzeela Ebrahim
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Abdul Shukkur Ebrahim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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5
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Khatib TO, Amanso AM, Knippler CM, Pedro B, Summerbell ER, Zohbi NM, Konen JM, Mouw JK, Marcus AI. A live-cell platform to isolate phenotypically defined subpopulations for spatial multi-omic profiling. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292554. [PMID: 37819930 PMCID: PMC10566726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous techniques have been employed to deconstruct the heterogeneity observed in normal and diseased cellular populations, including single cell RNA sequencing, in situ hybridization, and flow cytometry. While these approaches have revolutionized our understanding of heterogeneity, in isolation they cannot correlate phenotypic information within a physiologically relevant live-cell state with molecular profiles. This inability to integrate a live-cell phenotype-such as invasiveness, cell:cell interactions, and changes in spatial positioning-with multi-omic data creates a gap in understanding cellular heterogeneity. We sought to address this gap by employing lab technologies to design a detailed protocol, termed Spatiotemporal Genomic and Cellular Analysis (SaGA), for the precise imaging-based selection, isolation, and expansion of phenotypically distinct live cells. This protocol requires cells expressing a photoconvertible fluorescent protein and employs live cell confocal microscopy to photoconvert a user-defined single cell or set of cells displaying a phenotype of interest. The total population is then extracted from its microenvironment, and the optically highlighted cells are isolated using fluorescence activated cell sorting. SaGA-isolated cells can then be subjected to multi-omics analysis or cellular propagation for in vitro or in vivo studies. This protocol can be applied to a variety of conditions, creating protocol flexibility for user-specific research interests. The SaGA technique can be accomplished in one workday by non-specialists and results in a phenotypically defined cellular subpopulations for integration with multi-omics techniques. We envision this approach providing multi-dimensional datasets exploring the relationship between live cell phenotypes and multi-omic heterogeneity within normal and diseased cellular populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tala O. Khatib
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Angelica M. Amanso
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Christina M. Knippler
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brian Pedro
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Emily R. Summerbell
- Office of Intramural Training and Education, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Najdat M. Zohbi
- Graduate Medical Education, Piedmont Macon Medical, Macon, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. Konen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Janna K. Mouw
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Adam I. Marcus
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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6
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Abstract
Organ development and homeostasis involve dynamic interactions between individual cells that collectively regulate tissue architecture and function. To ensure the highest tissue fidelity, equally fit cell populations are continuously renewed by stochastic replacement events, while cells perceived as less fit are actively removed by their fitter counterparts. This renewal is mediated by surveillance mechanisms that are collectively known as cell competition. Recent studies have revealed that cell competition has roles in most, if not all, developing and adult tissues. They have also established that cell competition functions both as a tumour-suppressive mechanism and as a tumour-promoting mechanism, thereby critically influencing cancer initiation and development. This Review discusses the latest insights into the mechanisms of cell competition and its different roles during embryonic development, homeostasis and cancer.
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7
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Khatib TO, Amanso AM, Pedro B, Knippler CM, Summerbell ER, Zohbi NM, Konen JM, Mouw JK, Marcus AI. A live-cell platform to isolate phenotypically defined subpopulations for spatial multi-omic profiling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.28.530493. [PMID: 36909653 PMCID: PMC10002729 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.28.530493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Numerous techniques have been employed to deconstruct the heterogeneity observed in normal and diseased cellular populations, including single cell RNA sequencing, in situ hybridization, and flow cytometry. While these approaches have revolutionized our understanding of heterogeneity, in isolation they cannot correlate phenotypic information within a physiologically relevant live-cell state, with molecular profiles. This inability to integrate a historical live-cell phenotype, such as invasiveness, cell:cell interactions, and changes in spatial positioning, with multi-omic data, creates a gap in understanding cellular heterogeneity. We sought to address this gap by employing lab technologies to design a detailed protocol, termed Spatiotemporal Genomics and Cellular Analysis (SaGA), for the precise imaging-based selection, isolation, and expansion of phenotypically distinct live-cells. We begin with cells stably expressing a photoconvertible fluorescent protein and employ live cell confocal microscopy to photoconvert a user-defined single cell or set of cells displaying a phenotype of interest. The total population is then extracted from its microenvironment, and the optically highlighted cells are isolated using fluorescence activated cell sorting. SaGA-isolated cells can then be subjected to multi-omics analysis or cellular propagation for in vitro or in vivo studies. This protocol can be applied to a variety of conditions, creating protocol flexibility for user-specific research interests. The SaGA technique can be accomplished in one workday by non-specialists and results in a phenotypically defined cellular subpopulation for integration with multi-omics techniques. We envision this approach providing multi-dimensional datasets exploring the relationship between live-cell phenotype and multi-omic heterogeneity within normal and diseased cellular populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tala O Khatib
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Angelica M Amanso
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Brian Pedro
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christina M Knippler
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily R Summerbell
- Office of Intratumoral Training and Education, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Najdat M Zohbi
- Graduate Medical Education, Piedmont Macon Medical, Macon, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica M Konen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Janna K Mouw
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Adam I Marcus
