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Liu P, Wang L, Yu H. Polyploid giant cancer cells: origin, possible pathways of formation, characteristics, and mechanisms of regulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1410637. [PMID: 39055650 PMCID: PMC11269155 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1410637] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are characterized by the presence of either a single enlarged nucleus or multiple nuclei and are closely associated with tumor progression and treatment resistance. These cells contribute significantly to cellular heterogeneity and can arise from various stressors, including radiation, chemotherapy, hypoxia, and environmental factors. The formation of PGCCs can occur through mechanisms such as endoreplication, cell fusion, cytokinesis failure, mitotic slippage, or cell cannibalism. Notably, PGCCs exhibit traits similar to cancer stem cells (CSCs) and generate highly invasive progeny through asymmetric division. The presence of PGCCs and their progeny is pivotal in conferring resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, as well as facilitating tumor recurrence and metastasis. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the origins, potential formation mechanisms, stressors, unique characteristics, and regulatory pathways of PGCCs, alongside therapeutic strategies targeting these cells. The objective is to enhance the understanding of PGCC initiation and progression, offering novel insights into tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Liu
- Laboratory of Basic Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Beifang Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Laboratory of Basic Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Huiying Yu
- Laboratory of Basic Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Sieler M, Dörnen J, Dittmar T. How Much Do You Fuse? A Comparison of Cell Fusion Assays in a Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5668. [PMID: 38891857 PMCID: PMC11172233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a biological process that is crucial for the development and homeostasis of different tissues, but it is also pathophysiologically associated with tumor progression and malignancy. The investigation of cell fusion processes is difficult because there is no standardized marker. Many studies therefore use different systems to observe and quantify cell fusion in vitro and in vivo. The comparability of the results must be critically questioned, because both the experimental procedure and the assays differ between studies. The comparability of the fluorescence-based fluorescence double reporter (FDR) and dual split protein (DSP) assay was investigated as part of this study, in which general conditions were kept largely constant. In order to be able to induce both a high and a low cell fusion rate, M13SV1 breast epithelial cells were modified with regard to the expression level of the fusogenic protein Syncytin-1 and its receptor ASCT2 and were co-cultivated for 72 h with different breast cancer cell lines. A high number of fused cells was found in co-cultures with Syncytin-1-overexpressing M13SV1 cells, but differences between the assays were also observed. This shows that the quantification of cell fusion events in particular is highly dependent on the assay selected, but the influence of fusogenic proteins can be visualized very well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Jessica Dörnen
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
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Conway PJ, Dao J, Kovalskyy D, Mahadevan D, Dray E. Polyploidy in Cancer: Causal Mechanisms, Cancer-Specific Consequences, and Emerging Treatments. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:638-647. [PMID: 38315992 PMCID: PMC11174144 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance is the major determinant for metastatic disease and fatalities, across all cancers. Depending on the tissue of origin and the therapeutic course, a variety of biological mechanisms can support and sustain drug resistance. Although genetic mutations and gene silencing through epigenetic mechanisms are major culprits in targeted therapy, drug efflux and polyploidization are more global mechanisms that prevail in a broad range of pathologies, in response to a variety of treatments. There is an unmet need to identify patients at risk for polyploidy, understand the mechanisms underlying polyploidization, and to develop strategies to predict, limit, and reverse polyploidy thus enhancing efficacy of standard-of-care therapy that improve better outcomes. This literature review provides an overview of polyploidy in cancer and offers perspective on patient monitoring and actionable therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Conway
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Molecular Immunology & Microbiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jonathan Dao
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Dmytro Kovalskyy
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Molecular Immunology & Microbiology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Eloise Dray
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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Kirsch-Volders M, Mišík M, de Gerlache J. Tetraploidy as a metastable state towards malignant cell transformation within a systemic approach of cancer development. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 896:503764. [PMID: 38821671 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Tetraploidy, a condition in which a cell has four homologous sets of chromosomes, may be a natural physiological condition or pathophysiological such as in cancer cells or stress induced tetraploidisation. Its contribution to cancer development is well known. However, among the many models proposed to explain the causes, mechanisms and steps of malignant cell transformation, only few integrate tetraploidization into a systemic multistep approach of carcinogenesis. Therefore, we will i) describe the molecular and cellular characteristics of tetraploidy; ii) assess the contribution of stress-induced tetraploidy in cancer development; iii) situate tetraploidy as a metastable state leading to cancer development in a systemic cell-centered approach; iiii) consider knowledge gaps and future perspectives. The available data shows that stress-induced tetraploidisation/polyploidisation leads to p53 stabilisation, cell cycle arrest, followed by cellular senescence or apoptosis, suppressing the proliferation of tetraploid cells. However, if tetraploid cells escape the G1-tetraploidy checkpoint, it may lead to uncontrolled proliferation of tetraploid cells, micronuclei induction, aneuploidy and deploidisation. In addition, tetraploidization favors 3D-chromatin changes and epigenetic effects. The combined effects of genetic and epigenetic changes allow the expression of oncogenic gene expression and cancer progression. Moreover, since micronuclei are inducing inflammation, which in turn may induce additional tetraploidization, tetraploidy-derived genetic instability leads to a carcinogenic vicious cycle. The concept that polyploid cells are metastable intermediates between diploidy and aneuploidy is not new. Metastability denotes an intermediate energetic state within a dynamic system other than the system's state at least energy. Considering in parallel the genetic/epigenetic changes and the probable entropy levels induced by stress-induced tetraploidisation provides a new systemic approach to describe cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micheline Kirsch-Volders
- Laboratory for Cell Genetics, Department Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Bio-engineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels 1050, Belgium
| | - Miroslav Mišík
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, Vienna 1090, Austria.
