1
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Jagust P, Powell AM, Ola M, Watson L, de Pablos-Aragoneses A, García-Gómez P, Fallon R, Bane F, Heiland M, Morris G, Cavanagh B, McGrath J, Ottaviani D, Hegarty A, Cocchiglia S, Sweeney KJ, MacNally S, Brett FM, Cryan J, Beausang A, Morris P, Valiente M, Hill ADK, Varešlija D, Young LS. RET overexpression leads to increased brain metastatic competency in luminal breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2024:djae091. [PMID: 38852945 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djae091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer brain metastasis is a rising occurrence, necessitating a better understanding of the mechanisms involved for effective management. Breast cancer brain metastases diverge notably from the primary tumor, with gains in kinase and concomitant losses of steroid signaling observed. In this study, we explored the role of the kinase receptor RET in promoting breast cancer brain metastases and provide a rationale for targeting this receptor. METHODS RET expression was characterized in a cohort of patients with primary and brain metastatic tumors. RET functionality was assessed using pharmacological inhibition and gene silencing in patient-derived brain metastatic tumor explants and in vivo models, organoid models, and brain organotypic cultures. RNA sequencing was used to uncover novel brain metastatic relevant RET mechanisms of action. RESULTS A statistically significant enrichment of RET in brain metastases was observed in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, where it played a role in promoting cancer cell adhesion, survival, and outgrowth in the brain. In vivo, RET overexpression enhanced brain metastatic competency in patient-derived models. At a mechanistic level, RET overexpression was found to enhance the activation of gene programs involved in cell adhesion, requiring EGFR cooperation to deliver a pro-brain metastatic phenotype. CONCLUSION Our results illustrate, for the first time, the role of RET in regulating colonization and outgrowth of breast cancer brain metastasis and provide data to support the use of RET inhibitors in the management strategy for patients with breast cancer brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Jagust
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoibhin M Powell
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mihaela Ola
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Louise Watson
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Ramón Fallon
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Bane
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mona Heiland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gareth Morris
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Brenton Cavanagh
- Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jason McGrath
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daniela Ottaviani
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling Hegarty
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Cocchiglia
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kieron J Sweeney
- National Centre of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen MacNally
- National Centre of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Jane Cryan
- Department of Neuropathology, National Centre of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alan Beausang
- Department of Neuropathology, National Centre of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick Morris
- Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Arnold D K Hill
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Damir Varešlija
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonie S Young
- Department of Surgery, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Beaumont RCSI Cancer Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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2
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Price MJ, Nguyen AD, Haines C, Baëta CD, Byemerwa J, Murkajee D, Artham S, Kumar V, Lavau C, Wardell S, Varghese S, Goodwin CR. UDP-6-glucose dehydrogenase in hormonally responsive breast cancers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.20.585919. [PMID: 38562874 PMCID: PMC10983948 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.20.585919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Survival for metastatic breast cancer is low and thus, continued efforts to treat and prevent metastatic progression are critical. Estrogen is shown to promote aggressive phenotypes in multiple cancer models irrespective of estrogen receptor (ER) status. Similarly, UDP-Glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH) a ubiquitously expressed enzyme involved in extracellular matrix precursors, as well as hormone processing increases migratory and invasive properties in cancer models. While the role of UGDH in cellular migration is defined, how it intersects with and impacts hormone signaling pathways associated with tumor progression in metastatic breast cancer has not been explored. Here we demonstrate that UGDH knockdown blunts estrogen-induced tumorigenic phenotypes (migration and colony formation) in ER+ and ER- breast cancer in vitro. Knockdown of UGDH also inhibits extravasation of ER- breast cancer ex vivo, primary tumor growth and animal survival in vivo in both ER+ and ER- breast cancer. We also use single cell RNA-sequencing to demonstrate that our findings translate to a human breast cancer clinical specimen. Our findings support the role of estrogen and UGDH in breast cancer progression provide a foundation for future studies to evaluate the role of UGDH in therapeutic resistance to improve outcomes and survival for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan J Price
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, John Hopkins Hospital, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Annee D Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Corinne Haines
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Ohio State University, 1060 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - César D Baëta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Stanford University, 1701 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Jovita Byemerwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Debarati Murkajee
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sandeep Artham
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Vardhman Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Catherine Lavau
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne Wardell
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shyni Varghese
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - C Rory Goodwin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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3
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Hunt AL, Khan I, Wu AML, Makohon-Moore SC, Hood BL, Conrads KA, Abulez T, Ogata J, Mitchell D, Gist G, Oliver J, Wei D, Chung MA, Rahman S, Bateman NW, Zhang W, Conrads TP, Steeg PS. The murine metastatic microenvironment of experimental brain metastases of breast cancer differs by host age in vivo: a proteomic study. Clin Exp Metastasis 2023:10.1007/s10585-023-10233-7. [PMID: 37917186 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-023-10233-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer in young patients is known to exhibit more aggressive biological behavior and is associated with a less favorable prognosis than the same disease in older patients, owing in part to an increased incidence of brain metastases. The mechanistic explanations behind these findings remain poorly understood. We recently reported that young mice, in comparison to older mice, developed significantly greater brain metastases in four mouse models of triple-negative and luminal B breast cancer. Here we have performed a quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis to identify proteins potentially contributing to age-related disparities in the development of breast cancer brain metastases. Using a mouse hematogenous model of brain-tropic triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231BR), we harvested subpopulations of tumor metastases, the tumor-adjacent metastatic microenvironment, and uninvolved brain tissues via laser microdissection followed by quantitative proteomic analysis using high resolution mass spectrometry to characterize differentially abundant proteins potentially contributing to age-dependent rates of brain metastasis. Pathway analysis revealed significant alterations in signaling pathways, particularly in the metastatic microenvironment, modulating tumorigenesis, metabolic processes, inflammation, and neuronal signaling. Tenascin C (TNC) was significantly elevated in all laser microdissection (LMD) enriched compartments harvested from young mice relative to older hosts, which was validated and confirmed by immunoblot analysis of whole brain lysates. Additional in vitro studies including migration and wound-healing assays demonstrated TNC as a positive regulator of tumor cell migration. These results provide important new insights regarding microenvironmental factors, including TNC, as mechanisms contributing to the increased brain cancer metastatic phenotype observed in young breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Hunt
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Inova Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, 3289 Woodburn Rd, Annandale, VA, 22042, USA
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
| | - Imran Khan
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alex M L Wu
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Zymeworks Inc, Vancouver, BC, V5T 1G4, Canada
| | - Sasha C Makohon-Moore
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Brian L Hood
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Kelly A Conrads
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Tamara Abulez
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Jonathan Ogata
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Dave Mitchell
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Glenn Gist
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Julie Oliver
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Debbie Wei
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Monika A Chung
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 185 S Orange Ave, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Samiur Rahman
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nicholas W Bateman
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
- Department of Surgery, The John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Uniformed Services University, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Thomas P Conrads
- Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Inova Women's Service Line, Inova Health System, 3289 Woodburn Rd, Annandale, VA, 22042, USA.
- Gynecologic Cancer Center of Excellence and the Women's Health Integrated Research Center, Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA.
- Department of Surgery, The John P. Murtha Cancer Center Research Program, Uniformed Services University, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20889, USA.
| | - Patricia S Steeg
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Building 37, Room 1126, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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4
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Nolan E, Kang Y, Malanchi I. Mechanisms of Organ-Specific Metastasis of Breast Cancer. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2023; 13:a041326. [PMID: 36987584 PMCID: PMC10626265 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, or the development of secondary tumors in distant tissues, accounts for the vast majority of fatalities in patients with breast cancer. Breast cancer cells show a striking proclivity to metastasize to distinct organs, specifically the lung, liver, bone, and brain, where they face unique environmental pressures and a wide variety of tissue-resident cells that together create a strong barrier for tumor survival and growth. As a consequence, successful metastatic colonization is critically dependent on reciprocal cross talk between cancer cells and host cells within the target organ, a relationship that shapes the formation of a tumor-supportive microenvironment. Here, we discuss the mechanisms governing organ-specific metastasis in breast cancer, focusing on the intricate interactions between metastatic cells and specific niche cells within a secondary organ, and the remarkable adaptations of both compartments that cooperatively support cancer growth. More broadly, we aim to provide a framework for the microenvironmental prerequisites within each distinct metastatic site for successful breast cancer metastatic seeding and outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Nolan
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Princeton Branch, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Ilaria Malanchi
- Tumour Host Interaction laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, NW1 1AT London, United Kingdom
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5
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Kim AE, Nieblas-Bedolla E, de Sauvage MA, Brastianos PK. Leveraging translational insights toward precision medicine approaches for brain metastases. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:955-967. [PMID: 37491527 PMCID: PMC10644911 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00585-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Due to increasing incidence and limited treatments, brain metastases (BM) are an emerging unmet need in modern oncology. Development of effective therapeutics has been hindered by unique challenges. Individual steps of the brain metastatic cascade are driven by distinctive biological processes, suggesting that BM possess intrinsic biological differences compared to primary tumors. Here, we discuss the unique physiology and metabolic constraints specific to BM as well as emerging treatment strategies that leverage potential vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert E Kim
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edwin Nieblas-Bedolla
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Magali A de Sauvage