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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8
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Liu S, Li Y, Yuan M, Song Q, Liu M. Correlation between the Warburg effect and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1060495. [PMID: 36776368 PMCID: PMC9913723 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1060495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is ineligible for hormonal therapy and Her-2-targeted therapy due to the negative expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been shown to attenuate the aggressiveness of TNBC partially, few patients have benefited from them. The conventional treatment for TNBC remains chemotherapy. Chemoresistance, however, impedes therapeutic progress over time, and chemotherapy toxicity increases the burden of cancer on patients. Therefore, introducing more advantageous TNBC treatment options is a necessity. Metabolic reprogramming centered on glucose metabolism is considered a hallmark of tumors. It is described as tumor cells tend to convert glucose to lactate even under normoxic conditions, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Similar to Darwinian evolution, its emergence is attributed to the selective pressures formed by the hypoxic microenvironment of pre-malignant lesions. Of note, the Warburg effect does not disappear with changes in the microenvironment after the formation of malignant tumor phenotypes. Instead, it forms a constitutive expression mediated by mutations or epigenetic modifications, providing a robust selective survival advantage for primary and metastatic lesions. Expanding evidence has demonstrated that the Warburg effect mediates multiple invasive behaviors in TNBC, including proliferation, metastasis, recurrence, immune escape, and multidrug resistance. Moreover, the Warburg effect-targeted therapy has been testified to be feasible in inhibiting TNBC progression. However, not all TNBCs are sensitive to glycolysis inhibitors because TNBC cells flexibly switch their metabolic patterns to cope with different survival pressures, namely metabolic plasticity. Between the Warburg effect-targeted medicines and the actual curative effect, metabolic plasticity creates a divide that must be continuously researched and bridged.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qing Song
- *Correspondence: Min Liu, ; Qing Song,
| | - Min Liu
- *Correspondence: Min Liu, ; Qing Song,
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9
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Kim K, Huang H, Parida PK, He L, Marquez-Palencia M, Reese TC, Kapur P, Brugarolas J, Brekken RA, Malladi S. Cell Competition Shapes Metastatic Latency and Relapse. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:85-97. [PMID: 36098678 PMCID: PMC9839468 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cell competition, a fitness-sensing process, is essential for tissue homeostasis. Using cancer metastatic latency models, we show that cell competition results in the displacement of latent metastatic (Lat-M) cells from the primary tumor. Lat-M cells resist anoikis and survive as residual metastatic disease. A memodeled extracellular matrix facilitates Lat-M cell displacement and survival in circulation. Disrupting cell competition dynamics by depleting secreted protein and rich in cysteine (SPARC) reduced displacement from orthotopic tumors and attenuated metastases. In contrast, depletion of SPARC after extravasation in lung-resident Lat-M cells increased metastatic outgrowth. Furthermore, multiregional transcriptomic analyses of matched primary tumors and metachronous metastases from patients with kidney cancer identified tumor subclones with Lat-M traits. Kidney cancer enriched for these Lat-M traits had a rapid onset of metachronous metastases and significantly reduced disease-free survival. Thus, an unexpected consequence of cell competition is the displacement of cells with Lat-M potential, thereby shaping metastatic latency and relapse. SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrate that cell competition within the primary tumor results in the displacement of Lat-M cells. We further show the impact of altering cell competition dynamics on metastatic incidence that may guide strategies to limit metastatic recurrences. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangsan Kim
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Huocong Huang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research and Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Pravat Kumar Parida
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lan He
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mauricio Marquez-Palencia
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Tanner C Reese
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Urology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Payal Kapur
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Kidney Cancer Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - James Brugarolas
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Kidney Cancer Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research and Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Srinivas Malladi
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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10
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Guo L, Kong D, Liu J, Zhan L, Luo L, Zheng W, Zheng Q, Chen C, Sun S. Breast cancer heterogeneity and its implication in personalized precision therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 36624542 PMCID: PMC9830930 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00363-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer heterogeneity determines cancer progression, treatment effects, and prognosis. However, the precise mechanism for this heterogeneity remains unknown owing to its complexity. Here, we summarize the origins of breast cancer heterogeneity and its influence on disease progression, recurrence, and therapeutic resistance. We review the possible mechanisms of heterogeneity and the research methods used to analyze it. We also highlight the importance of cell interactions for the origins of breast cancer heterogeneity, which can be further categorized into cooperative and competitive interactions. Finally, we provide new insights into precise individual treatments based on heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liantao Guo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Deguang Kong
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Zhan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Lan Luo
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28 Guiyi Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550001, Guizhou, China
| | - Weijie Zheng
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Qingyuan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Chuang Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Shengrong Sun
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
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11
