1
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Kodra AL, Singh AS, de la Cova C, Ziosi M, Johnston LA. The Drosophila tumor necrosis factor Eiger promotes Myc supercompetition independent of canonical Jun N-terminal kinase signaling. Genetics 2024; 228:iyae107. [PMID: 38985651 PMCID: PMC11373512 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous factors have been implicated in the cell-cell interactions that lead to elimination of cells via cell competition, a context-dependent process of cell selection in somatic tissues that is based on comparisons of cellular fitness. Here, we use a series of genetic tests in Drosophila to explore the relative contribution of the pleiotropic cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in Myc-mediated cell competition (also known as Myc supercompetition or Myc cell competition). We find that the sole Drosophila TNF, Eiger (Egr), its receptor Grindelwald (Grnd/TNF receptor), and the adaptor proteins Traf4 and Traf6 are required to eliminate wild-type "loser" cells during Myc cell competition. Although typically the interaction between Egr and Grnd leads to cell death by activating the intracellular Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) stress signaling pathway, our experiments reveal that many components of canonical JNK signaling are dispensable for cell death in Myc cell competition, including the JNKKK Tak1, the JNKK Hemipterous and the JNK Basket. Our results suggest that Egr/Grnd signaling participates in Myc cell competition but functions in a role that is largely independent of the JNK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albana L Kodra
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Aditi Sharma Singh
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Claire de la Cova
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
| | | | - Laura A Johnston
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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2
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Bosch PS, Cho B, Axelrod JD. Flamingo participates in multiple models of cell competition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.24.559197. [PMID: 37790459 PMCID: PMC10542155 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.24.559197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The growth and survival of cells with different fitness, such as those with a proliferative advantage or a deleterious mutation, is controlled through cell competition. During development, cell competition enables healthy cells to eliminate less fit cells that could jeopardize tissue integrity, and facilitates the elimination of pre-malignant cells by healthy cells as a surveillance mechanism to prevent oncogenesis. Malignant cells also benefit from cell competition to promote their expansion. Despite its ubiquitous presence, the mechanisms governing cell competition, particularly those common to developmental competition and tumorigenesis, are poorly understood. Here, we show that in Drosophila , the planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Flamingo (Fmi) is required by winners to maintain their status during cell competition in malignant tumors to overtake healthy tissue, in early pre-malignant cells when they overproliferate among wildtype cells, in healthy cells when they later eliminate pre-malignant cells, and by supercompetitors as they compete to occupy excessive territory within wildtype tissues. "Would-be" winners that lack Fmi are unable to over-proliferate, and instead become losers. We demonstrate that the role of Fmi in cell competition is independent of PCP, and that it uses a distinct mechanism that may more closely resemble one used in other less well-defined functions of Fmi.
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3
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Buenaventura T, Bagci H, Patrascan I, Graham JJ, Hipwell KD, Oldenkamp R, King JWD, Urtasun J, Young G, Mouzo D, Gomez-Cabrero D, Rowland BD, Panne D, Fisher AG, Merkenschlager M. Competition shapes the landscape of X-chromosome-linked genetic diversity. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1678-1688. [PMID: 39060501 PMCID: PMC11319201 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01840-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation (XCI) generates clonal heterogeneity within XX individuals. Combined with sequence variation between human X chromosomes, XCI gives rise to intra-individual clonal diversity, whereby two sets of clones express mutually exclusive sequence variants present on one or the other X chromosome. Here we ask whether such clones merely co-exist or potentially interact with each other to modulate the contribution of X-linked diversity to organismal development. Focusing on X-linked coding variation in the human STAG2 gene, we show that Stag2variant clones contribute to most tissues at the expected frequencies but fail to form lymphocytes in Stag2WT Stag2variant mouse models. Unexpectedly, the absence of Stag2variant clones from the lymphoid compartment is due not solely to cell-intrinsic defects but requires continuous competition by Stag2WT clones. These findings show that interactions between epigenetically diverse clones can operate in an XX individual to shape the contribution of X-linked genetic diversity in a cell-type-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Buenaventura
- MRC LMS, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hakan Bagci
- MRC LMS, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ilinca Patrascan
- MRC LMS, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Joshua J Graham
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kelsey D Hipwell
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Roel Oldenkamp
- Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James W D King
- MRC LMS, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jesus Urtasun
- MRC LMS, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - George Young
- MRC LMS, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel Mouzo
- Translational Bioinformatics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Gomez-Cabrero
- Translational Bioinformatics Unit, Navarrabiomed, Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Benjamin D Rowland
- Division of Cell Biology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Panne
- Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- MRC LMS, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- MRC LMS, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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4
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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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5
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Ghasemi N, Azizi H. Exploring Myc puzzle: Insights into cancer, stem cell biology, and PPI networks. Gene 2024; 916:148447. [PMID: 38583818 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148447] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
"The grand orchestrator," "Universal Amplifier," "double-edged sword," and "Undruggable" are just some of the Myc oncogene so-called names. It has been around 40 years since the discovery of the Myc, and it remains in the mainstream of cancer treatment drugs. Myc is part of basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) superfamily proteins, and its dysregulation can be seen in many malignant human tumors. It dysregulates critical pathways in cells that are connected to each other, such as proliferation, growth, cell cycle, and cell adhesion, impacts miRNAs action, intercellular metabolism, DNA replication, differentiation, microenvironment regulation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Myc, surprisingly, is used in stem cell research too. Its family includes three members, MYC, MYCN, and MYCL, and each dysfunction was observed in different cancer types. This review aims to introduce Myc and its function in the body. Besides, Myc deregulatory mechanisms in cancer cells, their intricate aspects will be discussed. We will look at promising drugs and Myc-based therapies. Finally, Myc and its role in stemness, Myc pathways based on PPI network analysis, and future insights will be explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Ghasemi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran.
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6
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Soares CC, Rizzo A, Maresma MF, Meier P. Autocrine glutamate signaling drives cell competition in Drosophila. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00400-3. [PMID: 39047739 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Cell competition is an evolutionarily conserved quality control process that eliminates suboptimal or potentially dangerous cells. Although differential metabolic states act as direct drivers of competition, how these are measured across tissues is not understood. Here, we demonstrate that vesicular glutamate transporter (VGlut) and autocrine glutamate signaling are required for cell competition and Myc-driven super-competition in the Drosophila epithelia. We find that the loss of glutamate-stimulated VGlut>NMDAR>CaMKII>CrebB signaling triggers loser status and cell death under competitive settings via the autocrine induction of TNF. This in turn drives TNFR>JNK activation, triggering loser cell elimination and PDK/LDH-dependent metabolic reprogramming. Inhibiting caspases or preventing loser cells from transferring lactate to their neighbors nullifies cell competition. Further, in a Drosophila model for premalignancy, Myc-overexpressing clones co-opt this signaling circuit to acquire super-competitor status. Targeting glutamate signaling converts Myc "super-competitor" clones into "losers," highlighting new therapeutic opportunities to restrict the evolution of fitter clones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmo Castilho Soares
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Alberto Rizzo
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Marta Forés Maresma
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Pascal Meier
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK.
