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Li SS, Xue CD, Li YJ, Chen XM, Zhao Y, Qin KR. Microfluidic characterization of single-cell biophysical properties and the applications in cancer diagnosis. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:1212-1232. [PMID: 37909658 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300177] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell biophysical properties play a crucial role in regulating cellular physiological states and functions, demonstrating significant potential in the fields of life sciences and clinical diagnostics. Therefore, over the last few decades, researchers have developed various detection tools to explore the relationship between the biophysical changes of biological cells and human diseases. With the rapid advancement of modern microfabrication technology, microfluidic devices have quickly emerged as a promising platform for single-cell analysis offering advantages including high-throughput, exceptional precision, and ease of manipulation. Consequently, this paper provides an overview of the recent advances in microfluidic analysis and detection systems for single-cell biophysical properties and their applications in the field of cancer. The working principles and latest research progress of single-cell biophysical property detection are first analyzed, highlighting the significance of electrical and mechanical properties. The development of data acquisition and processing methods for real-time, high-throughput, and practical applications are then discussed. Furthermore, the differences in biophysical properties between tumor and normal cells are outlined, illustrating the potential for utilizing single-cell biophysical properties for tumor cell identification, classification, and drug response assessment. Lastly, we summarize the limitations of existing microfluidic analysis and detection systems in single-cell biophysical properties, while also pointing out the prospects and future directions of their applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Chun-Dong Xue
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Jiang Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Chen
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering and Instrumentation Science, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Stomach Surgery, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Kai-Rong Qin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
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Yimin E, Lu C, Zhu K, Li W, Sun J, Ji P, Meng M, Liu Z, Yu C. Function and mechanism of exosomes derived from different cells as communication mediators in colorectal cancer metastasis. iScience 2024; 27:109350. [PMID: 38500820 PMCID: PMC10945197 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with metastasis being the primary determinant of poor prognosis in patients. Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC metastasis is currently a prominent and challenging area of research. Exosomes, as crucial intercellular communication mediators, facilitate the transfer of metabolic and genetic information from cells of origin to recipient cells. Their roles in mediating information exchange between CRC cells and immune cells, fibroblasts, and other cell types are pivotal in reshaping the tumor microenvironment, regulating key biological processes such as invasion, migration, and formation of pre-metastatic niche. This article comprehensively examines the communication function and mechanism of exosomes derived from different cells in cancer metastasis, while also presenting an outlook on current research advancements and future application prospects. The aim is to offer a distinctive perspective that contributes to accurate diagnosis and rational treatment strategies for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin E
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiang Jia Yuan Road, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Long Mian Avenue 109 Jiangning, Nanjing 211112, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kuixuan Zhu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Yunnan Cancer Center), Kunming 650100, Yunan, China
| | - Wenyuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiang Jia Yuan Road, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiang Jia Yuan Road, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengcheng Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Long Mian Avenue 109 Jiangning, Nanjing 211112, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minjie Meng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiang Jia Yuan Road, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengxia Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiang Jia Yuan Road, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunzhao Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Long Mian Avenue 109 Jiangning, Nanjing 211112, Jiangsu, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 121 Jiang Jia Yuan Road, Nanjing 210011, Jiangsu, China
