1
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Kofman K, Levin M. Bioelectric pharmacology of cancer: A systematic review of ion channel drugs affecting the cancer phenotype. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 191:25-39. [PMID: 38971325 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a pernicious and pressing medical problem; moreover, it is a failure of multicellular morphogenesis that sheds much light on evolutionary developmental biology. Numerous classes of pharmacological agents have been considered as cancer therapeutics and evaluated as potential carcinogenic agents; however, these are spread throughout the primary literature. Here, we briefly review recent work on ion channel drugs as promising anti-cancer treatments and present a systematic review of the known cancer-relevant effects of 109 drugs targeting ion channels. The roles of ion channels in cancer are consistent with the importance of bioelectrical parameters in cell regulation and with the functions of bioelectric signaling in morphogenetic signals that act as cancer suppressors. We find that compounds that are well-known for having targets in the nervous system, such as voltage-gated ion channels, ligand-gated ion channels, proton pumps, and gap junctions are especially relevant to cancer. Our review suggests further opportunities for the repurposing of numerous promising candidates in the field of cancer electroceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Kofman
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, USA.
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2
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Brown RB. Spontaneous Tumor Regression and Reversion: Insights and Associations with Reduced Dietary Phosphate. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2126. [PMID: 38893245 PMCID: PMC11172109 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112126] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumors that spontaneously shrink from unknown causes in tumor regression, and that return to normal cells in tumor reversion, are phenomena with the potential to contribute new knowledge and novel therapies for cancer patient survival. Tumorigenesis is associated with dysregulated phosphate metabolism and an increased transport of phosphate into tumor cells, potentially mediated by phosphate overload from excessive dietary phosphate intake, a significant problem in Western societies. This paper proposes that reduced dietary phosphate overload and reregulated phosphate metabolism may reverse an imbalance of kinases and phosphatases in cell signaling and cellular proliferation, thereby activating autophagy in tumor regression and reversion. Dietary phosphate can also be reduced by sickness-associated anorexia, fasting-mimicking diets, and other diets low in phosphate, all of which have been associated with tumor regression. Tumor reversion has also been demonstrated by transplanting cancer cells into a healthy microenvironment, plausibly associated with normal cellular phosphate concentrations. Evidence also suggests that the sequestration and containment of excessive phosphate within encapsulated tumors is protective in cancer patients, preventing the release of potentially lethal amounts of phosphate into the general circulation. Reducing dietary phosphate overload has the potential to provide a novel, safe, and effective reversion therapy for cancer patients, and further research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald B Brown
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
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3
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Pio-Lopez L, Levin M. Aging as a loss of morphostatic information: A developmental bioelectricity perspective. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102310. [PMID: 38636560 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining order at the tissue level is crucial throughout the lifespan, as failure can lead to cancer and an accumulation of molecular and cellular disorders. Perhaps, the most consistent and pervasive result of these failures is aging, which is characterized by the progressive loss of function and decline in the ability to maintain anatomical homeostasis and reproduce. This leads to organ malfunction, diseases, and ultimately death. The traditional understanding of aging is that it is caused by the accumulation of molecular and cellular damage. In this article, we propose a complementary view of aging from the perspective of endogenous bioelectricity which has not yet been integrated into aging research. We propose a view of aging as a morphostasis defect, a loss of biophysical prepattern information, encoding anatomical setpoints used for dynamic tissue and organ homeostasis. We hypothesize that this is specifically driven by abrogation of the endogenous bioelectric signaling that normally harnesses individual cell behaviors toward the creation and upkeep of complex multicellular structures in vivo. Herein, we first describe bioelectricity as the physiological software of life, and then identify and discuss the links between bioelectricity and life extension strategies and age-related diseases. We develop a bridge between aging and regeneration via bioelectric signaling that suggests a research program for healthful longevity via morphoceuticals. Finally, we discuss the broader implications of the homologies between development, aging, cancer and regeneration and how morphoceuticals can be developed for aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léo Pio-Lopez
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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4
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Sharma G, Sultana A, Abdullah KM, Pothuraju R, Nasser MW, Batra SK, Siddiqui JA. Epigenetic regulation of bone remodeling and bone metastasis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:275-285. [PMID: 36379849 PMCID: PMC10175516 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Bone remodeling is a continuous and dynamic process of bone formation and resorption to maintain its integrity and homeostasis. Bone marrow is a source of various cell lineages, including osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone formation and resorption, respectively, to maintain bone homeostasis. Epigenetics is one of the elementary regulations governing the physiology of bone remodeling. Epigenetic modifications, mainly DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, regulate stable transcriptional programs without causing specific heritable alterations. DNA methylation in CpG-rich promoters of the gene is primarily correlated with gene silencing, and histone modifications are associated with transcriptional activation/inactivation. However, non-coding RNAs regulate the metastatic potential of cancer cells to metastasize at secondary sites. Deregulated or altered epigenetic modifications are often seen in many cancers and interwound with bone-specific tropism and cancer metastasis. Histone acetyltransferases, histone deacetylase, and DNA methyltransferases are promising targets in epigenetically altered cancer. High throughput epigenome mapping and targeting specific epigenetics modifiers will be helpful in the development of personalized epi-drugs for advanced and bone metastasis cancer patients. This review aims to discuss and gather more knowledge about different epigenetic modifications in bone remodeling and metastasis. Further, it provides new approaches for targeting epigenetic changes and therapy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ashrafi Sultana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - K M Abdullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ramesh Pothuraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Surinder Kumar Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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5
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Harrer DC, Lüke F, Pukrop T, Ghibelli L, Gerner C, Reichle A, Heudobler D. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα/γ agonist pioglitazone for rescuing relapsed or refractory neoplasias by unlocking phenotypic plasticity. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1289222. [PMID: 38273846 PMCID: PMC10808445 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1289222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A series of seven clinical trials on relapsed or refractory (r/r) metastatic neoplasias followed the question: Are networks of ligand-receptor cross-talks that support tumor-specific cancer hallmarks, druggable with tumor tissue editing approaches therapeutically exploiting tumor plasticity? Differential recombinations of pioglitazone, a dual peroxisome-proliferator activated receptorα/γ (PPARα/γ) agonist, with transcriptional modulators, i.e., all-trans retinoic acid, interferon-α, or dexamethasone plus metronomic low-dose chemotherapy (MCT) or epigenetic modeling with azacitidine plus/minus cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition initiated tumor-specific reprogramming of cancer hallmarks, as exemplified by inflammation control in r/r melanoma, renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis (mLCH) or differentiation induction in non-promyelocytic acute myeloid leukemia (non-PML AML). Pioglitazone, integrated in differentially designed editing schedules, facilitated induction of tumor cell death as indicated by complete remission (CR) in r/r non-PML AML, continuous CR in r/r RCCC, mLCH, and in HL by addition of everolimus, or long-term disease control in melanoma by efficaciously controlling metastasis, post-therapy cancer repopulation and acquired cell-resistance and genetic/molecular-genetic tumor cell heterogeneity (M-CRAC). PPARα/γ agonists provided tumor-type agnostic biomodulatory efficacy across different histologic neoplasias. Tissue editing techniques disclose that wide-ranging functions of PPARα/γ agonists may be on-topic focused for differentially unlocking tumor phenotypes. Low-dose MCT facilitates targeted reprogramming of cancer hallmarks with transcriptional modulators, induction of tumor cell death, M-CRAC control and editing of non-oncogene addiction. Thus, pioglitazone, integrated in tumor tissue editing protocols, is an important biomodulatory drug for addressing urgent therapeutic problems, such as M-CRAC in relapsed or refractory tumor disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Florian Lüke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Pukrop
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lina Ghibelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albrecht Reichle
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Heudobler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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6
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Statzer C, Park JYC, Ewald CY. Extracellular Matrix Dynamics as an Emerging yet Understudied Hallmark of Aging and Longevity. Aging Dis 2023; 14:670-693. [PMID: 37191434 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.1116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The biomechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) and their consequences for cellular homeostasis have recently emerged as a driver of aging. Here we review the age-dependent deterioration of ECM in the context of our current understanding of the aging processes. We discuss the reciprocal interactions of longevity interventions with ECM remodeling. And the relevance of ECM dynamics captured by the matrisome and the matreotypes associated with health, disease, and longevity. Furthermore, we highlight that many established longevity compounds promote ECM homeostasis. A large body of evidence for the ECM to qualify as a hallmark of aging is emerging, and the data in invertebrates is promising. However, direct experimental proof that activating ECM homeostasis is sufficient to slow aging in mammals is lacking. We conclude that further research is required and anticipate that a conceptual framework for ECM biomechanics and homeostasis will provide new strategies to promote health during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Statzer
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Ji Young Cecilia Park
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Collin Y Ewald
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach CH-8603, Switzerland
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7