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Priscilla K Brastianos
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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6
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Ivanova M, Porta FM, Giugliano F, Frascarelli C, Sajjadi E, Venetis K, Cursano G, Mazzarol G, Guerini-Rocco E, Curigliano G, Criscitiello C, Fusco N. Breast Cancer with Brain Metastasis: Molecular Insights and Clinical Management. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1160. [PMID: 37372340 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Brain metastases are a primary contributor to mortality, as they often go undetected until late stages due to their dormant nature. Moreover, the clinical management of brain metastases is complicated by the relevant issue of blood-brain barrier penetration. The molecular pathways involved in the formation, progression, and colonization of primary breast tumors and subsequent brain metastases are diverse, posing significant hurdles due to the heterogeneous nature of breast cancer subtypes. Despite advancements in primary breast cancer treatments, the prognosis for patients with brain metastases remains poor. In this review, we aim to highlight the biological mechanisms of breast cancer brain metastases by evaluating multi-step genetic pathways and to discuss currently available and emerging treatment strategies to propose a prospective overview of the management of this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Ivanova
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Maria Porta
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- School of Pathology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Giugliano
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Frascarelli
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elham Sajjadi
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Venetis
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Cursano
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mazzarol
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Guerini-Rocco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Carmen Criscitiello
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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7
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Travers SS, Fisher CM, Kabos P, Cittelly DM, Ormond DR. Breast cancer brain metastases localization and risk of hydrocephalus: a single institution experience. J Neurooncol 2023; 163:115-121. [PMID: 37131107 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04314-6] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brain metastases occur in up to one-third of patients with breast cancer. aromatase, a marker for estrogen activity that has been shown to promote such metastasis, heavily concentrates in certain midline structures of brain. We hypothesize that breast cancer metastasizes more often to brain areas with higher aromatase activity and that these patients have a higher risk of developing obstructive hydrocephalus. METHODS In our retrospective review of 709 patients who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery (January 2014-May 2020), we identified 358 patients treated for metastatic breast or lung cancer. The MRI scan that first showed evidence of brain metastases was reviewed and number of metastases counted by location. Procedures used to treat obstructive hydrocephalus were recorded. Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Of 358 patients, 99 patients with breast cancer had 618 brain metastases and 259 patients with lung cancer had 1487 brain metastases. Compared with expected distribution of brain metastases based on regional brain volumes and metastatic lung carcinoma as a control, patients with breast cancer more often had metastases to the cerebellum, diencephalon, medulla, and parietal lobe, and underwent significantly more neurosurgical interventions for treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION Brain metastases in patients with breast cancer occurred more often along midline structures of the brain, which we believe may be associated with the increased estrogen activity in these structures. This finding is important for physicians who treat patients with metastatic breast cancer given the higher possibility of developing obstructive hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Travers
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Christine M Fisher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter Kabos
- Department of Medicine-Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - D Ryan Ormond
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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8
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Chhichholiya Y, Ruthuparna M, Velagaleti H, Munshi A. Brain metastasis in breast cancer: focus on genes and signaling pathways involved, blood-brain barrier and treatment strategies. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:1218-1241. [PMID: 36897508 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03050-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in women. Despite advancement in early detection and efficient treatment, recurrence and metastasis continue to pose a significant risk to the life of BC patients. Brain metastasis (BM) reported in 17-20 percent of BC patients is considered as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients. BM includes various steps from primary breast tumor to secondary tumor formation. Various steps involved are primary tumor formation, angiogenesis, invasion, extravasation, and brain colonization. Genes involved in different pathways have been reported to be associated with BC cells metastasizing to the brain. ADAM8 gene, EN1 transcription factor, WNT, and VEGF signaling pathway have been associated with primary breast tumor; MMP1, COX2, XCR4, PI3k/Akt, ERK and MAPK pathways in angiogenesis; Noth, CD44, Zo-1, CEMIP, S0X2 and OLIG2 are involved in invasion, extravasation and colonization, respectively. In addition, the blood-brain barrier is also a key factor in BM. Dysregulation of cell junctions, tumor microenvironment and loss of function of microglia leads to BBB disruption ultimately resulting in BM. Various therapeutic strategies are currently used to control the BM in BC. Oncolytic virus therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, mTOR-PI3k inhibitors and immunotherapy have been developed to target various genes involved in BM in BC. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9 are novel interventions in the field of BCBM where research to validate these and clinical trials are being carried out. Gaining a better knowledge of metastasis biology is critical for establishing better treatment methods and attaining long-term therapeutic efficacies against BC. The current review has been compiled with an aim to evaluate the role of various genes and signaling pathways involved in multiple steps of BM in BC. The therapeutic strategies being used currently and the novel ones being explored to control BM in BC have also been discussed at length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Chhichholiya
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Malayil Ruthuparna
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Harini Velagaleti
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anjana Munshi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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9
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Elhawary NA, Ekram SN, Abumansour IS, Azher ZA, AlJahdali IA, Alyamani NM, Naffadi HM, Sindi IA, Baazeem A, Nassir AM, Mufti AH. Sequence Variants in PSMB8/PSMB9 Immunoproteasome Genes and Risk of Urothelial Bladder Carcinoma. Cureus 2023; 15:e36293. [PMID: 36937130 PMCID: PMC10022703 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PSMB8 and PSMB9 immunoproteasome genes are essential in cell processes, such as decisions on cell survival or death, the cell cycle, and cellular differentiation. Because recent evidence has demonstrated an immunological role for proteasomes in various malignancies, including urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC), we evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PSMB9 and PSMB8. We determined any associations between these SNPs and susceptibility to UBC in the Saudi community. METHODS Samples of genomic DNA were taken from buccal cells of 111 patients with UBC and 78 healthy controls. TaqMan Real-Time PCR was used to determine genotype distributions and allele frequencies for the PSMB9 rs17587 G>A and PSMB8 rs2071543 G>T SNPs. We used SNPStats (https://www.snpstats.net) to choose each SNP's best interactive inheritance model. RESULTS The PSMB9 rs17587 SNP was associated with the risk of UBC (odds ratio [OR] = 5.21, P < 0.0001). In contrast, the PSMB8 rs2071543 SNP showed no association with UBC risk (OR = 1.13, P = 0.7871). In terms of genotypic distribution, the rs17587 G>A SNP was more frequent in UBC cases than controls in both the dominant (OR = 7.5; 95% confidence interval, 3.7-15.1; P = 0.0051) and recessive (OR = 17.11, 95% confidence interval 5.1-57.4; P = 0.0026) models. Genotypic distribution of the PSMB8 rs2071543 G>T SNP was not significantly different between cases and controls in any interactive inheritance models (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION These results suggest a potential role for PSMB9 as a biomarker for increased UBC risk. Discovering more genetic variants within immunoproteasome genes related to antigen presentation could help further our understanding of this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samar N Ekram
- Medical Genetics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU
| | | | - Zohor A Azher
- Medical Genetics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ahmad H Mufti
- Medical Genetics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU
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10
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Paul D, Nedelcu AM. The underexplored links between cancer and the internal body climate: Implications for cancer prevention and treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1040034. [PMID: 36620608 PMCID: PMC9815514 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1040034] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to effectively manage and cure cancer we should move beyond the general view of cancer as a random process of genetic alterations leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation or simply a predictable evolutionary process involving selection for traits that increase cell fitness. In our view, cancer is a systemic disease that involves multiple interactions not only among cells within tumors or between tumors and surrounding tissues but also with the entire organism and its internal "milieu". We define the internal body climate as an emergent property resulting from spatial and temporal interactions among internal components themselves and with the external environment. The body climate itself can either prevent, promote or support cancer initiation and progression (top-down effect; i.e., body climate-induced effects on cancer), as well as be perturbed by cancer (bottom-up effect; i.e., cancer-induced body climate changes) to further favor cancer progression and spread. This positive feedback loop can move the system towards a "cancerized" organism and ultimately results in its demise. In our view, cancer not only affects the entire system; it is a reflection of an imbalance of the entire system. This model provides an integrated framework to study all aspects of cancer as a systemic disease, and also highlights unexplored links that can be altered to both prevent body climate changes that favor cancer initiation, progression and dissemination as well as manipulate or restore the body internal climate to hinder the success of cancer inception, progression and metastasis or improve therapy outcomes. To do so, we need to (i) identify cancer-relevant factors that affect specific climate components, (ii) develop 'body climate biomarkers', (iii) define 'body climate scores', and (iv) develop strategies to prevent climate changes, stop or slow the changes, or even revert the changes (climate restoration).
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Affiliation(s)
- Doru Paul
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Doru Paul,
| | - Aurora M. Nedelcu
- Biology Department, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
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11
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Wu Y, Li X, Li Q, Cheng C, Zheng L. Adipose tissue-to-breast cancer crosstalk: Comprehensive insights. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188800. [PMID: 36103907 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The review focuses on mechanistic evidence for the link between obesity and breast cancer. According to the IARC study, there is sufficient evidence that obesity is closely related to a variety of cancers. Among them, breast cancer is particularly disturbed by adipose tissue due to the unique histological structure of the breast. The review introduces the relationship between obesity and breast cancer from two aspects, including factors that promote tumorigenesis or metastasis. We summarize alterations in adipokines and metabolic pathways that contribute to breast cancer development. Breast cancer metastasis is closely related to obesity-induced pro-inflammatory microenvironment, adipose stem cells, and miRNAs. Based on the mechanism by which obesity causes breast cancer, we list possible therapeutic directions, including reducing the risk of breast cancer and inhibiting the progression of breast cancer. We also discussed the risk of autologous breast remodeling and fat transplantation. Finally, the causes of the obesity paradox and the function of enhancing immunity are discussed. Evaluating the balance between obesity-induced inflammation and enhanced immunity warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xu Li
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Qiong Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chienshan Cheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Lan Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai 200025, China.