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Lu Y, Chen D, Wang B, Chai W, Yan M, Chen Y, Zhan Y, Yang R, Zhou E, Dai S, Li Y, Dong R, Zheng B. Single-cell landscape of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Oncogene 2024; 43:1353-1368. [PMID: 38459120 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a highly aggressive malignant soft tissue tumor with a poor prognosis; however, the identity and heterogeneity of tumor populations remain elusive. Here, eight major cell clusters were identified through the RNA sequencing of 79,569 individual cells of UPS. UPS originates from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and features undifferentiated subclusters. UPS subclusters were predicted to exist in two bulk RNA datasets, and had a prognostic value in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The functional heterogeneity of malignant UPS cells and the immune microenvironment were characterized. Additionally, the fused cells were innovatively detected by expressing both monocyte/macrophage markers and other subcluster-associated genes. Based on the ligand-receptor interaction analysis, cellular interactions with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) were abundant. Furthermore, 73% of patients with UPS (48/66) showed positive EGFR expression, which was associated with a poor prognosis. EGFR blockade with cetuximab inhibited tumor growth in a patient-derived xenograft model. Our transcriptomic studies delineate the landscape of UPS intratumor heterogeneity and serve as a foundational resource for further discovery and therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Deqian Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Bingnan Wang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenjun Chai
- Department of Animal Experimental Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Mingxia Yan
- Department of Animal Experimental Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Enqing Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Shuyang Dai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China.
| | - Biqiang Zheng
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Tajima Y, Shibasaki F, Masai H. Cell fusion upregulates PD-L1 expression for evasion from immunosurveillance. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:158-173. [PMID: 37990063 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells), responsible for tissue repair, rarely undergo cell fusion with somatic cells. Here, we show that ~5% of bladder cancer cells (UMUC-3) fuses with bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC) in co-culture and maintains high tumorigenicity. In eleven fusion cell clones that have been established, Mb-scale deletions carried by the bladder cancer cells are mostly absent in the fusion cells, but copy number gains contributed by the cancer cells have stayed. Fusion cells exhibit increased populations of mitotic cells with 3-polar spindles, indicative of genomic instability. They grow faster in vitro and exhibit higher colony formation in anchorage-independent growth assay in soft agar than the parent UMUC-3 does. Fusion cells develop tumors, after 4 weeks of time lag, as efficiently as the parent UMUC-3 does in xenograft experiments. 264 genes are identified whose expression is specifically altered in the fusion cells. Many of them are interferon-stimulated genes (ISG), but are activated in a manner independent of interferon. Among them, we show that PD-L1 is induced in fusion cells, and its knockout decreases tumorigenesis in a xenograft model. PD-L1 is induced in a manner independent of STAT1 known to regulate PD-L1 expression, but is regulated by histone modification, and is likely to inhibit phagocytosis by PD1-expressing macrophages, thus protecting cancer cells from immunological attacks. The fusion cells overexpress multiple cytokines including CCL2 that cause tumor progression by converting infiltrating macrophages to tumor-associated-macrophage (TAM). The results present mechanisms of how cell fusion promotes tumorigenesis, revealing a novel link between cell fusion and PD-L1, and underscore the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youichi Tajima
- Genome Dynamics Project, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Futoshi Shibasaki
- Center for Medical Research Cooperation, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Hisao Masai
- Genome Dynamics Project, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
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Sieler M, Dittmar T. Cell Fusion and Syncytia Formation in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:433-465. [PMID: 37996689 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The natural phenomenon of cell-cell fusion does not only take place in physiological processes, such as placentation, myogenesis, or osteoclastogenesis, but also in pathophysiological processes, such as cancer. More than a century ago postulated, today the hypothesis that the fusion of cancer cells with normal cells leads to the formation of cancer hybrid cells with altered properties is in scientific consensus. Some studies that have investigated the mechanisms and conditions for the fusion of cancer cells with other cells, as well as studies that have characterized the resulting cancer hybrid cells, are presented in this review. Hypoxia and the cytokine TNFα, for example, have been found to promote cell fusion. In addition, it has been found that both the protein Syncytin-1, which normally plays a role in placentation, and phosphatidylserine signaling on the cell membrane are involved in the fusion of cancer cells with other cells. In human cancer, cancer hybrid cells were detected not only in the primary tumor, but also in the circulation of patients as so-called circulating hybrid cells, where they often correlated with a worse outcome. Although some data are available, the questions of how and especially why cancer cells fuse with other cells are still not fully answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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Cozzo AJ, Coleman