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Sharma A, Somasundaram I, Chabaud MB. CD146 as a prognostic marker in breast cancer: A meta-analysis. J Cancer Res Ther 2024; 20:193-198. [PMID: 38554320 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_738_22] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD146, a cell adhesion molecule, was first discovered in melanoma. Since then, it has been established as a promoter of tumor progression and metastasis. Many recent clinical studies have associated CD146 overexpression with poor prognosis in various cancers. However, clinical relevance of CD146 in prognosis of breast cancer has been poorly studied. METHODS We performed meta-analysis of data of all clinical studies associated with the prognostic value of CD146 expression in breast cancer. Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed database as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted independently and carefully by two reviewers with the help of standardized form, and meta-analysis was performed to correlate CD146 expression with molecular subtypes, lymph node metastasis, and overall survival in breast cancer. RESULTS Our findings suggest that CD146 expression is predominantly found in triple-negative breast cancer subtype (pooled odds ratio = 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] =2.19-4.05, P < .00001) and breast tumors overexpressing CD146 have a higher risk of lymph node metastasis (pooled relative risk = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.44-1.87, P < .00001). Furthermore, high expression of CD146 was associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer (pooled hazard ratio = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.21-1.87, P = .0002). CONCLUSION Overall results suggested that CD146 may be a potential prognostic marker to predict metastatic potential and disease outcomes in breast cancer and can be used as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshita Sharma
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Inter Disciplinary Research, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Indumathi Somasundaram
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Inter Disciplinary Research, D. Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Marcel Blot Chabaud
- INSERM U1263, Centre for Cardiovascular and Nutrition Research (C2VN), Aix-Marseille University Marseille, France
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Wu JC, Wu GJ. METCAM Is a Potential Biomarker for Predicting the Malignant Propensity of and as a Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010205. [PMID: 36672713 PMCID: PMC9855335 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010205] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This is because it is still unknown why indolent prostate cancer becomes an aggressive one, though many risk factors for this type of cancer have been suggested. Currently, many diagnostic markers have been suggested for predicting malignant prostatic carcinoma cancer; however, only a few, such as PSA (prostate-specific antigen), Prostate Health Index (PHI), and PCA3, have been approved by the FDA. However, each biomarker has its merits as well as shortcomings. The serum PSA test is incapable of differentiating prostate cancer from BPH and also has an about 25% false-positive prediction rate for the malignant status of cancer. The PHI test has the potential to replace the PSA test for the discrimination of BPH from prostate cancer and for the prediction of high-grade cancer avoiding unnecessary biopsies; however, the free form of PSA is unstable and expensive. PCA3 is not associated with locally advanced disease and is limited in terms of its prediction of aggressive cancer. Currently, several urine biomarkers have shown high potential in terms of being used to replace circulating biomarkers, which require a more invasive method of sample collection, such as via serum. Currently, the combined multiple tumor biomarkers may turn out to be a major trend in the diagnosis and assessment of the treatment effectiveness of prostate cancer. Thus, there is still a need to search for more novel biomarkers to develop a perfect cocktail, which consists of multiple biomarkers, in order to predict malignant prostate cancer and follow the efficacy of the treatment. We have discovered that METCAM, a cell adhesion molecule in the Ig-like superfamily, has great potential regarding its use as a biomarker for differentiating prostate cancer from BPH, predicting the malignant propensity of prostate cancer at the early premalignant stage, and differentiating indolent prostate cancers from aggressive cancers. Since METCAM has also been shown to be able to initiate the spread of prostate cancer cell lines to multiple organs, we suggest that it may be used as a therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of patients with malignant prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Chuang Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 32023, Taiwan
- Research Center for Circular Economy, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 32023, Taiwan
| | - Guang-Jer Wu
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City 32023, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence:
