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Conn VM, Chinnaiyan AM, Conn SJ. Circular RNA in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:597-613. [PMID: 39075222 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00721-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, circular RNA (circRNA) research has evolved into a bona fide research field shedding light on the functional consequence of this unique family of RNA molecules in cancer. Although the method of formation and the abundance of circRNAs can differ from their cognate linear mRNA, the spectrum of interacting partners and their resultant cellular functions in oncogenesis are analogous. However, with 10 times more diversity in circRNA variants compared with linear RNA variants, combined with their hyperstability in the cell, circRNAs are equipped to influence every stage of oncogenesis. This is an opportune time to address the breadth of circRNA in cancer focused on their spatiotemporal expression, mutations in biogenesis factors and contemporary functions through each stage of cancer. In this Review, we highlight examples of functional circRNAs in specific cancers, which satisfy critical criteria, including their physical co-association with the target and circRNA abundance at stoichiometrically valid quantities. These considerations are essential to develop strategies for the therapeutic exploitation of circRNAs as biomarkers and targeted anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Conn
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Simon J Conn
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.
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Limonta P, Chiaramonte R, Casati L. Unveiling the Dynamic Interplay between Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment in Melanoma: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2861. [PMID: 39199632 PMCID: PMC11352669 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162861] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma still represents a significant health burden worldwide, being responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Key advances in therapeutic strategies have significantly improved patient outcomes; however, most patients experience drug resistance and tumor relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells in different tumors, including melanoma, endowed with distinctive capacities of self-renewal and differentiation into bulk tumor cells. Melanoma CSCs are characterized by the expression of specific biomarkers and intracellular pathways; moreover, they play a pivotal role in tumor onset, progression and drug resistance. In recent years, great efforts have been made to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the protumor activities of melanoma CSCs to provide the basis for novel CSC-targeted therapies. Herein, we highlight the intricate crosstalk between melanoma CSCs and bystander cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cells, endothelial cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and its role in melanoma progression. Specifically, we discuss the peculiar capacities of melanoma CSCs to escape the host immune surveillance, to recruit immunosuppressive cells and to educate immune cells toward an immunosuppressive and protumor phenotype. We also address currently investigated CSC-targeted strategies that could pave the way for new promising therapeutic approaches for melanoma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Limonta
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences “R. Paoletti”, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Chiaramonte
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy;
| | - Lavinia Casati
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milan, Italy;
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Kuo HY, Khan KA, Kerbel RS. Antiangiogenic-immune-checkpoint inhibitor combinations: lessons from phase III clinical trials. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:468-482. [PMID: 38600370 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00886-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Antiangiogenic agents, generally antibodies or tyrosine-kinase inhibitors that target the VEGF-VEGFR pathway, are currently among the few combination partners clinically proven to improve the efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This benefit has been demonstrated in pivotal phase III trials across different cancer types, some with practice-changing results; however, numerous phase III trials have also had negative results. The rationale for using antiangiogenic drugs as partners for ICIs relies primarily on blocking the multiple immunosuppressive effects of VEGF and inducing several different vascular-modulating effects that can stimulate immunity, such as vascular normalization leading to increased intratumoural blood perfusion and flow, and inhibition of pro-apoptotic effects of endothelial cells on T cells, among others. Conversely, VEGF blockade can also cause changes that suppress antitumour immunity, such as increased tumour hypoxia, and reduced intratumoural ingress of co-administered ICIs. As a result, the net clinical benefits from antiangiogenic-ICI combinations will be determined by the balance between the opposing effects of VEGF signalling and its inhibition on the antitumour immune response. In this Perspective, we summarize the results from the currently completed phase III trials evaluating antiangiogenic agent-ICI combinations. We also discuss strategies to improve the efficacy of these combinations, focusing on aspects that include the deleterious functions of VEGF-VEGFR inhibition on antitumour immunity, vessel co-option as a driver of non-angiogenic tumour growth, clinical trial design, or the rationale for drug selection, dosing and scheduling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yang Kuo
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, and Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Kabir A Khan
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Robert S Kerbel
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Qian W, Yang L, Li T, Li W, Zhou J, Xie S. RNA modifications in pulmonary diseases. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e546. [PMID: 38706740 PMCID: PMC11068158 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.546] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Threatening public health, pulmonary disease (PD) encompasses diverse lung injuries like chronic obstructive PD, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary infections due to pathogen invasion, and fatal lung cancer. The crucial involvement of RNA epigenetic modifications in PD pathogenesis is underscored by robust evidence. These modifications not only shape cell fates but also finely modulate the expression of genes linked to disease progression, suggesting their utility as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic strategies. The critical RNA modifications implicated in PDs are summarized in this review, including N6-methylation of adenosine, N1-methylation of adenosine, 5-methylcytosine, pseudouridine (5-ribosyl uracil), 7-methylguanosine, and adenosine to inosine editing, along with relevant regulatory mechanisms. By shedding light on the pathology of PDs, these summaries could spur the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies, ultimately paving the way for early PD diagnosis and treatment innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Qian
- Emergency Department of Emergency MedicineLaboratory of Emergency Medicine, West China Hospital, And Disaster Medical, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Emergency DepartmentShangjinnanfu Hospital, West China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Lvying Yang
- The Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Veterans Hospital of Sichuan ProvinceChengduSichuanChina
| | - Tianlong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
| | - Wanlin Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Jian Zhou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National‐Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical SchoolShenzhenChina
- Department of ImmunologyInternational Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science CenterShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Shenglong Xie
- Department of Thoracic SurgerySichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduSichuanChina
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Khorami-Sarvestani S, Vanaki N, Shojaeian S, Zarnani K, Stensballe A, Jeddi-Tehrani M, Zarnani AH. Placenta: an old organ with new functions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385762. [PMID: 38707901 PMCID: PMC11066266 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition from oviparity to viviparity and the establishment of feto-maternal communications introduced the placenta as the major anatomical site to provide nutrients, gases, and hormones to the developing fetus. The placenta has endocrine functions, orchestrates maternal adaptations to pregnancy at different periods of pregnancy, and acts as a selective barrier to minimize exposure of developing fetus to xenobiotics, pathogens, and parasites. Despite the fact that this ancient organ is central for establishment of a normal pregnancy in eutherians, the placenta remains one of the least studied organs. The first step of pregnancy, embryo implantation, is finely regulated by the trophoectoderm, the precursor of all trophoblast cells. There is a bidirectional communication between placenta and endometrium leading to decidualization, a critical step for maintenance of pregnancy. There are three-direction interactions between the placenta, maternal immune cells, and the endometrium for adaptation of endometrial immune system to the allogeneic fetus. While 65% of all systemically expressed human proteins have been found in the placenta tissues, it expresses numerous placenta-specific proteins, whose expression are dramatically changed in gestational diseases and could serve as biomarkers for early detection of gestational diseases. Surprisingly, placentation and carcinogenesis exhibit numerous shared features in metabolism and cell behavior, proteins and molecular signatures, signaling pathways, and tissue microenvironment, which proposes the concept of "cancer as ectopic trophoblastic cells". By extensive researches in this novel field, a handful of cancer biomarkers has been discovered. This review paper, which has been inspired in part by our extensive experiences during the past couple of years, highlights new aspects of placental functions with emphasis on its immunomodulatory role in establishment of a successful pregnancy and on a potential link between placentation and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khorami-Sarvestani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Vanaki
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sorour Shojaeian
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medical Sciences, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kayhan Zarnani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Allan Stensballe
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mahmood Jeddi-Tehrani
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Hassan Zarnani
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Tang H, Chen L, Liu X, Zeng S, Tan H, Chen G. Pan-cancer dissection of vasculogenic mimicry characteristic to provide potential therapeutic targets. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1346719. [PMID: 38694917 PMCID: PMC11061449 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1346719] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) represents a novel form of tumor angiogenesis that is associated with tumor invasiveness and drug resistance. However, the VM landscape across cancer types remains poorly understood. In this study, we elucidate the characterizations of VM across cancers based on multi-omics data and provide potential targeted therapeutic strategies. Methods Multi-omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to conduct comprehensive analyses of the characteristics of VM related genes (VRGs) across cancer types. Pan-cancer vasculogenic mimicry score was established to provide a depiction of the VM landscape across cancer types. The correlation between VM and cancer phenotypes was conducted to explore potential regulatory mechanisms of VM. We further systematically examined the relationship between VM and both tumor immunity and tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, cell communication analysis based on single-cell transcriptome data was used to investigate the interactions between VM cells and TME. Finally, transcriptional and drug response data from the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database were utilized to identify potential therapeutic targets and drugs. The impact of VM on immunotherapy was also further clarified. Results Our study revealed that VRGs were dysregulated in tumor and regulated by multiple mechanisms. Then, VM level was found to be heterogeneous among different tumors and correlated with tumor invasiveness, metastatic potential, malignancy, and prognosis. VM was found to be strongly associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further analyses revealed cancer-associated fibroblasts can promote EMT and VM formation. Furthermore, the immune-suppressive state is associated with a microenvironment characterized by high levels of VM. VM score can be used as an indicator to predict the effect of immunotherapy. Finally, seven potential drugs targeting VM were identified. Conclusion In conclusion, we elucidate the characteristics and key regulatory mechanisms of VM across various cancer types, underscoring the pivotal role of CAFs in VM. VM was further found to be associated with the immunosuppressive TME. We also provide clues for the research of drugs targeting VM. Our study provides an initial overview and reference point for future research on VM, opening up new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Tang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liuxun Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xvdong Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengjie Zeng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Tan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Zhu Q, Zhang X, Lu F, Miao S, Zhang C, Liu Z, Gao Z, Qi M, An X, Geng P, Wang S, Ren H, Han F, Zhang R, Zha D. RUNX1-BMP2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:227. [PMID: 38610001 PMCID: PMC11010429 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01605-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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis and refers to the formation of fluid channels by invasive tumor cells rather than endothelial cells. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying VM during the malignant progression of LSCC remain largely unknown. METHODS Gene expression and clinical data for LSCC were obtained from the TCGA and Gene GEO (GSE27020) databases. A risk prediction model associated with VM was established using LASSO and Cox regression analyses. Based on their risk scores, patients with LSCC were categorized into high- and low-risk groups. The disparities in immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and functional enrichment between these two groups were examined. The core genes in LSCC were identified using the machine learning (SVM-RFE) and WGCNA algorithms. Subsequently, the involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in VM and metastasis was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the downstream signaling pathways regulated by BMP2, western blotting was performed. Additionally, ChIP experiments were employed to identify the key transcription factors responsible for modulating the expression of BMP2. RESULTS We established a new precise prognostic model for LSCC related to VM based on three genes: BMP2, EPO, and AGPS. The ROC curves from both TCGA and GSE27020 validation cohorts demonstrated precision survival prediction capabilities, with the nomogram showing some net clinical benefit. Multiple algorithm analyses indicated BMP2 as a potential core gene. Further experiments suggested that BMP2 promotes VM and metastasis in LSCC. The malignant progression of LSCC is promoted by BMP2 via the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, with the high expression of BMP2 in LSCC resulting from its transcriptional activation by runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1). CONCLUSION BMP2 predicts poor prognosis in LSCC, promotes LSCC VM and metastasis through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and is transcriptionally regulated by RUNX1. BMP2 may be a novel, precise, diagnostic, and therapeutic biomarker of LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwen Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fei Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Siyu Miao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zejun Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meihao Qi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaogang An
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Panling Geng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sufang Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongbo Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fugen Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruyue Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - DingJun Zha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Hsu JL, Leu WJ, Hsu LC, Hsieh CH, Guh JH. Doxazosin inhibits vasculogenic mimicry in human non‑small cell lung cancer through inhibition of the VEGF‑A/VE‑cadherin/mTOR/MMP pathway. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:170. [PMID: 38455663 PMCID: PMC10918514 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and ~85% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which has a low 5-year overall survival rate and high mortality. Several therapeutic strategies have been developed, such as targeted therapy, immuno-oncotherapy and combination therapy. However, the low survival rate indicates the urgent need for new NSCLC treatments. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an endothelial cell-free tumor blood supply system of aggressive and metastatic tumor cells present during tumor neovascularization. VM is clinically responsible for tumor metastasis and resistance, and is correlated with poor prognosis in NSCLC, making it a potential therapeutic target. In the present study, A549 cells formed glycoprotein-rich lined tubular structures, and transcript levels of VM-related genes were markedly upregulated in VM-forming cells. Based on a drug repurposing strategy, it was demonstrated that doxazosin (an antihypertensive drug) displayed inhibitory activity on VM formation at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Doxazosin significantly reduced the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the cell media during VM formation. Further experiments revealed that the protein expression levels of VEGF-A and vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin), which contribute to tumor aggressiveness and VM formation, were downregulated following doxazosin treatment. Moreover, the downstream signaling Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2)/AKT/mTOR/MMP/Laminin-5γ2 network was inhibited in response to doxazosin treatment. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that doxazosin displayed anti-VM activity in an NSCLC cell model through the downregulation of VEGF-A and VE-cadherin levels, and the suppression of signaling pathways related to the receptor tyrosine kinase, EphA2, protein kinases, AKT and mTOR, and proteases, MMP-2 and MMP-9. These results support the add-on anti-VM effect of doxazosin as a potential agent against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Ling Hsu
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang-Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, R.O.C
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City 236, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wohn-Jenn Leu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Lih-Ching Hsu
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chia-Hsun Hsieh
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City 236, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, R.O.C
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Jih-Hwa Guh
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Wang Y, Zou L, Song M, Zong J, Wang S, Meng L, Jia Z, Zhao L, Han X, Lu M. Establishment of skin cutaneous melanoma prognosis model based on vascular mimicry risk score. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36679. [PMID: 38363903 PMCID: PMC10869071 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies have indicated that Vascular mimicry (VM) could contribute to the unfavorable prognosis of skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). Thus, the objective of this study was to identify therapeutic targets associated with VM in SKCM and develop a novel prognostic model. Gene expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By intersecting these DEGs with VM genes, we acquired VM-related DEGs specific to SKCM, and then identified prognostic-related VM genes. A VM risk score system was established based on these prognosis-associated VM genes, and patients were then categorized into high- and low-score groups using the median score. Subsequently, differences in clinical characteristics, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and other analyses were further presented between the 2 groups of patients. Finally, a novel prognostic model for SKCM was established using the VM score and clinical characteristics. 26 VM-related DEGs were identified in SKCM, among the identified DEGs associated with VM in SKCM, 5 genes were found to be prognostic-related. The VM risk score system, comprised of these genes, is an independent prognostic risk factor. There were significant differences between the 2 patient groups in terms of age, pathological stage, and T stage. VM risk scores are associated with epithelial biological processes, angiogenesis, regulation of the SKCM immune microenvironment, and sensitivity to targeted drugs. The novel prognostic model demonstrates excellent predictive ability. Our study identified VM-related prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for SKCM, providing novel insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Wang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Trauma and Tissue Repair Surgery, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Linxuan Zou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mingzhi Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Junwei Zong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Meng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanhua Medical University, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhuqiang Jia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Naqu People’s Hospital, Tibet, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Quality Management, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Xin Han
- Naqu People’s Hospital, Tibet, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Trauma and Tissue Repair Surgery, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, China
- Department of Trauma and Tissue Repair Surgery, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Resendiz-Hernández M, García-Hernández AP, Silva-Cázares MB, Coronado-Uribe R, Hernández-de la Cruz ON, Arriaga-Pizano LA, Prieto-Chávez JL, Salinas-Vera YM, Ibarra-Sierra E, Ortiz-Martínez C, López-Camarillo C. MicroRNA-204 Regulates Angiogenesis and Vasculogenic Mimicry in CD44+/CD24- Breast Cancer Stem-like Cells. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:14. [PMID: 38392969 PMCID: PMC10891775 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors have high requirements in terms of nutrients and oxygen. Angiogenesis is the classical mechanism for vessel formation. Tumoral vascularization has the function of nourishing the cancer cells to support tumor growth. Vasculogenic mimicry, a novel intratumoral microcirculation system, alludes to the ability of cancer cells to organize in three-dimensional (3D) channel-like architectures. It also supplies the tumors with nutrients and oxygen. Both mechanisms operate in a coordinated way; however, their functions in breast cancer stem-like cells and their regulation by microRNAs remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated the functional role of microRNA-204 (miR-204) on angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry in breast cancer stem-like cells. Using flow cytometry assays, we found that 86.1% of MDA-MB-231 and 92% of Hs-578t breast cancer cells showed the CD44+/CD24- immunophenotype representative of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). The MDA-MB-231 subpopulation of CSCs exhibited the ability to form mammospheres, as expected. Interestingly, we found that the restoration of miR-204 expression in CSCs significantly inhibited the number and size of the mammospheres. Moreover, we found that MDA-MB-231 and Hs-578t CSCs efficiently undergo angiogenesis and hypoxia-induced vasculogenic mimicry in vitro. The transfection of precursor miR-204 in both CSCs was able to impair the angiogenesis in the HUVEC cell model, which was observed as a diminution in the number of polygons and sprouting cells. Remarkably, miR-204 mimics also resulted in the inhibition of vasculogenic mimicry formation in MDA-MB-231 and Hs-578t CSCs, with a significant reduction in the number of channel-like structures and branch points. Mechanistically, the effects of miR-204 were associated with a diminution of pro-angiogenic VEGFA and β-catenin protein levels. In conclusion, our findings indicated that miR-204 abrogates the angiogenesis and vasculogenic mimicry development in breast cancer stem-like cells, suggesting that it could be a potential tool for breast cancer intervention based on microRNA replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Resendiz-Hernández
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Alejandra P. García-Hernández
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Macrina B. Silva-Cázares
- Unidad Academica Multidisciplinaria Región Altiplano, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Matehuala 78760, San Luis Potosí, Mexico;
| | - Rogelio Coronado-Uribe
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Olga N. Hernández-de la Cruz
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Lourdes A. Arriaga-Pizano
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunoquímica, Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, CDMX 06720, Mexico;
| | - Jessica L. Prieto-Chávez
- Laboratorio de Citometría de Flujo, Centro de Instrumentos, Coordinación de Investigación en Salud, Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, CDMX 06720, Mexico;
| | - Yarely M. Salinas-Vera
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
| | - Eloisa Ibarra-Sierra
- Departamento de Investigación, Instituto Estatal de Cancerologia “Dr. Arturo Beltrán Ortega”, Acapulco 39610, Guerrero, Mexico;
| | - Concepción Ortiz-Martínez
- Servicio de Ginecología Oncológica, Instituto Estatal de Cancerologia “Dr. Arturo Beltrán Ortega”, Acapulco 39610, Guerrero, Mexico;
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, CDMX 03100, Mexico; (M.R.-H.); (A.P.G.-H.); (O.N.H.-d.l.C.); (Y.M.S.-V.)