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7
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Li C, Zhang M, Du Y, Liu S, Li D, Zhang S, Ji F, Zhang J, Jiao J. Compromised cell competition exhausts neural stem cells pool. Cell Prolif 2024:e13710. [PMID: 39010274 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels play a crucial role in maintaining the stem cell niche in both tumours and developing organs. Cell competition is critical for tumour progression. We hypothesise that blood vessels may act as a regulator of this process. As a pioneer, the secretions of blood vessels regulate the intensity of cell competition, which is essential for tumour invasion and developmental organ extension. Brd4 expresses highly in endothelial cells within various tumours and is positively correlated with numerous invasive genes, making it an ideal focal point for further research on the relationship between blood vessels and cell competition. Our results indicated that the absence of endothelial Brd4 led to a reduction in neural stem cell mortality and compromised cell competition. Endothelial Brd4 regulated cell competition was dependent on Testican2. Testican2 was capable of depositing Sparc and acted as a suppressor of Sparc. Compromised cell competition resulted in the depletion of neural stem cells and accelerated brain ageing. Testican2 could rescue the run-off of neural stem cells and accelerate the turnover rate of neurons. AD patients show compromised cell competition. Through the cloning of a point mutant of Brd4 identified in a subset of AD patients, it was demonstrated that the mutant lacked the ability to promote cell competition. This study suggests a novel approach for treating age-related diseases by enhancing the intensity of cell competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxiao Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University & Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Model for Development and Disease of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengtian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Du
- College of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Jiaozuo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan, China
| | - Da Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shukui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Fen Ji
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University & Key Laboratory of Zebrafish Model for Development and Disease of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jianwei Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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8
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Jiang C, Zhou Q, Yi K, Yuan Y, Xie X. Colorectal cancer initiation: Understanding early-stage disease for intervention. Cancer Lett 2024; 589:216831. [PMID: 38574882 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
How tumors arise or the cause of precancerous lesions is a fundamental question in cancer biology. It is generally accepted that tumors originate from normal cells that undergo uncontrolled proliferation owing to genetic alterations. At the onset of adenoma formation, cancer driver mutations confer clonal growth advantage, enabling mutant cells to outcompete and eliminate the surrounding healthy cells. Hence, the development of precancerous lesions is not only attributed to the expansion of pre-malignant clones, but also relies on the relative fitness of mutated cells compared to the neighboring cells. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an excellent model to investigate cancer origin as it follows a stereotypical process from mutant cell hyperplasia to adenoma formation and progression. Here, we review the evolving understanding of colonic tumor development, focusing on how cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors impact cell competition and the "clone war" between cancer-initiating cells and normal stem cells. We also discuss the promises and limitations of targeting cell competitiveness in cancer prevention and early intervention. The field of tumor initiation is currently in its infancy, elucidating the adenoma origin is crucial for designing effective prevention strategies and early treatments before cancer becomes incurable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Jiang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, China
| | - Qiujing Zhou
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
| | - Ke Yi
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xin Xie
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute and Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China; Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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9
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Vieira R, Mariani JN, Huynh NPT, Stephensen HJT, Solly R, Tate A, Schanz S, Cotrupi N, Mousaei M, Sporring J, Benraiss A, Goldman SA. Young glial progenitor cells competitively replace aged and diseased human glia in the adult chimeric mouse brain. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:719-730. [PMID: 37460676 PMCID: PMC11098747 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01798-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Competition among adult brain cells has not been extensively researched. To investigate whether healthy glia can outcompete diseased human glia in the adult forebrain, we engrafted wild-type (WT) human glial progenitor cells (hGPCs) produced from human embryonic stem cells into the striata of adult mice that had been neonatally chimerized with mutant Huntingtin (mHTT)-expressing hGPCs. The WT hGPCs outcompeted and ultimately eliminated their human Huntington's disease (HD) counterparts, repopulating the host striata with healthy glia. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that WT hGPCs acquired a YAP1/MYC/E2F-defined dominant competitor phenotype upon interaction with the host HD glia. WT hGPCs also outcompeted older resident isogenic WT cells that had been transplanted neonatally, suggesting that competitive success depended primarily on the relative ages of competing populations, rather than on the presence of mHTT. These data indicate that aged and diseased human glia may be broadly replaced in adult brain by younger healthy hGPCs, suggesting a therapeutic strategy for the replacement of aged and diseased human glia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Vieira
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John N Mariani
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Nguyen P T Huynh
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Sana Biotechnology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hans J T Stephensen
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Science, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Renee Solly
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Sana Biotechnology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ashley Tate
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Sana Biotechnology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steven Schanz
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Natasha Cotrupi
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marzieh Mousaei
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jon Sporring
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Science, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Abdellatif Benraiss
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Steven A Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Sana Biotechnology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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10
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Schweibenz CK, Placentra VC, Moberg KH. The Drosophila EcR-Hippo component Taiman promotes epithelial cell fitness by control of the Dally-like glypican and Wg gradient. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.31.587486. [PMID: 38617327 PMCID: PMC11014482 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.31.587486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Rapidly dividing cells can eliminate slow growing neighbors through the apoptotic process of cell competition. This process ensures that only high fitness cells populate embryonic tissues and is proposed to underlie the ability of oncogene-transformed cells to progressively replace normal cells within a tissue. Patches of cells in the Drosophila wing disc overexpressing the oncogenic Taiman (Tai) transcriptional coactivator kill normal neighbors by secreting Spätzle ligands that trigger pro-apoptotic Toll signaling in receiving cells. However, extracellular signaling mechanisms responsible for elimination of slow growing cells by normal neighbors remain poorly defined. Here we show that slow growing cells with reduced Tai (Tailow) are killed by normal neighbors through a mechanism involving competition for the Wingless (Wg/Wnt) ligand. Elevated Wg signaling significantly rescues elimination of Tailow cells in multiple organs, suggesting that Tai may normally promote Wg activity. Examining distribution of Wg components reveals that Tai promotes extracellular spread of the Wg ligand from source cells across the wing disc, thus ensuring patterned expression of multiple Wg-regulated target genes. Tai controls Wg spread indirectly through the extracellular glypican Dally-like protein (Dlp), which binds Wg and promotes its extracellular diffusion and capture by receptors. Data indicate that Tai likely controls Dlp at two levels: transcription of dlp mRNA and Dlp intracellular trafficking. Overall, these data indicate that the Tai acts through Dlp to enable Wg transport and signaling, and that cell competition in the Tailow model arises due to inequity in the ability of epithelial cells to sequester limiting amounts of the Wg growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colby K. Schweibenz
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell, and Developmental Biology
| | - Victoria C. Placentra
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine
- Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University
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11
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Carpenter LC, Pérez-Verdugo F, Banerjee S. Mechanical control of cell proliferation patterns in growing epithelial monolayers. Biophys J 2024; 123:909-919. [PMID: 38449309 PMCID: PMC10995431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.03.002] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell proliferation plays a crucial role in regulating tissue homeostasis and development. However, our understanding of how cell proliferation is controlled in densely packed tissues is limited. Here we develop a computational framework to predict the patterns of cell proliferation in growing epithelial tissues, connecting single-cell behaviors and cell-cell interactions to tissue-level growth. Our model incorporates probabilistic rules governing cell growth, division, and elimination, also taking into account their feedback with tissue mechanics. In particular, cell growth is suppressed and apoptosis is enhanced in regions of high cell density. With these rules and model parameters calibrated using experimental data for epithelial monolayers, we predict how tissue confinement influences cell size and proliferation dynamics and how single-cell physical properties influence the spatiotemporal patterns of tissue growth. In this model, mechanical feedback between tissue confinement and cell growth leads to enhanced cell proliferation at tissue boundaries, whereas cell growth in the bulk is arrested, recapitulating experimental observations in epithelial tissues. By tuning cellular elasticity and contact inhibition of proliferation we can regulate the emergent patterns of cell proliferation, ranging from uniform growth at low contact inhibition to localized growth at higher contact inhibition. We show that the cell size threshold at G1/S transition governs the homeostatic cell density and tissue turnover rate, whereas the mechanical state of the tissue governs the dynamics of tissue growth. In particular, we find that the cellular parameters affecting tissue pressure play a significant role in determining the overall growth rate. Our computational study thus underscores the impact of cell mechanical properties on the spatiotemporal patterns of cell proliferation in growing epithelial tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C Carpenter