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Smith PJ, McKeown SR, Patterson LH. Targeting DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) in the hypoxic tumour microenvironment using unidirectional hypoxia-activated prodrugs (uHAPs). IUBMB Life 2023; 75:40-54. [PMID: 35499745 PMCID: PMC10084299 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The hypoxic tumour microenvironment (hTME), arising from inadequate and chaotic vascularity, can present a major obstacle for the treatment of solid tumours. Hypoxic tumour cells compromise responses to treatment since they can generate resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The hTME impairs the delivery of a range of anti-cancer drugs, creates routes for metastasis and exerts selection pressures for aggressive phenotypes; these changes potentially occur within an immunosuppressed environment. Therapeutic strategies aimed at the hTME include targeting the molecular changes associated with hypoxia. An alternative approach is to exploit the prevailing lack of oxygen as a principle for the selective activation of prodrugs to target cellular components within the hTME. This review focuses on the design concepts and rationale for the use of unidirectional Hypoxia-Activated Prodrugs (uHAPs) to target the hTME as exemplified by the uHAPs AQ4N and OCT1002. These agents undergo irreversible reduction in a hypoxic environment to active forms that target DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A). This nuclear enzyme is essential for cell division and is a recognised chemotherapeutic target. An activated uHAP interacts with the enzyme-DNA complex to induce DNA damage, cell cycle arrest and tumour cell death. uHAPs are designed to overcome the shortcomings of conventional HAPs and offer unique pharmacodynamic properties for effective targeting of TOP2A in the hTME. uHAP therapy in combination with standard of care treatments has the potential to enhance outcomes by co-addressing the therapeutic challenge presented by the hTME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Smith
- Cancer and Genetics Division, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Laurence H Patterson
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
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12
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Li Z, Seehawer M, Polyak K. Untangling the web of intratumour heterogeneity. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:1192-1201. [PMID: 35941364 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00969-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) is a hallmark of cancer that drives tumour evolution and disease progression. Technological and computational advances have enabled us to assess ITH at unprecedented depths, yet this accumulating knowledge has not had a substantial clinical impact. This is in part due to a limited understanding of the functional relevance of ITH and the inadequacy of preclinical experimental models to reproduce it. Here, we discuss progress made in these areas and illuminate future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheqi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco Seehawer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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13
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Abou Khouzam R, Zaarour RF, Brodaczewska K, Azakir B, Venkatesh GH, Thiery J, Terry S, Chouaib S. The Effect of Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Associated Pathways in the Regulation of Antitumor Response: Friends or Foes? Front Immunol 2022; 13:828875. [PMID: 35211123 PMCID: PMC8861358 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.828875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is an environmental stressor that is instigated by low oxygen availability. It fuels the progression of solid tumors by driving tumor plasticity, heterogeneity, stemness and genomic instability. Hypoxia metabolically reprograms the tumor microenvironment (TME), adding insult to injury to the acidic, nutrient deprived and poorly vascularized conditions that act to dampen immune cell function. Through its impact on key cancer hallmarks and by creating a physical barrier conducive to tumor survival, hypoxia modulates tumor cell escape from the mounted immune response. The tumor cell-immune cell crosstalk in the context of a hypoxic TME tips the balance towards a cold and immunosuppressed microenvironment that is resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Nonetheless, evidence is emerging that could make hypoxia an asset for improving response to ICI. Tackling the tumor immune contexture has taken on an in silico, digitalized approach with an increasing number of studies applying bioinformatics to deconvolute the cellular and non-cellular elements of the TME. Such approaches have additionally been combined with signature-based proxies of hypoxia to further dissect the turbulent hypoxia-immune relationship. In this review we will be highlighting the mechanisms by which hypoxia impacts immune cell functions and how that could translate to predicting response to immunotherapy in an era of machine learning and computational biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Faouzi Zaarour
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Klaudia Brodaczewska
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bilal Azakir
- Faculty of Medicine, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Goutham Hassan Venkatesh
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jerome Thiery
- INSERM U1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- INSERM U1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.,Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.,INSERM U1186, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
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Hypoxia associated lncRNA HYPAL promotes proliferation of gastric cancer as ceRNA by sponging miR-431-5p to upregulate CDK14. Gastric Cancer 2022; 25:44-63. [PMID: 34247316 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-021-01213-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignant solid tumor that is characterized by high hypoxia. The transcription of genes associated with hypoxia affects tumor occurrence and development. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in cancer development. In this study, we screened for differentially expressed ncRNAs (non-coding RNA) and mRNAs between hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α) knockdown GC cells and scrambled GC cells. Microarray data revealed that HIF-1α regulated the expression of LINC01355 (Hypoxia Yield Proliferation Associated LncRNA, HYPAL). HYPAL was found to be significantly upregulated in GC cells and tissues and was correlated with poor GC prognosis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays revealed that HIF-1α promoted HYPAL expression by binding the promoter region. A regulatory network for the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) was constructed using bioinformatics tools. Mechanistic studies revealed that HYPAL acted as a ceRNA of miR-431-5p to regulate CDK14 expression. Carcinogenic effects of HYPAL were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The HIF-1α/HYPAL/miR-431-5p/CDK14 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 14) axis activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and induced GC cell proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis. In conclusion, HYPAL is a potential molecular target for GC therapy.