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Yan L, Li R, Li D, Zhu Y, Lv Z, Wang B. Development of a novel vasculogenic mimicry-associated gene signature for the prognostic assessment of osteosarcoma patients. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:3501-3518. [PMID: 37219824 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03218-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma (OS) is a form of primary bone malignancy associated with poor prognostic outcomes. Recent work has highlighted vasculogenic mimicry (VM) as a key mechanism that supports aggressive tumor growth. The patterns of VM-associated gene expression in OS and the relationship between these genes and patient outcomes, however, have yet to be defined. METHODS Here, 48 VM-related genes were systematically assessed to examine correlations between the expression of these genes and OS patient prognosis in the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) cohort. Patients were classified into three OS subtypes. Differentially expressed genes for these three OS subtypes were then compared with hub genes detected in a weighted gene co-expression network analysis, leading to the identification of 163 overlapping genes that were subject to further biological activity analyses. A three-gene signature (CGREF1, CORT, and GALNT14) was ultimately constructed through a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis, and this signature was used to separate patients into low- and high-risk groups. The K-M survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and decision curve analysis were adopted to evaluate the prognostic prediction performance of the signature. Furthermore, the expression patterns of three genes derived from the prognostic model were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS VM-associated gene expression patterns were successfully established, and three VM subtypes of OS that were associated with patient prognosis and copy number variants were defined. The developed three-gene signature was constructed, which served as independent prognostic markers and prediction factors for the clinicopathological features of OS. Finally, lastly, the signature may also have a guiding effect on the sensitivity of different chemotherapeutic drugs. CONCLUSION Overall, these analyses facilitated the development of a prognostic VM-associated gene signature capable of predicting OS patient outcomes. This signature may be of value for both studies of the mechanistic basis for VM and clinical decision-making in the context of OS patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ruoqi Li
- General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Dijun Li
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhi Lv
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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12
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Huang J, Wang C, Hou Y, Tian Y, Li Y, Zhang H, Zhang L, Li W. Molecular mechanisms of Thrombospondin-2 modulates tumor vasculogenic mimicry by PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115455. [PMID: 37696083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) differs from the classical tumor angiogenesis model. VM does not depend on endothelial cells; instead, highly aggressive tumor cells mimic endothelial cells to form a vascular-like channel structure. VM mediated by tumor cells is significantly and positively associated with a poor prognosis and low survival rates in patients with highly aggressive cancer. In the treatment of highly aggressive malignancies, the presence of VM is considered an important reason for the unsatisfactory clinical efficacy of anti-tumor-angiogenesis therapy (e.g., therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A). Many targeted therapeutic drugs based on traditional tumor blood vessels have been used clinically. Although some progress has been made in certain tumors, problems such as drug resistance have restricted the expected therapeutic effects. Thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) is one of the most important genes associated with angiogenesis, and this gene exerts angiogenesis-related functions through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Although the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is closely related to the progression of VM, the mechanism by which the promising biomarker THBS2 participates in and regulates tumor VM by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is unclear. In this review, we analyze the monomer structure and biological activity of THBS2, the structure and potential synthesis mechanisms of VM, and the complex mechanisms between THBS2, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yixuan Hou
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tian
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yanru Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Wei Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, The College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China.
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13
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Pérez-Gutiérrez L, Ferrara N. Biology and therapeutic targeting of vascular endothelial growth factor A. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:816-834. [PMID: 37491579 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00631-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels, called angiogenesis, is an essential pathophysiological process in which several families of regulators have been implicated. Among these, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA; also known as VEGF) and its two tyrosine kinase receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, represent a key signalling pathway mediating physiological angiogenesis and are also major therapeutic targets. VEGFA is a member of the gene family that includes VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFD and placental growth factor (PLGF). Three decades after its initial isolation and cloning, VEGFA is arguably the most extensively investigated signalling system in angiogenesis. Although many mediators of angiogenesis have been identified, including members of the FGF family, angiopoietins, TGFβ and sphingosine 1-phosphate, all current FDA-approved anti-angiogenic drugs target the VEGF pathway. Anti-VEGF agents are widely used in oncology and, in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, are now the standard of care in multiple malignancies. Anti-VEGF drugs have also revolutionized the treatment of neovascular eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and ischaemic retinal disorders. In this Review, we emphasize the molecular, structural and cellular basis of VEGFA action as well as recent findings illustrating unexpected interactions with other pathways and provocative reports on the role of VEGFA in regenerative medicine. We also discuss clinical and translational aspects of VEGFA. Given the crucial role that VEGFA plays in regulating angiogenesis in health and disease, this molecule is largely the focus of this Review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pérez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Napoleone Ferrara
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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14
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Nowosad A, Marine JC, Karras P. Perivascular niches: critical hubs in cancer evolution. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:897-910. [PMID: 37453870 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Tumors are heterogeneous ecosystems in which cancer cells coexist within a complex tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The malignant, stromal, and immune cell compartments establish a plethora of bidirectional cell-cell communication crosstalks that influence tumor growth and metastatic dissemination, which we are only beginning to understand. Cancer cells either co-opt or promote the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels to cope with their need for nutrients and oxygen. Recent studies have highlighted additional key roles for the tumor vasculature and have identified the perivascular niche as a cellular hub, where intricate and dynamic cellular interactions promote cancer stemness, immune evasion, dormancy, and metastatic spreading. Here, we review these findings, and discuss how they may be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Nowosad
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Uceda-Castro R, Margarido AS, Song JY, de Gooijer MC, Messal HA, Chambers CR, Nobis M, Çitirikkaya CH, Hahn K, Seinstra D, Herrmann D, Timpson P, Wesseling P, van Tellingen O, Vennin C, van Rheenen J. BCRP drives intrinsic chemoresistance in chemotherapy-naïve breast cancer brain metastasis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabp9530. [PMID: 37851804 PMCID: PMC10584345 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abp9530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Although initially successful, treatments with chemotherapy often fail because of the recurrence of chemoresistant metastases. Since these tumors develop after treatment, resistance is generally thought to occur in response to chemotherapy. However, alternative mechanisms of intrinsic chemoresistance in the chemotherapy-naïve setting may exist but remain poorly understood. Here, we study drug-naïve murine breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) to identify how cancer cells growing in a secondary site can acquire intrinsic chemoresistance without cytotoxic agent exposure. We demonstrate that drug-naïve murine breast cancer cells that form cancer lesions in the brain undergo vascular mimicry and concomitantly express the adenosine 5'-triphosphate-binding cassette transporter breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), a common marker of brain endothelial cells. We reveal that expression of BCRP by the BCBM tumor cells protects them against doxorubicin and topotecan. We conclude that BCRP overexpression can cause intrinsic chemoresistance in cancer cells growing in metastatic sites without prior chemotherapy exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Uceda-Castro
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andreia S. Margarido
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ji-Ying Song
- Division of Experimental Animal Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mark C. de Gooijer
- Division of Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Hendrik A. Messal
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cecilia R. Chambers
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Max Nobis
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ceren H. Çitirikkaya
- Division of Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kerstin Hahn
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Danielle Seinstra
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/VUmc and Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - David Herrmann
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Pieter Wesseling
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/VUmc and Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Olaf van Tellingen
- Division of Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Mouse Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Claire Vennin
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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16
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Pearsall SM, Williamson SC, Humphrey S, Hughes E, Morgan D, García Marqués FJ, Awanis G, Carroll R, Burks L, Shue YT, Bermudez A, Frese KK, Galvin M, Carter M, Priest L, Kerr A, Zhou C, Oliver TG, Humphries JD, Humphries MJ, Blackhall F, Cannell IG, Pitteri SJ, Hannon GJ, Sage J, Dive C, Simpson KL. Lineage Plasticity in SCLC Generates Non-Neuroendocrine Cells Primed for Vasculogenic Mimicry. J Thorac Oncol 2023; 18:1362-1385. [PMID: 37455012 PMCID: PMC10561473 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), the process of tumor cell transdifferentiation to endow endothelial-like characteristics supporting de novo vessel formation, is associated with poor prognosis in several tumor types, including SCLC. In genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of SCLC, NOTCH, and MYC co-operate to drive a neuroendocrine (NE) to non-NE phenotypic switch, and co-operation between NE and non-NE cells is required for metastasis. Here, we define the phenotype of VM-competent cells and molecular mechanisms underpinning SCLC VM using circulating tumor cell-derived explant (CDX) models and GEMMs. METHODS We analyzed perfusion within VM vessels and their association with NE and non-NE phenotypes using multiplex immunohistochemistry in CDX, GEMMs, and patient biopsies. We evaluated their three-dimensional structure and defined collagen-integrin interactions. RESULTS We found that VM vessels are present in 23/25 CDX models, 2 GEMMs, and in 20 patient biopsies of SCLC. Perfused VM vessels support tumor growth and only NOTCH-active non-NE cells are VM-competent in vivo and ex vivo, expressing pseudohypoxia, blood vessel development, and extracellular matrix organization signatures. On Matrigel, VM-primed non-NE cells remodel extracellular matrix into hollow tubules in an integrin β1-dependent process. CONCLUSIONS We identified VM as an exemplar of functional heterogeneity and plasticity in SCLC and these findings take considerable steps toward understanding the molecular events that enable VM. These results support therapeutic co-targeting of both NE and non-NE cells to curtail SCLC progression and to improve the outcomes of patients with SCLC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Pearsall
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart C Williamson
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Humphrey
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ellyn Hughes
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Derrick Morgan
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Griselda Awanis
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Carroll
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Burks
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Yan Ting Shue
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Abel Bermudez
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford, California
| | - Kristopher K Frese