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Yang X, Lu Y, Kuang Q, Wu Y, Tan X, Lan J, Qiang Z, Feng T. Human embryonic stem cells exert antitumor effects on prostate cancer cells in a co-culture microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1164250. [PMID: 37313467 PMCID: PMC10258316 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1164250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is currently the most common malignancy among men. Given the limitations of current conventional anticancer therapies, new high-risk treatments are urgently needed. Previous studies have shown that embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can reverse the tumorigenic phenotype of tumor cells. However, there are still challenges in using human ESCs (hESCs) directly in cancer treatment. To facilitate the practical application of hESCs, we established a co-culture system consisting of prostate cancer cell lines and hESCs and investigated the antitumor activity of the supernatant of the co-culture system (Co-Sp) in vitro and in vivo, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved. The Co-Sp decreased the viability of prostate cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner, significantly inhibited colony formation, and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. In addition, Co-Sp promoted apoptosis of prostate cancer cells and inhibited cell migration and invasion. In vivo studies also revealed that Co-Sp inhibited tumor growth in the xenograft model. Mechanistic studies showed that Co-Sp reduced the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK4, CDK2, MMP-9, MMP-1, and Bcl-2, and increased the expression of p21, cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, and Bax in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, the Co-Sp decreased the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR in cells and tumor tissues. Taken together, our results indicated that the Co-Sp has potent antitumor activity and could directly inhibit tumor growth. Our findings provide a new and effective way for the application of hESCs in cancer therapy and contribute to a new strategy for clinical stem cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Yang
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Tan
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jizhong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhe Qiang
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Institute of Pharmacology Toxicology, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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8
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Kozlov AP. Carcino-Evo-Devo, A Theory of the Evolutionary Role of Hereditary Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108611. [PMID: 37239953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A theory of the evolutionary role of hereditary tumors, or the carcino-evo-devo theory, is being developed. The main hypothesis of the theory, the hypothesis of evolution by tumor neofunctionalization, posits that hereditary tumors provided additional cell masses during the evolution of multicellular organisms for the expression of evolutionarily novel genes. The carcino-evo-devo theory has formulated several nontrivial predictions that have been confirmed in the laboratory of the author. It also suggests several nontrivial explanations of biological phenomena previously unexplained by the existing theories or incompletely understood. By considering three major types of biological development-individual, evolutionary, and neoplastic development-within one theoretical framework, the carcino-evo-devo theory has the potential to become a unifying biological theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei P Kozlov
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 3 Gubkina Street, 117971 Moscow, Russia
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 29 Polytekhnicheskaya Street, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia
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9
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Cao Y. Neural induction drives body axis formation during embryogenesis, but a neural induction-like process drives tumorigenesis in postnatal animals. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1092667. [PMID: 37228646 PMCID: PMC10203556 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1092667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterization of cancer cells and neural stem cells indicates that tumorigenicity and pluripotency are coupled cell properties determined by neural stemness, and tumorigenesis represents a process of progressive loss of original cell identity and gain of neural stemness. This reminds of a most fundamental process required for the development of the nervous system and body axis during embryogenesis, i.e., embryonic neural induction. Neural induction is that, in response to extracellular signals that are secreted by the Spemann-Mangold organizer in amphibians or the node in mammals and inhibit epidermal fate in ectoderm, the ectodermal cells lose their epidermal fate and assume the neural default fate and consequently, turn into neuroectodermal cells. They further differentiate into the nervous system and also some non-neural cells via interaction with adjacent tissues. Failure in neural induction leads to failure of embryogenesis, and ectopic neural induction due to ectopic organizer or node activity or activation of embryonic neural genes causes a formation of secondary body axis or a conjoined twin. During tumorigenesis, cells progressively lose their original cell identity and gain of neural stemness, and consequently, gain of tumorigenicity and pluripotency, due to various intra-/extracellular insults in cells of a postnatal animal. Tumorigenic cells can be induced to differentiation into normal cells and integrate into normal embryonic development within an embryo. However, they form tumors and cannot integrate into animal tissues/organs in a postnatal animal because of lack of embryonic inducing signals. Combination of studies of developmental and cancer biology indicates that neural induction drives embryogenesis in gastrulating embryos but a similar process drives tumorigenesis in a postnatal animal. Tumorigenicity is by nature the manifestation of aberrant occurrence of pluripotent state in a postnatal animal. Pluripotency and tumorigenicity are both but different manifestations of neural stemness in pre- and postnatal stages of animal life, respectively. Based on these findings, I discuss about some confusion in cancer research, propose to distinguish the causality and associations and discriminate causal and supporting factors involved in tumorigenesis, and suggest revisiting the focus of cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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10
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Pensotti A, Bertolaso M, Bizzarri M. Is Cancer Reversible? Rethinking Carcinogenesis Models-A New Epistemological Tool. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050733. [PMID: 37238604 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies shows that it is possible to induce a phenotypic transformation of cancer cells from malignant to benign. This process is currently known as "tumor reversion". However, the concept of reversibility hardly fits the current cancer models, according to which gene mutations are considered the primary cause of cancer. Indeed, if gene mutations are causative carcinogenic factors, and if gene mutations are irreversible, how long should cancer be considered as an irreversible process? In fact, there is some evidence that intrinsic plasticity of cancerous cells may be therapeutically exploited to promote a phenotypic reprogramming, both in vitro and in vivo. Not only are studies on tumor reversion highlighting a new, exciting research approach, but they are also pushing science to look for new epistemological tools capable of better modeling cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pensotti
- Research Unit of Philosophy of Science and Human Development, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Bertolaso
- Research Unit of Philosophy of Science and Human Development, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
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11
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Wang J, Xue Y, He Y, Quan H, Zhang J, Gao YQ. Characterization of network hierarchy reflects cell state specificity in genome organization. Genome Res 2023; 33:247-260. [PMID: 36828586 PMCID: PMC10069467 DOI: 10.1101/gr.277206.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic chromatin structure acts as the regulator of transcription program in crucial processes including cancer and cell development, but a unified framework for characterizing chromatin structural evolution remains to be established. Here, we performed graph inferences on Hi-C data sets and derived the chromatin contact networks. We discovered significant decreases in information transmission efficiencies in chromatin of colorectal cancer (CRC) and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) compared to corresponding normal controls through graph statistics. Using network embedding in the Poincaré disk, the hierarchy depths of chromatin from CRC and T-ALL patients were found to be significantly shallower compared to their normal controls. A reverse trend of change in chromatin structure was observed during early embryo development. We found tissue-specific conservation of hierarchy order in chromatin contact networks. Our findings reveal the top-down hierarchy of chromatin organization, which is significantly attenuated in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yue Xue
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yueying He
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Hui Quan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yi Qin Gao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; .,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Changping Laboratory, Beijing, 102206, China
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12
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Rehman FU, Liu Y, Zheng M, Shi B. Exosomes based strategies for brain drug delivery. Biomaterials 2023; 293:121949. [PMID: 36525706 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Exosome application has emerged as a promising nanotechnology discipline for various diseases therapeutics and diagnoses. Owing to the natural properties of efficient drug delivery, higher biocompatibility, facile traversing of physiological barriers, and subtle side effects, exosomes shorten their way to clinical translation. Exosomes are nanoscale membrane-bound vesicles primarily involved in intercellular communication and exhibit natural blood-brain barrier (BBB) traversing ability, which enables their application as drug delivery vehicles for brain diseases treatment. Herein, we highlight recent exosome-based drug delivery endeavors for neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancer therapy, summarize the obstacles and future directions in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawad Ur Rehman
- Henan-Macquire International Joint Center for Biomedical Innovations, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, JinMing Avenue, Kaifeng, 475004 PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Research, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Yang Liu
- Henan-Macquire International Joint Center for Biomedical Innovations, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, JinMing Avenue, Kaifeng, 475004 PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Meng Zheng
- Henan-Macquire International Joint Center for Biomedical Innovations, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, JinMing Avenue, Kaifeng, 475004 PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China.
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Henan-Macquire International Joint Center for Biomedical Innovations, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, JinMing Avenue, Kaifeng, 475004 PR China; Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Macquarie University Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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13
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Rodrigues FS, Ciccarelli FD, Malanchi I. Reflected stemness as a potential driver of the tumour microenvironment. Trends Cell Biol 2022; 32:979-987. [PMID: 35589467 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.04.007] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental requirement for cancer initiation is the activation of developmental programmes by mutant cells. Oncogenic signals often confer an undifferentiated, stem cell-like phenotype that supports the long-term proliferative potential of cancer cells. Although cancer is a genetically driven disease, mutations in cancer-driver genes alone are insufficient for tumour formation, and the proliferation of cells harbouring oncogenic mutations depends on their microenvironment. In this Opinion article we discuss how the reprogrammed status of cancer cells not only represents the essence of their tumorigenicity but triggers 'reflected stemness' in their surrounding normal counterparts. We propose that this reciprocal interaction underpins the establishment of the tumour microenvironment (TME).