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Shiladitya Banerjee
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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12
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Krishnan S, Paul PK, Rodriguez TA. Cell competition and the regulation of protein homeostasis. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 87:102323. [PMID: 38301378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102323] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The process of embryonic development involves remarkable cellular plasticity, which governs the coordination between cells necessary to build an organism. One role of this plasticity is to ensure that when aberrant cells are eliminated, growth adjustment occurs so that the size of the tissue is maintained. An important regulator of cellular plasticity that ensures cellular cooperation is a fitness-sensing mechanism termed cell competition. During cell competition, cells with defects that lower fitness but do not affect viability, such as those that cause impaired signal transduction, slower cellular growth, mitochondrial dysregulation or impaired protein homeostasis, are killed when surrounded by fitter cells. This is accompanied by the compensatory proliferation of the surviving cells. The underlying factors and mechanisms that demarcate certain cells as less fit than their neighbouring cells and losers of cell competition are still relatively unknown. Recent evidence has pointed to mitochondrial defects and proteotoxic stress as important hallmarks of these loser cells. Here, we review recent advances in this area, focussing on the role of mitochondrial activity and protein homeostasis as major mechanisms determining competitive cell fitness during development and the importance of cell proteostasis in determining cell fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pranab K Paul
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK
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13
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Cumming T, Levayer R. Toward a predictive understanding of epithelial cell death. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 156:44-57. [PMID: 37400292 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cell death is highly prevalent during development and tissue homeostasis. While we have a rather good understanding of the molecular regulators of programmed cell death, especially for apoptosis, we still fail to predict when, where, how many and which specific cells will die in a tissue. This likely relies on the much more complex picture of apoptosis regulation in a tissular and epithelial context, which entails cell autonomous but also non-cell autonomous factors, diverse feedback and multiple layers of regulation of the commitment to apoptosis. In this review, we illustrate this complexity of epithelial apoptosis regulation by describing these different layers of control, all demonstrating that local cell death probability is a complex emerging feature. We first focus on non-cell autonomous factors that can locally modulate the rate of cell death, including cell competition, mechanical input and geometry as well as systemic effects. We then describe the multiple feedback mechanisms generated by cell death itself. We also outline the multiple layers of regulation of epithelial cell death, including the coordination of extrusion and regulation occurring downstream of effector caspases. Eventually, we propose a roadmap to reach a more predictive understanding of cell death regulation in an epithelial context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Cumming
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Collège Doctoral, F75005 Paris, France
| | - Romain Levayer
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
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14
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Wang S, Cheng H, Huang Y, Li M, Gao D, Chen H, Su R, Guo K. HSP90a promotes the resistance to oxaliplatin in HCC through regulating IDH1-induced cell competition. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119680. [PMID: 38280407 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Though burgeoning research manifests that cell competition, an essential selection and quality control mechanism for maintaining tissue or organ growth and homeostasis in multicellular organisms, is closely related to tumorigenesis and development, the mechanism of cell competition associated with tumor drug resistance remains elusive. In the study, we uncovered that oxaliplatin-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells exhibit a pronounced competitive advantage against their sensitive counterparts, which is related to lipid takeover of resistant cells from sensitive cells. Of note, such lipid takeover is dependent on the existence of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in resistant HCC cells. Mechanistically, IDH1 activity is regulated by heat shock protein 90 alpha (HSP90α) through binding with each other, which orchestrates the expressions of lipid metabolic enzymes and lipid accumulation in resistant HCC cells. Our results suggest that HCC cell competition-driven chemoresistance can be regulated by HSP90α/IDH1-mediated lipid metabolism, which may serve as a promising target for overcoming drug resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikai Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hongxia Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Yilan Huang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Miaomiao Li
- Endoscopy Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Huaping Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Ruxiong Su
- Puning People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangdong 515300, China
| | - Kun Guo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China; Cancer Research Center, Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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15
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Hof-Michel S, Cigoja L, Huhn S, Bökel C. Rel governs loser elimination during stem cell competition in the Drosophila testis. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151375. [PMID: 37995529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Drosophila testis, a group of stromal cells termed hub provides multiple niche signals for the surrounding germline and somatic stem cells. Stem cells of both populations compete for physical retention in the niche, and clones unable to transduce any one niche signal are rapidly eliminated from the stem cell pool by differentiation. We have mapped the transcriptomes of isolated somatic cyst stem cells and differentiated cyst cells, and found that the stem cells but not their differentiated progeny exhibit the signature of an innate immune response including the NF-κB transcription factor Relish (Rel). Related signalling pathways had previously implicated in cell competition in larval epithelia, prompting the question of whether NF-κB signalling was, despite the clear differences between the two competition scenarios, also involved in stem cell competition in the testis. Here we show i) that in the testis Rel is dispensable for stemness, ii) that loss of Rel or the upstream receptor Toll suppresses loser elimination following a variety of different triggers used to induce loser fate, and iii) that clonal Rel activation is sufficient for the displacement of neutral or winner cells from the niche, even if these cells otherwise retain stem cell properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Hof-Michel
- Dept. of Developmental Genetics, Philipps University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Ljubinka Cigoja
- Dept. of Developmental Genetics, Philipps University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Sabina Huhn
- Dept. of Developmental Genetics, Philipps University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 8, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Christian Bökel
- Core Facility Confocal and Multiphoton Microscopy, Universität Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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16
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Sanchez Bosch P, Axelrod JD. Automated counting of Drosophila imaginal disc cell nuclei. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060254. [PMID: 38345430 PMCID: PMC10903266 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Automated image quantification workflows have dramatically improved over the past decade, enriching image analysis and enhancing the ability to achieve statistical power. These analyses have proved especially useful for studies in organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster, where it is relatively simple to obtain high sample numbers for downstream analyses. However, the developing wing, an intensively utilized structure in developmental biology, has eluded efficient cell counting workflows due to its highly dense cellular population. Here, we present efficient automated cell counting workflows capable of quantifying cells in the developing wing. Our workflows can count the total number of cells or count cells in clones labeled with a fluorescent nuclear marker in imaginal discs. Moreover, by training a machine-learning algorithm we have developed a workflow capable of segmenting and counting twin-spot labeled nuclei, a challenging problem requiring distinguishing heterozygous and homozygous cells in a background of regionally varying intensity. Our workflows could potentially be applied to any tissue with high cellular density, as they are structure-agnostic, and only require a nuclear label to segment and count cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Sanchez Bosch
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Axelrod
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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17
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Paul PK, Umarvaish S, Bajaj S, S. RF, Mohan H, Annaert W, Chaudhary V. Maintenance of proteostasis by Drosophila Rer1 is essential for competitive cell survival and Myc-driven overgrowth. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011171. [PMID: 38408084 PMCID: PMC10919865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011171] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Defects in protein homeostasis can induce proteotoxic stress, affecting cellular fitness and, consequently, overall tissue health. In various growing tissues, cell competition based mechanisms facilitate detection and elimination of these compromised, often referred to as 'loser', cells by the healthier neighbors. The precise connection between proteotoxic stress and competitive cell survival remains largely elusive. Here, we reveal the function of an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi localized protein Rer1 in the regulation of protein homeostasis in the developing Drosophila wing epithelium. Our results show that loss of Rer1 leads to proteotoxic stress and PERK-mediated phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α. Clonal analysis showed that rer1 mutant cells are identified as losers and eliminated through cell competition. Interestingly, we find that Rer1 levels are upregulated upon Myc-overexpression that causes overgrowth, albeit under high proteotoxic stress. Our results suggest that increased levels of Rer1 provide cytoprotection to Myc-overexpressing cells by alleviating the proteotoxic stress and thereby supporting Myc-driven overgrowth. In summary, these observations demonstrate that Rer1 acts as a novel regulator of proteostasis in Drosophila and reveal its role in competitive cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranab Kumar Paul
- Cell and developmental signaling laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Shruti Umarvaish
- Cell and developmental signaling laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Shivani Bajaj
- Cell and developmental signaling laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Rishana Farin S.