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12
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Li K, Zong D, Sun J, Chen D, Ma M, Jia L. Rewiring of the Endocrine Network in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830894. [PMID: 35847875 PMCID: PMC9280148 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830894] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunohistochemical definition of estrogen/progesterone receptors dictates endocrine feasibility in the treatment course of breast cancer. Characterized by the deficiency of estrogen receptor α, ERα-negative breast cancers are dissociated from any endocrine regimens in the routine clinical setting, triple-negative breast cancer in particular. However, the stereotype was challenged by triple-negative breast cancers’ retained sensitivity and vulnerability to endocrine agents. The interplay of hormone action and the carcinogenic signaling program previously underscored was gradually recognized along with the increasing investigation. In parallel, the overlooked endocrine-responsiveness in ERα-negative breast cancers attracted attention and supplied fresh insight into the therapeutic strategy in an ERα-independent manner. This review elaborates on the genomic and non-genomic steroid hormone actions and endocrine-related signals in triple-negative breast cancers attached to the hormone insensitivity label. We also shed light on the non-canonical mechanism detected in common hormone agents to showcase their pleiotropic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese medicine, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jianrong Sun
- School of Clinical Medicine. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Danxiang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Minkai Ma
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, The Fourth Central Hospital, Baoding, China
| | - Liqun Jia
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Oncology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Liqun Jia,
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13
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Das JK, Deoraj A, Roy D, Felty Q. Brain infiltration of breast cancer stem cells is facilitated by paracrine signaling by inhibitor of differentiation 3 to nuclear respiratory factor 1. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:2881-2891. [PMID: 35678885 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04026-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Treatment options for brain metastatic breast cancer are limited because the molecular mechanism for how breast cancer cells infiltrate the brain is not fully understood. For breast tumors to metastasize to the brain first, cells need to detach from the primary tumor, enter in the blood circulation, survive within the microvascular niche, and then cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to colonize into the brain. It is critical to understand how breast cancer cells transmigrate through the BBB to prevent brain metastasis. Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) transcription factor has been reported to be highly active in several human cancers and its aberrant expression facilitates in the acquisition of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). Inhibitor of differentiation protein 3 (ID3), a transcription regulating protein, induces pluripotent endothelial stem cells (ESCs). Herein, we investigated if NRF1-induced BCSCs could cross a BBB model and guiding of BCSCs by ID3-induced ESCs across the BBB. BCSCs and ESCs were subjected to functional gain/loss experiments to determine if NRF1/ID3 contributed to lineage-specific BCSCs organ entry. First, we tested whether NRF1 promoted migration of breast cancer using a BBB model consisting of BCSCs or MDA-MB231 cells, brain endothelial cell layer, and astrocytes. NRF1 overexpression increased the propensity for BCSCs and NRF1-induced MDA-MB231 cells to adhere to brain endothelial cells and migrate across a human BBB model. Increased adhesion of NRF1-induced BCSCs to ESCsID3 was detected. NRF1-induced BCSCs crossed through the BBB model and this was promoted by ESCsID3. We also showed that environmental relevant exposure to PCBs (PCB153 and PCB77) produced differential effects. Treatment with PCB153 showed increased growth of NRF1-induced BCSCs tumor spheroids and increased in vivo migration of ESCsID3. Exosomal ID3 released from endothelial cells also supported the growth of NRF1-induced BCSCs and provide the basis for paracrine effects by ESCsID3 associated with breast tumors. Xenograft experiments showed that ID3 overexpressing brain ESCs not only supported the growth of BCSC tumor spheroids but guided them to the neural crest in zebrafish. These findings show for the first time a novel role for ID3 and NRF1 by which ESCsID3 help guide BCSCsNRF1 to distant metastatic sites where they most likely facilitate the colonization, survival, and proliferation of BCSCs. This knowledge is important for pre-clinical testing of NRF1/ID3 modifying agents to prevent the spread of breast cancer to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayanta K Das
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 Bldg. Rm 351, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Alok Deoraj
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 Bldg. Rm 351, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Deodutta Roy
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 Bldg. Rm 351, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Quentin Felty
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, AHC-5 Bldg. Rm 351, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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14
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Pangeni RP, Olivaries I, Huen D, Buzatto VC, Dawson TP, Ashton KM, Davis C, Brodbelt AR, Jenkinson MD, Bièche I, Yang L, Latif F, Darling JL, Warr TJ, Morris MR. Genome-wide methylation analyses identifies Non-coding RNA genes dysregulated in breast tumours that metastasise to the brain. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1102. [PMID: 35058523 PMCID: PMC8776809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05050-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: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases comprise 40% of all metastatic tumours and breast tumours are among the tumours that most commonly metastasise to the brain, the role that epigenetic gene dysregulation plays in this process is not well understood. We carried out 450 K methylation array analysis to investigate epigenetically dysregulated genes in breast to brain metastases (BBM) compared to normal breast tissues (BN) and primary breast tumours (BP). For this, we referenced 450 K methylation data for BBM tumours prepared in our laboratory with BN and BP from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Experimental validation on our initially identified genes, in an independent cohort of BP and in BBM and their originating primary breast tumours using Combined Bisulphite and Restriction Analysis (CoBRA) and Methylation Specific PCR identified three genes (RP11-713P17.4, MIR124-2, NUS1P3) that are hypermethylated and three genes (MIR3193, CTD-2023M8.1 and MTND6P4) that are hypomethylated in breast to brain metastases. In addition, methylation differences in candidate genes between BBM tumours and originating primary tumours shows dysregulation of DNA methylation occurs either at an early stage of tumour evolution (in the primary tumour) or at a later evolutionary stage (where the epigenetic change is only observed in the brain metastasis). Epigentic changes identified could also be found when analysing tumour free circulating DNA (tfcDNA) in patient’s serum taken during BBM biopsies. Epigenetic dysregulation of RP11-713P17.4, MIR3193, MTND6P4 are early events suggesting a potential use for these genes as prognostic markers.
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15
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Thorny ground, rocky soil: Tissue-specific mechanisms of tumor dormancy and relapse. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 78:104-123. [PMID: 33979673 PMCID: PMC9595433 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) spread systemically yet distinct patterns of metastasis indicate a range of tissue susceptibility to metastatic colonization. Distinctions between permissive and suppressive tissues are still being elucidated at cellular and molecular levels. Although there is a growing appreciation for the role of the microenvironment in regulating metastatic success, we have a limited understanding of how diverse tissues regulate DTC dormancy, the state of reversible quiescence and subsequent awakening thought to contribute to delayed relapse. Several themes of microenvironmental regulation of dormancy are beginning to emerge, including vascular association, co-option of pre-existing niches, metabolic adaptation, and immune evasion, with tissue-specific nuances. Conversely, DTC awakening is often associated with injury or inflammation-induced activation of the stroma, promoting a proliferative environment with DTCs following suit. We review what is known about tissue-specific regulation of tumor dormancy on a tissue-by-tissue basis, profiling major metastatic organs including the bone, lung, brain, liver, and lymph node. An aerial view of the barriers to metastatic growth may reveal common targets and dependencies to inform the therapeutic prevention of relapse.
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16
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Shagisultanova E, Crump LS, Borakove M, Hall JK, Rasti AR, Harrison BA, Kabos P, Lyons TR, Borges VF. Triple Targeting of Breast Tumors Driven by Hormonal Receptors and HER2. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:48-57. [PMID: 34728571 PMCID: PMC8742793 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancers that express hormonal receptors (HR) and HER2 display resistance to targeted therapy. Tumor-promotional signaling from the HER2 and estrogen receptor (ER) pathways converges at the cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4 and 6 complex, which drives cell-cycle progression and development of therapeutic resistance. Therefore, we hypothesized that co-targeting of ER, HER2, and CDK4/6 may result in improved tumoricidal activity and suppress drug-resistant subclones that arise on therapy. We tested the activity of the triple targeted combination therapy with tucatinib (HER2 small-molecule inhibitor), palbociclib (CKD4/6 inhibitor), and fulvestrant (selective ER degrader) in HR+/HER2+ human breast tumor cell lines and xenograft models. In addition, we evaluated whether triple targeted combination prevents growth of tucatinib or palbociclib-resistant subclones in vitro and in vivo Triple targeted combination significantly reduced HR+/HER2+ tumor cell viability, clonogenic survival, and in vivo growth. Moreover, survival of HR+/HER2+ cells that were resistant to the third drug in the regimen was reduced by the other two drugs in combination. We propose that a targeted triple combination approach will be clinically effective in the treatment of otherwise drug-resistant tumors, inducing robust responses in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Shagisultanova
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lyndsey S. Crump
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michelle Borakove
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jessica K. Hall
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Aryana R. Rasti
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Benjamin A. Harrison
- Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Peter Kabos
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Traci R. Lyons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Virginia F. Borges
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado.,Corresponding Author: Virginia F. Borges, University of Colorado School of Medicine, PO Box 6511, MS 8117, 12801 East 17th Avenue, Room 8121, Aurora, CO 80045. Phone: 303-724-0186; Fax: 303-724-3889; E-mail:
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17
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Márquez-Ortiz RA, Contreras-Zárate MJ, Tesic V, Alvarez-Eraso KLF, Kwak G, Littrell Z, Costello JC, Sreekanth V, Ormond DR, Karam SD, Kabos P, Cittelly DM. IL13Rα2 Promotes Proliferation and Outgrowth of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6209-6221. [PMID: 34544797 PMCID: PMC8595859 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The survival of women with brain metastases (BM) from breast cancer remains very poor, with over 80% dying within a year of their diagnosis. Here, we define the function of IL13Rα2 in outgrowth of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) in vitro and in vivo, and postulate IL13Rα2 as a suitable therapeutic target for BM. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed IHC staining of IL13Rα2 in BCBM to define its prognostic value. Using inducible shRNAs in TNBC and HER2+ breast-brain metastatic models, we assessed IL13Rα2 function in vitro and in vivo. We performed RNAseq and functional studies to define the molecular mechanisms underlying IL13Rα2 function in BCBM. RESULTS High IL13Rα2 expression in BCBM predicted worse survival after BM diagnoses. IL13Rα2 was essential for cancer-cell survival, promoting proliferation while repressing invasion. IL13Rα2 KD resulted in FAK downregulation, repression of cell cycle and proliferation mediators, and upregulation of Ephrin B1 signaling. Ephrin-B1 (i) promoted invasion of BC cells in vitro, (ii) marked micrometastasis and invasive fronts in BCBM, and (iii) predicted shorter disease-free survival and BM-free survival (BMFS) in breast primary tumors known to metastasize to the brain. In experimental metastases models, which bypass early tumor invasion, downregulation of IL13Rα2 before or after tumor seeding and brain intravasation decreased BMs, suggesting that IL13Rα2 and the promotion of a proliferative phenotype is critical to BM progression. CONCLUSIONS Non-genomic phenotypic adaptations at metastatic sites are critical to BM progression and patients' prognosis. This study opens the road to use IL13Rα2 targeting as a therapeutic strategy for BM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vesna Tesic
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Gina Kwak
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Zachary Littrell
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - James C Costello
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Varsha Sreekanth
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - D Ryan Ormond
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Peter Kabos
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
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18
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Pan-cancer analysis of the prognostic and immunological role of PSMB8. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20492. [PMID: 34650125 PMCID: PMC8516870 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently some evidence has demonstrated the significance of PSMB8 in various malignancies. Nevertheless, PSMB8 (proteasome subunit beta 8), more familiar in the field of immunology contributing to the process of antigen presentation, is indeterminate in the role as a survival predictor of human pan-cancer. Besides, how PSMB8 interacts with immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment requires further research. We then penetrated into the analysis of the PSMB8 expression profile among 33 types of cancer in the TCGA database. The results show that overexpression of PSMB8 was associated with poor clinical outcomes in overall survival (Sartorius et al. in Oncogene 35(22):2881–2892, 2016), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free interval (DFI), and progression-free interval (PFI) in most cancer varieties. In addition, there existed distinctly positive correlations between PSMB8 and immunity, reflected straightforwardly in the form of immune scores, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) abundance, microsatellite instability, tumor mutation burden, and neoantigen level. Notably, specific markers of dendrite cells exhibited the tightest association with PSMB8 expression in terms of tumor-related immune infiltration patterns. Moreover, gene enrichment analysis showed that elevated PSMB8 expression was related to multiple immune-related pathways. We finally validated the PSMB8 expression in our local breast samples via quantitative PCR assays and concluded that PSMB8 appeared to perform well in predicting the survival outcome of BRCA patients. These findings elucidate the pivotal role of the antigen presentation-related gene PSMB8, which could potentially serve as a robust biomarker for prognosis determination in multiple cancers.