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe S Rodrigues
- Tumour-Host Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Francesca D Ciccarelli
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Ilaria Malanchi
- Tumour-Host Interaction Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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14
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Lavia P, Sciamanna I, Spadafora C. An Epigenetic LINE-1-Based Mechanism in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314610. [PMID: 36498938 PMCID: PMC9738484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last fifty years, large efforts have been deployed in basic research, clinical oncology, and clinical trials, yielding an enormous amount of information regarding the molecular mechanisms of cancer and the design of effective therapies. The knowledge that has accumulated underpins the complexity, multifactoriality, and heterogeneity of cancer, disclosing novel landscapes in cancer biology with a key role of genome plasticity. Here, we propose that cancer onset and progression are determined by a stress-responsive epigenetic mechanism, resulting from the convergence of upregulation of LINE-1 (long interspersed nuclear element 1), the largest family of human retrotransposons, genome damage, nuclear lamina fragmentation, chromatin remodeling, genome reprogramming, and autophagy activation. The upregulated expression of LINE-1 retrotransposons and their protein products plays a key role in these processes, yielding an increased plasticity of the nuclear architecture with the ensuing reprogramming of global gene expression, including the reactivation of embryonic transcription profiles. Cancer phenotypes would thus emerge as a consequence of the unscheduled reactivation of embryonic gene expression patterns in an inappropriate context, triggering de-differentiation and aberrant proliferation in differentiated cells. Depending on the intensity of the stressing stimuli and the level of LINE-1 response, diverse degrees of malignity would be generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Lavia
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology (IBPM), CNR Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ilaria Sciamanna
- Center for Animal Research and Welfare (BENA), ISS Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Corrado Spadafora
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), CNR Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00133 Rome, Italy
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15
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Monji H, Zand H, Ghorbani A, Pourvali K. The Effects of Ovalbumin on Proliferation, Migration, and Stemness Properties of Chemoresistant SW480 Colon Cancer Cells. Nutr Cancer 2022; 74:3714-3722. [PMID: 35675283 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2022.2085754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Egg peptides are factors in the embryonic environment with many significant biological activities, such as anticancer activity. Therefore, the current study investigates the effect of egg ovalbumin (OVA) on survival, cell cycle, self-renewal ability, stemness properties, and migration in SW480 colon cancer cells and 5-fluorouracil (5FU) resistant subgroup. MTT test was performed to assess cell viability. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the cell cycle. Clonogenic assay and spheroid formation were used to assess the effect of OVA on self-renewal and stemness properties. Wound healing assay and RT-PCR were performed to analyze migration and gene mRNA expression. We demonstrated that OVA (8 and 12 mg/ml) attenuated cell viability, induced cell-cycle arrest, inhibited colony formation, and non-significantly reduced spheroid formation and migration in both cell lines. Furthermore, OVA downregulated the expression of Nanog, c-Myc, and NDRG1 in both cells, suggesting a stemness and self-renewal attenuation by OVA. In conclusion, OVA exposure inhibited the 5FU-SW480 chemo-resistant subpopulation growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and diminishing self-renewal and partially stemness properties of colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Monji
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Elderly Health Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Zand
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Ghorbani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Katayoun Pourvali
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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A real-time pluripotency reporter for the long-term and real-time monitoring of pluripotency changes in induced pluripotent stem cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:4445-4458. [PMID: 35575836 PMCID: PMC9186763 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204083] [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: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To master the technology of reprogramming mouse somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which will lay a good foundation for setting up a technology platform on reprogramming human cancer cells into iPSCs. Mouse iPSCs (i.e., Oct4-GFP miPSCs) was successfully generated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) harboring Oct4-EGFP transgene by introducing four factors, Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4, under mESC (Murine embryonic stem cells) culture conditions. Oct4-GFP miPSCs were similar to mESCs in morphology, proliferation, mESC-specific surface antigens and gene expression. Additionally, Oct4-GFP miPSCs could be cultured in suspension to form embryoid bodies (EBs) and differentiate into cell types of the three germ layers in vitro. Moreover, Oct4-GFP miPSCs could develop to teratoma and chimera in vivo. Unlike cell cycle distribution of MEFs, Oct4-GFP miPSCs are similar to mESCs in the cell cycle structure which consists of higher S phase and lower G1 phase. More importantly, our data demonstrated that MEFs harboring Oct4-EGFP transgene did not express GFP, until they were reprogrammed to the pluripotent stage (iPSCs), while the GFP expression was progressively lost when these pluripotent Oct4-GFP miPSCs exposed to EB-mediated differentiation conditions, suggesting the pluripotency of Oct4-GFP miPSCs can be real-time monitored over long periods of time via GFP assay. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that Oct4-GFP miPSC line is successfully established, which will lay a solid foundation for setting up a technology platform on reprogramming cancer cells into iPSCs. Furthermore, this pluripotency reporter system permits the long-term real-time monitoring of pluripotency changes in a live single-cell, and its progeny.
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17
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Monti N, Verna R, Piombarolo A, Querqui A, Bizzarri M, Fedeli V. Paradoxical Behavior of Oncogenes Undermines the Somatic Mutation Theory. Biomolecules 2022; 12:662. [PMID: 35625590 PMCID: PMC9138429 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The currently accepted theory on the influence of DNA mutations on carcinogenesis (the Somatic Mutation Theory, SMT) is facing an increasing number of controversial results that undermine the explanatory power of mutated genes considered as "causative" factors. Intriguing results have demonstrated that several critical genes may act differently, as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, while phenotypic reversion of cancerous cells/tissues can be achieved by modifying the microenvironment, the mutations they are carrying notwithstanding. Furthermore, a high burden of mutations has been identified in many non-cancerous tissues without any apparent pathological consequence. All things considered, a relevant body of unexplained inconsistencies calls for an in depth rewiring of our theoretical models. Ignoring these paradoxes is no longer sustainable. By avoiding these conundrums, the scientific community will deprive itself of the opportunity to achieve real progress in this important biomedical field. To remedy this situation, we need to embrace new theoretical perspectives, taking the cell-microenvironment interplay as the privileged pathogenetic level of observation, and by assuming new explanatory models based on truly different premises. New theoretical frameworks dawned in the last two decades principally focus on the complex interaction between cells and their microenvironment, which is thought to be the critical level from which carcinogenesis arises. Indeed, both molecular and biophysical components of the stroma can dramatically drive cell fate commitment and cell outcome in opposite directions, even in the presence of the same stimulus. Therefore, such a novel approach can help in solving apparently inextricable paradoxes that are increasingly observed in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Valeria Fedeli
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.M.); (R.V.); (A.P.); (A.Q.); (M.B.)
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18
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Kasperski A. Life Entrapped in a Network of Atavistic Attractors: How to Find a Rescue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074017. [PMID: 35409376 PMCID: PMC8999494 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In view of unified cell bioenergetics, cell bioenergetic problems related to cell overenergization can cause excessive disturbances in current cell fate and, as a result, lead to a change of cell-fate. At the onset of the problem, cell overenergization of multicellular organisms (especially overenergization of mitochondria) is solved inter alia by activation and then stimulation of the reversible Crabtree effect by cells. Unfortunately, this apparently good solution can also lead to a much bigger problem when, despite the activation of the Crabtree effect, cell overenergization persists for a long time. In such a case, cancer transformation, along with the Warburg effect, may occur to further reduce or stop the charging of mitochondria by high-energy molecules. Understanding the phenomena of cancer transformation and cancer development has become a real challenge for humanity. To date, many models have been developed to understand cancer-related mechanisms. Nowadays, combining all these models into one coherent universal model of cancer transformation and development can be considered a new challenge. In this light, the aim of this article is to present such a potentially universal model supported by a proposed new model of cellular functionality evolution. The methods of fighting cancer resulting from unified cell bioenergetics and the two presented models are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Kasperski
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Control of Bioprocesses, University of Zielona Góra, ul. Szafrana 1, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland
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19
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Zhu D, Cao Z, Pang X, Jiang W, Li C, Zhang X, Tian X, Tu H, Wu P, Nie H. Derivation of Stem Cell-like Cells From Spherical Culture of Astrocytes for Enhanced Neural Repair After Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:875514. [PMID: 35445000 PMCID: PMC9013960 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.875514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural precursor cells (NPCs) tend to aggregate and develop into three-dimensional (3D) spheres, which in turn help maintain the stemness of the cells. This close relationship between spherical environments and cell stemness direct us to assume that 3D spheres of astrocytes (ASTs) may facilitate the acquisition of stem cell-like features and generate sufficient seed cells for the regeneration of neurons. In vitro results confirmed that mouse ASTs cultured on agarose surfaces spontaneously formed cell spheres and exhibited molecular features similar to stem cells, particularly capable of further differentiating into neurons and forming functional synaptic networks with synchronous burst activities. RNA-sequencing results revealed the similarity between AST-derived stem cells (A-iSCs) and NPCs in global gene expression profiles. The potency of A-iSCs in repairing neural injuries was evaluated in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. It was observed that the transplanted A-iSCs expressed a series of markers related to neural differentiation, such as NeuN, Tuj1, and Map2, indicating the conversion of the transplanted A-iSCs into neurons in the scenario. We also found that the injured mice injected with A-iSCs exhibited significant improvements in sensorimotor functions after 8 weeks compared with the sham and control mice. Taken together, mouse ASTs form cell spheres on agarose surfaces and acquire stem cell-associated features; meanwhile, the derived A-iSCs possess the capacity to differentiate into neurons and facilitate the regeneration of damaged nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Zheming Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoyang Pang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Chihao Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xibin Tian
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Haijun Tu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Hemin Nie, ; Panfeng Wu, ; Haijun Tu,
| | - Panfeng Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Hemin Nie, ; Panfeng Wu, ; Haijun Tu,
| | - Hemin Nie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Hemin Nie, ; Panfeng Wu, ; Haijun Tu,
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20
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Simbulan-Rosenthal CM, Haribabu Y, Vakili S, Kuo LW, Clark H, Dougherty R, Alobaidi R, Carney B, Sykora P, Rosenthal DS. Employing CRISPR-Cas9 to Generate CD133 Synthetic Lethal Melanoma Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2333. [PMID: 35216449 PMCID: PMC8877091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a lethal skin cancer containing melanoma-initiating cells (MIC) implicated in tumorigenesis, invasion, and drug resistance, and is characterized by the elevated expression of stem cell markers, including CD133. The siRNA knockdown of CD133 enhances apoptosis induced by the MEK inhibitor trametinib in melanoma cells. This study investigates the underlying mechanisms of CD133's anti-apoptotic activity in patient-derived BAKP and POT cells, harboring difficult-to-treat NRASQ61K and NRASQ61R drivers, after CRISPR-Cas9 CD133 knockout or Dox-inducible expression of CD133. MACS-sorted CD133(+) BAKP cells were conditionally reprogrammed to derive BAKR cells with sustained CD133 expression and MIC features. Compared to BAKP, CD133(+) BAKR exhibit increased cell survival and reduced apoptosis in response to trametinib or the chemotherapeutic dacarbazine (DTIC). CRISPR-Cas9-mediated CD133 knockout in BAKR cells (BAKR-KO) re-sensitized cells to trametinib. CD133 knockout in BAKP and POT cells increased trametinib-induced apoptosis by reducing anti-apoptotic BCL-xL, p-AKT, and p-BAD and increasing pro-apoptotic BAX. Conversely, Dox-induced CD133 expression diminished apoptosis in both trametinib-treated cell lines, coincident with elevated p-AKT, p-BAD, BCL-2, and BCL-xL and decreased activation of BAX and caspases-3 and -9. AKT1/2 siRNA knockdown or inhibition of BCL-2 family members with navitoclax (ABT-263) in BAKP-KO cells further enhanced caspase-mediated apoptotic PARP cleavage. CD133 may therefore activate a survival pathway where (1) increased AKT phosphorylation and activation induces (2) BAD phosphorylation and inactivation, (3) decreases BAX activation, and (4) reduces caspases-3 and -9 activity and caspase-mediated PARP cleavage, leading to apoptosis suppression and drug resistance in melanoma. Targeting nodes of the CD133, AKT, or BCL-2 survival pathways with trametinib highlights the potential for combination therapies for NRAS-mutant melanoma stem cells for the development of more effective treatments for patients with high-risk melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M. Simbulan-Rosenthal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Yogameenakshi Haribabu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Sahar Vakili
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Li-Wei Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Havens Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Ryan Dougherty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Ryyan Alobaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
| | - Bonnie Carney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
- Firefighters’ Burn and Surgical Laboratory, MedStar Health Research Institute, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Peter Sykora
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
- Amelia Technologies, LLC, 1121 5th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Dean S. Rosenthal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (C.M.S.-R.); (Y.H.); (S.V.); (L.-W.K.); (H.C.); (R.D.); (R.A.); (B.C.); (P.S.)