- Cell and developmental signaling laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Hrudya Mohan
- Cell and developmental signaling laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Wim Annaert
- Laboratory for Membrane Trafficking, VIB-Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Varun Chaudhary
- Cell and developmental signaling laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
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18
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Nagata R, Igaki T. Cell competition: emerging signaling and unsolved questions. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:379-389. [PMID: 38351618 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14822] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Multicellular communities have an intrinsic mechanism that optimizes their structure and function via cell-cell communication. One of the driving forces for such self-organization of the multicellular system is cell competition, the elimination of viable unfit or deleterious cells via cell-cell interaction. Studies in Drosophila and mammals have identified multiple mechanisms of cell competition caused by different types of mutations or cellular changes. Intriguingly, recent studies have found that different types of "losers" of cell competition commonly show reduced protein synthesis. In Drosophila, the reduction in protein synthesis levels in loser cells is caused by phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2α via a bZip transcription factor Xrp1. Given that a variety of cellular stresses converge on eIF2α phosphorylation and thus global inhibition of protein synthesis, cell competition may be a machinery that optimizes multicellular fitness by removing stressed cells. In this review, we summarize and discuss emerging signaling mechanisms and critical unsolved questions, as well as the role of protein synthesis in cell competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Nagata
- Laboratory of Genetics, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Igaki
- Laboratory of Genetics, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Japan
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19
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Valdivia A, Cowan M, Cardenas H, Isac AM, Zhao G, Huang H, Matei D. E2F1 mediates competition, proliferation and response to cisplatin in cohabitating resistant and sensitive ovarian cancer cells. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1304691. [PMID: 38344207 PMCID: PMC10853425 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1304691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor heterogeneity is one of the key factors leading to chemo-resistance relapse. It remains unknown how resistant cancer cells influence sensitive cells during cohabitation and growth within a heterogenous tumors. The goal of our study was to identify driving factors that mediate the interactions between resistant and sensitive cancer cells and to determine the effects of cohabitation on both phenotypes. Methods We used isogenic ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines pairs, sensitive and resistant to platinum: OVCAR5 vs. OVCAR5 CisR and PE01 vs. PE04, respectively, to perform long term direct culture and to study the phenotypical changes of the interaction of these cells. Results Long term direct co-culture of sensitive and resistant OC cells promoted proliferation (p < 0.001) of sensitive cells and increased the proportion of cells in the G1 and S cell cycle phase in both PE01 and OVCAR5 cells. Direct co-culture led to a decrease in the IC50 to platinum in the cisplatin-sensitive cells (5.92 µM to 2.79 µM for PE01, and from 2.05 µM to 1.51 µM for OVCAR5). RNAseq analysis of co-cultured cells showed enrichment of Cell Cycle Control, Cyclins and Cell Cycle Regulation pathways. The transcription factor E2F1 was predicted as the main effector responsible for the transcriptomic changes in sensitive cells. Western blot and qRT-PCR confirmed upregulation of E2F1 in co-cultured vs monoculture. Furthermore, an E2F1 inhibitor reverted the increase in proliferation rate induced by co-culture to baseline levels. Conclusion Our data suggest that long term cohabitation of chemo-sensitive and -resistant cancer cells drive sensitive cells to a higher proliferative state, more responsive to platinum. Our results reveal an unexpected effect caused by direct interactions between cancer cells with different proliferative rates and levels of platinum resistance, modelling competition between cells in heterogeneous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Valdivia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Matthew Cowan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Horacio Cardenas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ana Maria Isac
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Guangyuan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
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20
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Pak TF, Pitt-Francis J, Baker RE. A mathematical framework for the emergence of winners and losers in cell competition. J Theor Biol 2024; 577:111666. [PMID: 37956955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2023.111666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Cell competition is a process in multicellular organisms where cells interact with their neighbours to determine a "winner" or "loser" status. The loser cells are eliminated through programmed cell death, leaving only the winner cells to populate the tissue. Cell competition is context-dependent; the same cell type can win or lose depending on the cell type it is competing against. Hence, winner/loser status is an emergent property. A key question in cell competition is: how do cells acquire their winner/loser status? In this paper, we propose a mathematical framework for studying the emergence of winner/loser status based on a set of quantitative criteria that distinguishes competitive from non-competitive outcomes. We apply this framework in a cell-based modelling context, to both highlight the crucial role of active cell death in cell competition and identify the factors that drive cell competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Pak
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
| | - Joe Pitt-Francis
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QD, UK
| | - Ruth E Baker
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
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21
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Perez Montero S, Paul PK, di Gregorio A, Bowling S, Shepherd S, Fernandes NJ, Lima A, Pérez-Carrasco R, Rodriguez TA. Mutation of p53 increases the competitive ability of pluripotent stem cells. Development 2024; 151:dev202503. [PMID: 38131530 PMCID: PMC10820806 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
During development, the rate of tissue growth is determined by the relative balance of cell division and cell death. Cell competition is a fitness quality-control mechanism that contributes to this balance by eliminating viable cells that are less fit than their neighbours. The mutations that confer cells with a competitive advantage and the dynamics of the interactions between winner and loser cells are not well understood. Here, we show that embryonic cells lacking the tumour suppressor p53 are 'super-competitors' that eliminate their wild-type neighbours through the direct induction of apoptosis. This elimination is context dependent, as it does not occur when cells are pluripotent and it is triggered by the onset of differentiation. Furthermore, by combining mathematical modelling and cell-based assays we show that the elimination of wild-type cells is not through competition for space or nutrients, but instead is mediated by short-range interactions that are dependent on the local cell neighbourhood. This highlights the importance of the local cell neighbourhood and the competitive interactions within this neighbourhood for the regulation of proliferation during early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Perez Montero
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Pranab K. Paul
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Aida di Gregorio
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Sarah Bowling
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Solomon Shepherd
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nadia J. Fernandes
- Imperial BRC Genomics Facility, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ana Lima
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Rubén Pérez-Carrasco
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Tristan A. Rodriguez
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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22
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Cong B, Cagan RL. Cell competition and cancer from Drosophila to mammals. Oncogenesis 2024; 13:1. [PMID: 38172609 PMCID: PMC10764339 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00505-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Throughout an individual's life, somatic cells acquire cancer-associated mutations. A fraction of these mutations trigger tumour formation, a phenomenon partly driven by the interplay of mutant and wild-type cell clones competing for dominance; conversely, other mutations function against tumour initiation. This mechanism of 'cell competition', can shift clone dynamics by evaluating the relative status of clonal populations, promoting 'winners' and eliminating 'losers'. This review examines the role of cell competition in the context of tumorigenesis, tumour progression and therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojie Cong
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, Scotland, G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Ross L Cagan
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, Scotland, G61 1QH, UK
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23
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Ayukawa S, Kamoshita N, Maruyama T. Epithelial recognition and elimination against aberrant cells. Semin Immunopathol 2024; 45:521-532. [PMID: 38411739 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-024-01001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial cells, which are non-immune cells, not only function as a physical defence barrier but also continuously monitor and eliminate aberrant epithelial cells in their vicinity. In other words, it has become evident that epithelial cells possess immune cell-like functions. In fact, recent research has revealed that epithelial cells recognise the Major Histocompatibility Complex I (MHC-I) of aberrant cells as a mechanism for surveillance. This cellular defence mechanism of epithelial cells probably detects aberrant cells more promptly than the conventional immune response, making it a novel and primary biological defence. Furthermore, there is the potential for this new immune-like biological defence mechanism to establish innovative treatment for disease prevention, leading to increasing anticipation for its future medical applications. In this review, we aim to summarise the recognition and attack mechanisms of aberrant cells by epithelial cells in mammals, with a particular focus on the field of cancer. Additionally, we discuss the potential therapeutic applications of epithelial cell-based defence against cancer, including novel prophylactic treatment methods based on molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Ayukawa
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nagisa Kamoshita
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Maruyama
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, Tokyo, Japan.
- Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
- Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.
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24
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Ishitani T. Cadherin-linked morphogen gradient actualizes robust tissue patterning. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2023; 85:102275. [PMID: 37944424 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102275] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Morphogen gradients govern tissue patterning. These gradients provide positional information, instructing cells to adopt distinct fates. Over the past few decades, extensive studies have revealed the detailed mechanisms by which morphogens generate tissue patterns. However, the communication between morphogen-receiving cells is still poorly understood. Here, I describe how cadherin-mediated cell competition ensures robust morphogen-gradient formation. In normal zebrafish embryos, unfit cells with abnormal Wnt signaling activity spontaneously appear and produce a noisy morphogen gradient. These unfit cells communicate with neighboring cells through cadherins and are subsequently killed by cell competition. This process of killing unfit cells corrects noisy gradients to support reproducible patterning. I also discuss the significance of cell-competition-mediated morphogen-gradient correction from the perspectives of evolution and disease biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohru Ishitani
- Department of Homeostatic Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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25
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Yusupova M, Ankawa R, Yosefzon Y, Meiri D, Bachelet I, Fuchs Y. Apoptotic dysregulation mediates stem cell competition and tissue regeneration. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7547. [PMID: 37985759 PMCID: PMC10662150 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41684-x] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Since adult stem cells are responsible for replenishing tissues throughout life, it is vital to understand how failure to undergo apoptosis can dictate stem cell behavior both intrinsically and non-autonomously. Here, we report that depletion of pro-apoptotic Bax protein bestows hair follicle stem cells with the capacity to eliminate viable neighboring cells by sequestration of TNFα in their membrane. This in turn induces apoptosis in "loser" cells in a contact-dependent manner. Examining the underlying mechanism, we find that Bax loss-of-function competitive phenotype is mediated by the intrinsic activation of NFκB. Notably, winner stem cells differentially respond to TNFα, owing to their elevated expression of TNFR2. Finally, we report that in vivo depletion of Bax results in an increased stem cell pool, accelerating wound-repair and de novo hair follicle regeneration. Collectively, we establish a mechanism of mammalian cell competition, which can have broad therapeutic implications for tissue regeneration and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Yusupova
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Roi Ankawa
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Augmanity, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yahav Yosefzon
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - David Meiri
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Yaron Fuchs
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
- Augmanity, Rehovot, Israel.