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METCAM/MUC18 Plays a Tumor Suppressor Role in the Development of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Type I. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113389. [PMID: 36362174 PMCID: PMC9655335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
From previous studies of negatively correlating the expression of human METCAM/MUC18 with the pathology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we have suggested that human METCAM/MUC18 (huMETCAM/MUC18) might play a tumor suppressor role in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. To scrutinize this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of huMETCAM/MUC18′s over-expression on in vitro cellular behavior and on the in vivo tumorigenesis of one NPC cell line (NPC-TW01). HuMETCAM/MUC18 cDNA was first transfected into the NPC-TW01 cell line, which was established from NPC type I, and many G418-resistant clones were obtained. Then, two NPC-TW01 clones, which expressed high and medium levels of huMETCAM/MUC18, respectively, and one empty vector (control) clone were used to test the effects of huMETCAM/MUC18′s over-expression on in vitro behaviors and on in vivo tumorigenesis (via subcutaneous injection) in athymic nude mice (Balb/cAnN.Cg-Foxnlnu/Cr1Nar1). The time course of tumor proliferation and the final tumor weights were determined. Tumor sections were used for the histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies. Tumor lysates were used for determining the expression levels of huMETCAM/MUC18 and various downstream key effectors. HuMETCAM/MUC18′s over-expression reduced in vitro motility and invasiveness and altered growth behaviors in 3D basement membrane culture assays, and it decreased the in vivo tumorigenicity of the NPC-TW01 cells. The tumor cells from a high-expressing clone were clustered and confined in small areas, whereas those from a vector control clone were more spread out, suggesting that the tumor cells from the high-expressing clone appeared to stay dormant in micro-clusters. Expression levels of the proliferation index, an index of the metabolic switch to aerobic glycolysis, angiogenesis indexes, and survival pathway indexes were reduced, whereas the pro-apoptosis index increased in the corresponding tumors. The over-expression of huMETCAM/MUC18 in the NPC-TW01 cells decreased the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the in vitro and in vitro tumorigenesis, suggesting that it plays a tumor suppressor role in the development of type I NPC, perhaps by increasing apoptosis and decreasing angiogenesis, proliferation, and the metabolic switch to aerobic glycolysis.
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Wu GJ. Enforced Expression of METCAM/MUC18 Decreases In Vitro Motility and Invasiveness and Tumorigenesis and In Vivo Tumorigenesis of Human Ovarian Cancer BG-1 Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1330:125-137. [PMID: 34339034 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73359-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We tested if METCAM/MUC18 overexpression also plays a suppressor role in another human ovarian cancer cell line, BG-1, in addition to the SK-OV3 cell line. METHODS Human ovarian cancer BG-1 cells were transfected with METCAM/MUC18 cDNA and G418-resistant clones expressing different levels of METCAM/MUC18 were isolated. These clones were used to test the effects of enforced expression of METCAM/MUC18 on in vitro motility, invasiveness, and anchorage-independent colony formation (in vitro tumorigenesis), and in vivo tumorigenesis after SC injection and after IP injection in female athymic nude mice. RESULTS Overexpression of METCAM/MUC18 reduced in vitro motility and invasiveness of BG-1 cells and anchorage-independent colony formation (in vitro tumor formation). Higher expression of METCAM/MUC18 in BG-1 cells significantly reduced in vivo tumor proliferation of the BG-1 cells after IP injection (orthotopic route) of the clones in female nude mice, though it did not significantly affect in vivo tumor proliferation after SC injection (non-orthotopic route). CONCLUSION Similar to SK-OV3 cells, METCAM/MUC18 also plays a suppressor role in the progression of BG-1 cells in a xenograft mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Jer Wu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Department of Bioscience Technology and Center for Biomedical Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
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Olajuyin AM, Olajuyin AK, Wang Z, Zhao X, Xu Z, Zhang Q, Zhang X. Anti-proliferative, antioxidant effects of methanol extract of Calotropis procera leaf on lung cancer cells (H1299) and its ameliorative effect on expression of CD146 on blood cells. CLINICAL PHYTOSCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s40816-021-00289-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Calotropis procera leaf is one of the plants commonly utilized in phytomedicine in Nigeria. The present investigation explored the use of the extracts on cell viability and apoptosis respectively. In this study, the expression of the Cluster of differentiation 146 (CD146) in the blood of lung cancer patients on regulatory T cells (Tregs) was determined. The antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects of methanol extracts of Caloropis procera leaf on lung cancer cell H1299 were investigated.