MF, Hursting SD. You complete me: tumor cell-myeloid cell nuclear fusion as a facilitator of organ-specific metastasis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1191332. [PMID: 37427108 PMCID: PMC10324515 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1191332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Every cancer genome is unique, resulting in potentially near infinite cancer cell phenotypes and an inability to predict clinical outcomes in most cases. Despite this profound genomic heterogeneity, many cancer types and subtypes display a non-random distribution of metastasis to distant organs, a phenomenon known as organotropism. Proposed factors in metastatic organotropism include hematogenous versus lymphatic dissemination, the circulation pattern of the tissue of origin, tumor-intrinsic factors, compatibility with established organ-specific niches, long-range induction of premetastatic niche formation, and so-called "prometastatic niches" that facilitate successful colonization of the secondary site following extravasation. To successfully complete the steps required for distant metastasis, cancer cells must evade immunosurveillance and survive in multiple new and hostile environments. Despite substantial advances in our understanding of the biology underlying malignancy, many of the mechanisms used by cancer cells to survive the metastatic journey remain a mystery. This review synthesizes the rapidly growing body of literature demonstrating the relevance of an unusual cell type known as "fusion hybrid" cells to many of the hallmarks of cancer, including tumor heterogeneity, metastatic conversion, survival in circulation, and metastatic organotropism. Whereas the concept of fusion between tumor cells and blood cells was initially proposed over a century ago, only recently have technological advancements allowed for detection of cells containing components of both immune and neoplastic cells within primary and metastatic lesions as well as among circulating malignant cells. Specifically, heterotypic fusion of cancer cells with monocytes and macrophages results in a highly heterogeneous population of hybrid daughter cells with enhanced malignant potential. Proposed mechanisms behind these findings include rapid, massive genome rearrangement during nuclear fusion and/or acquisition of monocyte/macrophage features such as migratory and invasive capability, immune privilege, immune cell trafficking and homing, and others. Rapid acquisition of these cellular traits may increase the likelihood of both escape from the primary tumor site and extravasation of hybrid cells at a secondary location that is amenable to colonization by that particular hybrid phenotype, providing a partial explanation for the patterns observed in some cancers with regard to sites of distant metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa J. Cozzo
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Michael F. Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Stephen D. Hursting
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
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Filippova N, Grimes JM, Leavenworth JW, Namkoong D, Yang X, King PH, Crowley M, Crossman DK, Nabors LB. Targeting the TREM1-positive myeloid microenvironment in glioblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2022; 4:vdac149. [PMID: 36249290 PMCID: PMC9555298 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdac149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor cellular and molecular heterogeneity is a hallmark of glioblastoma and underlies treatment resistance and recurrence. This manuscript investigated the myeloid-derived microenvironment as a driver of glioblastoma heterogeneity and provided a pharmacological pathway for its suppression. Methods Transcriptomic signatures of glioblastoma infiltrated myeloid-derived cells were assessed using R2: genomic platform, Ivy Glioblastoma Spatial Atlas, and single-cell RNA-seq data of primary and recurrent glioblastomas. Myeloid-derived cell prints were evaluated in five PDX cell lines using RNA-seq data. Two immunocompetent mouse glioblastoma models were utilized to isolate and characterize tumor-infiltrated myeloid-derived cells and glioblastoma/host cell hybrids. The ability of an inhibitor of HuR dimerization SRI42127 to suppress TREM1+-microenvironment and glioblastoma/myeloid-derived cell interaction was assessed in vivo and in vitro. Results TREM1+-microenvironment is enriched in glioblastoma peri-necrotic zones. TREM1 appearance is enhanced with tumor grade and associated with poor patient outcomes. We confirmed an expression of a variety of myeloid-derived cell markers, including TREM1, in PDX cell lines. In mouse glioblastoma models, we demonstrated a reduction in the TREM1+-microenvironment and glioblastoma/host cell fusion after treatment with SRI42127. In vitro assays confirmed inhibition of cell fusion events and reduction of myeloid-derived cell migration towards glioblastoma cells by SRI42127 and TREM1 decoy peptide (LP17) versus control treatments. Conclusions TREM1+-myeloid-derived microenvironment promulgates glioblastoma heterogeneity and is a therapeutic target. Pharmacological inhibition of HuR dimerization leads to suppression of the TREM1+-myeloid-derived microenvironment and the neoplastic/non-neoplastic fusogenic cell network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Filippova
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Grimes
- Department of Neurosurgery, Program of Immunology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - David Namkoong
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Xiuhua Yang
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuro-oncology, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department of Neurology, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael Crowley
- Department of Genetics, Heflin Center Genomics Core, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA (M.C., D.K.C.)
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, Heflin Center Genomics Core, UAB, Birmingham, Alabama, USA (M.C., D.K.C.)