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26
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Bansaccal N, Vieugue P, Sarate R, Song Y, Minguijon E, Miroshnikova YA, Zeuschner D, Collin A, Allard J, Engelman D, Delaunois AL, Liagre M, de Groote L, Timmerman E, Van Haver D, Impens F, Salmon I, Wickström SA, Sifrim A, Blanpain C. The extracellular matrix dictates regional competence for tumour initiation. Nature 2023; 623:828-835. [PMID: 37968399 PMCID: PMC7615367 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06740-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The skin epidermis is constantly renewed throughout life1,2. Disruption of the balance between renewal and differentiation can lead to uncontrolled growth and tumour initiation3. However, the ways in which oncogenic mutations affect the balance between renewal and differentiation and lead to clonal expansion, cell competition, tissue colonization and tumour development are unknown. Here, through multidisciplinary approaches that combine in vivo clonal analysis using intravital microscopy, single-cell analysis and functional analysis, we show how SmoM2-a constitutively active oncogenic mutant version of Smoothened (SMO) that induces the development of basal cell carcinoma-affects clonal competition and tumour initiation in real time. We found that expressing SmoM2 in the ear epidermis of mice induced clonal expansion together with tumour initiation and invasion. By contrast, expressing SmoM2 in the back-skin epidermis led to a clonal expansion that induced lateral cell competition without dermal invasion and tumour formation. Single-cell analysis showed that oncogene expression was associated with a cellular reprogramming of adult interfollicular cells into an embryonic hair follicle progenitor (EHFP) state in the ear but not in the back skin. Comparisons between the ear and the back skin revealed that the dermis has a very different composition in these two skin types, with increased stiffness and a denser collagen I network in the back skin. Decreasing the expression of collagen I in the back skin through treatment with collagenase, chronic UV exposure or natural ageing overcame the natural resistance of back-skin basal cells to undergoing EHFP reprogramming and tumour initiation after SmoM2 expression. Altogether, our study shows that the composition of the extracellular matrix regulates how susceptible different regions of the body are to tumour initiation and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nordin Bansaccal
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline Vieugue
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rahul Sarate
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yura Song
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Esmeralda Minguijon
- Department of Pathology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yekaterina A Miroshnikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Dagmar Zeuschner
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Amandine Collin
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Justine Allard
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Dan Engelman
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne-Lise Delaunois
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mélanie Liagre
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leona de Groote
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Evy Timmerman
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Proteomics Core, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Delphi Van Haver
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Proteomics Core, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Francis Impens
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB Proteomics Core, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Salmon
- Department of Pathology, CUB Hôpital Erasme, Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- DIAPath, Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Sara A Wickström
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Cédric Blanpain
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Cancer, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
- WELBIO, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.
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27
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Liu Y, Westerhoff HV. 'Social' versus 'asocial' cells-dynamic competition flux balance analysis. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:53. [PMID: 37898597 PMCID: PMC10613221 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00313-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In multicellular organisms cells compete for resources or growth factors. If any one cell type wins, the co-existence of diverse cell types disappears. Existing dynamic Flux Balance Analysis (dFBA) does not accommodate changes in cell density caused by competition. Therefore we here develop 'dynamic competition Flux Balance Analysis' (dcFBA). With total biomass synthesis as objective, lower-growth-yield cells were outcompeted even when cells synthesized mutually required nutrients. Signal transduction between cells established co-existence, which suggests that such 'socialness' is required for multicellularity. Whilst mutants with increased specific growth rate did not outgrow the other cell types, loss of social characteristics did enable a mutant to outgrow the other cells. We discuss that 'asocialness' rather than enhanced growth rates, i.e., a reduced sensitivity to regulatory factors rather than enhanced growth rates, may characterize cancer cells and organisms causing ecological blooms. Therapies reinforcing cross-regulation may therefore be more effective than those targeting replication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Liu
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans V Westerhoff
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Molecular Cell Biology, A-Life, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
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28
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Tarbashevich K, Ermlich L, Wegner J, Pfeiffer J, Raz E. The mitochondrial protein Sod2 is important for the migration, maintenance, and fitness of germ cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1250643. [PMID: 37954204 PMCID: PMC10639133 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1250643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
To maintain a range of cellular functions and to ensure cell survival, cells must control their levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The main source of these molecules is the mitochondrial respiration machinery, and the first line of defense against these toxic substances is the mitochondrial enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2). Thus, investigating early expression patterns and functions of this protein is critical for understanding how an organism develops ways to protect itself against ROS and enhance tissue fitness. Here, we report on expression pattern and function of zebrafish Sod2, focusing on the role of the protein in migration and maintenance of primordial germ cells during early embryonic development. We provide evidence that Sod2 is involved in purifying selection of vertebrate germ cells, which can contribute to the fitness of the organism in the following generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsiaryna Tarbashevich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Muenster, Germany
| | - Laura Ermlich
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Muenster, Germany
| | - Julian Wegner
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Muenster, Germany
| | - Jana Pfeiffer
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Muenster, Germany
| | - Erez Raz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE), Muenster, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
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29
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Jha RK, Kouzine F, Levens D. MYC function and regulation in physiological perspective. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1268275. [PMID: 37941901 PMCID: PMC10627926 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1268275] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC, a key member of the Myc-proto-oncogene family, is a universal transcription amplifier that regulates almost every physiological process in a cell including cell cycle, proliferation, metabolism, differentiation, and apoptosis. MYC interacts with several cofactors, chromatin modifiers, and regulators to direct gene expression. MYC levels are tightly regulated, and deregulation of MYC has been associated with numerous diseases including cancer. Understanding the comprehensive biology of MYC under physiological conditions is an utmost necessity to demark biological functions of MYC from its pathological functions. Here we review the recent advances in biological mechanisms, functions, and regulation of MYC. We also emphasize the role of MYC as a global transcription amplifier.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Levens
- Gene Regulation Section, Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, United States
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30
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Amaro A, Pfeffer U. Clonal Extinction Drives Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4761. [PMID: 37835454 PMCID: PMC10571900 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Before a tumor is diagnosed and surgically removed, it has been growing for many months or even years [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Amaro
- Laboratory of Regulation of Gene Expression, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Ulrich Pfeffer
- Laboratory of Regulation of Gene Expression, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
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31
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Ceresa D, Alessandrini F, Lucchini S, Marubbi D, Piaggio F, Mena Vera JM, Ceccherini I, Reverberi D, Appolloni I, Malatesta P. Early clonal extinction in glioblastoma progression revealed by genetic barcoding. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1466-1479.e9. [PMID: 37541243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma progression in its early stages remains poorly understood. Here, we transfer PDGFB and genetic barcodes in mouse brain to initiate gliomagenesis and enable direct tracing of glioblastoma evolution from its earliest possible stage. Unexpectedly, we observe a high incidence of clonal extinction events and progressive divergence in clonal sizes, even after the acquisition of malignant phenotype. Computational modeling suggests these dynamics result from clonal-based cell-cell competition. Through bulk and single-cell transcriptome analyses, coupled with lineage tracing, we reveal that Myc transcriptional targets have the strongest correlation with clonal size imbalances. Moreover, we show that the downregulation of Myc expression is sufficient to drive competitive dynamics in intracranially transplanted gliomas. Our findings provide insights into glioblastoma evolution that are inaccessible using conventional retrospective approaches, highlighting the potential of combining clonal tracing and transcriptomic analyses in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ceresa
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandrini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sara Lucchini
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Daniela Marubbi
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Jorge Miguel Mena Vera
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Isabella Ceccherini
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics of Rare Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | | | - Irene Appolloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Malatesta
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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32
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Winkler F. The winner takes it all: Competition drives clonal selection in gliomagenesis. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1394-1396. [PMID: 37541246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.07.003] [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] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The exact mechanisms that govern clonal dynamics and selection during early tumorigenesis remain largely elusive. Ceresa et al. provide experimental and mathematical evidence that MYC-dependent competition between individual clones is one driving force of brain tumor evolution, adding a winner/loser aspect to the picture that complements existing concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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33