Methods
From the flow cytometry, the expression of the CD146+ in the T cells were evaluated using the healthy patient, adenocarcinoma, squamous, and small cell lung cancer respectively. The apoptosis of granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, CD4+, and Treg were determined by 7-amino-actinomycin D/Annexin V-Allophycocyanin (APC) staining during the resting stage and after 24 h respectively. Immunofluorescence was conducted. Cell viability assay, hydroxyl (OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging radicals were conducted. Reducing power and flavonoid content of Calotropis procera were investigated. The effect of the Calotropis procera at different concentrations at 24hrs was determined.
Results
From the flow cytometry, the expression of the CD146+ on the T cells includes 4.60 % in healthy patients, 10.10, 12.20, 9.80 % in adenocarcinoma, squamous and small cell lung cancer. The apoptosis of granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, CD4+ and Treg were determined by 7-amino-actinomycin D/Annexin V-APC staining during the resting stage and after 24 h which indicate that apoptosis also occurred on Treg. Immunofluorescence shows the presence of CD146 in lung cancer patient’s tissues. The methanol extracts of Calotropis procera leaf have antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects. Methanol extract of Calotropis procera leaf reduced CD146 expression on blood cells at 24 h.
Conclusion
Increased CD146 expression in the Treg of lung cancer patients indicates that it may be a possible target for the treatment of lung cancer by utilizing potent immunotherapy or natural products such as methanol extract of Calotropis procera leaf which may ameliorate the expression of CD146. Calotropis procera has antioxidant, inhibitory capacity on H1299 lung cancer cells, and the ability to scavenge OH, H2O2, and NO radicals. Hence, this investigation strengthens the phyto-medicinal properties of Calotropis procera.
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Wang Z, Xu Q, Zhang N, Du X, Xu G, Yan X. CD146, from a melanoma cell adhesion molecule to a signaling receptor. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:148. [PMID: 32782280 PMCID: PMC7421905 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CD146 was originally identified as a melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) and highly expressed in many tumors and endothelial cells. However, the evidence that CD146 acts as an adhesion molecule to mediate a homophilic adhesion through the direct interactions between CD146 and itself is still lacking. Recent evidence revealed that CD146 is not merely an adhesion molecule, but also a cellular surface receptor of miscellaneous ligands, including some growth factors and extracellular matrixes. Through the bidirectional interactions with its ligands, CD146 is actively involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes of cells. Overexpression of CD146 can be observed in most of malignancies and is implicated in nearly every step of the development and progression of cancers, especially vascular and lymphatic metastasis. Thus, immunotherapy against CD146 would provide a promising strategy to inhibit metastasis, which accounts for the majority of cancer-associated deaths. Therefore, to deepen the understanding of CD146, we review the reports describing the newly identified ligands of CD146 and discuss the implications of these findings in establishing novel strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
| | - Qingji Xu
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Nengwei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Hepatobiliary Tumor Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100038, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Du
- Departments of Pathology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100038, Beijing, China
| | - Guangzhong Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Hepatobiliary Tumor Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100038, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyun Yan
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceuticals, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
- Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Upregulation of CD146 in Pediatric B-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Its Implications on Treatment Outcomes. J Immunol Res 2020; 2020:9736159. [PMID: 32090132 PMCID: PMC7031726 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9736159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim. We studied through flow cytometry the expression of CD146 on different T cells, and B-cell ALL blasts trying to correlate its expression with different prognostic factors of B-cell ALL and treatment outcomes. Patients and Methods. All pediatric patients with B-cell ALL were subjected to bone marrow examination and cytochemistry, flow cytometric immunophenotyping using monoclonal antibodies utilized for diagnosis of B-ALL including CD34, CD19, CD10, CD22, and intracellular IgM. The diagnosis was based on standard morphologic, cytochemical, and immunophenotypic followed by flow cytometric detection of CD146 expression on blast cells, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells.