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Corresponding Author: L. Burt Nabors, MD, Division Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, FOT 1020, 510 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA ()
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Generation of Cancer Stem/Initiating Cells by Cell-Cell Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094514. [PMID: 35562905 PMCID: PMC9101717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CS/ICs have raised great expectations in cancer research and therapy, as eradication of this key cancer cell type is expected to lead to a complete cure. Unfortunately, the biology of CS/ICs is rather complex, since no common CS/IC marker has yet been identified. Certain surface markers or ALDH1 expression can be used for detection, but some studies indicated that cancer cells exhibit a certain plasticity, so CS/ICs can also arise from non-CS/ICs. Another problem is intratumoral heterogeneity, from which it can be inferred that different CS/IC subclones must be present in the tumor. Cell–cell fusion between cancer cells and normal cells, such as macrophages and stem cells, has been associated with the generation of tumor hybrids that can exhibit novel properties, such as an enhanced metastatic capacity and even CS/IC properties. Moreover, cell–cell fusion is a complex process in which parental chromosomes are mixed and randomly distributed among daughter cells, resulting in multiple, unique tumor hybrids. These, if they have CS/IC properties, may contribute to the heterogeneity of the CS/IC pool. In this review, we will discuss whether cell–cell fusion could also lead to the origin of different CS/ICs that may expand the overall CS/IC pool in a primary tumor.
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Bonilla-Pons SÀ, Nakagawa S, Bahima EG, Fernández-Blanco Á, Pesaresi M, D'Antin JC, Sebastian-Perez R, Greco D, Domínguez-Sala E, Gómez-Riera R, Compte RIB, Dierssen M, Pulido NM, Cosma MP. Müller glia fused with adult stem cells undergo neural differentiation in human retinal models. EBioMedicine 2022; 77:103914. [PMID: 35278743 PMCID: PMC8917309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.103914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visual impairments are a critical medical hurdle to be addressed in modern society. Müller glia (MG) have regenerative potential in the retina in lower vertebrates, but not in mammals. However, in mice, in vivo cell fusion between MG and adult stem cells forms hybrids that can partially regenerate ablated neurons. Methods We used organotypic cultures of human retina and preparations of dissociated cells to test the hypothesis that cell fusion between human MG and adult stem cells can induce neuronal regeneration in human systems. Moreover, we established a microinjection system for transplanting human retinal organoids to demonstrate hybrid differentiation. Findings We first found that cell fusion occurs between MG and adult stem cells, in organotypic cultures of human retina as well as in cell cultures. Next, we showed that the resulting hybrids can differentiate and acquire a proto-neural electrophysiology profile when the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is activated in the adult stem cells prior fusion. Finally, we demonstrated the engraftment and differentiation of these hybrids into human retinal organoids. Interpretation We show fusion between human MG and adult stem cells, and demonstrate that the resulting hybrid cells can differentiate towards neural fate in human model systems. Our results suggest that cell fusion-mediated therapy is a potential regenerative approach for treating human retinal dystrophies. Funding This work was supported by La Caixa Health (HR17-00231), Velux Stiftung (976a) and the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, (BFU2017-86760-P) (AEI/FEDER, UE), AGAUR (2017 SGR 689, 2017 SGR 926).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Àngel Bonilla-Pons
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shoma Nakagawa
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Elena Garreta Bahima
- Pluripotency for Organ Regeneration, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Fernández-Blanco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martina Pesaresi
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Justin Christopher D'Antin
- Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain; Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruben Sebastian-Perez
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniela Greco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Eduardo Domínguez-Sala
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Raúl Gómez-Riera
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Rafael Ignacio Barraquer Compte
- Centro de Oftalmología Barraquer, Barcelona, Spain; Institut Universitari Barraquer, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre On Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Montserrat Pulido
- Pluripotency for Organ Regeneration, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Maria Pia Cosma
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C/Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona 08010, Spain; Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell an Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510530, China.
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12
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Lazebnik Y. Cell fusion as a link between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, COVID-19 complications, and vaccine side effects. Oncotarget 2021; 12:2476-2488. [PMID: 34917266 PMCID: PMC8664391 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28088] [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: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A distinctive feature of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is its ability to efficiently fuse cells, thus producing syncytia found in COVID-19 patients. This commentary proposes how this ability enables spike to cause COVID-19 complications as well as side effects of COVID-19 vaccines, and suggests how these effects can be prevented.
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13
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Song Y, Zhao Y, Deng Z, Zhao R, Huang Q. Stress-Induced Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells: Unique Way of Formation and Non-Negligible Characteristics. Front Oncol 2021; 11:724781. [PMID: 34527590 PMCID: PMC8435787 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.724781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyploidy is a conserved mechanism in cell development and stress responses. Multiple stresses of treatment, including radiation and chemotherapy drugs, can induce the polyploidization of tumor cells. Through endoreplication or cell fusion, diploid tumor cells convert into giant tumor cells with single large nuclei or multiple small nucleuses. Some of the stress-induced colossal cells, which were previously thought to be senescent and have no ability to proliferate, can escape the fate of death by a special way. They can remain alive at least before producing progeny cells through asymmetric cell division, a depolyploidization way named neosis. Those large and danger cells are recognized as polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs). Such cells are under suspicion of being highly related to tumor recurrence and metastasis after treatment and can bring new targets for cancer therapy. However, differences in formation mechanisms between PGCCs and well-accepted polyploid cancer cells are largely unknown. In this review, the methods used in different studies to induce polyploid cells are summarized, and several mechanisms of polyploidization are demonstrated. Besides, we discuss some characteristics related to the poor prognosis caused by PGCCs in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding of these huge cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yucui Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Deng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruyi Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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14
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Hass R, von der Ohe J, Dittmar T. Cancer Cell Fusion and Post-Hybrid Selection Process (PHSP). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184636. [PMID: 34572863 PMCID: PMC8470238 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of cancer cells either with other cancer cells (homotypic fusion) in local vicinity of the tumor tissue or with other cell types (e.g., macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stromal-/stem-like cells (MSC)) (heterotypic fusion) represents a rare event. Accordingly, the clinical relevance of cancer-cell fusion events appears questionable. However, enhanced tumor growth and/or development of certain metastases can originate from cancer-cell fusion. Formation of hybrid cells after cancer-cell fusion requires a post-hybrid selection process (PHSP) to cope with genomic instability of the parental nuclei and reorganize survival and metabolic functionality. The present review dissects mechanisms that contribute to a PHSP and resulting functional alterations of the cancer hybrids. Based upon new properties of cancer hybrid cells, the arising clinical consequences of the subsequent tumor heterogeneity after cancer-cell fusion represent a major therapeutic challenge. However, cellular partners during cancer-cell fusion such as MSC within the tumor microenvironment or MSC-derived exosomes may provide a suitable vehicle to specifically address and deliver anti-tumor cargo to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (T.D.); Tel.: +49-511-5326070 (R.H.); +49-2302-926165 (T.D.)