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15
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Lenz LS, Lenz G. The role of dynamic phenotypes in cancer. Oncotarget 2021; 12:1962-1965. [PMID: 34548913 PMCID: PMC8448515 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The question of whether cancer recurrence is mediated by a process that is exclusively Darwinian or that involves both Darwinian and Lamarckian processes is long standing and far from answered. The major open question is the origin of variation, whether it relays exclusively on stable, mostly genetic, mechanisms or whether it can also involve dynamic processes. Recent evidence with single-cell epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling and measurement of phenotypes in colonies indicate that several phenotypes quickly change with a few cell divisions. Most importantly, cell fitness under basal as well as in the presence of chemotherapeutic agents changes considerably over short periods of time and this dynamic is reduced by epigenetic modulators. These studies contribute to establish the dynamic nature of fitness and are key for the interplay between cancer cell dynamics and stable genetic and epigenetic alterations in the survival of a few cancer cells after therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana S Lenz
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guido Lenz
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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16
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Marongiu F, Cheri S, Laconi E. Cell competition, cooperation, and cancer. Neoplasia 2021; 23:1029-1036. [PMID: 34500336 PMCID: PMC8429595 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Complex multicellular organisms require quantitative and qualitative assessments on each of their constitutive cell types to ensure coordinated and cooperative behavior towards overall functional proficiency. Cell competition represents one of the operating arms of such quality control mechanisms and relies on fitness comparison among individual cells. However, what is exactly included in the fitness equation for each cell type is still uncertain. Evidence will be discussed to suggest that the ability of the cell to integrate and collaborate within the organismal community represents an integral part of the best fitness phenotype. Thus, under normal conditions, cell competition will select against the emergence of altered cells with disruptive behavior towards tissue integrity and/or tissue pattern formation. On the other hand, the winner phenotype prevailing as a result of cell competition does not entail, by itself, any degree of growth autonomy. While cell competition per se should not be considered as a biological driving force towards the emergence of the neoplastic phenotype, it is possible that the molecular machinery involved in the winner/loser interaction could be hijacked by evolving cancer cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Marongiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Samuele Cheri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ezio Laconi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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17
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Parker TM, Gupta K, Palma AM, Yekelchyk M, Fisher PB, Grossman SR, Won KJ, Madan E, Moreno E, Gogna R. Cell competition in intratumoral and tumor microenvironment interactions. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107271. [PMID: 34368984 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are complex cellular and acellular environments within which cancer clones are under continuous selection pressures. Cancer cells are in a permanent mode of interaction and competition with each other as well as with the immediate microenvironment. In the course of these competitive interactions, cells share information regarding their general state of fitness, with less-fit cells being typically eliminated via apoptosis at the hands of those cells with greater cellular fitness. Competitive interactions involving exchange of cell fitness information have implications for tumor growth, metastasis, and therapy outcomes. Recent research has highlighted sophisticated pathways such as Flower, Hippo, Myc, and p53 signaling, which are employed by cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment cells to achieve their evolutionary goals by means of cell competition mechanisms. In this review, we discuss these recent findings and explain their importance and role in evolution, growth, and treatment of cancer. We further consider potential physiological conditions, such as hypoxia and chemotherapy, that can function as selective pressures under which cell competition mechanisms may evolve differently or synergistically to confer oncogenic advantages to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor M Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kartik Gupta
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Michail Yekelchyk
- Department of Cardiac Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Steven R Grossman
- Department of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kyoung Jae Won
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen North, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, DanStem, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen North, Denmark
| | - Esha Madan
- Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Rajan Gogna
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen North, Denmark.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, DanStem, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen North, Denmark
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Abstract
Metabolism is an important part of tumorigenesis as well as progression. The various cancer metabolism pathways, such as glucose metabolism and glutamine metabolism, directly regulate the development and progression of cancer. The pathways by which the cancer cells rewire their metabolism according to their needs, surrounding environment and host tissue conditions are an important area of study. The regulation of these metabolic pathways is determined by various oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, as well as various constituent cells of the tumor microenvironment. Expanded studies on metabolism will help identify efficient biomarkers for diagnosis and strategies for therapeutic interventions and countering ways by which cancers may acquire resistance to therapy.
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