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21
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Lakshmi BA, Kim YJ. Modernistic and Emerging Developments of Nanotechnology in Glioblastoma-Targeted Theranostic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031641. [PMID: 35163563 PMCID: PMC8836088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors such as glioblastoma are typically associated with an unstoppable cell proliferation with aggressive infiltration behavior and a shortened life span. Though treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are available in combating glioblastoma, satisfactory therapeutics are still not available due to the high impermeability of the blood–brain barrier. To address these concerns, recently, multifarious theranostics based on nanotechnology have been developed, which can deal with diagnosis and therapy together. The multifunctional nanomaterials find a strategic path against glioblastoma by adjoining novel thermal and magnetic therapy approaches. Their convenient combination of specific features such as real-time tracking, in-depth tissue penetration, drug-loading capacity, and contrasting performance is of great demand in the clinical investigation of glioblastoma. The potential benefits of nanomaterials including specificity, surface tunability, biodegradability, non-toxicity, ligand functionalization, and near-infrared (NIR) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging are sufficient in developing effective theranostics. This review discusses the recent developments in nanotechnology toward the diagnosis, drug delivery, and therapy regarding glioblastoma.
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22
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Canals J, Navarro A, Vila C, Canals JM, Díaz T, Acosta-Plasencia M, Cros-Font C, Han B, He Y, Monzó M. Human embryonic mesenchymal lung-conditioned medium promotes differentiation to myofibroblast and loss of stemness phenotype in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:37. [PMID: 35081981 PMCID: PMC8790861 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02206-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background When genes responsible for normal embryonic development are abnormally expressed in adults, it can lead to tumor development. This can suggest that the same mechanism that controls embryonic differentiation can also control tumor differentiation. We hypothesize that the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells could acquire benign characteristics when in contact with an embryonic lung microenvironment. We cultured two lung cancer cell lines in embryonic lung mesenchyme-conditioned medium and evaluated morphological, functional and molecular changes. Methods The human embryonic mesenchymal lung-conditioned medium (hEML-CM) was obtained by culturing lung cells from embryos in the pseudoglandular stage of development. The NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299 we cultured in the hEML-CM and in a tumor-conditioned medium. Morphological changes were analyzed with optical and transmission electron microscopy. To evaluate the functional effect of conditioned medium in tumor cells, we analyzed cell proliferation, migration, colony formation capacity in 2D and 3D and in vivo tumor growth capacity. The expression of the pluripotency genes OSKM, the adenocarcinoma marker NKX2-1, the lung surfactant proteins SFTP, the myofibroblast marker MYH and DNMT3A/3B was analyzed with qRT-PCR and the presence of the myofibroblast markers vimentin and α-SMA with immunofluorescence. Transcriptomic analysis was performed using Affymetrix arrays. Results The A549 and H1299 cells cultured in hEML-CM lost their epithelial morphology, acquired mesodermal characteristics, and decreased proliferation, migration, and colony formation capacity in 2D and 3D, as well as reduced its capacity to growth in vivo. The expression of OSKM, NKX2-1 and SFTP decreased, while that of DNMT3A/3B, vimentin, α-SMA and MYH increased. Distant matrix analysis based on transcriptomic profile showed that conditioned cells were closer to myoblast and human lung fibroblast than to normal epithelial immortalized lung cells. A total of 1631 for A549 and 866 for H1299 differentially expressed genes between control and conditioned cells were identified. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report that stimuli from the embryonic lung can modulate the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells, control their growth capacity and activate their differentiation into myofibroblasts. These findings could lead to new strategies for lung cancer management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02206-z.
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23
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Morato NM, Hallett JE, Wang WH, Elzey BD, Cresswell GM, Cooper BR, Ferreira CR. Changes in Lipid Profile and SOX-2 Expression in RM-1 Cells after Co-Culture with Preimplantation Embryos or with Deproteinated Blastocyst Extracts. Mol Omics 2022; 18:480-489. [PMID: 35506630 DOI: 10.1039/d2mo00071g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The embryonic environment can modify cancer cell metabolism, and it is reported to induce the loss of tumorigenic properties and even affect the differentiation of cancer cells into normal tissues....
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás M Morato
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation Development, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Judy E Hallett
- Transgenic and Genome Editing Facility, Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Wen-Hung Wang
- Gene Editing Core, Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Bennett D Elzey
- Department of Comparative Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Gregory M Cresswell
- Department of Comparative Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Bruce R Cooper
- Metabolite Profiling Facility, Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Christina R Ferreira
- Metabolite Profiling Facility, Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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24
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Kasemeier-Kulesa JC, Spengler JA, Muolo CE, Morrison JA, Woolley TE, Schnell S, Kulesa PM. The embryonic trunk neural crest microenvironment regulates the plasticity and invasion of human neuroblastoma via TrkB signaling. Dev Biol 2021; 480:78-90. [PMID: 34416224 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mistakes in trunk neural crest (NC) cell migration may lead to birth defects of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and neuroblastoma (NB) cancer. Receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) and its ligand BDNF critically regulate NC cell migration during normal SNS development and elevated expression of TrkB is correlated with high-risk NB patients. However, in the absence of a model with in vivo interrogation of human NB cell and gene expression dynamics, the mechanistic role of TrkB in NB disease progression remains unclear. Here, we study the functional relationship between TrkB, cell invasion and plasticity of human NB cells by taking advantage of our validated in vivo chick embryo transplant model. We find that LAN5 (high TrkB) and SHSY5Y (moderate TrkB) human NB cells aggressively invade host embryos and populate typical NC targets, however loss of TrkB function significantly reduces cell invasion. In contrast, NB1643 (low TrkB) cells remain near the transplant site, but over-expression of TrkB leads to significant cell invasion. Invasive NB cells show enhanced expression of genes indicative of the most invasive host NC cells. In contrast, transplanted human NB cells down-regulate known NB tumor initiating and stem cell markers. Human NB cells that remain within the dorsal neural tube transplant also show enhanced expression of cell differentiation genes, resulting in an improved disease outcome as predicted by a computational algorithm. These in vivo data support TrkB as an important biomarker and target to control NB aggressiveness and identify the chick embryonic trunk neural crest microenvironment as a source of signals to drive NB to a less aggressive state, likely acting at the dorsal neural tube.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Connor E Muolo
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Jason A Morrison
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Thomas E Woolley
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24, UK
| | - Santiago Schnell
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Paul M Kulesa
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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Bertolaso M, Campaner R. Scientific Practice in Modeling Diseases: Stances from Cancer Research and Neuropsychiatry. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHILOSOPHY 2021; 45:105-128. [PMID: 31922577 DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, philosophy of science has increasingly focused on multilevel models and causal mechanistic explanations to account for complex biological phenomena. On the one hand, biological and biomedical works make extensive use of mechanistic concepts; on the other hand, philosophers have analyzed an increasing range of examples taken from different domains in the life sciences to test-support or criticize-the adequacy of mechanistic accounts. The article highlights some challenges in the elaboration of mechanistic explanations with a focus on cancer research and neuropsychiatry. It jointly considers fields, which are usually dealt with separately, and keeps a close eye on scientific practice. The article has a twofold aim. First, it shows that identification of the explananda is a key issue when looking at dynamic processes and their implications in medical research and clinical practice. Second, it discusses the relevance of organizational accounts of mechanisms, and questions whether thorough self-sustaining mechanistic explanations can actually be provided when addressing cancer and psychiatric diseases. While acknowledging the merits of the wide ongoing debate on mechanistic models, the article challenges the mechanistic approach to explanation by discussing, in particular, explanatory and conceptual terms in the light of stances from medical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bertolaso
- Institute of Philosophy of Scientific and Technological Practice, Rome, Italy
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Li Z, Zhang L, Liu FY, Li P, He J, Kirkwood CL, Sohn J, Chan JM, Magner WJ, Kirkwood KL. MKP-1 is required to limit myeloid-cell mediated oral squamous cell carcinoma progression and regional extension. Oral Oncol 2021; 120:105401. [PMID: 34182221 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) require MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) for deactivation of MAPK intracellular signaling. MKP-1 (encoded by Dusp1) is a key negative regulator of MAPKs and prior reports have indicated that MKP-1 regulates oral cancer-associated inflammation and leukocyte infiltration. OBJECTIVE To determine the significance of myeloid-based expression of MKP-1 in oral cancer. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to address DUSP1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Syngeneic and carcinogen-induced mouse models using global and myeloid-specific Dusp-1 deficient mice with immunophenotypic, histologic, and transcriptomic analyses and in vitro migration assays. RESULTS Data from TCGA indicates the DUSP1 expression is inversely related to oral cancer burden and nodal involvement. Using murine models of OSCC, the role of MKP-1 signaling in tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) was assessed. Dusp1-deficient mice had increased tumor burden and TAM infiltrate with increased M2 macrophage polarization. Transcriptomic signatures of TAMs from Dusp1-deficent mice indicated a pro-metastatic phenotype as well as concomitant differences in myeloid-associated genes, cytokine/chemokine signaling, and Notch signaling consistent with tumor progression. In vitro and in vivo assays revealed mouse OSCC cells had a higher migration rate using TAM cell-free supernatant from Dusp1 deficiency mice compared to controls with enhanced regional cervical lymph node metastasis, respectively. To validate TAM studies using implantable mouse models, an OSCC progression model with conditional myeloid-specific Dusp-1 deficient mice demonstrated enhanced OSCC disease progression, characterized by advanced onset, histological stage, and tumor burden. CONCLUSION Myeloid-based Dusp1-deficiency increases OSCC burden and metastasis through alteration in TAM recruitment, gene profile, and polarity suggesting that MKP-1 could be a viable target to reprogram TAM to limit local/regional OSCC extension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenning Li