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie Galvin
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew Carter
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lynsey Priest
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Kerr
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Cong Zhou
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Trudy G Oliver
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jonathan D Humphries
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J Humphries
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Blackhall
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom; Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ian G Cannell
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon J Pitteri
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford, California
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Sage
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Caroline Dive
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Kathryn L Simpson
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, Manchester, United Kingdom
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17
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Cannell IG, Sawicka K, Pearsall I, Wild SA, Deighton L, Pearsall SM, Lerda G, Joud F, Khan S, Bruna A, Simpson KL, Mulvey CM, Nugent F, Qosaj F, Bressan D, Dive C, Caldas C, Hannon GJ. FOXC2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry and resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112791. [PMID: 37499655 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes the formation of pseudo blood vessels constructed of tumor cells that have acquired endothelial-like properties. VM channels endow the tumor with a tumor-derived vascular system that directly connects to host blood vessels, and their presence is generally associated with poor patient prognosis. Here we show that the transcription factor, Foxc2, promotes VM in diverse solid tumor types by driving ectopic expression of endothelial genes in tumor cells, a process that is stimulated by hypoxia. VM-proficient tumors are resistant to anti-angiogenic therapy, and suppression of Foxc2 augments response. This work establishes co-option of an embryonic endothelial transcription factor by tumor cells as a key mechanism driving VM proclivity and motivates the search for VM-inhibitory agents that could form the basis of combination therapies with anti-angiogenics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian G Cannell
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; New York Genome Center, 101 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013, USA.
| | - Kirsty Sawicka
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; New York Genome Center, 101 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Isabella Pearsall
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; New York Genome Center, 101 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Sophia A Wild
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Lauren Deighton
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Sarah M Pearsall
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; CRUK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Giulia Lerda
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Fadwa Joud
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Showkhin Khan
- New York Genome Center, 101 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Alejandra Bruna
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; Preclinical Modelling of Paediatric Cancer Evolution Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5N, UK
| | - Kathryn L Simpson
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; CRUK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Claire M Mulvey
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Fiona Nugent
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Fatime Qosaj
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Dario Bressan
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Caroline Dive
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Biomarker Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; CRUK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Carlos Caldas
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; Department of Oncology and Breast Cancer Programme, CRUK Cambridge Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS and University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; New York Genome Center, 101 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013, USA.
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18
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Davies A, Zoubeidi A, Beltran H, Selth LA. The Transcriptional and Epigenetic Landscape of Cancer Cell Lineage Plasticity. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:1771-1788. [PMID: 37470668 PMCID: PMC10527883 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Lineage plasticity, a process whereby cells change their phenotype to take on a different molecular and/or histologic identity, is a key driver of cancer progression and therapy resistance. Although underlying genetic changes within the tumor can enhance lineage plasticity, it is predominantly a dynamic process controlled by transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation. This review explores the transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of lineage plasticity and their interplay with other features of malignancy, such as dysregulated metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and immune evasion. We also discuss strategies for the detection and treatment of highly plastic tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Lineage plasticity is a hallmark of cancer and a critical facilitator of other oncogenic features such as metastasis, therapy resistance, dysregulated metabolism, and immune evasion. It is essential that the molecular mechanisms of lineage plasticity are elucidated to enable the development of strategies to effectively target this phenomenon. In this review, we describe key transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of cancer cell plasticity, in the process highlighting therapeutic approaches that may be harnessed for patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Davies
- Oncology Research Discovery, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luke A. Selth
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute and Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042 Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005 Australia
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19
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Delgado-Bellido D, Oliver FJ, Vargas Padilla MV, Lobo-Selma L, Chacón-Barrado A, Díaz-Martin J, de Álava E. VE-Cadherin in Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis: A Deceptive Strategy of Blood Vessel Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119343. [PMID: 37298296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth depends on the vascular system, either through the expansion of blood vessels or novel adaptation by tumor cells. One of these novel pathways is vasculogenic mimicry (VM), which is defined as a tumor-provided vascular system apart from endothelial cell-lined vessels, and its origin is partly unknown. It involves highly aggressive tumor cells expressing endothelial cell markers that line the tumor irrigation. VM has been correlated with high tumor grade, cancer cell invasion, cancer cell metastasis, and reduced survival of cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the most relevant studies in the field of angiogenesis and cover the various aspects and functionality of aberrant angiogenesis by tumor cells. We also discuss the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in the abnormal presence of VE-cadherin (CDH5) and its role in VM formation. Finally, we present the implications for the paradigm of tumor angiogenesis and how targeted therapy and individualized studies can be applied in scientific analysis and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Delgado-Bellido
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERONC, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - F J Oliver
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Laura Lobo-Selma
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | | | - Juan Díaz-Martin
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERONC, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Enrique de Álava
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERONC, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Department of Normal and Pathological Cytology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
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20
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Morretta E, Brullo C, Belvedere R, Petrella A, Spallarossa A, Monti MC. Targeting USP-7 by a Novel Fluorinated 5-Pyrazolyl-Urea Derivative. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119200. [PMID: 37298148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of innovative technologies on the target discovery has been employed here to characterize the interactome of STIRUR 41, a promising 3-fluoro-phenyl-5-pyrazolyl-urea derivative endowed with anti-cancer activity, on neuroblastoma-related cells. A drug affinity responsive target stability-based proteomic platform has been optimized to elucidate the molecular mechanism at the basis of STIRUR 41 action, together with immunoblotting analysis and in silico molecular docking. Ubiquitin Specific Protease 7 (USP-7), one of the deubiquitinating enzymes which protect substrate proteins from proteasomal degradation, has been identified as the most affine STIRUR 41 target. As further demonstrated by in vitro and in-cell assays, STIRUR 41 was able to inhibit both the enzymatic activity of USP-7 and its expression levels in neuroblastoma-related cells, thus laying an encouraging base for the blockade of USP-7 downstream signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elva Morretta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Brullo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Raffaella Belvedere
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonello Petrella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Andrea Spallarossa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy
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21
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Mani N, Andrews D, Obeng RC. Modulation of T cell function and survival by the tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1191774. [PMID: 37274739 PMCID: PMC10232912 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1191774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is shifting paradigms in cancer care. T cells are an indispensable component of an effective antitumor immunity and durable clinical responses. However, the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), which consists of a wide range of cells that exert positive and negative effects on T cell function and survival, makes achieving robust and durable T cell responses difficult. Additionally, tumor biology, structural and architectural features, intratumoral nutrients and soluble factors, and metabolism impact the quality of the T cell response. We discuss the factors and interactions that modulate T cell function and survive in the TME that affect the overall quality of the antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Mani
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dathan Andrews
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Rebecca C. Obeng
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
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22
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Parab S, Setten E, Astanina E, Bussolino F, Doronzo G. The tissue-specific transcriptional landscape underlines the involvement of endothelial cells in health and disease. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 246:108418. [PMID: 37088448 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108418] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) that line vascular and lymphatic vessels are being increasingly recognized as important to organ function in health and disease. ECs participate not only in the trafficking of gases, metabolites, and cells between the bloodstream and tissues but also in the angiocrine-based induction of heterogeneous parenchymal cells, which are unique to their specific tissue functions. The molecular mechanisms regulating EC heterogeneity between and within different tissues are modeled during embryogenesis and become fully established in adults. Any changes in adult tissue homeostasis induced by aging, stress conditions, and various noxae may reshape EC heterogeneity and induce specific transcriptional features that condition a functional phenotype. Heterogeneity is sustained via specific genetic programs organized through the combinatory effects of a discrete number of transcription factors (TFs) that, at the single tissue-level, constitute dynamic networks that are post-transcriptionally and epigenetically regulated. This review is focused on outlining the TF-based networks involved in EC specialization and physiological and pathological stressors thought to modify their architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushant Parab
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, IT, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy
| | - Elisa Setten
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, IT, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy
| | - Elena Astanina
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, IT, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Doronzo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, IT, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, Candiolo, Torino, IT, Italy
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23