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Feng Y, An Q, Zhao Z, Wu M, Yang C, Liang W, Xu X, Jiang T, Zhang G. Beta-elemene: A phytochemical with promise as a drug candidate for tumor therapy and adjuvant tumor therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 172:116266. [PMID: 38350368 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116266] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND β-Elemene (IUPAC name: (1 S,2 S,4 R)-1-ethenyl-1-methyl-2,4-bis(prop-1-en-2-yl) cyclohexane), is a natural compound found in turmeric root. Studies have demonstrated its diverse biological functions, including its anti-tumor properties, which have been extensively investigated. However, these have not yet been reviewed. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of β-elemene research, with respect to disease treatment. METHODS β-Elemene-related articles were found in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases to systematically summarize its structure, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and pharmacological activity. We also searched the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database for therapeutic targets of β-elemene. We further combined these targets with the relevant literature for KEGG and GO analyses. RESULTS Studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying β-elemene activity indicate that it regulates multiple pathways, including STAT3, MAPKs, Cyclin-dependent kinase 1/cyclin B, Notch, PI3K/AKT, reactive oxygen species, METTL3, PTEN, p53, FAK, MMP, TGF-β/Smad signaling. Through these molecular pathways, β-elemene has been implicated in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion and improving the immune microenvironment. Additionally, β-elemene increases chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and reverses resistance by inhibiting DNA damage repair and regulating pathways including CTR1, pak1, ERK1/2, ABC transporter protein, Prx-1 and ERCC-1. Nonetheless, owing to its lipophilicity and low bioavailability, additional structural modifications could improve the efficacy of this drug. CONCLUSION β-Elemene exhibits low toxicity with good safety, inhibiting various tumor types via diverse mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. When combined with chemotherapeutic drugs, it enhances efficacy, reduces toxicity, and improves tumor killing. Thus, β-elemene has vast potential for research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yewen Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Qingwen An
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Zhengqi Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Chuqi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - WeiYu Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Xuefei Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| | - Guangji Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang 310053, China; Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang 310053, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine "Preventing Disease" Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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Xin H, Zhang Y, Lai Q, Liao N, Zhang J, Liu Y, Chen Z, He P, He J, Liu J, Zhou Y, Yang W, Zhou Y. Automatic origin prediction of liver metastases via hierarchical artificial-intelligence system trained on multiphasic CT data: a retrospective, multicentre study. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 69:102464. [PMID: 38333364 PMCID: PMC10847157 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, the diagnostic testing for the primary origin of liver metastases (LMs) can be laborious, complicating clinical decision-making. Directly classifying the primary origin of LMs at computed tomography (CT) images has proven to be challenging, despite its potential to streamline the entire diagnostic workflow. Methods We developed ALMSS, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based LMs screening system, to provide automated liver contrast-enhanced CT analysis for distinguishing LMs from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), as well as subtyping primary origin of LMs as six organ systems. We processed a CECT dataset between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2022 (n = 3105: 840 HCC, 354 ICC, and 1911 LMs) for training and internally testing ALMSS, and two additional cohorts (n = 622) for external validation of its diagnostic performance. The performance of radiologists with and without the assistance of ALMSS in diagnosing and subtyping LMs was assessed. Findings ALMSS achieved average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.917 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.899-0.931) and 0.923 (95% [CI]: 0.905-0.937) for differentiating LMs, HCC and ICC on both the internal testing set and external testing set, outperformed that of two radiologists. Moreover, ALMSS yielded average AUC of 0.815 (95% [CI]: 0.794-0.836) and 0.818 (95% [CI]: 0.790-0.842) for predicting six primary origins on both two testing sets. Interestingly, ALMSS assigned origin diagnoses for LMs with pathological phenotypes beyond the training categories with average AUC of 0.761 (95% [CI]: 0.657-0.842), which verify the model's diagnostic expandability. Interpretation Our study established an AI-based diagnostic system that effectively identifies and characterizes LMs directly from multiphasic CT images. Funding National Natural Science Foundation of China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Image Processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Xin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianwei Lai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Naying Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanping Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhihua Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Pengyuan He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanping Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Gordon