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, China; Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang, China, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lixia Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang, China, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fa-Yu Liu
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang, China, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,; Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jing He
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Oromaxillofacial-Head and Neck Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Shenyang, China
| | - Cameron L Kirkwood
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jiho Sohn
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jon M Chan
- Department of Head and Neck/Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - William J Magner
- Department of Head and Neck/Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Keith L Kirkwood
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Head and Neck/Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Sacher F, Feregrino C, Tschopp P, Ewald CY. Extracellular matrix gene expression signatures as cell type and cell state identifiers. Matrix Biol Plus 2021; 10:100069. [PMID: 34195598 PMCID: PMC8233473 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2021.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptomic signatures based on cellular mRNA expression profiles can be used to categorize cell types and states. Yet whether different functional groups of genes perform better or worse in this process remains largely unexplored. Here we test the core matrisome - that is, all genes coding for structural proteins of the extracellular matrix - for its ability to delineate distinct cell types in embryonic single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. We show that even though expressed core matrisome genes correspond to less than 2% of an entire cellular transcriptome, their RNA expression levels suffice to recapitulate essential aspects of cell type-specific clustering. Notably, using scRNA-seq data from the embryonic limb, we demonstrate that core matrisome gene expression outperforms random gene subsets of similar sizes and can match and exceed the predictive power of transcription factors. While transcription factor signatures generally perform better in predicting cell types at early stages of chicken and mouse limb development, i.e., when cells are less differentiated, the information content of the core matrisome signature increases in more differentiated cells. Moreover, using cross-species analyses, we show that these cell type-specific signatures are evolutionarily conserved. Our findings suggest that each cell type produces its own unique extracellular matrix, or matreotype, which becomes progressively more refined and cell type-specific as embryonic tissues mature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Sacher
- Laboratory of Regulatory Evolution, DUW Zoology, University of Basel, Basel CH-4051, Switzerland
| | - Christian Feregrino
- Laboratory of Regulatory Evolution, DUW Zoology, University of Basel, Basel CH-4051, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Tschopp
- Laboratory of Regulatory Evolution, DUW Zoology, University of Basel, Basel CH-4051, Switzerland
| | - Collin Y. Ewald
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach CH-8603, Switzerland
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Feghhi M, Rezaie J, Mostafanezhad K, Jabbari N. Bystander effects induced by electron beam-irradiated MCF-7 cells: a potential mechanism of therapy resistance. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 187:657-671. [PMID: 34043123 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06250-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The distinct direct and non-targeting effects of electron beam radiation on MCF-7 cells remain obscure. We aimed to investigate the effect of electron beam irradiation (EBI) and conditioned media (CM) of the irradiated MCF-7 cells on MCF-7 cells. The cytotoxic effects of CM from irradiated MCF-7 cells on the mesenchymal stem cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also examined. METHODS Cell viability and apoptosis were assayed via MTT and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) was evaluated by the chemical fluorometric method, while the amount of extracellular vesicles was detected via acetylcholinesterase activity assay. Expression of genes involved in apoptosis, including caspase-3, -8, -9, and stemness such as Sox-2 and Oct-4, were calculated through qPCR. The wound healing rate of cells was monitored via in vitro scratch assay. RESULTS Compared to the control group, EBI groups showed decreased cell viability but increased apoptosis and ROS as well as acetylcholinesterase activity dose-dependently (P < 0.05). Concurrently with increasing the dose of the electron beam, the transcript levels of apoptotic genes (caspase-3, -8, -9) and stemness-related genes (Sox-2 and Oct-4) were up-regulated following EBI. The wound healing rate of irradiated MCF-7 cells increased dose-dependently (P < 0.05). Similar results were observed after treatment with CM from irradiated MCF-7 cells. Additionally, CM from irradiated MCF-7 cells decreased the viability of MCF-7 cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and HUVECs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION MCF-7 cells treated with an electron beam and CMs from irradiated MCF-7 cells exhibit an up-regulation in both genes involved in the apoptosis pathway and stemness. As a result, EBI can affect apoptosis and stemness in MCF-7 cells in direct and bystander manners. However, specific signaling pathways require careful evaluation to provide an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the EBI-induced alternation in tumor cell dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Feghhi
- Department of Medical Physics, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Jafar Rezaie
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | | | - Nasrollah Jabbari
- Department of Medical Physics and Imaging, Solid Tumor Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Dias MH, Bernards R. Playing cancer at its own game: activating mitogenic signaling as a paradoxical intervention. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:1975-1985. [PMID: 33955157 PMCID: PMC8333773 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In psychotherapy, paradoxical interventions are characterized by a deliberate reinforcement of the pathological behavior to improve the clinical condition. Such a counter-intuitive approach can be considered when more conventional interventions fail. The development of targeted cancer therapies has enabled the selective inhibition of activated oncogenic signaling pathways. However, in advanced cancers, such therapies, on average, deliver modest benefits due to the development of resistance. Here, we review the perspective of a 'paradoxical intervention' in cancer therapy: rather than attempting to inhibit oncogenic signaling, the proposed therapy would further activate mitogenic signaling to disrupt the labile homeostasis of cancer cells and overload stress response pathways. Such overactivation can potentially be combined with stress-targeted drugs to kill overstressed cancer cells. Although counter-intuitive, such an approach exploits intrinsic and ubiquitous differences between normal and cancer cells. We discuss the background underlying this unconventional approach and how such intervention might address some current challenges in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Henrique Dias
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René Bernards
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Paul D. Cancer as a form of life: Musings of the cancer and evolution symposium. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 165:120-139. [PMID: 33991584 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Advanced cancer is one of the major problems in oncology as currently, despite the recent technological and scientific advancements, the mortality of metastatic disease remains very high at 70-90%. The field of oncology is in urgent need of novel ideas in order to improve quality of life and prognostic of cancer patients. The Cancer and Evolution Symposium organized online October 14-16, 2020 brought together a group of specialists from different fields that presented innovative strategies for better understanding, preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. Today still, the main reasons behind the high incidence and mortality of advanced cancer are, on one hand, the paucity of funding and effort directed to cancer prevention and early detection, and, on the other hand, the lack of understanding of the cancer process itself. I argue that besides being a disease, cancer is also a form of life, and, this frame of reference may provide a fresh look on this complex process. Here, I provide a different angle to several contemporary cancer theories discussing them from the perspective of "cancer-forms of life" (i.e. bionts) point of view. The perspectives and the several "bionts" introduced here, by no means exclusive or comprehensive, are just a shorthand that will hopefully encourage the readers, to further explore the contemporary oncology theoretical landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doru Paul
- Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Avenue 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
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31
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Tripathi A, Kashyap A, Tripathi G, Yadav J, Bibban R, Aggarwal N, Thakur K, Chhokar A, Jadli M, Sah AK, Verma Y, Zayed H, Husain A, Bharti AC, Kashyap MK. Tumor reversion: a dream or a reality. Biomark Res 2021; 9:31. [PMID: 33958005 PMCID: PMC8101112 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reversion of tumor to a normal differentiated cell once considered a dream is now at the brink of becoming a reality. Different layers of molecules/events such as microRNAs, transcription factors, alternative RNA splicing, post-transcriptional, post-translational modifications, availability of proteomics, genomics editing tools, and chemical biology approaches gave hope to manipulation of cancer cells reversion to a normal cell phenotype as evidences are subtle but definitive. Regardless of the advancement, there is a long way to go, as customized techniques are required to be fine-tuned with precision to attain more insights into tumor reversion. Tumor regression models using available genome-editing methods, followed by in vitro and in vivo proteomics profiling techniques show early evidence. This review summarizes tumor reversion developments, present issues, and unaddressed challenges that remained in the uncharted territory to modulate cellular machinery for tumor reversion towards therapeutic purposes successfully. Ongoing research reaffirms the potential promises of understanding the mechanism of tumor reversion and required refinement that is warranted in vitro and in vivo models of tumor reversion, and the potential translation of these into cancer therapy. Furthermore, therapeutic compounds were reported to induce phenotypic changes in cancer cells into normal cells, which will contribute in understanding the mechanism of tumor reversion. Altogether, the efforts collectively suggest that tumor reversion will likely reveal a new wave of therapeutic discoveries that will significantly impact clinical practice in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avantika Tripathi
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon, Haryana, Manesar (Gurugram), -122413, India
| | - Anjali Kashyap
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Greesham Tripathi
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon, Haryana, Manesar (Gurugram), -122413, India
| | - Joni Yadav
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Rakhi Bibban
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Nikita Aggarwal
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Kulbhushan Thakur
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Arun Chhokar
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Mohit Jadli
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Sah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon, Haryana, Manesar (Gurugram), India
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medanta-The Medicity, Haryana, Gurugram, India
| | - Yeshvandra Verma
- Department of Toxicology, C C S University, Meerut, UP, 250004, India
| | - Hatem Zayed
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amjad Husain
- Centre for Science & Society, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, India
- Innovation and Incubation Centre for Entrepreneurship (IICE), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, India
| | - Alok Chandra Bharti
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India.