| | - Juliane von der Ohe
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center of Biomedical Education and Research (ZABF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (T.D.); Tel.: +49-511-5326070 (R.H.); +49-2302-926165 (T.D.)
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15
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Hybrid Formation and Fusion of Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174496. [PMID: 34503305 PMCID: PMC8431460 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174496] [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: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cell fusion as a fundamental biological process is required for various physiological processes, including fertilization, placentation, myogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and wound healing/tissue regeneration. However, cell fusion is also observed during pathophysiological processes like tumor development. Mesenchymal stroma/stem-like cells (MSC) which play an important role within the tumor microenvironment like other cell types such as macrophages can closely interact and hybridize with cancer cells. The formation of cancer hybrid cells can involve various different mechanisms whereby the genomic parts of the hybrid cells require rearrangement to form a new functional hybrid cell. The fusion of cancer cells with neighboring cell types may represent an important mechanism during tumor development since cancer hybrid cells are detectable in various tumor tissues. During this rare event with resulting genomic instability the cancer hybrid cells undergo a post-hybrid selection process (PHSP) to reorganize chromosomes of the two parental nuclei whereby the majority of the hybrid population undergoes cell death. The remaining cancer hybrid cells survive by displaying altered properties within the tumor tissue. Abstract The generation of cancer hybrid cells by intra-tumoral cell fusion opens new avenues for tumor plasticity to develop cancer stem cells with altered properties, to escape from immune surveillance, to change metastatic behavior, and to broaden drug responsiveness/resistance. Genomic instability and chromosomal rearrangements in bi- or multinucleated aneuploid cancer hybrid cells contribute to these new functions. However, the significance of cell fusion in tumorigenesis is controversial with respect to the low frequency of cancer cell fusion events and a clonal advantage of surviving cancer hybrid cells following a post-hybrid selection process. This review highlights alternative processes of cancer hybrid cell development such as entosis, emperipolesis, cannibalism, therapy-induced polyploidization/endoreduplication, horizontal or lateral gene transfer, and focusses on the predominant mechanisms of cell fusion. Based upon new properties of cancer hybrid cells the arising clinical consequences of the subsequent tumor heterogeneity after cancer cell fusion represent a major therapeutic challenge.
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16
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Brito A, Merle C, Lagarde P, Faustin B, Devin A, Lartigue L, Chibon F. Cell fusion enhances energy metabolism of mesenchymal tumor hybrid cells to sustain their proliferation and invasion. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:863. [PMID: 34320948 PMCID: PMC8317390 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08561-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell-to-cell fusion is emerging as a key element of the metastatic process in various cancer types. We recently showed that hybrids made from the spontaneous merging of pre-malignant (IMR90 E6E7, i.e. E6E7) and malignant (IMR90 E6E7 RST, i.e. RST) mesenchymal cells recapitulate the main features of human undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), with a highly rearranged genome and increased spreading capacities. To better characterize the intrinsic properties of these hybrids, we investigated here their metabolic energy profile compared to their parents. RESULTS Our results unveiled that hybrids harbored a Warburg-like metabolism, like their RST counterparts. However, hybrids displayed a much greater metabolic activity, enhancing glycolysis to proliferate. Interestingly, modifying the metabolic environmental conditions through the use of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carbox-amide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR), an activator of the 5'-adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), specifically reduced the growth of hybrids, and also abrogated the invasive capacity of hybrids displaying enhanced glycolysis. Furthermore, AICAR efficiently blocked the tumoral features related to the aggressiveness of human UPS cell lines. CONCLUSION Altogether, our findings strongly suggest that hybrids rely on higher energy flux to proliferate and that a drug altering this metabolic equilibrium could impair their survival and be potentially considered as a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Brito
- Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM U1037, 31037, Toulouse, France
- University of Toulouse 3, Paul Sabatier, 118 route Narbonne, 31062 Cedex 9, Toulouse, France
| | - Candice Merle
- Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM U1037, 31037, Toulouse, France
- University of Toulouse 3, Paul Sabatier, 118 route Narbonne, 31062 Cedex 9, Toulouse, France
| | - Pauline Lagarde
- INSERM U1218, 299 cours de l'Argonne, F-33076, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Biopathology, Bergonie Institute, 229 cours de l'Argonne, F-33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Benjamin Faustin
- CNRS UMR 5164, 33000, Bordeaux, France
- Immunology Discovery, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Anne Devin
- CNRS UMR 5095, 1 Rue Camille Saint-Saëns, F-33077, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Lydia Lartigue
- INSERM U1218, 299 cours de l'Argonne, F-33076, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frederic Chibon
- Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM U1037, 31037, Toulouse, France.