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Gervé MP, Sánchez JA, Ingaramo MC, Dekanty A. Myc-regulated miRNAs modulate p53 expression and impact animal survival under nutrient deprivation. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010721. [PMID: 37639481 PMCID: PMC10491395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010721] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The conserved transcription factor Myc regulates cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis, and its deregulation has been associated with human pathologies. Although specific miRNAs have been identified as fundamental components of the Myc tumorigenic program, how Myc regulates miRNA biogenesis remains controversial. Here we showed that Myc functions as an important regulator of miRNA biogenesis in Drosophila by influencing both miRNA gene expression and processing. Through the analysis of ChIP-Seq datasets, we discovered that nearly 56% of Drosophila miRNA genes show dMyc binding, exhibiting either the canonical or non-canonical E-box sequences within the peak region. Consistently, reduction of dMyc levels resulted in widespread downregulation of miRNAs gene expression. dMyc also modulates miRNA processing and activity by controlling Drosha and AGO1 levels through direct transcriptional regulation. By using in vivo miRNA activity sensors we demonstrated that dMyc promotes miRNA-mediated silencing in different tissues, including the wing primordium and the fat body. We also showed that dMyc-dependent expression of miR-305 in the fat body modulates Dmp53 levels depending on nutrient availability, having a profound impact on the ability of the organism to respond to nutrient stress. Indeed, dMyc depletion in the fat body resulted in extended survival to nutrient deprivation which was reverted by expression of either miR-305 or a dominant negative version of Dmp53. Our study reveals a previously unrecognized function of dMyc as an important regulator of miRNA biogenesis and suggests that Myc-dependent expression of specific miRNAs may have important tissue-specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María P. Gervé
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Juan A. Sánchez
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María C. Ingaramo
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Andrés Dekanty
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
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34
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Carpenter LC, Pérez-Verdugo F, Banerjee S. Mechanical control of cell proliferation patterns in growing tissues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.25.550581. [PMID: 37546964 PMCID: PMC10402015 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.25.550581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Cell proliferation plays a crucial role in regulating tissue homeostasis and development. However, our understanding of how cell proliferation is controlled in densely packed tissues is limited. Here we develop a computational framework to predict the patterns of cell proliferation in growing tissues, connecting single-cell behaviors and cell-cell interactions to tissue-level growth. Our model incorporates probabilistic rules governing cell growth, division, and elimination, while also taking into account their feedback with tissue mechanics. In particular, cell growth is suppressed and apoptosis is enhanced in regions of high cell density. With these rules and model parameters calibrated using experimental data, we predict how tissue confinement influences cell size and proliferation dynamics, and how single-cell physical properties influence the spatiotemporal patterns of tissue growth. Our findings indicate that mechanical feedback between tissue confinement and cell growth leads to enhanced cell proliferation at tissue boundaries, whereas cell growth in the bulk is arrested. By tuning cellular elasticity and contact inhibition of proliferation we can regulate the emergent patterns of cell proliferation, ranging from uniform growth at low contact inhibition to localized growth at higher contact inhibition. Furthermore, mechanical state of the tissue governs the dynamics of tissue growth, with cellular parameters affecting tissue pressure playing a significant role in determining the overall growth rate. Our computational study thus underscores the impact of cell mechanical properties on the spatiotemporal patterns of cell proliferation in growing tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan C Carpenter
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | | - Shiladitya Banerjee
- Department of Physics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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35
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Kiparaki M, Baker NE. Ribosomal protein mutations and cell competition: autonomous and nonautonomous effects on a stress response. Genetics 2023; 224:iyad080. [PMID: 37267156 PMCID: PMC10691752 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal proteins (Rps) are essential for viability. Genetic mutations affecting Rp genes were first discovered in Drosophila, where they represent a major class of haploinsufficient mutations. One mutant copy gives rise to the dominant "Minute" phenotype, characterized by slow growth and small, thin bristles. Wild-type (WT) and Minute cells compete in mosaics, that is, Rp+/- are preferentially lost when their neighbors are of the wild-type genotype. Many features of Rp gene haploinsufficiency (i.e. Rp+/- phenotypes) are mediated by a transcriptional program. In Drosophila, reduced translation and slow growth are under the control of Xrp1, a bZip-domain transcription factor induced in Rp mutant cells that leads ultimately to the phosphorylation of eIF2α and consequently inhibition of most translation. Rp mutant phenotypes are also mediated transcriptionally in yeast and in mammals. In mammals, the Impaired Ribosome Biogenesis Checkpoint activates p53. Recent findings link Rp mutant phenotypes to other cellular stresses, including the DNA damage response and endoplasmic reticulum stress. We suggest that cell competition results from nonautonomous inputs to stress responses, bringing decisions between adaptive and apoptotic outcomes under the influence of nearby cells. In Drosophila, cell competition eliminates aneuploid cells in which loss of chromosome leads to Rp gene haploinsufficiency. The effects of Rp gene mutations on the whole organism, in Minute flies or in humans with Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, may be inevitable consequences of pathways that are useful in eliminating individual cells from mosaics. Alternatively, apparently deleterious whole organism phenotypes might be adaptive, preventing even more detrimental outcomes. In mammals, for example, p53 activation appears to suppress oncogenic effects of Rp gene haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianthi Kiparaki
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, Vari 16672, Greece
| | - Nicholas E Baker
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Visual Sciences and Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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36
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Zhang X, Li S, Malik I, Do MH, Ji L, Chou C, Shi W, Capistrano KJ, Zhang J, Hsu TW, Nixon BG, Xu K, Wang X, Ballabio A, Schmidt LS, Linehan WM, Li MO. Reprogramming tumour-associated macrophages to outcompete cancer cells. Nature 2023; 619:616-623. [PMID: 37380769 PMCID: PMC10719927 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06256-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
In metazoan organisms, cell competition acts as a quality control mechanism to eliminate unfit cells in favour of their more robust neighbours1,2. This mechanism has the potential to be maladapted, promoting the selection of aggressive cancer cells3-6. Tumours are metabolically active and are populated by stroma cells7,8, but how environmental factors affect cancer cell competition remains largely unknown. Here we show that tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) can be dietarily or genetically reprogrammed to outcompete MYC-overexpressing cancer cells. In a mouse model of breast cancer, MYC overexpression resulted in an mTORC1-dependent 'winner' cancer cell state. A low-protein diet inhibited mTORC1 signalling in cancer cells and reduced tumour growth, owing unexpectedly to activation of the transcription factors TFEB and TFE3 and mTORC1 in TAMs. Diet-derived cytosolic amino acids are sensed by Rag GTPases through the GTPase-activating proteins GATOR1 and FLCN to control Rag GTPase effectors including TFEB and TFE39-14. Depletion of GATOR1 in TAMs suppressed the activation of TFEB, TFE3 and mTORC1 under the low-protein diet condition, causing accelerated tumour growth; conversely, depletion of FLCN or Rag GTPases in TAMs activated TFEB, TFE3 and mTORC1 under the normal protein diet condition, causing decelerated tumour growth. Furthermore, mTORC1 hyperactivation in TAMs and cancer cells and their competitive fitness were dependent on the endolysosomal engulfment regulator PIKfyve. Thus, noncanonical engulfment-mediated Rag GTPase-independent mTORC1 signalling in TAMs controls competition between TAMs and cancer cells, which defines a novel innate immune tumour suppression pathway that could be targeted for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhang
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shun Li
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Isha Malik
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mytrang H Do
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Liangliang Ji
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chun Chou
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wei Shi
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristelle J Capistrano
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ting-Wei Hsu
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Briana G Nixon
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- META Pharmaceuticals, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Medical and Translational Science, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura S Schmidt
- Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - W Marston Linehan
- Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ming O Li
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
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37
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Yu T, Kuang H, Wu X, Huang Y, Wang J, Wen Z. Cell competition for neuron-derived trophic factor controls the turnover and lifespan of microglia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf9790. [PMID: 37327343 PMCID: PMC10275588 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf9790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are brain-resident macrophages capable of long-term maintenance through self-renewal. Yet the mechanism governing the turnover and lifespan of microglia remains unknown. In zebrafish, microglia arise from two sources, rostral blood island (RBI) and aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM). The RBI-derived microglia are born early but have a short lifespan and diminish in adulthood, while the AGM-derived microglia emerge later and are capable of long-term maintenance in adulthood. Here, we show that the attenuation of RBI microglia is due to their less competitiveness for neuron-derived interleukin-34 (Il34) caused by age-dependent decline of colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor a (csf1ra). Alterations of Il34/Csf1ra levels and removal of AGM microglia revamp the proportion and lifespan of RBI microglia. The csf1ra/CSF1R expression in zebrafish AGM-derived microglia and murine adult microglia also undergo age-dependent decline, leading to the elimination of aged microglia. Our study reveals cell competition as a general mechanism controlling the turnover and lifespan of microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Haoyue Kuang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Xiaohai Wu
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jianzhong Wang
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zilong Wen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Neuronal Structural Biology, Biomedical Research Institute, Shenzhen Peking University-the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Greater Bay Biomedical Innocenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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38
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Li Y, Xu B, Jin M, Zhang H, Ren N, Hu J, He J. Homophilic interaction of cell adhesion molecule 3 coordinates retina neuroepithelial cell proliferation. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202204098. [PMID: 37022761 PMCID: PMC10082328 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202204098] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Correct cell number generation is central to tissue development. However, in vivo roles of coordinated proliferation of individual neural progenitors in regulating cell numbers of developing neural tissues and the underlying molecular mechanism remain mostly elusive. Here, we showed that wild-type (WT) donor retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) generated significantly expanded clones in host retinae with G1-lengthening by p15 (cdkn2a/b) overexpression (p15+) in zebrafish. Further analysis showed that cell adhesion molecule 3 (cadm3) was reduced in p15+ host retinae, and overexpression of either full-length or ectodomains of Cadm3 in p15+ host retinae markedly suppressed the clonal expansion of WT donor RPCs. Notably, WT donor RPCs in retinae with cadm3 disruption recapitulated expanded clones that were found in p15+ retinae. More strikingly, overexpression of Cadm3 without extracellular ig1 domain in RPCs resulted in expanded clones and increased retinal total cell number. Thus, homophilic interaction of Cadm3 provides an intercellular mechanism underlying coordinated cell proliferation to ensure cell number homeostasis of the developing neuroepithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baijie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ningxin Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie He
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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39