| | - Manoj Kumar Kashyap
- Amity Stem Cell Institute, Amity Medical School, Amity University Haryana, Panchgaon, Haryana, Manesar (Gurugram), -122413, India.
- Department of Zoology, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Delhi (North Campus), New Delhi, 110007, India.
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Abdel Mouti M, Pauklin S. TGFB1/INHBA Homodimer/Nodal-SMAD2/3 Signaling Network: A Pivotal Molecular Target in PDAC Treatment. Mol Ther 2021; 29:920-936. [PMID: 33429081 PMCID: PMC7934636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a grueling disease that is projected to become the second-deadliest cancer in the next decade. Standard treatment of pancreatic cancer is chemotherapy, which mainly targets the differentiated population of tumor cells; however, it paradoxically sets the roots of tumor relapse by the selective enrichment of intrinsically chemoresistant pancreatic cancer stem cells that are equipped with an indefinite capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, resulting in tumor regeneration and an overall anemic response to chemotherapy. Crosstalk between pancreatic tumor cells and the surrounding stromal microenvironment is also involved in the development of chemoresistance by creating a supportive niche, which enhances the stemness features and tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, the desmoplastic nature of the tumor-associated stroma acts as a physical barrier, which limits the intratumoral delivery of chemotherapeutics. In this review, we mainly focus on the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1)/inhibin subunit beta A (INHBA) homodimer/Nodal-SMAD2/3 signaling network in pancreatic cancer as a pivotal central node that regulates multiple key mechanisms involved in the development of chemoresistance, including enhancement of the stem cell-like properties and tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells, mediating cooperative interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and the surrounding stroma, as well as regulating the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins within the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Abdel Mouti
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Headington, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Headington, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK.
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Kim J. Cellular reprogramming to model and study epigenetic alterations in cancer. Stem Cell Res 2020; 49:102062. [PMID: 33202305 PMCID: PMC7768185 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.102062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular reprogramming to model human cancer. Cellular reprogramming to rewire epigenetic alterations in human cancer. Selective reactivation of malignancy in the cell lineage cancer is originated. Cellular reprogramming to recapitulate human cancer progression.
Although genetic mutations are required for cancer development, reversible non-genetic alterations also play a pivotal role in cancer progression. Failure of well-orchestrated gene regulation by chromatin states and master transcription factors can be one such non-genetic etiology for cancer development. Master transcription factor-mediated cellular reprogramming of human cancer cells allows us to model cancer progression. Here I cover the history and recent advances in reprogramming cancer cells, followed by lessons from cellular reprogramming of normal cells that may apply to cancer. Lastly, I share my perspective on cellular reprogramming for studying epigenetic alterations that have occurred in tumorigenesis, discuss the current limitations, and propose ways to overcome the obstacles in the reprogramming of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsun Kim
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute (Cancer Biology Research Program), Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, KCRB 5001.51, 2720 SW Moody Ave., Portland, OR 97201, United States.
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Life, death, and self: Fundamental questions of primitive cognition viewed through the lens of body plasticity and synthetic organisms. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 564:114-133. [PMID: 33162026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.10.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Central to the study of cognition is being able to specify the Subject that is making decisions and owning memories and preferences. However, all real cognitive agents are made of parts (such as brains made of cells). The integration of many active subunits into a coherent Self appearing at a larger scale of organization is one of the fundamental questions of evolutionary cognitive science. Typical biological model systems, whether basal or advanced, have a static anatomical structure which obscures important aspects of the mind-body relationship. Recent advances in bioengineering now make it possible to assemble, disassemble, and recombine biological structures at the cell, organ, and whole organism levels. Regenerative biology and controlled chimerism reveal that studies of cognition in intact, "standard", evolved animal bodies are just a narrow slice of a much bigger and as-yet largely unexplored reality: the incredible plasticity of dynamic morphogenesis of biological forms that house and support diverse types of cognition. The ability to produce living organisms in novel configurations makes clear that traditional concepts, such as body, organism, genetic lineage, death, and memory are not as well-defined as commonly thought, and need considerable revision to account for the possible spectrum of living entities. Here, I review fascinating examples of experimental biology illustrating that the boundaries demarcating somatic and cognitive Selves are fluid, providing an opportunity to sharpen inquiries about how evolution exploits physical forces for multi-scale cognition. Developmental (pre-neural) bioelectricity contributes a novel perspective on how the dynamic control of growth and form of the body evolved into sophisticated cognitive capabilities. Most importantly, the development of functional biobots - synthetic living machines with behavioral capacity - provides a roadmap for greatly expanding our understanding of the origin and capacities of cognition in all of its possible material implementations, especially those that emerge de novo, with no lengthy evolutionary history of matching behavioral programs to bodyplan. Viewing fundamental questions through the lens of new, constructed living forms will have diverse impacts, not only in basic evolutionary biology and cognitive science, but also in regenerative medicine of the brain and in artificial intelligence.
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35
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Xavier PLP, Müller S, Fukumasu H. Epigenetic Mechanisms in Canine Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:591843. [PMID: 33194754 PMCID: PMC7646326 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.591843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A plethora of data has highlighted the role of epigenetics in the development of cancer. Initiation and progression of different cancer types are associated with a variety of changes of epigenetic mechanisms, including aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA expression. At the same time, advances in the available epigenetic tools allow to investigate and reverse these epigenetic changes and form the basis for the development of anticancer drugs in human oncology. Although human and canine cancer shares several common features, only recently that studies emerged investigating the epigenetic landscape in canine cancer and applying epigenetic modulators to canine cancer. This review focuses on the existing studies involving epigenetic changes in different types of canine cancer and the use of small-molecule inhibitors in canine cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Luiz Porfirio Xavier
- Laboratory of Comparative and Translational Oncology (LOCT), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Susanne Müller
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Heidge Fukumasu
- Laboratory of Comparative and Translational Oncology (LOCT), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
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36
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Proietti S, Cucina A, Pensotti A, Fuso A, Marchese C, Nicolini A, Bizzarri M. Tumor reversion and embryo morphogenetic factors. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 79:83-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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37
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Tagliatela AC, Hempstead SC, Hibshman PS, Hockenberry MA, Brighton HE, Pecot CV, Bear JE. Coronin 1C inhibits melanoma metastasis through regulation of MT1-MMP-containing extracellular vesicle secretion. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11958. [PMID: 32686704 PMCID: PMC7371684 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67465-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronin 1C is overexpressed in multiple tumors, leading to the widely held view that this gene drives tumor progression, but this hypothesis has not been rigorously tested in melanoma. Here, we combined a conditional knockout of Coronin 1C with a genetically engineered mouse model of PTEN/BRAF-driven melanoma. Loss of Coronin 1C in this model increases both primary tumor growth rates and distant metastases. Coronin 1C-null cells isolated from this model are more invasive in vitro and produce more metastatic lesions in orthotopic transplants than Coronin 1C-reexpressing cells due to the shedding of extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing MT1-MMP. Interestingly, these vesicles contain melanosome markers suggesting a melanoma-specific mechanism of EV release, regulated by Coronin 1C, that contributes to the high rates of metastasis in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia C Tagliatela
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Stephanie C Hempstead
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Priya S Hibshman
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Max A Hockenberry
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Hailey E Brighton
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Chad V Pecot
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - James E Bear
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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38
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From cancer to rejuvenation: incomplete regeneration as the missing link (part II: rejuvenation circle). Future Sci OA 2020; 6:FSO610. [PMID: 32983567 PMCID: PMC7491027 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2020-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the first part of our study, we substantiated that the embryonic reontogenesis and malignant growth (disintegrating growth) pathways are the same, but occur at different stages of ontogenesis, this mechanism is carried out in opposite directions. Cancer has been shown to be epigenetic-blocked redifferentiation and unfinished somatic embryogenesis. We formulated that only this approach of aging elimination has real prospects for a future that is fraught with cancer, as we will be able to convert this risk into a rejuvenation process through the continuous cycling of cell dedifferentiation-differentiation processes (permanent remorphogenesis). Here, we continue to develop the idea of looped ontogenesis and formulate the concept of the rejuvenation circle.