PB, So WY, Azubuike UF, Johnson B, Cicala J, Sturgess V, Wong C, Bishop K, Bresciani E, Sood R, Ganesan S, Tanner K. Organ specific microenvironmental MR1 expression in cutaneous melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.28.573554. [PMID: 38313277 PMCID: PMC10836068 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.28.573554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The microenvironment is an important regulator of intertumoral trafficking and activity of immune cells. Understanding how the immune system can be tailored to maintain anti-tumor killing responses in metastatic disease remains an important goal. Thus, immune mediated eradication of metastasis requires the consideration of organ specific microenvironmental cues. Using a xenograft model of melanoma metastasis in adult zebrafish, we perturbed the dynamic balance between the infiltrating immune cells in the metastatic setting using a suite of different transgenic zebrafish. We employed intravital imaging coupled with metabolism imaging (FLIM) to visualize and map the organ specific metabolism with near simultaneity in multiple metastatic lesions. Of all the MHC complexes examined for brain and skeletal metastases, we determined that there is an organ specific expression of mhc1uba (human ortholog, MR1) for both the melanoma cells and the resident and infiltrating immune cells. Specifically, immune clusters did not express mhc1uba in brain metastatic lesions in immune competent fish. Finally, the differential immune response drove organ specific metabolism where tumor glycolysis was increased in brain metastases compared to skeletal and parental lines as measured using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). As MR1 belongs to the MHC class I molecules and is a target of immunotherapeutic drugs, we believe that our data presents an opportunity to understand the relationship between organ specific tumor metabolism and drug efficacy in the metastatic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia B. Gordon
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Woong Young So
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Udochi F Azubuike
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bailey Johnson
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James Cicala
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Victoria Sturgess
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Wong
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Bishop
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Erica Bresciani
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Raman Sood
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sundar Ganesan
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kandice Tanner
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Zhan Q, Liu B, Situ X, Luo Y, Fu T, Wang Y, Xie Z, Ren L, Zhu Y, He W, Ke Z. New insights into the correlations between circulating tumor cells and target organ metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:465. [PMID: 38129401 PMCID: PMC10739776 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01725-9] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-specific metastasis is the primary cause of cancer patient death. The distant metastasis of tumor cells to specific organs depends on both the intrinsic characteristics of the tumor cells and extrinsic factors in their microenvironment. During an intermediate stage of metastasis, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are released into the bloodstream from primary and metastatic tumors. CTCs harboring aggressive or metastatic features can extravasate to remote sites for continuous colonizing growth, leading to further lesions. In the past decade, numerous studies demonstrated that CTCs exhibited huge clinical value including predicting distant metastasis, assessing prognosis and monitoring treatment response et al. Furthermore, increasingly numerous experiments are dedicated to identifying the key molecules on or inside CTCs and exploring how they mediate CTC-related organ-specific metastasis. Based on the above molecules, more and more inhibitors are being developed to target CTCs and being utilized to completely clean CTCs, which should provide promising prospects to administer advanced tumor. Recently, the application of various nanomaterials and microfluidic technologies in CTCs enrichment technology has assisted to improve our deep insights into the phenotypic characteristics and biological functions of CTCs as a potential therapy target, which may pave the way for us to make practical clinical strategies. In the present review, we mainly focus on the role of CTCs being involved in targeted organ metastasis, especially the latest molecular mechanism research and clinical intervention strategies related to CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinru Zhan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Bixia Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Situ
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Luo
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Tongze Fu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yanxia Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Zhongpeng Xie
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Ren
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Weiling He
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- School of Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, 361000, Xiamen, Fujian, P.R. China.