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Lewoniewska S, Oscilowska I, Huynh TYL, Prokop I, Baszanowska W, Bielawska K, Palka J. Troglitazone-Induced PRODH/POX-Dependent Apoptosis Occurs in the Absence of Estradiol or ERβ in ER-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10204641. [PMID: 34682765 PMCID: PMC8538344 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary PRODH/POX (proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase) is a mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes proline degradation generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Estrogens limit proline availability for PRODH/POX by stimulating collagen biosynthesis. It has been considered that estrogens determine efficiency of troglitazone (TGZ)-induced PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The studies were performed in wild-type and PRODH/POX-silenced estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells and estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells. DNA and collagen biosynthesis were determined by radiometric method, ROS production was measured by fluorescence assay, protein expression was determined by Western blot and proline concentration by LC/MS analysis. We found that: i/TGZ-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 occurs only in the absence of estradiol or ERβ, ii/the process is mediated by PRODH/POX, iii/and is facilitated by proline availability for PRODH/POX by TGZ-dependent inhibition of collagen biosynthesis (proline utilizing process). The data suggest that combined TGZ and anti-estrogen treatment could be considered in experimental therapy of ER negative breast cancers. Abstract The impact of estradiol on troglitazone (TGZ)-induced proline dehydrogenase/proline oxidase (PRODH/POX)-dependent apoptosis was studied in wild-type and PRODH/POX-silenced estrogen receptor (ER) dependent MCF-7 cells and ER-independent MDA-MB-231 cells. DNA and collagen biosynthesis were determined by radiometric method, prolidase activity evaluated by colorimetric method, ROS production was measured by fluorescence assay. Protein expression was determined by Western blot and proline concentration by LC/MS analysis. PRODH/POX degrades proline yielding reactive oxygen species (ROS). Estrogens stimulate collagen biosynthesis utilizing free proline and limiting its availability for PRODH/POX-dependent apoptosis. TGZ cytotoxicity was highly pronounced in wild-type MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in medium without estradiol or in the cells cultured in medium with estradiol but deprived of ERβ (by ICI-dependent degradation), while in PRODH/POX-silenced cells the process was not affected. The TGZ cytotoxicity was accompanied by increase in PRODH/POX expression, ROS production, expression of cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9 and PARP, inhibition of collagen biosynthesis, prolidase activity and decrease in intracellular proline concentration. The phenomena were not observed in PRODH/POX-silenced cells. The data suggest that TGZ-induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells cultured in medium without estradiol or deprived of ERβ is mediated by PRODH/POX and the process is facilitated by proline availability for PRODH/POX by TGZ-dependent inhibition of collagen biosynthesis. It suggests that combined TGZ and antiestrogen treatment could be considered in experimental therapy of estrogen receptor negative breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Lewoniewska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Ilona Oscilowska
- Department of Analysis and Bioanalysis of Medicines, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Thi Yen Ly Huynh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Izabela Prokop
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Weronika Baszanowska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Katarzyna Bielawska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
| | - Jerzy Palka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (S.L.); (T.Y.L.H.); (I.P.); (W.B.); (K.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-748-5706
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Supraclavicular lymph node recurrence after radical surgery: is epidermal growth factor receptor a predictive marker? Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2021; 51:612-620. [PMID: 34479791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the rare postoperative supraclavicular metastasis originating from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to discuss epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a potential predictive marker. Tumour specimens of OSCC patients divided into three groups were included: supraclavicular metastasis (n = 8), conventional cervical metastasis (n = 28), no metastasis (n = 48). Basic information and EGFR expression were compared among these groups and the data were analysed to identify potentially related risk factors for supraclavicular metastasis. In the supraclavicular metastasis group (n = 8), all primary tumours were T1-T2 and located in the tongue and buccal region; five of eight cases were pathologically N0. The median interval from the primary tumour resection to the development of supraclavicular metastases was 21.5 months. All related deaths (5/8) occurred within 2 years. In the supraclavicular metastasis group, EGFR expression was highest in the supraclavicular metastases, followed by cervical lymph nodes, and was lowest in the primary tumours (P = 0.39). In contrast, in the conventional metastasis group and the N0 group, EGFR expression was higher in the primary tumours than in the lymph nodes (P < 0.01). Supraclavicular metastasis of OSCC is infrequent and associated with a poor prognosis. EGFR might predict the occurrence of supraclavicular metastasis.
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Bryan S, Witzel I, Borgmann K, Oliveira-Ferrer L. Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Brain Metastases in HER2-Positive and Triple Negative Breast Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4137. [PMID: 34439289 PMCID: PMC8392331 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cause of cancer-associated death for women worldwide, with deaths commonly resulting from metastatic spread to distant organs. Approximately 30% of metastatic BC patients develop brain metastases (BM), a currently incurable diagnosis. The influence of BC molecular subtype and gene expression on breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) development and patient prognosis is undeniable and is, therefore, an important focus point in the attempt to combat the disease. The HER2-positive and triple-negative molecular subtypes are associated with an increased risk of developing BCBM. Several genetic and molecular mechanisms linked to HER2-positive and triple-negative BC breast cancers appear to influence BCBM formation on several levels, including increased development of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and migration of primary BC cells to the brain and/or through superior local invasiveness aided by cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). These specific BC characteristics, together with the ensuing developments at a clinical level, are presented in this review article, drawing a connection between research findings and related therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing BCBM formation and/or progression. Furthermore, we briefly address the critical limitations in our current understanding of this complex topic, highlighting potential focal points for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bryan
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (S.B.); (I.W.)
| | - Isabell Witzel
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (S.B.); (I.W.)
| | - Kerstin Borgmann
- Center of Oncology, Laboratory of Radiobiology & Experimental Radiooncology, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Leticia Oliveira-Ferrer
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (S.B.); (I.W.)
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22
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Wu AML, Gossa S, Samala R, Chung MA, Gril B, Yang HH, Thorsheim HR, Tran AD, Wei D, Taner E, Isanogle K, Yang Y, Dolan EL, Robinson C, Difilippantonio S, Lee MP, Khan I, Smith QR, McGavern DB, Wakefield LM, Steeg PS. Aging and CNS Myeloid Cell Depletion Attenuate Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4422-4434. [PMID: 34083229 PMCID: PMC9974011 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer diagnosed in young patients is often aggressive. Because primary breast tumors from young and older patients have similar mutational patterns, we hypothesized that the young host microenvironment promotes more aggressive metastatic disease. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Triple-negative or luminal B breast cancer cell lines were injected into young and older mice side-by-side to quantify lung, liver, and brain metastases. Young and older mouse brains, metastatic and naïve, were analyzed by flow cytometry. Immune populations were depleted using antibodies or a colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) inhibitor, and brain metastasis assays were conducted. Effects on myeloid populations, astrogliosis, and the neuroinflammatory response were determined. RESULTS Brain metastases were 2- to 4-fold higher in young as compared with older mouse hosts in four models of triple-negative or luminal B breast cancer; no age effect was observed on liver or lung metastases. Aged brains, naïve or metastatic, contained fewer resident CNS myeloid cells. Use of a CSF-1R inhibitor to deplete myeloid cells, including both microglia and infiltrating macrophages, preferentially reduced brain metastasis burden in young mice. Downstream effects of CSF-1R inhibition in young mice resembled that of an aged brain in terms of myeloid numbers, induction of astrogliosis, and Semaphorin 3A secretion within the neuroinflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS Host microenvironmental factors contribute to the aggressiveness of triple-negative and luminal B breast cancer brain metastasis. CSF-1R inhibitors may hold promise for young brain metastasis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Man Lai Wu
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Selamawit Gossa
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ramakrishna Samala
- School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
| | - Monika A Chung
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Brunilde Gril
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Howard H Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Helen R Thorsheim
- School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
| | - Andy D Tran
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
- CCR Microscopy Core, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Debbie Wei
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Esra Taner
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kristine Isanogle
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Yuan Yang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emma L Dolan
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christina Robinson
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Simone Difilippantonio
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Maxwell P Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Imran Khan
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Quentin R Smith
- School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas
| | - Dorian B McGavern
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lalage M Wakefield
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Patricia S Steeg
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Breast cancer brain metastasis: insight into molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1056-1067. [PMID: 34226684 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01424-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in women worldwide. Early-stage breast cancer is considered a curable disease; however, once distant metastasis occurs, the 5-year overall survival rate of patients becomes significantly reduced. There are four distinct metastatic patterns in breast cancer: bone, lung, liver and brain. Among these, breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is the leading cause of death; it is highly associated with impaired quality of life and poor prognosis due to the limited permeability of the blood-brain barrier and consequent lack of effective treatments. Although the sequence of events in BCBM is universally accepted, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this review, we outline progress surrounding the molecular mechanisms involved in BCBM as well as experimental methods and research models to better understand the process. We further discuss the challenges in the management of brain metastases, as well as providing an overview of current therapies and highlighting innovative research towards developing novel efficacious targeted therapies.
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24
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Characterization of Immune Cell Subsets of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Brain Metastases. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050425. [PMID: 34064871 PMCID: PMC8150725 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Brain metastases arising from breast cancers, occur in about 20% of women with a poor-survival outcome. Unfortunately, most patients survive only up to eighteen months from diagnosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand how these cancers survive in the brain. It is thought that the immune cells in the brain, together with brain resident cells, may provide a favorable environment for cancer growth. However, this is not very well understood at this point. We aimed to profile the cells found in these tumors, focusing on five different cell types based on the marker expressed by them. Our results indicate that certain molecules contained within the cancer and the surrounding environment are associated with poor survival. This suggests that these molecules might be important in brain metastasis. This finding is a step towards our understanding of how some patients with brain metastasis survive longer than others. Abstract The heterogeneity of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is not well characterized in brain metastasis. To address this, we performed a targeted analysis of immune-cell subsets in brain metastasis tissues to test immunosuppressive routes involved in brain metastasis. We performed multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF), using commercially available validated antibodies on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded whole sections. We quantitated the subsets of immune-cells utilizing a targeted panel of proteins including PanCK, CD8, CD4, VISTA and IBA-1, and analyzed an average of 15,000 cells per sample. Classifying tumors as either high (>30%) or low (<30%) TILs, we found that increased TILs density correlated with survival. Phenotyping these TILs we found tumors with low TILs had significantly higher expression of the immune-checkpoint molecule VISTA in tumor cells (p < 0.01) as well as in their microenvironment (p < 0.001). Contrastingly, the tumors with high TILs displayed higher levels of microglia, as measured by IBA-1 expression. Low TILs-tumors displayed CD8+ T-cells that co-express VISTA (p < 0.01) significantly more compared to high TILs group, where CD8+cells significantly co-express IBA-11 (p < 0.05). These results were supported by RNA analysis of a publicly available, independent cohort. Our work contributes to a growing understanding of the immune surveillance escape routes active in brain metastasis.