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Ma XR, Lu JJ, Huang B, Lu XY, Li RT, Ye RR. Heteronuclear Ru(II)-Re(I) complexes as potential photodynamic anticancer agents with anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic activities. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 240:112090. [PMID: 36543061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.112090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Herein, three heterometallic Ru(II)-Re(I) complexes, [Ru(NN)2(tpphz)Re(CO)3Cl](PF6)2 (N-N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy, in RuRe1), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen, in RuRe2), 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (DIP, in RuRe3), tpphz = tetrapyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c:3″,2″-h:2″',3″'-j]phenazine), using tpphz as a bridging ligand to connect Ru(II) polypyridyl moiety and Re(I) tricarbonyl moiety were designed and synthesized. Cytotoxicity tests revealed that RuRe1-3 exhibited high phototoxicities against several cancer cell lines tested, with IC50 values ranging from 0.8 to 6.8 μM. Notably, RuRe2 exhibited the most significant increase in cytotoxicity against human prostate cancer (PC3) cells under light (450 nm) irradiation, with phototoxicity index (PI) value increasing by >112.3-fold. Further mechanistic studies of RuRe2 revealed that RuRe2-mediated PDT could induce tumor cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Moreover, RuRe2-mediated PDT could inhibit PC3 cell scratch healing and reduce the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor VEGFR2. Finally, angiogenic activity assays performed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed that RuRe2 exerted an anti-angiogenesis effect. Our study demonstrated that RuRe1-3 were promising PDT antitumor agents with potential anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Rong Ma
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Jun-Jian Lu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Bo Huang
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, PR China.
| | - Xing-Yun Lu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Rong-Tao Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, PR China.
| | - Rui-Rong Ye
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, PR China.
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24
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Tímár J, Honn KV, Hendrix MJC, Marko-Varga G, Jalkanen S. Newly identified form of phenotypic plasticity of cancer: immunogenic mimicry. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:323-334. [PMID: 36754910 PMCID: PMC10014767 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer plasticity is now a recognized new hallmark of cancer which is due to disturbances of cell differentiation programs. It is manifested not only in various forms like the best-known epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) but also in vasculogenic and megakaryocytic mimicries regulated by EMT-specific or less-specific transcription factors such as HIF1a or STAT1/2. Studies in the past decades provided ample data that cancer plasticity can be manifested also in the expression of a vast array of immune cell genes; best-known examples are PDL1/CD274, CD47, or IDO, and we termed it immunogenic mimicry (IGM). However, unlike other types of plasticities which are epigenetically regulated, expression of IGM genes are frequently due to gene amplifications. It is important that the majority of the IGM genes are regulated by interferons (IFNs) suggesting that their protein expressions are regulated by the immune microenvironment. Most of the IGM genes have been shown to be involved in immune escape of cancers broadening the repertoire of these mechanisms and offering novel targets for immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Tímár
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Department of Biology, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV, USA
| | - György Marko-Varga
- Clinical Protein Science and Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sirpa Jalkanen
- Medicity Research Laboratories, Turku, Finland.,InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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25
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Qiao T, Yang W, He X, Song P, Chen X, Liu R, Xiao J, Yang X, Li M, Gao Y, Chen G, Lu Y, Zhang J, Leng J, Ren H. Dynamic differentiation of F4/80+ tumor-associated macrophage and its role in tumor vascularization in a syngeneic mouse model of colorectal liver metastasis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:117. [PMID: 36781833 PMCID: PMC9925731 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05626-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are highly heterogeneous and play vital roles in tumor progression. Here we adopted a C57BL/6 mouse model imitating the late-stage colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) by Mc38 colorectal cancer cell injection via the portal vein. With serial sections of CRLM biopsies, we defined 7-9 days post-injection as the critical period for tumor neovascularization, which was initiated from the innate liver vessels via vessel cooption and extended by vascular mimicry and thereof growth of CD34+cells. In samples with increasing-sized liver metastases, the infiltrated Ly6C+ CD11b+ F4/80- monocytes steadily gained the expression of F4/80, a Kupffer cell marker, before transformed into Ly6C- CD11bint F4/80+ cells, which, the same phenotype was also adapted by Ly6C- CD11b- F4/80+ Kupffer cells. F4/80+ TAMs showed proximity to neovascularization and tumor vessels, functionally angiogenic in vivo; and greatly promoted the activation of a few key angiogenic markers such as VEGFA, Ki67, etc. in endothelial cells in vitro. Depletion of macrophages or diversion of macrophage polarization during neovascularization impeded tumor growth and vascularization and resulted in greatly reduced F4/80+ TAMs, yet increased CD11b+ cells due to inhibition of TAM differentiation. In summary, our results showed dynamic and spatial-temporal F4/80+ TAM transformation within the tumor microenvironment and strengthened its role as perivascular and angiogenic TAMs in CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Qiao
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wanli Yang
- Department of Immunology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Chongming Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangchuan He
- Department of Immunology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Clinical Center for BioTherapy & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Song
- Department of Immunology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jiarun Hospital of Harbin, Harbin, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruijie Liu
- Department of Immunology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Guangxi Chinese Medicine University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Treating High-incidence Infectious Diseases with Integrative Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingqi Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, the 3rd Hospital Affiliated to Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yudan Gao
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoan Chen
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Lu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jing Leng
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Guangxi Chinese Medicine University, Nanning, China.
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Treating High-incidence Infectious Diseases with Integrative Medicine, Nanning, China.
| | - Huan Ren
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055, Shenzhen, China.
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26
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Li Z, Ruan C, Niu X. Collagen-based bioinks for regenerative medicine: Fabrication, application and prospective. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2023.100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
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27
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Abstract
The formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels is essential for both the development of multicellular organisms and (patho)physiological processes like wound repair and tumor growth. In the 1990s, circulating blood platelets were first postulated to regulate tumor angiogenesis by interacting with the endothelium and releasing angiogenic regulators from specialized α granules. Since then, many studies have validated the contributions of platelets to tumor angiogenesis, while uncovering novel roles for platelets in other angiogenic processes like wound resolution and retinal vascular disease. Although the majority of (lymph)angiogenesis occurs during development, platelets appear necessary for lymphatic but not vascular growth, implying their particular importance in pathological cases of adult angiogenesis. Future work is required to determine whether drugs targeting platelet production or function offer a clinically relevant tool to limit detrimental angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey G Roweth
- Hematology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Elisabeth M Battinelli
- Hematology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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28
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Chan TJ, Zhang X, Mak M. Biophysical informatics reveals distinctive phenotypic signatures and functional diversity of single-cell lineages. Bioinformatics 2023; 39:6969104. [PMID: 36610710 PMCID: PMC9825265 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION In this work, we present an analytical method for quantifying both single-cell morphologies and cell network topologies of tumor cell populations and use it to predict 3D cell behavior. RESULTS We utilized a supervised deep learning approach to perform instance segmentation on label-free live cell images across a wide range of cell densities. We measured cell shape properties and characterized network topologies for 136 single-cell clones derived from the YUMM1.7 and YUMMER1.7 mouse melanoma cell lines. Using an unsupervised clustering algorithm, we identified six distinct morphological subclasses. We further observed differences in tumor growth and invasion dynamics across subclasses in an in vitro 3D spheroid model. Compared to existing methods for quantifying 2D or 3D phenotype, our analytical method requires less time, needs no specialized equipment and is capable of much higher throughput, making it ideal for applications such as high-throughput drug screening and clinical diagnosis. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION https://github.com/trevor-chan/Melanoma_NetworkMorphology. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor J Chan
- Department of Bioengineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xingjian Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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29
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Wang H, Mi K. Emerging roles of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the cellular plasticity of cancer cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1110881. [PMID: 36890838 PMCID: PMC9986440 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1110881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity is a well-known dynamic feature of tumor cells that endows tumors with heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance and alters their invasion-metastasis progression, stemness, and drug sensitivity, thereby posing a major challenge to cancer therapy. It is becoming increasingly clear that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a hallmark of cancer. The dysregulated expression of ER stress sensors and the activation of downstream signaling pathways play a role in the regulation of tumor progression and cellular response to various challenges. Moreover, mounting evidence implicates ER stress in the regulation of cancer cell plasticity, including epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, drug resistance phenotype, cancer stem cell phenotype, and vasculogenic mimicry phenotype plasticity. ER stress influences several malignant characteristics of tumor cells, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stem cell maintenance, angiogenic function, and tumor cell sensitivity to targeted therapy. The emerging links between ER stress and cancer cell plasticity that are implicated in tumor progression and chemoresistance are discussed in this review, which may aid in formulating strategies to target ER stress and cancer cell plasticity in anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Breast Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Mi
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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30
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Nisin delivery by nanosponges increases its anticancer activity against in-vivo melanoma model. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.104065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Rhizoma Paridis saponins suppresses vasculogenic mimicry formation and metastasis in osteosarcoma through regulating miR-520d-3p/MIG-7 axis. J Pharmacol Sci 2022; 150:180-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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CD36 and Its Role in Regulating the Tumor Microenvironment. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:8133-8145. [PMID: 36354702 PMCID: PMC9688853 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29110642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CD36 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that binds to a wide range of ligands, including fatty acids (FAs), cholesterol, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2), and plays an important role in lipid metabolism, immune response, and angiogenesis. Recent studies have highlighted the role of CD36 in mediating lipid uptake by tumor-associated immune cells and in promoting tumor cell progression. In cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), CD36 regulates lipid uptake and matrix protein production to promote tumor proliferation. In addition, CD36 can promote tumor cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and induce epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). In terms of tumor angiogenesis, CD36 binding to TSP-1 and TSP-2 can both inhibit tumor angiogenesis and promote tumor migration and invasion. CD36 can promote tumor angiogenesis through vascular mimicry (VM). Overall, we found that CD36 exhibits diverse functions in tumors. Here, we summarize the recent research findings highlighting the novel roles of CD36 in the context of tumors.