| | - Zunfu Ke
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
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So WY, Wong CS, Azubuike UF, Paul CD, Sangsari PR, Gordon PB, Gong H, Maity TK, Lim P, Yang Z, Haryanto CA, Batchelor E, Jenkins LM, Morgan NY, Tanner K. YAP localization mediates mechanical adaptation of human cancer cells during extravasation in vivo. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.567015. [PMID: 38076880 PMCID: PMC10705547 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.567015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Biophysical profiling of primary tumors has revealed that individual tumor cells fall along a highly heterogeneous continuum of mechanical phenotypes. One idea is that a subset of tumor cells is "softer" to facilitate detachment and escape from the primary site, a step required to initiate metastasis. However, it has also been postulated that cells must be able to deform and generate sufficient force to exit into distant sites. Here, we aimed to dissect the mechanical changes that occur during extravasation and organ colonization. Using multiplexed methods of intravital microscopy and optical tweezer based active microrheology, we obtained longitudinal images and mechanical profiles of cells during organ colonization in vivo. We determined that cells were softer, more liquid like upon exit of the vasculature but stiffened and became more solid like once in the new organ microenvironment. We also determined that a YAP mediated mechanogenotype influenced the global dissemination in our in vivo and in vitro models and that reducing mechanical heterogeneity could reduce extravasation. Moreover, our high throughput analysis of mechanical phenotypes of patient samples revealed that this mechanics was in part regulated by the external hydrodynamic forces that the cancer cells experienced within capillary mimetics. Our findings indicate that disseminated cancer cells can keep mutating with a continuum landscape of mechano-phenotypes, governed by the YAP-mediated mechanosensing of hydrodynamic flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong Young So
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD, USA
| | - Claudia S. Wong
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD, USA
| | | | - Colin D. Paul
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD, USA
| | - Paniz Rezvan Sangsari
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health
| | | | - Hyeyeon Gong
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD, USA
| | - Tapan K. Maity
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD, USA
| | - Perry Lim
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD, USA
| | - Zhilin Yang
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD, USA
| | | | | | - Lisa M. Jenkins
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD, USA
| | - Nicole Y. Morgan
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health
| | - Kandice Tanner
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), MD, USA
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Wakefield L, Agarwal S, Tanner K. Preclinical models for drug discovery for metastatic disease. Cell 2023; 186:1792-1813. [PMID: 37059072 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite many advances, metastatic disease remains essentially uncurable. Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand mechanisms that promote metastasis, drive tumor evolution, and underlie innate and acquired drug resistance. Sophisticated preclinical models that recapitulate the complex tumor ecosystem are key to this process. We begin with syngeneic and patient-derived mouse models that are the backbone of most preclinical studies. Second, we present some unique advantages of fish and fly models. Third, we consider the strengths of 3D culture models for resolving remaining knowledge gaps. Finally, we provide vignettes on multiplexed technologies to advance our understanding of metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalage Wakefield
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Kandice Tanner
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Merino MM, Garcia-Sanz JA. Stemming Tumoral Growth: A Matter of Grotesque Organogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060872. [PMID: 36980213 PMCID: PMC10047265 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060872] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The earliest metazoans probably evolved from single-celled organisms which found the colonial system to be a beneficial organization. Over the course of their evolution, these primary colonial organisms increased in size, and division of labour among the cells became a remarkable feature, leading to a higher level of organization: the biological organs. Primitive metazoans were the first organisms in evolution to show organ-type structures, which set the grounds for complex organs to evolve. Throughout evolution, and concomitant with organogenesis, is the appearance of tissue-specific stem cells. Tissue-specific stem cells gave rise to multicellular living systems with distinct organs which perform specific physiological functions. This setting is a constructive role of evolution; however, rebel cells can take over the molecular mechanisms for other purposes: nowadays we know that cancer stem cells, which generate aberrant organ-like structures, are at the top of a hierarchy. Furthermore, cancer stem cells are the root of metastasis, therapy resistance, and relapse. At present, most therapeutic drugs are unable to target cancer stem cells and therefore, treatment becomes a challenging issue. We expect that future research will uncover the mechanistic “forces” driving organ growth, paving the way to the implementation of new strategies to impair human tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa M. Merino
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (M.M.M.); (J.A.G.-S.)
| | - Jose A. Garcia-Sanz
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas Margarita Salas, Spanish National Research Council (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.M.M.); (J.A.G.-S.)
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Tanner K. An in vivo phosphoregulation paradox for focal adhesions. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202301060. [PMID: 36795454 PMCID: PMC9960130 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202301060] [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: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) dynamics regulate single cell migration. In this issue, Xue et al. (2023. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.202206078) show that Y118 phosphorylation on Paxilin, a key FA protein, limits migration of cells in vivo. Unphosphorylated Paxilin is necessary for FA disassembly and cell motility. Their findings directly contradict results from in vitro experiments, emphasizing the need for recreating the in vivo complexity to understand how cells behave in their native environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandice Tanner
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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