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Liu QL, Zhou H, Zhou ZG, Chen HN. Colorectal cancer liver metastasis: genomic evolution and crosstalk with the liver microenvironment. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:575-587. [PMID: 37061644 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients frequently develop liver metastases, which are the major cause of cancer-related mortality. The molecular basis and management of colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) remain a challenging clinical issue. Recent genomic evidence has demonstrated the liver tropism of CRC and the presence of a stricter evolutionary bottleneck in the liver as a target organ compared to lymph nodes. This bottleneck challenging CRC cells in the liver is organ-specific and requires adaptation not only at the genetic level, but also at the phenotypic level to crosstalk with the hepatic microenvironment. Here, we highlight the emerging evidence on the clonal evolution of CRLM and review recent insights into the molecular mechanisms orchestrating the bidirectional interactions between metastatic CRC cells and the unique liver microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Luo Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijie Zhou
- Department of Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zong-Guang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Ning Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Colorectal Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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40
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Bosch PS, Axelrod JD. Automated counting of Drosophila imaginal disc cell nuclei. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542420. [PMID: 37292877 PMCID: PMC10245965 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Automated image quantification workflows have dramatically improved over the past decade, enriching image analysis and enhancing the ability to achieve statistical power. These analyses have proved especially useful for studies in organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster, where it is relatively simple to obtain high sample numbers for downstream analyses. However, the developing wing, an intensively utilized structure in developmental biology, has eluded efficient cell counting workflows due to its highly dense cellular population. Here, we present efficient automated cell counting workflows capable of quantifying cells in the developing wing. Our workflows can count the total number of cells or count cells in clones labeled with a fluorescent nuclear marker in imaginal discs. Moreover, by training a machine-learning algorithm we have developed a workflow capable of segmenting and counting twin-spot labeled nuclei, a challenging problem requiring distinguishing heterozygous and homozygous cells in a background of regionally varying intensity. Our workflows could potentially be applied to any tissue with high cellular density, as they are structure-agnostic, and only require a nuclear label to segment and count cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Sanchez Bosch
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Axelrod
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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41
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Lee ND, Kaveh K, Bozic I. Clonal interactions in cancer: integrating quantitative models with experimental and clinical data. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 92:61-73. [PMID: 37023969 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumors consist of different genotypically distinct subpopulations-or subclones-of cells. These subclones can influence neighboring clones in a process called "clonal interaction." Conventionally, research on driver mutations in cancer has focused on their cell-autonomous effects that lead to an increase in fitness of the cells containing the driver. Recently, with the advent of improved experimental and computational technologies for investigating tumor heterogeneity and clonal dynamics, new studies have shown the importance of clonal interactions in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. In this review we provide an overview of clonal interactions in cancer, discussing key discoveries from a diverse range of approaches to cancer biology research. We discuss common types of clonal interactions, such as cooperation and competition, its mechanisms, and the overall effect on tumorigenesis, with important implications for tumor heterogeneity, resistance to treatment, and tumor suppression. Quantitative models-in coordination with cell culture and animal model experiments-have played a vital role in investigating the nature of clonal interactions and the complex clonal dynamics they generate. We present mathematical and computational models that can be used to represent clonal interactions and provide examples of the roles they have played in identifying and quantifying the strength of clonal interactions in experimental systems. Clonal interactions have proved difficult to observe in clinical data; however, several very recent quantitative approaches enable their detection. We conclude by discussing ways in which researchers can further integrate quantitative methods with experimental and clinical data to elucidate the critical-and often surprising-roles of clonal interactions in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Lee
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Kamran Kaveh
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Ivana Bozic
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America; Herbold Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
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42
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Yusupova M, Fuchs Y. To not love thy neighbor: mechanisms of cell competition in stem cells and beyond. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:979-991. [PMID: 36813919 PMCID: PMC10070350 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01114-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell competition describes the process in which cells of greater fitness are capable of sensing and instructing elimination of lesser fit mutant cells. Since its discovery in Drosophila, cell competition has been established as a critical regulator of organismal development, homeostasis, and disease progression. It is therefore unsurprising that stem cells (SCs), which are central to these processes, harness cell competition to remove aberrant cells and preserve tissue integrity. Here, we describe pioneering studies of cell competition across a variety of cellular contexts and organisms, with the ultimate goal of better understanding competition in mammalian SCs. Furthermore, we explore the modes through which SC competition takes place and how this facilitates normal cellular function or contributes to pathological states. Finally, we discuss how understanding of this critical phenomenon will enable targeting of SC-driven processes, including regeneration and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Yusupova
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Lorry Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences & Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yaron Fuchs
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
- Lorry Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences & Engineering, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
- Augmanity, Rehovot, Israel.
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43
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Merino MM, Garcia-Sanz JA. Stemming Tumoral Growth: A Matter of Grotesque Organogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:872. [PMID: 36980213 PMCID: PMC10047265 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060872] [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: 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
| | - Jose A. Garcia-Sanz
- Department of Molecular Biomedicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas Margarita Salas, Spanish National Research Council (CIB-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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44
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Hu Y, Sun HX, Sakurai M, Jones AE, Liu L, Cheng T, Zheng C, Li J, Ravaux B, Luo Z, Ding Y, Liu T, Wu Y, Chen EH, Chen ZJ, Abrams JM, Gu Y, Wu J. RNA Sensing and Innate Immunity Constitutes a Barrier for Interspecies Chimerism. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.07.531624. [PMID: 36945615 PMCID: PMC10028900 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.07.531624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Interspecies chimera formation with human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) holds great promise to generate humanized animal models and provide donor organs for transplant. However, the approach is currently limited by low levels of human cells ultimately represented in chimeric embryos. Different strategies have been developed to improve chimerism by genetically editing donor human PSCs. To date, however, it remains unexplored if human chimerism can be enhanced in animals through modifying the host embryos. Leveraging the interspecies PSC competition model, here we discovered retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR) signaling, an RNA sensor, in "winner" cells plays an important role in the competitive interactions between co-cultured mouse and human PSCs. We found that genetic inactivation of Ddx58/Ifih1-Mavs-Irf7 axis compromised the "winner" status of mouse PSCs and their ability to outcompete PSCs from evolutionarily distant species during co-culture. Furthermore, by using Mavs-deficient mouse embryos we substantially improved unmodified donor human cell survival. Comparative transcriptome analyses based on species-specific sequences suggest contact-dependent human-to-mouse transfer of RNAs likely plays a part in mediating the cross-species interactions. Taken together, these findings establish a previously unrecognized role of RNA sensing and innate immunity in "winner" cells during cell competition and provides a proof-of-concept for modifying host embryos, rather than donor PSCs, to enhance interspecies chimerism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Hu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hai-Xi Sun
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Masahiro Sakurai
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Amanda E. Jones
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lizhong Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tianlei Cheng
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Canbin Zheng
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jie Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Benjamin Ravaux
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zhou Luo
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tianbin Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Elizabeth H. Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zhijian J. Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Inflammation Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - John M. Abrams
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ying Gu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI-Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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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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46
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Ni C, Buszczak M. The homeostatic regulation of ribosome biogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 136:13-26. [PMID: 35440410 PMCID: PMC9569395 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The continued integrity of biological systems depends on a balance between interdependent elements at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. This is particularly true for the generation of ribosomes, which influence almost every aspect of cell and organismal biology. Ribosome biogenesis (RiBi) is an energetically demanding process that involves all three RNA polymerases, numerous RNA processing factors, chaperones, and the coordinated expression of 79-80 ribosomal proteins (r-proteins). Work over the last several decades has revealed that the dynamic regulation of ribosome production represents a major mechanism by which cells maintain homeostasis in response to changing environmental conditions and acute stress. More recent studies suggest that cells and tissues within multicellular organisms exhibit dramatically different levels of ribosome production and protein synthesis, marked by the differential expression of RiBi factors. Thus, distinct bottlenecks in the RiBi process, downstream of rRNA transcription, may exist within different cell populations of multicellular organisms during development and in adulthood. This review will focus on our current understanding of the mechanisms that link the complex molecular process of ribosome biogenesis with cellular and organismal physiology. We will discuss diverse topics including how different steps in the RiBi process are coordinated with one another, how MYC and mTOR impact RiBi, and how RiBi levels change between stem cells and their differentiated progeny. In turn, we will also review how regulated changes in ribosome production itself can feedback to influence cell fate and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA
| | - Michael Buszczak
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9148, USA.