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Pang H, Lei D, Guo Y, Yu Y, Liu T, Liu Y, Chen T, Fan C. Three categories of similarities between the placenta and cancer that can aid cancer treatment: Cells, the microenvironment, and metabolites. Front Oncol 2022; 12:977618. [PMID: 36059660 PMCID: PMC9434275 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.977618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most harmful diseases, while pregnancy is a common condition of females. Placenta is the most important organ for fetal growth, which has not been fully understand. It's well known that placenta and solid tumor have some similar biological behaviors. What's more, decidua, the microenvironment of placenta, and metabolism all undergo adaptive shift for healthy pregnancy. Interestingly, decidua and the tumor microenvironment (TME); metabolism changes during pregnancy and cancer cachexia all have underlying links. However, whether the close link between pregnancy and cancer can bring some new ideas to treat cancer is still unclear. So, in this review we note that pregnancy may offer clues to treat cancer related to three categories: from cell perspective, through the shared development process of the placenta and cancer; from microenvironment perspective, though the shared features of the decidua and TME; and from metabolism perspective, through shared metabolites changes during pregnancy and cancer cachexia. Firstly, comparing gene mutations of both placenta and cancer, which is the underlying mechanism of many similar biological behaviors, helps us understand the origin of cancer and find the key factors to restore tumorigenesis. Secondly, exploring how decidua affect placenta development and similarities of decidua and TME is helpful to reshape TME, then to inhibit cancer. Thirdly, we also illustrate the possibility that the altered metabolites during pregnancy may reverse cancer cachexia. So, some key molecules changed in circulation of pregnancy may help relieve cachexia and make survival with cancer realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyuan Pang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Lei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuping Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Ying Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cuifang Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Interleukin-3-Receptor-α in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): An Additional Novel Biomarker of TNBC Aggressiveness and a Therapeutic Target. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163918. [PMID: 36010912 PMCID: PMC9406043 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Molecular and histological profiling is crucial for biomarker and therapeutic target discovery, for example, in TNBC. We demonstrated that IL-3Rα expression led to the identification of a subgroup of TNBC patients displaying a poor overall survival. Moreover, we refined TNBC molecular annotation and drew a model including IL-3Rα, PD-L1, and genes related to EMT, which finely discriminates cancer aggressiveness. Finally, we first demonstrated that IL-3Rα is instrumental in granting tumour adaptation and progression by reprogramming TNBC cells to form large dysfunctional vessels and reshaping PD-L1 expression in primary tumours and metastases. Therefore, the IL-3/IL-3Rα axis may be proposed as a marker of TNBC aggressiveness, as a novel TNBC therapeutic challenge. Abstract Tumour molecular annotation is mandatory for biomarker discovery and personalised approaches, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacking effective treatment options. In this study, the interleukin-3 receptor α (IL-3Rα) was investigated as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in TNBC. IL-3Rα expression and patients’ clinical and pathological features were retrospectively analysed in 421 TNBC patients. IL-3Rα was expressed in 69% human TNBC samples, and its expression was associated with nodal metastases (p = 0.026) and poor overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.01–2.2; p = 0.04). The bioinformatics analysis on the Breast Invasive Carcinoma dataset of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) proved that IL-3Rα was highly expressed in TNBC compared with luminal breast cancers (p = 0.017, padj = 0.026). Functional studies demonstrated that IL-3Rα activation induced epithelial-to-endothelial and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, promoted large blood lacunae and lung metastasis formation, and increased programmed-cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in primary tumours and metastases. Based on the TCGA data, IL-3Rα, PD-L1, and EMT coding genes were proposed to discriminate against TNBC aggressiveness (AUC = 0.86 95% CI = 0.82–0.89). Overall, this study identified IL-3Rα as an additional novel biomarker of TNBC aggressiveness and provided the rationale to further investigate its relevance as a therapeutic target.
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Chalcones as Anti-Glioblastoma Stem Cell Agent Alone or as Nanoparticle Formulation Using Carbon Dots as Nanocarrier. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071465. [PMID: 35890360 PMCID: PMC9316063 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The current prognosis for glioblastoma is dismal. Treatment-resistant glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) and the failure of most drugs to reach therapeutic levels within the tumor remain formidable obstacles to successful treatment. Chalcones are aromatic ketones demonstrated to reduce malignant properties in cancers including glioblastoma. Nanomedicines can increase drug accumulation and tumor cell death. Carbon-dots are promising nanocarriers that can be easily functionalized with tumor-targeting ligands and anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, we synthesized a series of 4′-amino chalcones with the rationale that the amino group would serve as a “handle” to facilitate covalent attachment to carbon-dots and tested their cytotoxicity toward GSCs. We generated 31 chalcones (22 4′-amino and 9 4′ derivatives) including 5 novel chalcones, and found that 13 had an IC50 below 10 µM in all GSC lines. After confirming that the 4-amino group was not part of the active pharmacophore, chalcones were attached to transferrin-conjugated carbon-dots. These conjugates were significantly more cytotoxic than the free chalcones, with the C-dot-transferrin-2,5, dimethoxy chalcone conjugate inducing up to 100-fold more GSC death. Several of the tested chalcones represent promising lead compounds for the development of novel anti-GSC drugs. Furthermore, designing amino chalcones for carbon-dot mediated drug delivery is a rational and effective methodology.