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Ca 2+ Signaling as the Untact Mode during Signaling in Metastatic Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061473. [PMID: 33806911 PMCID: PMC8004807 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Intracellular Ca2+ signaling is a critical factor in breast cancer metastasis. In the proliferation stage, increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, P2Y2 channels, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, store-operated Ca2+ channels (SOCCs), and IP3 receptors and a decrease in intracellular Ca2+ concentration through plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases and secretory pathway Ca2+ ATPases (SPCA) activate breast cancer cell proliferation. TRPM7, SOCC, inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), ryanodine receptor (RyR), and sarco-/endo-plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) increase the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins; meanwhile, SPCA and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) control the activation of EMT-related proteins. Increased Ca2+ through TRPC1, TRPM7/8, P2X7, and SOCC enhances breast cancer cell migration. The stromal interaction molecule (STIM)-Orai complex, P2X7, and Ca2+ sensing receptors are involved in invadopodia. Various pharmacological agents for Ca2+ channels have been proposed against breast cancer and have provided potential strategies for treating metastatic processes. Abstract Metastatic features of breast cancer in the brain are considered a common pathology in female patients with late-stage breast cancer. Ca2+ signaling and the overexpression pattern of Ca2+ channels have been regarded as oncogenic markers of breast cancer. In other words, breast tumor development can be mediated by inhibiting Ca2+ channels. Although the therapeutic potential of inhibiting Ca2+ channels against breast cancer has been demonstrated, the relationship between breast cancer metastasis and Ca2+ channels is not yet understood. Thus, we focused on the metastatic features of breast cancer and summarized the basic mechanisms of Ca2+-related proteins and channels during the stages of metastatic breast cancer by evaluating Ca2+ signaling. In particular, we highlighted the metastasis of breast tumors to the brain. Thus, modulating Ca2+ channels with Ca2+ channel inhibitors and combined applications will advance treatment strategies for breast cancer metastasis to the brain.
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26
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Wu SY, Sharma S, Wu K, Tyagi A, Zhao D, Deshpande RP, Watabe K. Tamoxifen suppresses brain metastasis of estrogen receptor-deficient breast cancer by skewing microglia polarization and enhancing their immune functions. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:35. [PMID: 33736709 PMCID: PMC7977276 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01412-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Brain metastasis of breast cancer exhibits exceedingly poor prognosis, and both triple negative (TN) and Her2+ subtypes have the highest incidence of brain metastasis. Although estrogen blockers are considered to be ineffective for their treatment, recent evidence indicates that estrogen blockade using tamoxifen showed certain efficacy. However, how estrogen affects brain metastasis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains elusive. Methods To examine the effect of estrogen on brain metastasis progression, nude mice were implanted with brain metastatic cells and treated with either estrogen supplement, tamoxifen, or ovariectomy for estrogen depletion. For clinical validation study, brain metastasis specimens from pre- and post-menopause breast cancer patients were examined for microglia polarization by immunohistochemistry. To examine the estrogen-induced M2 microglia polarization, microglia cells were treated with estrogen, and the M1/M2 microglia polarization was detected by qRT-PCR and FACS. The estrogen receptor-deficient brain metastatic cells, SkBrM and 231BrM, were treated with conditioned medium (CM) derived from microglia that were treated with estrogen in the presence or absence of tamoxifen. The effect of microglia-derived CM on tumor cells was examined by colony formation assay and sphere forming ability. Results We found that M2 microglia were abundantly infiltrated in brain metastasis of pre-menopausal breast cancer patients. A similar observation was made in vivo, when we treated mice systemically with estrogen. Blocking of estrogen signaling either by tamoxifen treatment or surgical resection of mice ovaries suppressed M2 microglial polarization and decreased the secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand 5, resulting in suppression of brain metastasis. The estrogen modulation also suppressed stemness in TNBC cells in vitro. Importantly, estrogen enhanced the expression of signal regulatory protein α on microglia and restricted their phagocytic ability. Conclusions Our results indicate that estrogen promotes brain metastasis by skewing polarity of M2 microglia and inhibiting their phagocytic ability, while tamoxifen suppresses brain metastasis by blocking the M2 polarization of microglia and increasing their anti-tumor phagocytic ability. Our results also highlight a potential therapeutic utility of tamoxifen for treating brain metastasis of hormone receptor-deficient breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-021-01412-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Ying Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Sambad Sharma
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Kerui Wu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Abhishek Tyagi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Dan Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Ravindra Pramod Deshpande
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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27
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Serkova NJ, Glunde K, Haney CR, Farhoud M, De Lille A, Redente EF, Simberg D, Westerly DC, Griffin L, Mason RP. Preclinical Applications of Multi-Platform Imaging in Animal Models of Cancer. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1189-1200. [PMID: 33262127 PMCID: PMC8026542 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In animal models of cancer, oncologic imaging has evolved from a simple assessment of tumor location and size to sophisticated multimodality exploration of molecular, physiologic, genetic, immunologic, and biochemical events at microscopic to macroscopic levels, performed noninvasively and sometimes in real time. Here, we briefly review animal imaging technology and molecular imaging probes together with selected applications from recent literature. Fast and sensitive optical imaging is primarily used to track luciferase-expressing tumor cells, image molecular targets with fluorescence probes, and to report on metabolic and physiologic phenotypes using smart switchable luminescent probes. MicroPET/single-photon emission CT have proven to be two of the most translational modalities for molecular and metabolic imaging of cancers: immuno-PET is a promising and rapidly evolving area of imaging research. Sophisticated MRI techniques provide high-resolution images of small metastases, tumor inflammation, perfusion, oxygenation, and acidity. Disseminated tumors to the bone and lung are easily detected by microCT, while ultrasound provides real-time visualization of tumor vasculature and perfusion. Recently available photoacoustic imaging provides real-time evaluation of vascular patency, oxygenation, and nanoparticle distributions. New hybrid instruments, such as PET-MRI, promise more convenient combination of the capabilities of each modality, enabling enhanced research efficacy and throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Serkova
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
- Animal Imaging Shared Resource, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kristine Glunde
- Division of Cancer Imaging Research, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology, and the Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chad R Haney
- Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | | | | | | | - Dmitri Simberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - David C Westerly
- Animal Imaging Shared Resource, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lynn Griffin
- Department of Radiology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Ralph P Mason
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
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Srinivasan ES, Tan AC, Anders CK, Pendergast AM, Sipkins DA, Ashley DM, Fecci PE, Khasraw M. Salting the Soil: Targeting the Microenvironment of Brain Metastases. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:455-466. [PMID: 33402399 PMCID: PMC8041238 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Paget's "seed and soil" hypothesis of metastatic spread has acted as a foundation of the field for over a century, with continued evolution as mechanisms of the process have been elucidated. The central nervous system (CNS) presents a unique soil through this lens, relatively isolated from peripheral circulation and immune surveillance with distinct cellular and structural composition. Research in primary and metastatic brain tumors has demonstrated that this tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an essential role in the growth of CNS tumors. In each case, the cancerous cells develop complex and bidirectional relationships that reorganize the local TME and reprogram the CNS cells, including endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, microglia, infiltrating monocytes, and lymphocytes. These interactions create a structurally and immunologically permissive TME with malignant processes promoting positive feedback loops and systemic consequences. Strategies to interrupt interactions with the native CNS components, on "salting the soil," to create an inhospitable environment are promising in the preclinical setting. This review aims to examine the general and specific pathways thus far investigated in brain metastases and related work in glioma to identify targetable mechanisms that may have general application across the spectrum of intracranial tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S Srinivasan
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Aaron C Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carey K Anders
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Dorothy A Sipkins
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David M Ashley
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Peter E Fecci
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
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"Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Central Nervous System Metastases From the Laboratory to the Clinic". ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 27:76-82. [PMID: 33475296 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15% to 20% of breast cancers and has an incidence as high as 50% of brain metastases once patients develop advanced disease. The lack of targeted and effective therapies, characteristic of this subtype of breast cancer, is especially evident once central nervous system (CNS) metastases occur. Compared with other subtypes of breast cancer, TNBC patients have the shorter interval from diagnosis to development of brain metastases and the shorter overall survival once they occur, a median of 4 to 6 months. Preclinical studies of TNBC and CNS microenvironment are actively ongoing, clarifying mechanisms and orienting more effective approaches to therapy. While the first drugs have been specifically approved for use in metastatic TNBC, data on their CNS effect are still awaited.
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30
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Xu Y, Zhu Y, Yue Y, Pu S, Wu J, Lv Y, Du D. Tamoxifen attenuates reactive astrocyte-induced brain metastasis and drug resistance through the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2020; 52:1299-1305. [PMID: 33355355 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmaa127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis affects approximately 20%-30% of patients with triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Even small metastatic lesions in the brain can trigger severe neurological impairments and result in extremely short survival time. Recently, active astrocytes were reported to be associated with brain metastases. However, how activated astrocytes regulate the behaviors of disseminated breast cancer cells in the brain remains unknown. In this study, human primary astrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β to form active astrocytes to study the cross-talk between stromal cells (astrocytes) and TNBC cells in brain metastases. Our results showed that active astrocytes significantly increase the malignancy of TNBC cells and prevent them from undergoing apoptosis caused by doxorubicin. We also found that the high level of IL-6 secreted by activated astrocytes was responsible for the drug resistance of breast cancer, which could be abolished by treatment of astrocytes with tamoxifen (TAM). The blockage of active astrocyte-derived IL-6 by a neutralizing antibody resulted in the attenuation of drug resistance, consequently enhancing the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin. Furthermore, the possible involved TAM-modulated drug resistance mechanism may be associated with a decrease in IL-6 expression in astrocytes and the downregulation of MAPK and JAK2/STAT3 signaling in cancer cells. Our data suggested that TAMs might reduce drug resistance through the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, providing a possible therapy to treat brain metastasis in TNBCs, as estrogen receptor inhibitors (TAMs, etc.) can cross the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Xu
- Department of Pain Management, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yanrong Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Yong Yue
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhejiang Putuo Hospital, Zhoushan 316100, China
| | - Shaofeng Pu
- Department of Pain Management, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Junzhen Wu
- Department of Pain Management, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yingying Lv
- Department of Pain Management, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Dongping Du
- Department of Pain Management, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200233, China
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Treeck O, Schüler-Toprak S, Ortmann O. Estrogen Actions in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112358. [PMID: 33114740 PMCID: PMC7692567 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen receptor (ER) α, but the expression of estrogen receptors ERβ and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) is able to trigger estrogen-responsivity in TNBC. Estrogen signaling in TNBC can also be activated and modulated by the constitutively active estrogen-related receptors (ERRs). In this review article, we discuss the role of ERβ and GPER-1 as mediators of E2 action in TNBC as well as the function of ERRs as activators and modulators of estrogen signaling in this cancer entity. For this purpose, original research articles on estrogen actions in TNBC were considered, which are listed in the PubMed database. Additionally, we performed meta-analyses of publicly accessible integrated gene expression and survival data to elucidate the association of ERβ, GPER-1, and ERR expression levels in TNBC with survival. Finally, options for endocrine therapy strategies for TNBC were discussed.