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47
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Prasad D, Illek K, Fischer F, Holstein K, Classen AK. Bilateral JNK activation is a hallmark of interface surveillance and promotes elimination of aberrant cells. eLife 2023; 12:e80809. [PMID: 36744859 PMCID: PMC9917460 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue-intrinsic defense mechanisms eliminate aberrant cells from epithelia and thereby maintain the health of developing tissues or adult organisms. 'Interface surveillance' comprises one such distinct mechanism that specifically guards against aberrant cells which undergo inappropriate cell fate and differentiation programs. The cellular mechanisms which facilitate detection and elimination of these aberrant cells are currently unknown. We find that in Drosophila imaginal discs, clones of cells with inappropriate activation of cell fate programs induce bilateral JNK activation at clonal interfaces, where wild type and aberrant cells make contact. JNK activation is required to drive apoptotic elimination of interface cells. Importantly, JNK activity and apoptosis are highest in interface cells within small aberrant clones, which likely supports the successful elimination of aberrant cells when they arise. Our findings are consistent with a model where clone size affects the topology of interface contacts and thereby the strength of JNK activation in wild type and aberrant interface cells. Bilateral JNK activation is unique to 'interface surveillance' and is not observed in other tissue-intrinsic defense mechanisms, such as classical 'cell-cell competition'. Thus, bilateral JNK interface signaling provides an independent tissue-level mechanism to eliminate cells with inappropriate developmental fate but normal cellular fitness. Finally, oncogenic Ras-expressing clones activate 'interface surveillance' but evade elimination by bilateral JNK activation. Combined, our work establishes bilateral JNK interface signaling and interface apoptosis as a new hallmark of interface surveillance and highlights how oncogenic mutations evade tumor suppressor function encoded by this tissue-intrinsic surveillance system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Prasad
- Hilde-Mangold-Haus, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Faculty of Biology, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | | | - Friedericke Fischer
- Hilde-Mangold-Haus, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Faculty of Biology, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- International Max Planck Research School for Immunobiology, Epigenetics, and MetabolismFreiburgGermany
| | | | - Anne-Kathrin Classen
- Hilde-Mangold-Haus, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- Faculty of Biology, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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48
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Mlynarczyk C, Teater M, Pae J, Chin CR, Wang L, Arulraj T, Barisic D, Papin A, Hoehn KB, Kots E, Ersching J, Bandyopadhyay A, Barin E, Poh HX, Evans CM, Chadburn A, Chen Z, Shen H, Isles HM, Pelzer B, Tsialta I, Doane AS, Geng H, Rehman MH, Melnick J, Morgan W, Nguyen DTT, Elemento O, Kharas MG, Jaffrey SR, Scott DW, Khelashvili G, Meyer-Hermann M, Victora GD, Melnick A. BTG1 mutation yields supercompetitive B cells primed for malignant transformation. Science 2023; 379:eabj7412. [PMID: 36656933 PMCID: PMC10515739 DOI: 10.1126/science.abj7412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular life requires altruistic cooperation between cells. The adaptive immune system is a notable exception, wherein germinal center B cells compete vigorously for limiting positive selection signals. Studying primary human lymphomas and developing new mouse models, we found that mutations affecting BTG1 disrupt a critical immune gatekeeper mechanism that strictly limits B cell fitness during antibody affinity maturation. This mechanism converted germinal center B cells into supercompetitors that rapidly outstrip their normal counterparts. This effect was conferred by a small shift in MYC protein induction kinetics but resulted in aggressive invasive lymphomas, which in humans are linked to dire clinical outcomes. Our findings reveal a delicate evolutionary trade-off between natural selection of B cells to provide immunity and potentially dangerous features that recall the more competitive nature of unicellular organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coraline Mlynarczyk
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matt Teater
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juhee Pae
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher R. Chin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Computational Biomedicine, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theinmozhi Arulraj
- Department of Systems Immunology and Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Darko Barisic
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Antonin Papin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth B. Hoehn
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ekaterina Kots
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonatan Ersching
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arnab Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Systems Immunology and Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ersilia Barin
- Department of Pharmacology and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hui Xian Poh
- Department of Pharmacology and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chiara M. Evans
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, and Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy Chadburn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhengming Chen
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hao Shen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hannah M. Isles
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benedikt Pelzer
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ioanna Tsialta
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley S. Doane
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huimin Geng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Muhammad Hassan Rehman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jonah Melnick
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wyatt Morgan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diu T. T. Nguyen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, and Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael G. Kharas
- Molecular Pharmacology Program and Center for Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Therapeutics, and Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samie R. Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David W. Scott
- Centre for Lymphoid Cancer, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - George Khelashvili
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Meyer-Hermann
- Department of Systems Immunology and Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Gabriel D. Victora
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ari Melnick
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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49
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Sarmah H, Sawada A, Hwang Y, Miura A, Shimamura Y, Tanaka J, Yamada K, Mori M. Towards human organ generation using interspecies blastocyst complementation: Challenges and perspectives for therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1070560. [PMID: 36743411 PMCID: PMC9893295 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1070560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of people suffer from end-stage refractory diseases. The ideal treatment option for terminally ill patients is organ transplantation. However, donor organs are in absolute shortage, and sadly, most patients die while waiting for a donor organ. To date, no technology has achieved long-term sustainable patient-derived organ generation. In this regard, emerging technologies of chimeric human organ production via blastocyst complementation (BC) holds great promise. To take human organ generation via BC and transplantation to the next step, we reviewed current emerging organ generation technologies and the associated efficiency of chimera formation in human cells from the standpoint of developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanta Sarmah
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anri Sawada
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Youngmin Hwang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Akihiro Miura
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yuko Shimamura
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Junichi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kazuhiko Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Munemasa Mori
- Department of Medicine, Columbia Center for Human Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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50
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Sollazzo M, Paglia S, Di Giacomo S, Grifoni D. Apoptosis inhibition restrains primary malignant traits in different Drosophila cancer models. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1043630. [PMID: 36704198 PMCID: PMC9871239 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1043630] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells exploit multiple mechanisms to evade apoptosis, hence the strategies aimed at reactivating cell death in cancer. However, recent studies are revealing that dying cells play remarkable pro-oncogenic roles. Among the mechanisms promoting cell death, cell competition, elicited by disparities in MYC activity in confronting cells, plays the primary role of assuring tissue robustness during development from Drosophila to mammals: cells with high MYC levels (winners) overproliferate while killing suboptimal neighbors (losers), whose death is essential to process completion. This mechanism is coopted by tumor cells in cancer initiation, where host cells succumb to high-MYC-expressing precancerous neighbors. Also in this case, inhibition of cell death restrains aberrant cell competition and rescues tissue structure. Inhibition of apoptosis may thus emerge as a good strategy to counteract cancer progression in competitive contexts; of note, we recently found a positive correlation between cell death amount at the tumor/stroma interface and MYC levels in human cancers. Here we used Drosophila to investigate the functional role of competition-dependent apoptosis in advanced cancers, observing dramatic changes in mass dimensions and composition following a boost in cell competition, rescued by apoptosis inhibition. This suggests the role of competition-dependent apoptosis be not confined to the early stages of tumorigenesis. We also show that apoptosis inhibition, beside restricting cancer mass, is sufficient to rescue tissue architecture and counteract cell migration in various cancer contexts, suggesting that a strong activation of the apoptotic pathways intensifies cancer burden by affecting distinct phenotypic traits at different stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Sollazzo
- CanceЯEvolutionLab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Paglia
- CanceЯEvolutionLab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Di Giacomo
- CanceЯEvolutionLab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniela Grifoni
- CanceЯEvolutionLab, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,CanceЯEvolutionLab, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy,*Correspondence: Daniela Grifoni,
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