- INSERM U1218, 299 cours de l'Argonne, F-33076, Bordeaux, France.
- Department of Biopathology, Bergonie Institute, 229 cours de l'Argonne, F-33076, Bordeaux, France.
- Department of Pathology, Institut Claudius Régaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France.
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17
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Sieler M, Weiler J, Dittmar T. Cell-Cell Fusion and the Roads to Novel Properties of Tumor Hybrid Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061465. [PMID: 34207991 PMCID: PMC8230653 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of cancer cell–cell fusion is commonly associated with the origin of more malignant tumor cells exhibiting novel properties, such as increased drug resistance or an enhanced metastatic capacity. However, the whole process of cell–cell fusion is still not well understood and seems to be rather inefficient since only a certain number of (cancer) cells are capable of fusing and only a rather small population of fused tumor hybrids will survive at all. The low survivability of tumor hybrids is attributed to post-fusion processes, which are characterized by the random segregation of mixed parental chromosomes, the induction of aneuploidy and further random chromosomal aberrations and genetic/epigenetic alterations in daughter cells. As post-fusion processes also run in a unique manner in surviving tumor hybrids, the occurrence of novel properties could thus also be a random event, whereby it might be speculated that the tumor microenvironment and its spatial habitats could direct evolving tumor hybrids towards a specific phenotype.
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18
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Wang HF, Xiang W, Xue BZ, Wang YH, Yi DY, Jiang XB, Zhao HY, Fu P. Cell fusion in cancer hallmarks: Current research status and future indications. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:530. [PMID: 34055095 PMCID: PMC8138896 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is involved in several physiological processes, such as reproduction, development and immunity. Although cell fusion in tumors was reported 130 years ago, it has recently attracted great interest, with recent progress in tumorigenesis research. However, the role of cell fusion in tumor progression remains unclear. The pattern of cell fusion and its role under physiological conditions are the basis for our understanding of the pathological role of cell fusion. However, the role of cell fusion in tumors and its functions are complicated. Cell fusion can directly increase tumor heterogeneity by forming polyploids or aneuploidies. Several studies have reported that cell fusion is associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, drug resistance and the formation of cancer stem cells. Given the diverse roles cell fusion plays in different tumor phenotypes, methods based on targeted cell fusion have been designed to treat tumors. Research on cell fusion in tumors may provide novel ideas for further treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Fei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Bing-Zhou Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Hao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Ye Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Bing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Yang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
| | - Peng Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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19
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Merle C, Lagarde P, Lartigue L, Chibon F. Acquisition of cancer stem cell capacities after spontaneous cell fusion. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:241. [PMID: 33678155 PMCID: PMC7938600 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-07979-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem/Initiating cell (CS/IC) hypothesis argues that CS/ICs are responsible of tumour initiation, drug resistance, metastasis or disease relapse. Their detection in several cancers supports this concept. However, their origin is still misunderstood. Cell fusion is shown to take part in the formation of CS/ICs, i.e. fusion between mesenchymal stem cell and cancer cell. In a previous paper, we described that fusion leads to hybrids with metastatic capacity. This process triggered genomic rearrangements in hybrid cells together with increased metastasis development. Here, we hypothesize that cell fusion could be strong enough to provoke a cellular reprogramming and the acquisition of CS/IC properties, promoting metastasis formation. Methods After spontaneous cell fusion between E6E7 (IMR90 with the oncogenes E6 and E7) and RST (IMR90 fully transformed) cell lines, hybrid cells were selected by dual antibiotic selection. Cancer stem cells capacities were evaluated regarding capacity to form spheres, expression of stem cell markers and the presence of ALDHhigh cells. Results Our data show that after cell fusion, all hybrids contain a percentage of cells with CS/ICs properties, regarding. Importantly, we lastly showed that NANOG inhibition in H1 hybrid decreases this migration capacity while having no effect on the corresponding parental cells. Conclusions Altogether these results indicate that the combination of CS/ICs properties and genomic rearrangement in hybrids is likely to be key to tumour progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-07979-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Merle
- INSERM U1037, Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), 31037, Toulouse, France.,University of Toulouse 3, Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse Cedex 9, France
| | - Pauline Lagarde
- INSERM U1218, 229 cours de l'Argonne, F-33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lydia Lartigue
- INSERM U1218, 229 cours de l'Argonne, F-33076, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frédéric Chibon
- INSERM U1037, Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), 31037, Toulouse, France. .,Institut Claudius Régaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France. .,Present address: CRCT-IUCT-O, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, 31037, Toulouse Cedex 1, France.