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Zimmer AS, Van Swearingen AED, Anders CK. HER2‐positive
breast cancer brain metastasis: A new and exciting landscape. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 5:e1274. [PMID: 32881421 PMCID: PMC9124511 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brain metastases (BrM) incidence is 25% to 50% in women with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer. Radiation and surgery are currently the main local treatment approaches for central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Systemic anti‐HER2 therapy following a diagnosis of BrM improves outcomes. Previous preclinical data has helped elucidate HER2 brain trophism, the blood‐brain/blood‐tumor barrier(s), and the brain tumor microenvironment, all of which can lead to development of novel therapeutic options. Recent findings Several anti‐HER2 agents are currently available and reviewed here, some of which have recently shown promising effects in BrM patients, specifically. New strategies driven by and focusing on brain metastasis‐specific genomics, immunotherapy, and preventive strategies have shown promising results and are under development. Conclusions The field of HER2+ breast cancer, particularly for BrM, continues to evolve as new therapeutic strategies show promising results in recent clinical trials. Increasing inclusion of patients with BrM in clinical studies, and a focus on assessing their outcomes both intracranially and extracranially, is changing the landscape for patients with HER2+ CNS metastases by demonstrating the ability of newer agents to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carey K. Anders
- Duke Center for Brain and Spine MetastasisDuke Cancer Institute Durham North Carolina USA
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33
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Ren D, Cheng H, Wang X, Vishnoi M, Teh BS, Rostomily R, Chang J, Wong ST, Zhao H. Emerging treatment strategies for breast cancer brain metastasis: from translational therapeutics to real-world experience. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920936151. [PMID: 32655700 PMCID: PMC7328353 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920936151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic therapies for primary breast cancer have made great progress over the past two decades. However, oncologists confront an insidious and particularly difficult problem: in those patients with metastatic breast cancer, up to 50% of human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-positive and 25-40% of triple-negative subtypes, brain metastases (BM) kill most of them. Fortunately, standard- of-care treatments for BM have improved rapidly, with a decline in whole brain radiation therapy and use of fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery as well as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Meanwhile, advances in fundamental understanding of the basic biological processes of breast cancer BM (BCBM) have led to many novel experimental therapeutic strategies. In this review, we describe the most recent clinical treatment options and emerging experimental therapeutic strategies that have the potential to combat BCBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Ren
- Outpatient Department, PLA Navy NO.905 Hospital,
Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital,
Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Systems Medicine and
Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine,
Houston, TX, USA
| | - Monika Vishnoi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist
Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin S. Teh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Houston
Methodist Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert Rostomily
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist
Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jenny Chang
- Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Weill Cornell
Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen T. Wong
- Department of Systems Medicine and
Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine,
6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Systems Medicine and
Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine,
6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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34
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Contreras-Zárate MJ, Cittelly DM. Sex steroid hormone function in the brain niche: Implications for brain metastatic colonization and progression. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 5:e1241. [PMID: 33350105 PMCID: PMC8022872 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While sex hormones and their receptors play well-known roles in progression of primary tumors through direct action on sex steroid hormone-responsive cancer cells, emerging evidence suggest that hormones also play important roles in metastatic progression by modulating the tumor microenvironment. Estrogens and androgens synthesized in gonads and within the brain influence memory, behavior, and outcomes of brain pathologies. Yet, their impact on brain metastatic colonization and progression is just beginning to be explored. RECENT FINDINGS Estradiol and testosterone cross the blood-brain barrier and are synthesized de novo in astrocytes and other cells within the adult brain. Circulating and brain-synthesized estrogens have been shown to promote brain metastatic colonization of tumors lacking estrogen receptors (ERs), through mechanisms involving the upregulation of growth factors and neurotrophins in ER+ reactive astrocytes. In this review, we discuss additional mechanisms by which hormones may influence brain metastases, through modulation of brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia. CONCLUSION A greater understanding of hormone-brain-tumor interactions may shed further light on the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of cancer cells to the brain niche, and provide therapeutic alternatives modulating the brain metastatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
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35
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Klotz R, Yu M. Insights into brain metastasis: Recent advances in circulating tumor cell research. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 5:e1239. [PMID: 33372393 PMCID: PMC9124503 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background How tumor cells disseminate to brain and establish brain metastasis remains partly an unsolved problem. This devastating complication of many cancers is initiated by a rare subset of the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) shed into the blood stream. Thus, the profiling of the molecular properties in these brain metastasis‐initiating CTCs is essential to uncover the mechanisms underlying brain metastasis. Recent Findings Important efforts to improve the enrichment and detection of CTCs enabled the detailed molecular and functional analysis of CTCs that drive brain metastasis. In this review, we highlight key findings on existing preclinical studies that provide insights toward a comprehensive picture of brain metastasis‐precursors in CTCs and the potential clinical implications. Conclusion A deeper understanding of the brain metastasis precursors should help to stratify high‐risk patients and improve preventive therapeutic strategies. Although all these preclinical evidences have yet to be translated into patients, they provide considerable hope to benefit patients with brain metastases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remi Klotz
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Min Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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36
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Kalita-de Croft P, Straube J, Lim M, Al-Ejeh F, Lakhani SR, Saunus JM. Proteomic Analysis of the Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102524. [PMID: 31121957 PMCID: PMC6567270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with brain-metastatic breast cancer face a bleak prognosis marked by morbidity and premature death. A deeper understanding of molecular interactions in the metastatic brain tumour microenvironment may inform the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this study, triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells or PBS (modelling traumatic brain injury) were stereotactically injected into the cerebral cortex of NOD/SCID mice to model metastatic colonization. Brain cells were isolated from five tumour-associated samples and five controls (pooled uninvolved and injured tissue) by immunoaffinity chromatography, and proteomic profiles were compared using the Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS) discovery platform. Ontology and cell type biomarker enrichment analysis of the 125 differentially abundant proteins (p < 0.05) showed the changes largely represent cellular components involved in metabolic reprogramming and cell migration (min q = 4.59 × 10-5), with high-throughput PubMed text mining indicating they have been most frequently studied in the contexts of mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and autophagy. Analysis of mouse brain cell type-specific biomarkers suggested the changes were paralleled by increased proportions of microglia, mural cells and interneurons. Finally, we orthogonally validated three of the proteins in an independent xenograft cohort, and investigated their expression in craniotomy specimens from triple-negative metastatic breast cancer patients, using a combination of standard and fluorescent multiplex immunohistochemistry. This included 3-Hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA Hydrolase (HIBCH), which is integral for gluconeogenic valine catabolism in the brain, and was strongly induced in both graft-associated brain tissue (13.5-fold by SWATH-MS; p = 7.2 × 10-4), and areas of tumour-associated, reactive gliosis in human clinical samples. HIBCH was also induced in the tumour compartment, with expression frequently localized to margins and haemorrhagic areas. These observations raise the possibility that catabolism of valine is an effective adaptation in metastatic cells able to access it, and that intermediates or products could be transferred from tumour-associated glia. Overall, our findings indicate that metabolic reprogramming dominates the proteomic landscape of graft-associated brain tissue in the intracranial MDA-MB-231 xenograft model. Brain-derived metabolic provisions could represent an exploitable dependency in breast cancer brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyakshi Kalita-de Croft
- Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jasmin Straube
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, QLD, Australia.
| | - Malcolm Lim
- Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia.
| | - Fares Al-Ejeh
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, QLD, Australia.
| | - Sunil R Lakhani
- Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia.
- Pathology Queensland, The Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jodi M Saunus
- Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Centre for Clinical Research, Herston 4029, QLD, Australia.