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Olajuyin AM, Olajuyin AK, Wang Z, Zhao X, Zhang X. CD146 T cells in lung cancer: its function, detection, and clinical implications as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:247. [PMID: 31572064 PMCID: PMC6761715 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0969-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CD146 alternatively called melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), is a biomarker and therapeutic target of clinical significance. It is found on different cells including the endothelial cells and lymphocytes which participate in heterotypic and homotypic ligand-receptor. This review concentrated on the CD146 expression T cells (or lymphocytes) centering on Treg in lung cancer. Here, we have also considered the vigorous investigation of CD146 mainly acknowledged new roles, essential mechanisms and clinical implications of CD146 in cancer. CD146 has progressively become a significant molecule, particularly recognized as a novel biomarker, prognosis and therapy for cancer. Hence, targeting CD146 expression by utilization of methanol extracts of Calotropis procera leaf may be useful for the treatment of carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayobami Matthew Olajuyin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003 Henan China
| | - Adefunke Kafayat Olajuyin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003 Henan China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003 Henan China
| | - Xingru Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003 Henan China
| | - Xiaoju Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003 Henan China
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Wu GJ. METCAM/MUC18 Decreases the Malignant Propensity of Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2976. [PMID: 30274262 PMCID: PMC6213002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
METCAM/MUC18 is an integral membrane cell adhesion molecule (CAM) in the Ig-like gene super-family. It can carry out common functions of CAMs which is to perform intercellular interactions and interaction of cell with extracellular matrix in tumor microenvironment, to interact with various signaling pathways and to regulate general behaviors of cells. We and other two groups previously suggested that METCAM/MUC18 probably be utilized as a biomarker for predicting the malignant tendency of clinical ovarian carcinomas, since METAM/MUC18 expression appears to associate with the carcinoma at advanced stages. It has been further postulated to promote the malignant tendency of the carcinoma. However, our recent research results appear to support the conclusion that the above positive correlation is fortuitous; actually METCAM/MUC18 acts as a tumor and metastasis suppressor for the ovarian carcinoma cells. We also suggest possible mechanisms in the METCAM/MUC18-mediated early tumor development and metastasis of ovarian carcinoma. Moreover, we propose to employ recombinant METCAM/MUC18 proteins and other derived products as therapeutic agents to treat the ovarian cancer patients by decreasing the malignant potential of ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Jer Wu
- Department of Bioscience Technology and Center for Biomedical Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Li 32023, Taiwan.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Prognostic value of CD146 in solid tumor: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4223. [PMID: 28652617 PMCID: PMC5484668 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01061-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
CD146, also known as melanoma cell adhesion molecule, was initially identified as a marker of melanoma progression and metastasis. Recently many clinical studies investigated overexpression of CD146 predict poor prognosis of solid tumor, however, the results was inconclusive, partly due to small numbers of patients included. This present meta-analysis was therefore performed utilizing the results of all clinical studies concerned to determine the prognostic value of CD146 expression in solid tumors. Relevant articles were identified through searching the PubMed, Web of Science and Embase database. In this meta-analysis, 12 studies involving 2,694 participants were included, and we drew the conclusion that strong significant associations between CD146 expression and all endpoints: overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.496, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.115–2.946], time to progression (TTP) (HR = 2.445, 95% CI 1.975–3.027). Furthermore, the subgroup analysis revealed that the associations between CD146 overexpression and the outcome endpoints (OS or TTP) were significant in Mongoloid patients and Caucasian patients, as well in patients with lung cancer and digestive system cancer. In conclusion, these results showed that high CD146 was associated with poor survival in human solid tumors. CD146 may be a valuable prognosis predictive biomarker; nevertheless, whether CD146 could be a potential therapeutic target in human solid tumors needs to be further studied.