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Yue H, Xu B, Gao J, Bi Y, Xue K, Guo J, Zhang R, Ren H, Yuan Y, Qian J. A Novel and Easy-to-Promote Prognostic Model for Patients With Uveal Melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:879394. [PMID: 35719929 PMCID: PMC9201029 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.879394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To establish an easy and widely applicable prognostic prediction model for uveal melanoma (UM) based on a Chinese population. Patients and Methods A total of 295 consecutive cases treated at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University were included as the primary cohort, and 256 cases were included in the validation cohorts from two external Caucasian databases. Clinicopathological data were collected retrospectively, and nomogram models were formulated based on multivariable analysis. The concordance index (C-index), AUC (area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic, ROC curve), and Brier score were calculated and compared. Results Based on the training cohort, a nomogram model was established with five relevant variables: age, tumor size, ciliary body involvement, non-spindle cell type and extra-scleral extension. The C-index was 0.737, the 3- and 5-year AUCs were 0.767 and 0.742, and the Brier scores for 3- and 5-year survival were 0.082 and 0.129, respectively, which showed superior prediction compared to that of the Tumor, Node and Metastasis staging system. The model also displayed good discrimination and calibration in the external validation cohorts. By risk stratification, patients could be divided into low- and high-risk groups, and the overall survival curves displayed significant differences in the training and validation cohorts. Conclusion Our nomogram model was simple and accurate at predicting the overall survival of patients with UM. It was established based on Asian patients and proved suitable for Caucasian patients; thus, it has a wide range of potential applications, especially for patients living in less medically developed countries and regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Yue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingwen Bi
- Department of Pathology, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kang Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Sadrkhanloo M, Entezari M, Orouei S, Ghollasi M, Fathi N, Rezaei S, Hejazi ES, Kakavand A, Saebfar H, Hashemi M, Goharrizi MASB, Salimimoghadam S, Rashidi M, Taheriazam A, Samarghandian S. STAT3-EMT axis in tumors: modulation of cancer metastasis, stemness and therapy response. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106311. [PMID: 35716914 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism is responsible for metastasis of tumor cells and their spread to various organs and tissues of body, providing undesirable prognosis. In addition to migration, EMT increases stemness and mediates therapy resistance. Hence, pathways involved in EMT regulation should be highlighted. STAT3 is an oncogenic pathway that can elevate growth rate and migratory ability of cancer cells and induce drug resistance. The inhibition of STAT3 signaling impairs cancer progression and promotes chemotherapy-mediated cell death. Present review focuses on STAT3 and EMT interaction in modulating cancer migration. First of all, STAT3 is an upstream mediator of EMT and is able to induce EMT-mediated metastasis in brain tumors, thoracic cancers and gastrointestinal cancers. Therefore, STAT3 inhibition significantly suppresses cancer metastasis and improves prognosis of patients. EMT regulators such as ZEB1/2 proteins, TGF-β, Twist, Snail and Slug are affected by STAT3 signaling to stimulate cancer migration and invasion. Different molecular pathways such as miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs modulate STAT3/EMT axis. Furthermore, we discuss how STAT3 and EMT interaction affects therapy response of cancer cells. Finally, we demonstrate targeting STAT3/EMT axis by anti-tumor agents and clinical application of this axis for improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdokht Sadrkhanloo
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maliheh Entezari
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Orouei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ghollasi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikoo Fathi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shamin Rezaei
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Sadat Hejazi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirabbas Kakavand
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Saebfar
- European University Association, League of European Research Universities, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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Rada M, Kapelanski-Lamoureux A, Tsamchoe M, Petrillo S, Lazaris A, Metrakos P. Angiopoietin-1 Upregulates Cancer Cell Motility in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases through Actin-Related Protein 2/3. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2540. [PMID: 35626145 PMCID: PMC9139616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy is a major challenge in the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLMs). Vessel co-option has been identified as a key contributor to anti-angiogenic therapy resistance in CRCLMs. Recently, we identified a positive correlation between the expression of Angiopoietin1 (Ang1) in the liver and the development of vessel co-opting CRCLM lesions in vivo. However, the mechanisms underlying its stimulation of vessel co-option are unclear. Herein, we demonstrated Ang1 as a positive regulator of actin-related protein 2/3 (ARP2/3) expression in cancer cells, in vitro and in vivo, which is known to be essential for the formation of vessel co-option in CRCLM. Significantly, Ang1-dependent ARP2/3 expression was impaired in the cancer cells upon Tie2 or PI3K/AKT inhibition in vitro. Taken together, our results suggest novel mechanisms by which Ang1 confers the development of vessel co-option in CRCLM, which, targeting this pathway, may serve as promising therapeutic targets to overcome the development of vessel co-option in CRCLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Rada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (A.K.-L.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Metrakos
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (A.K.-L.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.L.)
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Liu Q, Zhao E, Geng B, Gao S, Yu H, He X, Li X, Dong G, You B. Tumor-associated macrophage-derived exosomes transmitting miR-193a-5p promote the progression of renal cell carcinoma via TIMP2-dependent vasculogenic mimicry. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:382. [PMID: 35443741 PMCID: PMC9021253 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04814-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have investigated whether tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play tumorigenic and immunosuppressive roles to encourage cancer development, but the role of TAMs in regulating vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells has not been completely clarified. We conducted immunostaining of the tumor-associated macrophage biomarkers CD68/CD163 and double staining for PAS/CD31 in ccRCC human specimens to find that higher TAM infiltration was positively correlated with VM formation. Then we demonstrated that TAM-derived exosomes downregulate TIMP2 expression in RCC cells to promote VM and invasion by shuttling miR-193a-5p. Mechanistic analysis indicated that HIF-1α upregulation in macrophages could transcriptionally increase miR-193a-5p expression. Exosome-shuttled miR-193a-5p then targeted the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of TIMP2 mRNA to suppress its translation. A preclinical study using an in vivo orthotopic xenograft model of ccRCC in mice substantiated that TAM-derived exosomes enhance VM and enable tumor progression, which confirmed our in vitro data. Suppressing TAM-derived exosomal miR-193a-5p successfully inhibited tumor progression and metastasis. Overall, miR-193a-5p from TAM-derived exosomes downregulates the TIMP2 gene to facilitate the development of RCC, which provides a novel perspective for developing therapeutic strategies for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China.,Future Medical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Enyang Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Bo Geng
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Hongyang Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Xinyang He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China
| | - Xuedong Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China.
| | - Guanglu Dong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China.
| | - Bosen You
- Future Medical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China. .,Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 150001, Harbin, China.
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Ippolitov D, Arreza L, Munir MN, Hombach-Klonisch S. Brain Microvascular Pericytes—More than Bystanders in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081263. [PMID: 35455945 PMCID: PMC9028330 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tissue contains the highest number of perivascular pericytes compared to other organs. Pericytes are known to regulate brain perfusion and to play an important role within the neurovascular unit (NVU). The high phenotypic and functional plasticity of pericytes make this cell type a prime candidate to aid physiological adaptations but also propose pericytes as important modulators in diverse pathologies in the brain. This review highlights known phenotypes of pericytes in the brain, discusses the diverse markers for brain pericytes, and reviews current in vitro and in vivo experimental models to study pericyte function. Our current knowledge of pericyte phenotypes as it relates to metastatic growth patterns in breast cancer brain metastasis is presented as an example for the crosstalk between pericytes, endothelial cells, and metastatic cells. Future challenges lie in establishing methods for real-time monitoring of pericyte crosstalk to understand causal events in the brain metastatic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyyl Ippolitov
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Leanne Arreza
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Maliha Nuzhat Munir
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Sabine Hombach-Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z2, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Kamo H, Kawahara R, Simizu S. Tyrosinase suppresses vasculogenic mimicry in human melanoma cells. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:169. [PMID: 35496574 PMCID: PMC9019664 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kamo
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223‑8522, Japan
| | - Ryota Kawahara
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223‑8522, Japan
| | - Siro Simizu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223‑8522, Japan
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Liang C, Yang L, Guo SW, Li RC. Downregulation of Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 Expression Combined with All-Trans Retinoic Acid Inhibits Development of Vasculogenic Mimicry and Angiogenesis in Glioma. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:397-406. [PMID: 35201552 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2517-4] [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: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of downregulating astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) expression combined with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation and angiogenesis in glioma. METHODS U87 glioma cells were transfected with AEG-1 shRNA lentiviral vectors (U87-siAEG-1) and incubated in a medium containing 20 µmol/L ATRA. Matrigel-based tube formation assay was performed to evaluate VM formation, and the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to analyze the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to investigate the mRNA and protein expression of related genes, respectively. Glioma xenograft models were generated via subcutaneous implantation of glioma cells in nude mice. Tumor-bearing mice received an intraperitoneal injection of ATRA (10 mg/kg per day). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of related genes and the microvessel density (MVD) in glioma xenograft models. CD34/periodic acid-Schiff double staining was performed to detect VM channels in vivo. The volume and weight of tumors were measured, and a tumor growth curve was drawn to evaluate tumor growth. RESULTS A combination of ATRA intervention and downregulation of AEG-1 expression significantly inhibited the proliferation of glioma cells in vitro and glioma VM formation in vitro and in vivo. It also significantly decreased MVD and inhibited tumor growth. Further, the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in glioma significantly decreased in vivo and in vivo. CONCLUSION Hence, a combinatorial approach might be effective in treating glioma through regulating MMP-2, MMP-9, VEGF, and VE-cadherin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Aeromedical Physical Examination, Xi'an Civil Aviation Hospital, Xi'an, 710082, China
| | - Shi-Wen Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Rui-Chun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
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WISP2/CCN5 Suppresses Vasculogenic Mimicry through Inhibition of YAP/TAZ Signaling in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061487. [PMID: 35326638 PMCID: PMC8945957 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women worldwide. Advanced breast cancer with distant organ metastases is considered incurable with currently available therapies. The vasculogenic mimicry (VM) process is associated with an invasive and metastatic cancer phenotype and a poor prognosis for human breast cancer patients. Our aim was to study the effect of WISP2, a matricellular protein, on VM. We found that WISP2 inhibits VM through inhibition of CYR61 protein expression and YAP-TAZ signaling. Our finding may open promising candidates for blocking VM in breast cancer. Abstract Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formed by aggressive tumor cells to create vascular networks connected with the endothelial cells, plays an important role in breast cancer progression. WISP2 has been considered as a tumor suppressor protein; however, the relationship between WISP2 and VM formation remains unclear. We used the in vitro tube formation assay and in vivo immunohistochemical analysis in a mouse model, and human breast tumors were used to evaluate the effect of WISP2 on VM formation. Here we report that WISP2 acts as a potent inhibitor of VM formation in breast cancer. Enforced expression of WISP2 decreased network formation while knockdown of WISP2 increased VM. Mechanistically, WISP2 increased retention of oncogenic activators YAP/TAZ in cytoplasm, leading to decreased expression of the angiogenic factor CYR61. Studies using an in vivo mouse model and human breast tumors confirmed the in vitro cell lines data. In conclusion, our results indicate that WISP2 may play a critical role in VM and highlight the critical role of WISP2 as a tumor suppressor.