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Bhardwaj P, Au CC, Benito-Martin A, Ladumor H, Oshchepkova S, Moges R, Brown KA. Estrogens and breast cancer: Mechanisms involved in obesity-related development, growth and progression. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 189:161-170. [PMID: 30851382 PMCID: PMC6502693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a risk factor for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer after menopause. The pro-proliferative effects of estrogens are well characterized and there is a growing body of evidence to also suggest an important role in tumorigenesis. Importantly, obesity not only increases the risk of breast cancer, but it also increases the risk of recurrence and cancer-associated death. Aromatase is the rate-limiting enzyme in estrogen biosynthesis and its expression in breast adipose stromal cells is hypothesized to drive the growth of breast tumors and confer resistance to endocrine therapy in obese postmenopausal women. The molecular regulation of aromatase has been characterized in response to many obesity-related molecules, including inflammatory mediators and adipokines. This review is aimed at providing an overview of our current knowledge in relation to the regulation of estrogens in adipose tissue and their role in driving breast tumor development, growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Bhardwaj
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA; Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - CheukMan C Au
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | | | - Heta Ladumor
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA; Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ruth Moges
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Kristy A Brown
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA; Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA; Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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38
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Alzubi MA, Turner TH, Olex AL, Sohal SS, Tobin NP, Recio SG, Bergh J, Hatschek T, Parker JS, Sartorius CA, Perou CM, Dozmorov MG, Harrell JC. Separation of breast cancer and organ microenvironment transcriptomes in metastases. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:36. [PMID: 30841919 PMCID: PMC6404325 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-019-1123-2] [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: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The seed and soil hypothesis was proposed over a century ago to describe why cancer cells (seeds) grow in certain organs (soil). Since then, the genetic properties that define the cancer cells have been heavily investigated; however, genomic mediators within the organ microenvironment that mediate successful metastatic growth are less understood. These studies sought to identify cancer- and organ-specific genomic programs that mediate metastasis. Methods In these studies, a set of 14 human breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) metastasis models was developed and then tested for metastatic tropism with two approaches: spontaneous metastases from mammary tumors and intravenous injection of PDX cells. The transcriptomes of the cancer cells when growing as tumors or metastases were separated from the transcriptomes of the microenvironment via species-specific separation of the genomes. Drug treatment of PDX spheroids was performed to determine if genes activated in metastases may identify targetable mediators of viability. Results The experimental approaches that generated metastases in PDX models were identified. RNA sequencing of 134 tumors, metastases, and normal non-metastatic organs identified cancer- and organ-specific genomic properties that mediated metastasis. A common genomic response of the liver microenvironment was found to occur in reaction to the invading PDX cells. Genes within the cancer cells were found to be either transiently regulated by the microenvironment or permanently altered due to clonal selection of metastatic sublines. Gene Set Enrichment Analyses identified more than 400 gene signatures that were commonly activated in metastases across basal-like PDXs. A Src signaling signature was found to be extensively upregulated in metastases, and Src inhibitors were found to be cytotoxic to PDX spheroids. Conclusions These studies identified that during the growth of breast cancer metastases, there were genomic changes that occurred within both the cancer cells and the organ microenvironment. We hypothesize that pathways upregulated in metastases are mediators of viability and that simultaneously targeting changes within different cancer cell pathways and/or different tissue compartments may be needed for inhibition of disease progression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-019-1123-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Alzubi
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Integrative Life Sciences Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tia H Turner
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Amy L Olex
- C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sahib S Sohal
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Nicholas P Tobin
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susana G Recio
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Jonas Bergh
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Hatschek
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joel S Parker
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carol A Sartorius
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Charles M Perou
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Mikhail G Dozmorov
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - J Chuck Harrell
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. .,Integrative Life Sciences Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. .,C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. .,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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39
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Contreras-Zárate MJ, Day NL, Ormond DR, Borges VF, Tobet S, Gril B, Steeg PS, Cittelly DM. Estradiol induces BDNF/TrkB signaling in triple-negative breast cancer to promote brain metastases. Oncogene 2019; 38:4685-4699. [PMID: 30796353 PMCID: PMC6565485 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0756-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer brain metastases (BM) affect younger women disproportionally, including those lacking estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, and HER2 (known as triple-negative breast cancer; TNBC). Previous studies in preclinical models showed that pre-menopausal levels of estradiol (E2) promote TNBC-BM through incompletely understood mechanisms involving reactive astrocytes. Herein, a novel mechanism involving E2-dependent upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in astrocytes, and subsequent activation of tumor cell tropomyosin kinase receptor B (TrkB), is identified. E2 increased experimental BM of TNBC 4T1BR5 and E0771 cells by 21 and 3.6 fold, respectively, compared to E2-depleted mice. ERα+ reactive astrocytes were found at early and late stages of BM, and E2 upregulated BDNF in ER+ reactive astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. TrkB was expressed in TNBC brain-trophic cell lines, BM-patient-derived xenografts, and breast cancer BM. Conditioned media from E2-treated astrocytes (CM-E2) activated TrkB and downstream AKT, ERK, and PLC-γ signaling in TNBC cells, increasing their invasiveness and tumor-initiating capability in vitro. The promotion of BM by E2-activated astrocytes was found to be more complex, involving feedback loops and other receptor tyrosine kinases. In 4T1BR5 cells, there was a positive feedback loop whereby astrocytic BDNF induced cancer cell BDNF translation. Upregulation of cancer cell BDNF was required to promote full invasiveness of 4T1BR5 in response to CM-E2, and was observed in brain metastatic cells in E2-treated mice in vivo. Moreover, the non-competitive BDNF/TrkB inhibitor ANA-12 reduced E2-induced 4T1BR5 BM to levels similar to OVX mice. BDNF also activated EGFR in TrkB+EGFR+ TNBC cells, suggesting that E2 action through astrocytes activates redundant pathways promoting BM. These findings have important therapeutic implications, as they provide a rationale to use E2-depletion therapies or TrkB inhibitors to prevent or delay development of BM in younger women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Contreras-Zárate
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nicole L Day
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - D Ryan Ormond
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Virginia F Borges
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Stuart Tobet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Brunilde Gril
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patricia S Steeg
- Women's Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Beadnell T, Borriello L, Christenson J, Fornetti J, Guldner I, Hanna A, Kyjacova L, Marinak-Whately K, de Melo Martins PC, Rotinen M, Te Boekhorst V, Cox TR. Meeting report: Metastasis Research Society (MRS) 17th Biennial conference and associated Young Investigator Satellite Meeting (YISM) on cancer metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2019; 36:119-137. [PMID: 30673912 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-018-09953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Metastasis Research Society (MRS) 17th Biennial conference on metastasis was held on the 1st to the 5th of August 2018 at Princeton University, NJ, USA. The meeting was held around themes addressing notable aspects of the understanding and treatment of metastasis and metastatic disease covering basic, translational, and clinical research. Importantly, the meeting was largely supported by our patient advocate partners including Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Theresa's Research Foundation and METAvivor. There were a total of 85 presentations from invited and selected speakers spread across the main congress and presentations from the preceding Young Investigator Satellite Meeting. Presentations are summarized in this report by session topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Beadnell
- Department of Cancer Biology, The Kansas University Medical Center, and The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Lucia Borriello
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.,Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Christenson
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jaime Fornetti
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Ian Guldner
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Ann Hanna
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lenka Kyjacova
- European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 681 67, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kristina Marinak-Whately
- WVU Cancer Institute, Cancer Cell Biology, West Virginia School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Mirja Rotinen
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Departments of Surgery & Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Veronika Te Boekhorst
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 77030, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas R Cox
- Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Achrol AS, Rennert RC, Anders C, Soffietti R, Ahluwalia MS, Nayak L, Peters S, Arvold ND, Harsh GR, Steeg PS, Chang SD. Brain metastases. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2019; 5:5. [PMID: 30655533 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-018-0055-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 523] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An estimated 20% of all patients with cancer will develop brain metastases, with the majority of brain metastases occurring in those with lung, breast and colorectal cancers, melanoma or renal cell carcinoma. Brain metastases are thought to occur via seeding of circulating tumour cells into the brain microvasculature; within this unique microenvironment, tumour growth is promoted and the penetration of systemic medical therapies is limited. Development of brain metastases remains a substantial contributor to overall cancer mortality in patients with advanced-stage cancer because prognosis remains poor despite multimodal treatments and advances in systemic therapies, which include a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. Thus, interest abounds in understanding the mechanisms that drive brain metastases so that they can be targeted with preventive therapeutic strategies and in understanding the molecular characteristics of brain metastases relative to the primary tumour so that they can inform targeted therapy selection. Increased molecular understanding of the disease will also drive continued development of novel immunotherapies and targeted therapies that have higher bioavailability beyond the blood-tumour barrier and drive advances in radiotherapies and minimally invasive surgical techniques. As these discoveries and innovations move from the realm of basic science to preclinical and clinical applications, future outcomes for patients with brain metastases are almost certain to improve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achal Singh Achrol
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurosciences, John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Santa Monica, CA, USA.
| | - Robert C Rennert
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Carey Anders
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Manmeet S Ahluwalia
- Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Lakshmi Nayak
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Solange Peters
- Medical Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nils D Arvold
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Luke's Cancer Center, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Griffith R Harsh
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Patricia S Steeg
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven D Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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Estrogen nuclear receptors affect cell migration by altering sublocalization of AQP2 in glioma cell lines. Cell Death Discov 2018; 4:49. [PMID: 30345080 PMCID: PMC6192986 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-018-0113-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas are capable of infiltrating into neighboring brain tissues. The prognosis of a male patient is worse than that of women. Here, we demonstrate the effects of estrogen on invasion of glioma cells via regulating estrogen nuclear receptors (ERα and ERβ) combined with aquaporin 2 (AQP2). In our study, we conclude that AQP2 was located mainly in the nuclei of the glioma cell lines and is capable of inhibiting cell invasion. According to the gene ontology analysis, out of 138 screened genes, three genes of ankyrin repeat and FYVE domain containing 1 (ANKFY1), lymphocyte transmembrane adaptor 1 (LAX1), and latent transforming growth factor beta-binding protein 1 (LTBP1) were found to be regulating the ERα and ERβ. The expression of ERα was found to be high, whereas the expression of both ERβ and AQP2 was low in glioma cells from patient tissues and glioblastoma cell lines. The expression levels of AQP2, ANKFY1, LAX1, and LTBP1 were upregulated by both ERα small interfering RNA (siRNA) and overexpression of ERβ. AQP2 inhibition of cell invasion was inversely influenced by LAX1siRNA. The luciferase report system indicated that AQP2 promoted the transcriptional activity of LAX1 and inhibited cell invasion. These data suggest that ERβ may function as AQP promoter in the nucleus to sustain cells' stability by promoting AQP production, while ERα acts as an antagonist of AQP2. The ratio between ERα and ERβ is likely to affect the distribution of AQP2 in the nucleus. Low level of ERβ reduces the inhibition of invasion of glioma cells influenced by high level of LAX1 expression, leading to an increase in the invasion ability of glioma cells.
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Abstract
Metastatic cancer cells meet several physical, biochemical and immunological barriers before colonizing a new territory. Cancerous cells turn invasive, mobile and eventually disengage from their native niche. This is followed by their intravasation, extravasation, survival, proliferation, and colonization into distant organs. Unlike well-confined tumors, which respond favorably to anti-cancer therapeutics, metastatic tumors are life-threatening and incurable. More than 90% of cancer-related mortality is caused by metastases, hence the emphasis is now on developing the strategies to block or reverse the process of metastasis. This has ensued intensive research with a focus on the mechanisms underlying metastasis. Substantial work carried out in this direction has led to the identification of specific enzymes, proteins, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, exosomes, miRNA and lipids, etc. as the facilitators of metastasis. Metastatic cells are exposed to a diverse array of local and systemic signals. Among these, estrogens are of great relevance. Estrogens have been strongly linked to cancers, especially of breast and uterine origin. Recent data hint that estrogens, well recognized for their role in proliferation, may have a role in metastasis also. It is proposed that influence of estrogen on metastasis may be independent of its proliferation-inducing ability. Data are emerging to suggest that estrogens have potential to modulate various events of the metastatic cascade such as local invasion, intravasation, anoikis, immune evasion, extravasation, angiogenesis and metastatic colonization. This review summarizes some of the recent advances in our knowledge on the role of estrogens in the metastatic cascade of cancerous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shardool Nair
- Primate Biology Laboratory, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR-NIRRH), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Geetanjali Sachdeva
- Primate Biology Laboratory, Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR-NIRRH), Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.