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20
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Cell-cell fusion of mesenchymal cells with distinct differentiations triggers genomic and transcriptomic remodelling toward tumour aggressiveness. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21634. [PMID: 33303824 PMCID: PMC7729932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78502-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell–cell fusion is a physiological process that is hijacked during oncogenesis and promotes tumour evolution. The main known impact of cell fusion is to promote the formation of metastatic hybrid cells following fusion between mobile leucocytes and proliferating tumour cells. We show here that cell fusion between immortalized myoblasts and transformed fibroblasts, through genomic instability and expression of a specific transcriptomic profile, leads to emergence of hybrid cells acquiring dissemination properties. This is associated with acquisition of clonogenic ability by fused cells. In addition, by inheriting parental properties, hybrid tumours were found to mimic the histological characteristics of a specific histotype of sarcomas: undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas with incomplete muscular differentiation. This finding suggests that cell fusion, as macroevolution event, favours specific sarcoma development according to the differentiation lineage of parent cells.
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21
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Altered Tumor Plasticity after Different Cancer Cell Fusions with MSC. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218347. [PMID: 33172211 PMCID: PMC7664391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While cell fusion demonstrates an important pathway during tissue development and regeneration of distinct organs, this process can also contribute to pathophysiological phenotypes during tumor progression. Hybrid cell formation after heterofusion between cancer cells and various other cell types within the tumor microenvironment is observed in vitro and in vivo. In particular, mesenchymal stroma/stem-like cells (MSC) perform diverse levels of communication with cancer cells by exhibiting anti- and pro-tumorigenic effects. During these cellular interactions, MSC can eventually fuse with cancer cells. Thereby, the newly generated disparate hybrid populations display aneuploidy associated with chromosomal instability. Based upon a subsequent post-hybrid selection process (PHSP), fused cancer cells can undergo apoptosis/necroptosis, senescence, dormancy, or a proliferative state by acquisition of new properties. Consequently, PHSP-surviving hybrid cancer cells demonstrate altered functionalities within the tumor tissue. This is accompanied by changes in therapeutic responsiveness and a different metastatic behavior. Accordingly, enhanced tumor plasticity interferes with successful therapeutic interventions and aggravates patient prognoses. The present review article focusses on fusion of MSC with different human cancer cells, in particular breast cancer populations and resulting characteristics of various cancer hybrid cells. Moreover, some mechanisms of cancer cell fusion are discussed together with multiple PHSP pathways.
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22
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Digesting the Importance of Cell Fusion in the Intestine. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 11:299-302. [PMID: 33068773 PMCID: PMC7768557 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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23
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Fahlbusch SS, Keil S, Epplen JT, Zänker KS, Dittmar T. Comparison of hybrid clones derived from human breast epithelial cells and three different cancer cell lines regarding in vitro cancer stem/ initiating cell properties. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:446. [PMID: 32430004 PMCID: PMC7236176 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06952-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several physiological (fertilization, placentation, wound healing) and pathophysiological processes (infection with enveloped viruses, cancer) depend on cell fusion. In cancer it was postulated that the fusion of cancer cells with normal cells such as macrophages or stem cells may not only give rise to hybrid cells exhibiting novel properties, such as an increased metastatic capacity and drug resistance, but possibly also cancer stem/ initiating cell properties. Hence, hybrid clone cells (M13HS, M13MDA435 and M13MDA231) that were derived from spontaneous fusion events of human M13SV1-EGFP-Neo breast epithelial cells and HS578T-Hyg, MDA-MB-435-Hyg and MDA-MB-231-Hyg cancer cells were investigated regarding potential in vitro cancer stem/ initiating cell properties. Methods CD44/CD24 expression pattern and ALDH1 activity of parental cells and hybrid clones was determined by flow cytometry. A colony formation and mammosphere formation assay was applied to determine the cells’ capability to form colonies and mammospheres. Sox9, Slug and Snail expression levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Results Flow cytometry revealed that all hybrid clone cells were CD44+/CD24−/low, but differed markedly among each other regarding ALDH1 activity. Likewise, each hybrid clone possessed a unique colony formation and mammosphere capacity as well as unique Snail, Slug and Sox9 expression patterns. Nonetheless, comparison of hybrid clones revealed that M13HS hybrids exhibited more in vitro cancer stem/ initiating cell properties than M13MDA231 and M13MDA435 hybrids, such as more ALDH1 positive cells or an increased capacity to form colonies and mammospheres. Conclusion The fate whether cancer stem/ initiating cells may originate from cell fusion events likely depends on the specific characteristics of the parental cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sera Selina Fahlbusch
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany
| | - Silvia Keil
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany
| | - Jörg T Epplen
- Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany
| | - Kurt S Zänker
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany.