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39
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Cheng YQ, Wang SB, Liu JH, Jin L, Liu Y, Li CY, Su YR, Liu YR, Sang X, Wan Q, Liu C, Yang L, Wang ZC. Modifying the tumour microenvironment and reverting tumour cells: New strategies for treating malignant tumours. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12865. [PMID: 32588948 PMCID: PMC7445401 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in tumour fate determination. The TME acts together with the genetic material of tumour cells to determine their initiation, metastasis and drug resistance. Stromal cells in the TME promote the growth and metastasis of tumour cells by secreting soluble molecules or exosomes. The abnormal microenvironment reduces immune surveillance and tumour killing. The TME causes low anti‐tumour drug penetration and reactivity and high drug resistance. Tumour angiogenesis and microenvironmental hypoxia limit the drug concentration within the TME and enhance the stemness of tumour cells. Therefore, modifying the TME to effectively attack tumour cells could represent a comprehensive and effective anti‐tumour strategy. Normal cells, such as stem cells and immune cells, can penetrate and disrupt the abnormal TME. Reconstruction of the TME with healthy cells is an exciting new direction for tumour treatment. We will elaborate on the mechanism of the TME to support tumours and the current cell therapies for targeting tumours and the TME—such as immune cell therapies, haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation therapies, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transfer and embryonic stem cell‐based microenvironment therapies—to provide novel ideas for producing breakthroughs in tumour therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Qi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shou Bi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Hui Liu
- Affiliated Dongguan People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Lin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya Ru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Run Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Chong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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40
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Solary
- INSERM U1287 Gustave Roussy Cancer Center Villejuif France
- Faculté de Médecine Université Paris‐Saclay Le Kremlin‐Bicêtre France
| | - Lucie Laplane
- INSERM U1287 Gustave Roussy Cancer Center Villejuif France
- CNRS U8590 Institut d'Histoire et Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques Université Paris I Panthéon‐Sorbonne Paris France
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41
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Loppini A, Cherubini C, Bertolaso M, Filippi S. Breaking down calcium timing in heterogenous cells populations. Biosystems 2020; 191-192:104117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2020.104117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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42
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Wouters A, Ploem JP, Langie SAS, Artois T, Aboobaker A, Smeets K. Regenerative responses following DNA damage - β-catenin mediates head regrowth in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs237545. [PMID: 32107291 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.237545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine. Increased replication and division, such is the case during regeneration, concomitantly increases the risk of adverse outcomes through the acquisition of mutations. Seeking for driving mechanisms of such outcomes, we challenged a pluripotent stem cell system during the tightly controlled regeneration process in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea Exposure to the genotoxic compound methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) revealed that despite a similar DNA-damaging effect along the anteroposterior axis of intact animals, responses differed between anterior and posterior fragments after amputation. Stem cell proliferation and differentiation proceeded successfully in the amputated heads, leading to regeneration of missing tissues. Stem cells in the amputated tails showed decreased proliferation and differentiation capacity. As a result, tails could not regenerate. Interference with the body-axis-associated component β-catenin-1 increased regenerative success in tail fragments by stimulating proliferation at an early time point. Our results suggest that differences in the Wnt signalling gradient along the body axis modulate stem cell responses to MMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Wouters
- Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jan-Pieter Ploem
- Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sabine A S Langie
- Vito Health, 2400 Mol, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tom Artois
- Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Aziz Aboobaker
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Karen Smeets
- Zoology, Biodiversity and Toxicology, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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43
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Augustine R, Alhussain H, Hasan A, Badie Ahmed M, C Yalcin H, Al Moustafa AE. A novel in ovo model to study cancer metastasis using chicken embryos and GFP expressing cancer cells. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2020; 20:140-148. [PMID: 31336058 PMCID: PMC7029200 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2019.4372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. To date, several in vitro methodologies have been developed to understand the mechanisms of cancer metastasis and to screen various therapeutic agents against it. Nevertheless, mimicking an in vivo microenvironment in vitro is not possible; while in vivo experiments are complex, expensive and bound with several regulatory requirements. Herein, we report a novel in ovo model that relies on chicken embryo to investigate cancer cell invasion and metastasis to various organs of the body. In this model, we directly injected green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing cancer cells to the heart of chicken embryo at 3 days of incubation, then monitored cell migration to various organs. To this end, we used a simple tissue processing technique to achieve rapid imaging and quantification of invasive cells. We were able to clearly observe the migration of GFP expressing cancer cells into various organs of chicken embryo. Organ specific variation in cell migration was also observed. Our new slide pressing based tissue processing technique improved the detectability of migrated cells. We herein demonstrate that the use of GFP expressing cancer cells allows easy detection and quantification of migrated cancer cells in the chicken embryo model, which minimizes the time and effort required in this types of studies compared to conventional histopathological analysis. In conclusion, our investigation provides a new cancer metastasis model that can be further improved to include more complex aspects, such as the use of multiple cell lines and anti-metastatic agents, thus opening new horizons in cancer biology and pharmaceutical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Augustine
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering; Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Hashim Alhussain
- Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Qatar University; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University; Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Mohamed Badie Ahmed
- Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Qatar University; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Huseyin C Yalcin
- Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa
- Biomedical Research Center (BRC), Qatar University; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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44
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Marie KL, Sassano A, Yang HH, Michalowski AM, Michael HT, Guo T, Tsai YC, Weissman AM, Lee MP, Jenkins LM, Zaidi MR, Pérez-Guijarro E, Day CP, Ylaya K, Hewitt SM, Patel NL, Arnheiter H, Davis S, Meltzer PS, Merlino G, Mishra PJ. Melanoblast transcriptome analysis reveals pathways promoting melanoma metastasis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:333. [PMID: 31949145 PMCID: PMC6965108 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive cancer of melanocytes with a strong propensity to metastasize. We posit that melanoma cells acquire metastatic capability by adopting an embryonic-like phenotype, and that a lineage approach would uncover metastatic melanoma biology. Using a genetically engineered mouse model to generate a rich melanoblast transcriptome dataset, we identify melanoblast-specific genes whose expression contribute to metastatic competence and derive a 43-gene signature that predicts patient survival. We identify a melanoblast gene, KDELR3, whose loss impairs experimental metastasis. In contrast, KDELR1 deficiency enhances metastasis, providing the first example of different disease etiologies within the KDELR-family of retrograde transporters. We show that KDELR3 regulates the metastasis suppressor, KAI1, and report an interaction with the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase gp78, a regulator of KAI1 degradation. Our work demonstrates that the melanoblast transcriptome can be mined to uncover targetable pathways for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie L Marie
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Antonella Sassano
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Howard H Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Aleksandra M Michalowski
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Helen T Michael
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Theresa Guo
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Yien Che Tsai
- Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Allan M Weissman
- Laboratory of Protein Dynamics and Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Maxwell P Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Lisa M Jenkins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - M Raza Zaidi
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Eva Pérez-Guijarro
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Chi-Ping Day
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kris Ylaya
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Stephen M Hewitt
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nimit L Patel
- Small Animal Imaging Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Heinz Arnheiter
- Mammalian Development Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sean Davis
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Paul S Meltzer
- Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Pravin J Mishra
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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45
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Dhanasekaran R, Baylot V, Kim M, Kuruvilla S, Bellovin DI, Adeniji N, Rajan Kd A, Lai I, Gabay M, Tong L, Krishnan M, Park J, Hu T, Barbhuiya MA, Gentles AJ, Kannan K, Tran PT, Felsher DW. MYC and Twist1 cooperate to drive metastasis by eliciting crosstalk between cancer and innate immunity. eLife 2020; 9:50731. [PMID: 31933479 PMCID: PMC6959993 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a major cause of cancer mortality. We generated an autochthonous transgenic mouse model whereby conditional expression of MYC and Twist1 enables hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to metastasize in >90% of mice. MYC and Twist1 cooperate and their sustained expression is required to elicit a transcriptional program associated with the activation of innate immunity, through secretion of a cytokinome that elicits recruitment and polarization of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). Systemic treatment with Ccl2 and Il13 induced MYC-HCCs to metastasize; whereas, blockade of Ccl2 and Il13 abrogated MYC/Twist1-HCC metastasis. Further, in 33 human cancers (n = 9502) MYC and TWIST1 predict poor survival (p=4.3×10−10), CCL2/IL13 expression (p<10−109) and TAM infiltration (p<10−96). Finally, in the plasma of patients with HCC (n = 25) but not cirrhosis (n = 10), CCL2 and IL13 were increased and IL13 predicted invasive tumors. Therefore, MYC and TWIST1 generally appear to cooperate in human cancer to elicit a cytokinome that enables metastasis through crosstalk between cancer and immune microenvironment. Cancer develops when cells in the body gain mutations that allow them to grow and divide rapidly and uncontrollably. As the disease progresses these cancer cells develop the ability to spread around the body. This process of spreading, called metastasis, is responsible for most cancer-related deaths in humans, but no current treatments target it. Mutations that increase the levels of two proteins known as MYC and TWIST1 in cells cause many human cancers. In healthy adult cells, normal levels of MYC and TWIST1 act as key regulators that switch thousands of genes on or off. TWIST1 is known to control the movement and spread of cells in the embryo. However, it is not known how MYC and TWIST1 work together to promote the metastasis of cancer cells. To address this question, Dhanasekaran, Baylot et al. used mice to investigate the roles of MYC and TWIST1 in the metastasis of cancer cells. The experiments showed that these two proteins work together to reprogram mouse cancer cells to release signal molecules known as cytokines. These molecules convert immune cells known as macrophages to a tumor-friendly state that allows cancers cells to spread around the body. Inhibiting two cytokines known as CCL2 and IL13 prevented the cancer cells from moving. Further experiments analyzed tumor samples from around 10,000 human patients with 33 different cancers. This revealed that patients that had higher levels of MYC and TWIST1 proteins in their tumors also had increased levels of CCL2 and IL13, more activated macrophages and were less likely to recover from their cancer. The findings of Dhanasekaran, Baylot et al. suggest that MYC and TWIST1 may instigate metastasis in many human cancers, and therapies targeting specific cytokines may prevent these cancers from spreading around the body. Furthermore, screening blood for the levels of cytokines may help to identify the cancer patients who would benefit from such therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Virginie Baylot