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Wellberg EA, Kabos P, Gillen AE, Jacobsen BM, Brechbuhl HM, Johnson SJ, Rudolph MC, Edgerton SM, Thor AD, Anderson SM, Elias A, Zhou XK, Iyengar NM, Morrow M, Falcone DJ, El-Hely O, Dannenberg AJ, Sartorius CA, MacLean PS. FGFR1 underlies obesity-associated progression of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer after estrogen deprivation. JCI Insight 2018; 3:120594. [PMID: 30046001 PMCID: PMC6124402 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.120594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity increases breast cancer mortality by promoting resistance to therapy. Here, we identified regulatory pathways in estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) tumors that were shared between patients with obesity and those with resistance to neoadjuvant aromatase inhibition. Among these was fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), a known mediator of endocrine therapy resistance. In a preclinical model with patient-derived ER-positive tumors, diet-induced obesity promoted a similar gene expression signature and sustained the growth of FGFR1-overexpressing tumors after estrogen deprivation. Tumor FGFR1 phosphorylation was elevated with obesity and predicted a shorter disease-free and disease-specific survival for patients treated with tamoxifen. In both human and mouse mammary adipose tissue, FGF1 ligand expression was associated with metabolic dysfunction, weight gain, and adipocyte hypertrophy, implicating the impaired response to a positive energy balance in growth factor production within the tumor niche. In conjunction with these studies, we describe a potentially novel graft-competent model that can be used with patient-derived tissue to elucidate factors specific to extrinsic (host) and intrinsic (tumor) tissue that are critical for obesity-associated tumor promotion. Taken together, we demonstrate that obesity and excess energy establish a tumor environment with features of endocrine therapy resistance and identify a role for ligand-dependent FGFR1 signaling in obesity-associated breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Kabos
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Austin E. Gillen
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, RNA Bioscience Initiative, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Britta M. Jacobsen
- Department of Pathology and
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, & Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Heather M. Brechbuhl
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Michael C. Rudolph
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, & Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Elias
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Xi Kathy Zhou
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Neil M. Iyengar
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, New York, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Monica Morrow
- Department of Surgery, MSKCC, New York, New York, USA
| | - Domenick J. Falcone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Omar El-Hely
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Paul S. MacLean
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, & Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Wilhelm I, Fazakas C, Molnár K, Végh AG, Haskó J, Krizbai IA. Foe or friend? Janus-faces of the neurovascular unit in the formation of brain metastases. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2018; 38:563-587. [PMID: 28920514 PMCID: PMC5888855 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17732025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential obstacle represented by the blood-brain barrier for extravasating malignant cells, metastases are more frequent than primary tumors in the central nervous system. Not only tightly interconnected endothelial cells can hinder metastasis formation, other cells of the brain microenvironment (like astrocytes and microglia) can also be very hostile, destroying the large majority of metastatic cells. However, malignant cells that are able to overcome these harmful mechanisms may benefit from the shielding and even support provided by cerebral endothelial cells, astrocytes and microglia, rendering the brain a sanctuary site against anti-tumor strategies. Thus, cells of the neurovascular unit have a Janus-faced attitude towards brain metastatic cells, being both destructive and protective. In this review, we present the main mechanisms of brain metastasis formation, including those involved in extravasation through the brain vasculature and survival in the cerebral environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila G Végh
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Haskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István A Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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46
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Golubnitschaja O, Filep N, Yeghiazaryan K, Blom HJ, Hofmann-Apitius M, Kuhn W. Multi-omic approach decodes paradoxes of the triple-negative breast cancer: lessons for predictive, preventive and personalised medicine. Amino Acids 2017; 50:383-395. [PMID: 29249020 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-017-2524-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer epidemic in the early twenty-first century results in around two million new cases and half-a-million of the disease-related deaths registered annually worldwide. A particularly dramatic situation is attributed to some specific patient subgroups such as the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer lacking clear diagnostic approach and targeted therapies. Consequently, more than 50% of the TNBC patients die of the metastatic BC within the first 6 months of the diagnosis. In the current study we have hypothesised that multi-omic approach utilising blood samples may lead to discovery of a unique molecular signature of the TNBC subtype. The results achieved demonstrate, indeed, multi-omics as highly promising approach that could be of great clinical utility for development of predictive diagnosis, targeted prevention and treatments tailored to the person-overall advancing the management of the TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Golubnitschaja
- Department of Radiology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany. .,Breast Cancer Research Centre, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany. .,Centre for Integrated Oncology, Cologne-Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Nora Filep
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Kristina Yeghiazaryan
- Department of Radiology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str 25, 53105, Bonn, Germany.,Breast Cancer Research Centre, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Centre for Integrated Oncology, Cologne-Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Henricus Johannes Blom
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Hofmann-Apitius
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | - Walther Kuhn
- Breast Cancer Research Centre, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Centre for Integrated Oncology, Cologne-Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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47
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Wasilewski D, Priego N, Fustero-Torre C, Valiente M. Reactive Astrocytes in Brain Metastasis. Front Oncol 2017; 7:298. [PMID: 29312881 PMCID: PMC5732246 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis, the secondary growth of malignant cells within the central nervous system (CNS), exceeds the incidence of primary brain tumors (i.e., gliomas) by tenfold and are seemingly on the rise owing to the emergence of novel targeted therapies that are more effective in controlling extracranial disease relatively to intracranial lesions. Despite the fact that metastasis to the brain poses a unmet clinical problem, with afflicted patients carrying significant morbidity and a fatal prognosis, our knowledge as to how metastatic cells manage to adapt to the tissue environment of the CNS remains limited. Answering this question could pave the way for novel and more specific therapeutic modalities in brain metastasis by targeting the specific makeup of the brain metastatic niche. In regard to this, astrocytes have emerged as the major host cell type that cancer cells encounter and interact with during brain metastasis formation. Similarly to other CNS disorders, astrocytes become reactive and respond to the presence of cancer cells by changing their phenotype and significantly influencing the outcome of disseminated cancer cells within the CNS. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the contribution of reactive astrocytes in brain metastasis by focusing on the signaling pathways and types of interactions that play a crucial part in the communication with cancer cells and how these could be translated into innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wasilewski
- Brain Metastasis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Neibla Priego
- Brain Metastasis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Coral Fustero-Torre
- Bioinformatics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Valiente
- Brain Metastasis Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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48
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Kushwaha R, Mishra J, Tripathi S, Raza W, Mandrah K, Roy SK, Bandyopadhyay S. Arsenic Attenuates Heparin-Binding EGF-Like Growth Factor/EGFR Signaling That Promotes Matrix Metalloprotease 9-Dependent Astrocyte Damage in the Developing Rat Brain. Toxicol Sci 2017; 162:406-428. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Kushwaha
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IITR Campus, Lucknow, India
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Juhi Mishra
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow 226001, India
- Babu Banarasi Das University, Lucknow 226028, India
| | - Sachin Tripathi
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow 226001, India
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University (Lucknow Campus), Lucknow, India
| | - Waseem Raza
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow 226001, India
| | - Kapil Mandrah
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IITR Campus, Lucknow, India
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory and Regulatory Toxicology Group, CSIR-IITR, Lucknow, India
| | - Somendu Kumar Roy
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory and Regulatory Toxicology Group, CSIR-IITR, Lucknow, India
| | - Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IITR Campus, Lucknow, India
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow 226001, India
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49
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Ma J, Lu W, Chen D, Xu B, Li Y. Role of Wnt Co-Receptor LRP6 in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:2968-2976. [PMID: 28247948 PMCID: PMC10928515 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) is an essential Wnt co-receptor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Although studies have shown an increased expression of LRP6 in several types of cancer, its function in tumor development and progression remains to be elucidated. We herein demonstrated that LRP6 expression is up-regulated in human triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients and human TNBC cell lines, and that knockdown of LRP6 expression and treatment of recombinant Mesd protein (a specific inhibitor of LRP6) significantly decreased cell migration and invasion of TNBC MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells. Interestingly, the effects of LRP6 knockdown and Mesd treatment on TNBC cell migration and invasion were more prominent than on TNBC cell proliferation/viability. Mechanistically, LRP6 knockdown and Mesd treatment inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling and decreased the expression of S100A4, a mediator of cancer metastasis and a specific target of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, in TNBC cells. Together, our data suggest that LRP6 promotes TNBC cell migration and invasion by regulating the expression and function of S100A4 via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 2968-2976, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlu Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
- Department of Oncology, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35255, USA
| | - Wenyan Lu
- Department of Oncology, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35255, USA
| | - Dongquan Chen
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center; Department of Medicine; University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, AL USA
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Oncology, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35255, USA
| | - Yonghe Li
- Department of Oncology, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35255, USA
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50
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Hamilton AM, Foster PJ. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging investigating the development of experimental brain metastases due to triple negative breast cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2017; 34:133-140. [PMID: 28108861 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-016-9835-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), when associated with poor outcome, is aggressive in nature with a high incidence of brain metastasis and the shortest median overall patient survival after brain metastasis development compared to all other breast cancer subtypes. As therapies that control primary cancer and extracranial metastatic sites improve, the incidence of brain metastases is increasing and the management of patients with breast cancer brain metastases continues to be a significant clinical challenge. Mouse models have been developed to permit in depth evaluation of breast cancer metastasis to the brain. In this study, we compare the efficiency and metastatic potential of two experimental mouse models of TNBC. Longitudinal MRI analysis and end point histology were used to quantify initial cell arrest as well as the number and volume of metastases that developed in mouse brain over time. We showed significant differences in MRI appearance, tumor progression and model efficiency between the syngeneic 4T1-BR5 model and the xenogeneic 231-BR model. Since TNBC does not respond to many standard breast cancer treatments and TNBC brain metastases lack effective targeted therapies, these preclinical TNBC models represent invaluable tools for the assessment of novel systemic therapeutic approaches. Further pursuits of therapeutics designed to bypass the blood tumor barrier and permit access to the brain parenchyma and metastatic cells within the brain will be paramount in the fight to control and treat lethal metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Hamilton
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, 1151 Richmond St N, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada.
| | - Paula J Foster
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, 1151 Richmond St N, London, ON, N6A 5B7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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