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24
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Merle C, Thébault N, LeGuellec S, Baud J, Pérot G, Lesluyes T, Delespaul L, Lartigue L, Chibon F. Tetraploidization of Immortalized Myoblasts Induced by Cell Fusion Drives Myogenic Sarcoma Development with DMD Deletion. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051281. [PMID: 32438562 PMCID: PMC7281535 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole-genome doubling is the second most frequent genomic event, after TP53 alterations, in advanced solid tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. Tetraploidization step will lead to aneuploidy and chromosomic rearrangements. The mechanism leading to tetraploid cells is important since endoreplication, abortive cytokinesis and cell fusion could have distinct consequences. Unlike processes based on duplication, cell fusion involves the merging of two different genomes, epigenomes and cellular states. Since it is involved in muscle differentiation, we hypothesized that it could play a role in the oncogenesis of myogenic cancers. Spontaneous hybrids, but not their non-fused immortalized myoblast counterparts they are generated from, induced tumors in mice. Unstable upon fusion, the hybrid genome evolved from initial mitosis to tumors with a highly rearranged genome. This genome remodeling finally produced targeted DMD deletions associated with replicative stress, isoform relocalization and metastatic spreading, exactly as observed in human myogenic sarcomas. In conclusion, these results draw a model of myogenic oncogenesis in which cell fusion and oncogene activation combine to produce pleomorphic aggressive sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Merle
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.); (N.T.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (T.L.); (L.D.)
- Department of Biology, University of Toulouse 3, Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse CEDEX 9, France
- Institut Claudius Régaud, IUCT-Oncopole, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Noémie Thébault
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.); (N.T.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (T.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Sophie LeGuellec
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.); (N.T.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (T.L.); (L.D.)
- Department of Pathology, Institut Claudius Régaud, IUCT-Oncopole, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Jessica Baud
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1218, 229 cours de l’Argonne, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (J.B.); (L.L.)
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Gaëlle Pérot
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.); (N.T.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (T.L.); (L.D.)
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse, IUCT-Oncopole, 31037 Toulouse, France
| | - Tom Lesluyes
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.); (N.T.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (T.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Lucile Delespaul
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.); (N.T.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (T.L.); (L.D.)
| | - Lydia Lartigue
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1218, 229 cours de l’Argonne, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; (J.B.); (L.L.)
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Bordeaux, 146 rue Léo Saignat, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Frédéric Chibon
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1037, Cancer Research Center in Toulouse (CRCT), 31037 Toulouse, France; (C.M.); (N.T.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (T.L.); (L.D.)
- Institut Claudius Régaud, IUCT-Oncopole, 31037 Toulouse, France
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse—Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie de Toulouse—Oncopôle (CRCT-IUCT-O), 2 Avenue Hubert Curien, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France
- Correspondence:
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25
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Genome remodeling upon mesenchymal tumor cell fusion contributes to tumor progression and metastatic spread. Oncogene 2020; 39:4198-4211. [PMID: 32242148 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cell fusion in tumor progression mostly refers to the merging of a cancer cell with a cell that has migration and immune escape capabilities such as macrophages. Here we show that spontaneous hybrids made from the fusion of transformed mesenchymal cells with partners from the same lineage undergo nonrecurrent large-scale genomic rearrangements, leading to the creation of highly aneuploid cells with novel phenotypic traits, including metastatic spreading capabilities. Moreover, in contrast to their parents, hybrids were the only cells able to recapitulate in vivo all features of human pleomorphic sarcomas, a rare and genetically complex mesenchymal tumor. Hybrid tumors not only displayed specific mesenchymal markers, but also combined a complex genetic profile with a highly metastatic behavior, like their human counterparts. Finally, we provide evidence that patient-derived pleomorphic sarcoma cells are inclined to spontaneous cell fusion. The resulting hybrids also gain in aggressiveness, exhibiting superior growth capacity in mouse models. Altogether, these results indicate that cell fusion has the potential to promote cancer progression by increasing growth and/or metastatic capacities, regardless of the nature of the companion cell. Moreover, such events likely occur upon sarcoma development, paving the way for better understanding of the biology, and aggressiveness of these tumors.
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Dörnen J, Sieler M, Weiler J, Keil S, Dittmar T. Cell Fusion-Mediated Tissue Regeneration as an Inducer of Polyploidy and Aneuploidy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1811. [PMID: 32155721 PMCID: PMC7084716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological phenomenon of cell fusion plays a crucial role in several physiological processes, including wound healing and tissue regeneration. Here, it is assumed that bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) could adopt the specific properties of a different organ by cell fusion, thereby restoring organ function. Cell fusion first results in the production of bi- or multinucleated hybrid cells, which either remain as heterokaryons or undergo ploidy reduction/heterokaryon-to-synkaryon transition (HST), thereby giving rise to mononucleated daughter cells. This process is characterized by a merging of the chromosomes from the previously discrete nuclei and their subsequent random segregation into daughter cells. Due to extra centrosomes concomitant with multipolar spindles, the ploidy reduction/HST could also be associated with chromosome missegregation and, hence, induction of aneuploidy, genomic instability, and even putative chromothripsis. However, while the majority of such hybrids die or become senescent, aneuploidy and genomic instability appear to be tolerated in hepatocytes, possibly for stress-related adaption processes. Likewise, cell fusion-induced aneuploidy and genomic instability could also lead to a malignant conversion of hybrid cells. This can occur during tissue regeneration mediated by BMSC fusion in chronically inflamed tissue, which is a cell fusion-friendly environment, but is also enriched for mutagenic reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (J.D.); (M.S.); (J.W.); (S.K.)
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