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Sun X, Liu X. Cancer metastasis: enactment of the script for human reproductive drama. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:51. [PMID: 28469531 PMCID: PMC5414196 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0421-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on compelling evidence from many biological disciplines, we put forth a hypothesis for cancer metastasis. In the hypothesis, the metastatic cascade is depicted as human reproduction in miniature. Illustrated in a reproductive light, the staggering resemblance of cancer metastasis to human reproduction becomes evident despite some ostensible dis-similarities. In parallel to the appearance of primordial germ cells during early embryogenesis, the cancer reproductive saga starts with the separation of metastasis initiating cells (MICs) from cancer initiating cells when the primary cancer is still in its infancy. Prime MICs embark on a journey to the host bone marrow where they undergo further development and regulation. Migrating MICs are guided by the same CXCR4/CYCL12 axis as used in the migration of primordial germ cells to the genital ridge. Like the ovary, the host bone marrow features immune privileges, coolness, hypoxia and acidity which are essential for stemness maintenance and regulation. Opportune activation of the MICs via fusion with bone marrow stem cells triggers a frenzy of cellular proliferation and sets them on the move again. This scenario is akin to oocyte fertilization in the Fallopian tube and its subsequent journey towards the decidum. Just as the human reproductive process is plagued with undesirable outcomes so is the cancer metastasis highly inefficient. The climax of the cancer metastatic drama (colonization) is reached when proliferating MIC clusters attempt to settle down on decidum-like premetastatic sites. Successfully colonized clusters blossom into overt macrometastases only after the execution of sophisticated immunomodulation, angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Similarly, the implanted blastomere needs to orchestrate these feats before flourishing into a new life. What is more, the cancer reproductive drama seems to be directed by a primordial hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad axis. Pursuing this reproductive trail could lead to new frontiers and breakthroughs in cancer research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichun Sun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGuire Holmes Veteran Affairs Medical Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249 USA.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Hunan, China
| | - Xiwu Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGuire Holmes Veteran Affairs Medical Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249 USA.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Hunan, China
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Wu GJ, Zeng GF. METCAM/MUC18 is a novel tumor and metastasis suppressor for the human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:136. [PMID: 26906545 PMCID: PMC4763411 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased expression of METCAM/MUC18, a trans-membrane cell adhesion molecule in the Ig-like gene superfamily, has been associated with the malignant progression of epithelial ovarian carcinomas. To investigate if this is a fortuitous correlation or if METCAM/MUC18 actually plays a role in the progression of the cancer, we tested effects of enforced expression of METCAM/MUC18 on in vitro behaviors, in vivo tumorigenesis, and in vivo malignant progression of human ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells, which minimally expressed this protein. METHODS For in vitro and in vivo tests, we transfected human METCAM/MUC18 cDNA gene into SK-OV-3 cells in a mammalian expression vector pcDNA3.1+ and obtained G418-resistant (G418(R)) clones, which expressed various levels of human METCAM/MUC18. To mimic physiological situations, we used pooled METCAM/MUC18-expressing and control (vector) clones for testing effects of human METCAM/MUC18 over-expression on in vitro motility and invasiveness, and on in vivo tumor formation and metastasis in female athymic nude mice. Effects of METCAM/MUC18 on the expression of various downstream key factors related to tumorigenesis were also evaluated by Western blot analyses. RESULTS The over-expression of METCAM/MUC18 inhibited in vitro motility and invasiveness of SK-OV-3 cells. SK-OV-3 cells of the control (vector) clone (3D), which did not express human METCAM/MUC18, supported the formation of a solid tumor after SC injection of the cells at dorsal or ventral sites and also formation of solid tumor and ascites after IP injection in the intraperitoneal cavity of nude mice. In contrast, SK-OV-3 cells from the METCAM/MUC18-expressing clone (2D), which expressed a high level of METCAM/MUC18, did not support the formation of a solid tumor at SC sites, or formation of ascites in the intraperitoneal cavity of nude mice. Expression levels of downstream key factors, which may affect tumor proliferation and angiogenesis, were reduced in tumors induced by the METCAM/MUC18-expressing clone (2D). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that increased human METCAM/MUC18 expression in ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells suppressed tumorigenesis and ascites formation in nude mice, suggesting that human METCAM/MUC18 plays a suppressor role in the progression of ovarian cancer, perhaps by reducing proliferation and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Jer Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Li, 32023, Taiwan. .,Center for Biomedical Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung Li, 32023, Taiwan.
| | - Guo-fang Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Present Address: Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Institute of Plastic Surgery, and Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, 542001, China.
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