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Wan F, Zhang H, Hu J, Chen L, Geng S, Kong L, Lu JJ. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibits Migration and Vasculogenic Mimicry in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Via Exosomal MiR-125a. Front Oncol 2022; 12:781979. [PMID: 35251967 PMCID: PMC8892602 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.781979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a kind of tumor vasculature providing blood supply for tumor growth, and the formation of VM is independent of vascular endothelial cells. Instead, VM structures are formed by differentiated tumor cells such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Recently, studies have shown that anti-angiogenic therapy failed to improve the overall survival for patients, namely, nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. The existence of VM structure is probably one of the reasons for resistance for anti-angiogenic therapy. Therefore, it is important to study the mechanism for VM formation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In this study, the bioinformatic analysis revealed that microRNA-125a-3p (miR-125a) was highly expressed in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissue than in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. An in vitro study demonstrated that miR-125a plays an inhibitory role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell migration and VM formation, and further studies confirmed that TAZ is a direct downstream target for miR-125a. On this basis, we artificially engineered human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to generate exosomes with high miR-125a expression. Treatment with these miR-125a-over-expressing exosomes attenuated the migration and VM formation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. In addition, the inhibitory role of these exosomes on VM formation and migration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma was also confirmed in vivo. Overall, the current study shows that MSCs can be utilized to generate exosomes with high miR-125a level, which could be therapeutic nanoparticles targeting VM formation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and used as a complement to anti-angiogenic therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhu Wan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Haojiong Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Shanghai, China
- Rui-jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiyi Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Shikai Geng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Kong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jiade J. Lu, ; Lin Kong,
| | - Jiade J. Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology (20dz2261000), Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Proton and Heavy Ion Radiation Therapy, Shanghai, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jiade J. Lu, ; Lin Kong,
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Salem A, Salo T. Vasculogenic Mimicry in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Time to Take Notice. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:666895. [PMID: 35048009 PMCID: PMC8757801 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.666895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a group of common cancers characterized by a swift growth pattern, early metastasis, and dismal 5-year survival rates. Despite the recent advances in cancer management, the multimodality approach is not effective in eradicating HNSCC. Moreover, the clinical response to the antiangiogenic therapy remains considerably limited in HNSCC patients, suggesting that tumor perfusion can take place through other non-angiogenic pathways. Tumor cell-induced angiogenesis is one of the main hallmarks of cancer. However, at the end of the previous millennium, a new paradigm of tumor cell-associated neovascularization has been reported in human melanoma cells. This new phenomenon, which was named "vasculogenic mimicry" or "vascular mimicry" (VM), describes the ability of aggressively growing tumor cells to form perfusable, matrix-rich, vessel-like networks in 3-dimensional matrices in vitro. Similar matrix-rich VM networks were also identified in tissue samples obtained from cancer patients. To date, myriad studies have reported intriguing features of VM in a wide variety of cancers including HNSCC. We aim in this mini-review to summarize the current evidence regarding the phenomenon of VM in HNSCC-from the available detection protocols and potentially involved mechanisms, to its prognostic value and the present limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelhakim Salem
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Manarang JC, McDermott A. Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Inhibition of Vasculogenic Mimicry In Vitro. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2514:129-139. [PMID: 35771425 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2403-6_13] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry formation is generally assessed using three-dimensional (3D) cultures of aggressive tumor cells grown over an extended incubation period. Test agents can be introduced during growth of the 3D cultures to determine their effect on vasculogenic mimicry formation. Here, we describe the protocol for evaluation of the inhibitory effect of drugs on vasculogenic mimicry in vitro using bright-field and fluorescence microscopy on 3D cultures of tumor cells grown in Matrigel.
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47
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Marques Dos Reis E, Vieira Berti F. Vasculogenic Mimicry-An Overview. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2514:3-13. [PMID: 35771413 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2403-6_1] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a tumor microcirculation model found in melanoma in the last 20 years, is a vascular channel-like structure composed of tumor cells, but without endothelial cells, that stains positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and negative staining for CD31. VM provides, to the highly aggressive malignant tumor cells, adequate oxygen and nutrient supply for tumor growth and subsequent metastasis process and its presence are related to poor prognosis in patients. VM is independent of endothelial cells, which may partly explain why angiogenesis drug inhibitors have not achieved the expected success for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Marques Dos Reis
- Chemical and Food Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Vieira Berti
- Chemical and Food Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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48
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Fonseca-Alves CE, Lainetti PDF. In Vivo Models to Evaluate Antitumor Drugs Effect on Vasculogenic Mimicry. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2514:75-84. [PMID: 35771420 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2403-6_8] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in vivo evaluation is challenging, and new models have been proposed to evaluate antitumor effect of different compounds using in vivo models. However, there is no gold standard in vivo models established for VM evaluation. As occurs for other in vivo tumor analysis, the use of immunodeficient mouse model and cell line with in vivo tumorigenicity and ability to induce vasculogenic mimicry is the most used model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E Fonseca-Alves
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil.
- Institute of Animal Health, Universidade Paulista-UNIP, Bauru, Brazil.
| | - Patrícia de F Lainetti
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Sao Paulo State University - UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
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de Andrade Peixoto M, Marques Dos Reis E, Marques Porto L. Cancer Cell Spheroids as a 3D Model for Exploring the Pathobiology of Vasculogenic Mimicry. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2514:45-51. [PMID: 35771417 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2403-6_5] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Spheroids are 3D spherical cell aggregates, which, cultivated in vitro, behave differently than regular monolayer cellular cultures. Cancer spheroids share many characteristics with in vivo solid tumors, making them a powerful tool in cancer research. The use of cancer spheroids makes it possible to identify the potential of new anticancer pharmacological targets, leading them to be widely used in preclinical oncology research. 3D in vitro models allow the study in detail of many important aspects of the cellular transformation process, such as cell morphology, gene expression, cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions, angiogenesis, and vasculogenic mimicry.In this chapter, the importance of studies using spheroids for current cancer research is described, focusing on vasculogenic mimicry, its morphological structure, and the different methods used in the formation of spheroids. The main method uses agarose to produce the molds for the cancer spheroids, is known as the non-adherent hydrogel micro-mold method, and is being covered in more detail below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maíra de Andrade Peixoto
- Chemical and Food Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Emily Marques Dos Reis
- Chemical and Food Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Luismar Marques Porto
- Chemical and Food Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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He M, Yang H, Shi H, Hu Y, Chang C, Liu S, Yeh S. Sunitinib increases the cancer stem cells and vasculogenic mimicry formation via modulating the lncRNA-ECVSR/ERβ/Hif2-α signaling. Cancer Lett 2022; 524:15-28. [PMID: 34461182 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sunitinib is the first-line drug for treating renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and it functions mainly through inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. However, the patients may become insensitive or develop resistance toward sunitinib treatment, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. Herein, it was found that sunitinib could have adverse effects of promoting RCC progression by increasing vascular mimicry (VM) formation of RCC cells. Mechanism dissection revealed that sunitinib can increase the expression of a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), lncRNA-ECVSR, thereby enhancing the stability of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) mRNA. Subsequently, the increased ERβ expression can then function via transcriptional up-regulation of Hif2-α. Notably, sunitinib-increased lncRNA-ECVSR/ERβ/Hif2-α signaling resulted in an increased cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype, thereby promoting VM formation. Furthermore, the sunitinib/lncRNA-ECVSR-increased ERβ expression can transcriptionally regulate lncRNA-ECVSR expression via a positive-feedback loop. Supportively, preclinical studies using RCC mouse xenografts demonstrated that combining sunitinib with the small molecule anti-estrogen PHTPP can increase sunitinib efficacy with reduced VM formation. Collectively, the findings of this study may aid in the development of potential biomarker(s) and novel therapies to better monitor and suppress RCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao He
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hangchuan Shi
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Yixi Hu
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Chawnshang Chang
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Sex Hormone Research Center, China Medical University and Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Shunfang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuyuan Yeh
- Departments of Urology, Pathology and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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