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Minsoon Kim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Sibu Kuruvilla
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - David I Bellovin
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Nia Adeniji
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Anand Rajan Kd
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, United States
| | - Ian Lai
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Meital Gabay
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Ling Tong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Maya Krishnan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Jangho Park
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Theodore Hu
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
| | - Mustafa A Barbhuiya
- Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Andrew J Gentles
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Informatics), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Kasthuri Kannan
- Department of Pathology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, United States.,Genome Technology Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Phuoc T Tran
- Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States.,Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Dean W Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, United States.,Division of Oncology, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, United States
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46
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Levin M, Selberg J, Rolandi M. Endogenous Bioelectrics in Development, Cancer, and Regeneration: Drugs and Bioelectronic Devices as Electroceuticals for Regenerative Medicine. iScience 2019; 22:519-533. [PMID: 31837520 PMCID: PMC6920204 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A major frontier in the post-genomic era is the investigation of the control of coordinated growth and three-dimensional form. Dynamic remodeling of complex organs in regulative embryogenesis, regeneration, and cancer reveals that cells and tissues make decisions that implement complex anatomical outcomes. It is now essential to understand not only the genetics that specifies cellular hardware but also the physiological software that implements tissue-level plasticity and robust morphogenesis. Here, we review recent discoveries about the endogenous mechanisms of bioelectrical communication among non-neural cells that enables them to cooperate in vivo. We discuss important advances in bioelectronics, as well as computational and pharmacological tools that are enabling the taming of biophysical controls toward applications in regenerative medicine and synthetic bioengineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| | - John Selberg
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Marco Rolandi
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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47
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Heudobler D, Lüke F, Vogelhuber M, Klobuch S, Pukrop T, Herr W, Gerner C, Pantziarka P, Ghibelli L, Reichle A. Anakoinosis: Correcting Aberrant Homeostasis of Cancer Tissue-Going Beyond Apoptosis Induction. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1408. [PMID: 31921665 PMCID: PMC6934003 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The current approach to systemic therapy for metastatic cancer is aimed predominantly at inducing apoptosis of cancer cells by blocking tumor-promoting signaling pathways or by eradicating cell compartments within the tumor. In contrast, a systems view of therapy primarily considers the communication protocols that exist at multiple levels within the tumor complex, and the role of key regulators of such systems. Such regulators may have far-reaching influence on tumor response to therapy and therefore patient survival. This implies that neoplasia may be considered as a cell non-autonomous disease. The multi-scale activity ranges from intra-tumor cell compartments, to the tumor, to the tumor-harboring organ to the organism. In contrast to molecularly targeted therapies, a systems approach that identifies the complex communications networks driving tumor growth offers the prospect of disrupting or "normalizing" such aberrant communicative behaviors and therefore attenuating tumor growth. Communicative reprogramming, a treatment strategy referred to as anakoinosis, requires novel therapeutic instruments, so-called master modifiers to deliver concerted tumor growth-attenuating action. The diversity of biological outcomes following pro-anakoinotic tumor therapy, such as differentiation, trans-differentiation, control of tumor-associated inflammation, etc. demonstrates that long-term tumor control may occur in multiple forms, inducing even continuous complete remission. Accordingly, pro-anakoinotic therapies dramatically extend the repertoire for achieving tumor control and may activate apoptosis pathways for controlling resistant metastatic tumor disease and hematologic neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Heudobler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Florian Lüke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martin Vogelhuber
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Klobuch
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Pukrop
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herr
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Institut for Analytical Chemistry, Faculty Chemistry, University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pan Pantziarka
- The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Anticancer Fund, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lina Ghibelli
- Department Biology, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Albrecht Reichle
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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48
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Ewald CY. The Matrisome during Aging and Longevity: A Systems-Level Approach toward Defining Matreotypes Promoting Healthy Aging. Gerontology 2019; 66:266-274. [PMID: 31838471 PMCID: PMC7214094 DOI: 10.1159/000504295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of damage is generally considered the cause of aging. Interventions that delay aging mobilize mechanisms that protect and repair cellular components. Consequently, research has been focused on studying the protective and homeostatic mechanisms within cells. However, in humans and other multicellular organisms, cells are surrounded by extracellular matrices (ECMs), which are important for tissue structure, function, and intercellular communication. During aging, components of the ECM become damaged through fragmentation, glycation, crosslinking, and accumulation of protein aggregation, all of which contribute to age-related pathologies. Interestingly, placing senescent cells into a young ECM rejuvenates them. Furthermore, we found that many longevity-assurances pathways reactivate de novo synthesis of ECM proteins during aging. This raises the question of what constitutes a young ECM to reverse aging or maintain health? In order to make inroads to answering this question, I suggest a systems-level approach of quantifying the matrisome or ECM compositions reflecting health, pathology, or phenotype and propose a novel term, the "matreotype," to describe this. The matreotype is defined as the composition and modification of ECM or matrisome proteins associated with or caused by a phenotype, such as longevity, or a distinct and acute physiological state, as observed during aging or disease. Every cell type produces its unique ECM. Intriguingly, cancer-cell types can even be identified based on their unique ECM composition. Thus, the matreotype reflects cellular identity and physiological status. Defined matreotypes could be used as biomarkers or prognostic factors for disease or health status during aging with potential relevance for personalized medicine. Treatment with biologics that alter ECM-to-cell mechanotransduction might be a strategy to reverse age-associated pathologies. An understanding of how to reverse from an old to a young matreotype might point toward novel strategies to rejuvenate cells and help maintain tissue homeostasis to promote health during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin Yvès Ewald
- ETH Zürich, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland,
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49
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Giniūnaitė R, McLennan R, McKinney MC, Baker RE, Kulesa PM, Maini PK. An interdisciplinary approach to investigate collective cell migration in neural crest. Dev Dyn 2019; 249:270-280. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Giniūnaitė
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical InstituteUniversity of Oxford Oxford UK
| | | | | | - Ruth E Baker
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical InstituteUniversity of Oxford Oxford UK
| | - Paul M Kulesa
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research Kansas City Missouri
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyUniversity of Kansas School of Medicine Kansas City Kansas
| | - Philip K Maini
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical InstituteUniversity of Oxford Oxford UK
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50
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Simbulan-Rosenthal CM, Dougherty R, Vakili S, Ferraro AM, Kuo LW, Alobaidi R, Aljehane L, Gaur A, Sykora P, Glasgow E, Agarwal S, Rosenthal DS. CRISPR-Cas9 Knockdown and Induced Expression of CD133 Reveal Essential Roles in Melanoma Invasion and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101490. [PMID: 31623313 PMCID: PMC6827046 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CD133, known as prominin1, is a penta-span transmembrane glycoprotein presumably a cancer stem cell marker for carcinomas, glioblastomas, and melanomas. We showed that CD133(+) ‘melanoma-initiating cells’ are associated with chemoresistance, contributing to poor patient outcome. The current study investigates the role(s) of CD133 in invasion and metastasis. Magnetic-activated cell sorting of a melanoma cell line (BAKP) followed by transwell invasion assays revealed that CD133(+) cells are significantly more invasive than CD133(−) cells. Conditional reprogramming of BAKP CD133(+) cells maintained stable CD133 overexpression (BAK-R), and induced cancer stem cell markers, melanosphere formation, and chemoresistance to kinase inhibitors. BAK-R cells showed upregulated CD133 expression, and consequently were more invasive and metastatic than BAK-P cells in transwell and zebrafish assays. CD133 knockdown by siRNA or CRISPR-Cas9 (BAK-R-T3) in BAK-R cells reduced invasion and levels of matrix metalloproteinases MMP2/MMP9. BAK-R-SC cells, but not BAK-R-T3, were metastatic in zebrafish. While CD133 knockdown by siRNA or CRISPR-Cas9 in BAK-P cells attenuated invasion and diminished MMP2/MMP9 levels, doxycycline-induced CD133 expression in BAK-P cells enhanced invasion and MMP2/MMP9 concentrations. CD133 may therefore play an essential role in invasion and metastasis via upregulation of MMP2/MMP9, leading to tumor progression, and represents an attractive target for intervention in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Simbulan-Rosenthal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Ryan Dougherty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Sahar Vakili
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Alexandra M Ferraro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Li-Wei Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Ryyan Alobaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Leala Aljehane
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Anirudh Gaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | | | - Eric Glasgow
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Dean S Rosenthal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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