1
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Park JH, Hothi P, de Lomana ALG, Pan M, Calder R, Turkarslan S, Wu WJ, Lee H, Patel AP, Cobbs C, Huang S, Baliga NS. Gene regulatory network topology governs resistance and treatment escape in glioma stem-like cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj7706. [PMID: 38848360 PMCID: PMC11160475 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj7706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Poor prognosis and drug resistance in glioblastoma (GBM) can result from cellular heterogeneity and treatment-induced shifts in phenotypic states of tumor cells, including dedifferentiation into glioma stem-like cells (GSCs). This rare tumorigenic cell subpopulation resists temozolomide, undergoes proneural-to-mesenchymal transition (PMT) to evade therapy, and drives recurrence. Through inference of transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) of patient-derived GSCs (PD-GSCs) at single-cell resolution, we demonstrate how the topology of transcription factor interaction networks drives distinct trajectories of cell-state transitions in PD-GSCs resistant or susceptible to cytotoxic drug treatment. By experimentally testing predictions based on TRN simulations, we show that drug treatment drives surviving PD-GSCs along a trajectory of intermediate states, exposing vulnerability to potentiated killing by siRNA or a second drug targeting treatment-induced transcriptional programs governing nongenetic cell plasticity. Our findings demonstrate an approach to uncover TRN topology and use it to rationally predict combinatorial treatments that disrupt acquired resistance in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parvinder Hothi
- Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Min Pan
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Wei-Ju Wu
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hwahyung Lee
- Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anoop P. Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Charles Cobbs
- Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sui Huang
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nitin S. Baliga
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Departments of Microbiology, Biology, and Molecular Engineering Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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2
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Wang R, Yan Z. Cancer spreading patterns based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1259953. [PMID: 38665432 PMCID: PMC11043583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1259953] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the necessity to discern the rules and patterns of cancer cell spreading. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity contributes to cancer aggressiveness and metastasis. Despite establishing key determinants of cancer aggressiveness and metastatic ability, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism is unknown. We aimed to propose a classification system for cancer cells based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, focusing on hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Methods: We extensively reviewed the concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, specifically considering the hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Results: In this review and hypothesis article, based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, especially the hysteresis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, we proposed a classification of cancer cells, indicating that cancer cells with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity potential could be classified into four types: irreversible hysteresis, weak hysteresis, strong hysteresis, and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. These four types of cancer cells had varied biology, spreading features, and prognoses. Discussion: Our results highlight that the proposed classification system offers insights into the diverse behaviors of cancer cells, providing implications for cancer aggressiveness and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaopeng Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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3
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Giri A, Kar S. Interlinked bi-stable switches govern the cell fate commitment of embryonic stem cells. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:915-934. [PMID: 38408774 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The development of embryonic stem (ES) cells to extraembryonic trophectoderm and primitive endoderm lineages manifests distinct steady-state expression patterns of two key transcription factors-Oct4 and Nanog. How dynamically such kind of steady-state expressions are maintained remains elusive. Herein, we demonstrate that steady-state dynamics involving two bistable switches which are interlinked via a stepwise (Oct4) and a mushroom-like (Nanog) manner orchestrate the fate specification of ES cells. Our hypothesis qualitatively reconciles various experimental observations and elucidates how different feedback and feedforward motifs orchestrate the extraembryonic development and stemness maintenance of ES cells. Importantly, the model predicts strategies to optimize the dynamics of self-renewal and differentiation of embryonic stem cells that may have therapeutic relevance in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitava Giri
- Department of Chemistry, IIT Bombay, Powai, India
| | - Sandip Kar
- Department of Chemistry, IIT Bombay, Powai, India
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4
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Rashid M, Devi BM, Banerjee M. Combinatorial Cooperativity in miR200-Zeb Feedback Network can Control Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:48. [PMID: 38555331 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01277-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Carcinomas often utilize epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs for cancer progression and metastasis. Numerous studies report SNAIL-induced miR200/Zeb feedback circuit as crucial in regulating EMT by placing cancer cells in at least three phenotypic states, viz. epithelial (E), hybrid (h-E/M), mesenchymal (M), along the E-M phenotypic spectrum. However, a coherent molecular-level understanding of how such a tiny circuit controls carcinoma cell entrance into and residence in various states is lacking. Here, we use molecular binding data and mathematical modeling to report that the miR200/Zeb circuit can essentially utilize combinatorial cooperativity to control E-M phenotypic plasticity. We identify minimal combinatorial cooperativities that give rise to E, h-E/M, and M phenotypes. We show that disrupting a specific number of miR200 binding sites on Zeb as well as Zeb binding sites on miR200 can have phenotypic consequences-the circuit can dynamically switch between two (E, M) and three (E, h-E/M, M) phenotypes. Further, we report that in both SNAIL-induced and SNAIL knock-out miR200/Zeb circuits, cooperative transcriptional feedback on Zeb as well as Zeb translation inhibition due to miR200 are essential for the occurrence of intermediate h-E/M phenotype. Finally, we demonstrate that SNAIL can be dispensable for EMT, and in the absence of SNAIL, the transcriptional feedback can control cell state transition from E to h-E/M, to M state. Our results thus highlight molecular-level regulation of EMT in miR200/Zeb circuit and we expect these findings to be crucial to future efforts aiming to prevent EMT-facilitated dissemination of carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubasher Rashid
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India.
| | - Brasanna M Devi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
| | - Malay Banerjee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
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5
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Jain P, Pillai M, Duddu AS, Somarelli JA, Goyal Y, Jolly MK. Dynamical hallmarks of cancer: Phenotypic switching in melanoma and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:48-63. [PMID: 37788736 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity was recently incorporated as a hallmark of cancer. This plasticity can manifest along many interconnected axes, such as stemness and differentiation, drug-sensitive and drug-resistant states, and between epithelial and mesenchymal cell-states. Despite growing acceptance for phenotypic plasticity as a hallmark of cancer, the dynamics of this process remains poorly understood. In particular, the knowledge necessary for a predictive understanding of how individual cancer cells and populations of cells dynamically switch their phenotypes in response to the intensity and/or duration of their current and past environmental stimuli remains far from complete. Here, we present recent investigations of phenotypic plasticity from a systems-level perspective using two exemplars: epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in carcinomas and phenotypic switching in melanoma. We highlight how an integrated computational-experimental approach has helped unravel insights into specific dynamical hallmarks of phenotypic plasticity in different cancers to address the following questions: a) how many distinct cell-states or phenotypes exist?; b) how reversible are transitions among these cell-states, and what factors control the extent of reversibility?; and c) how might cell-cell communication be able to alter rates of cell-state switching and enable diverse patterns of phenotypic heterogeneity? Understanding these dynamic features of phenotypic plasticity may be a key component in shifting the paradigm of cancer treatment from reactionary to a more predictive, proactive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Maalavika Pillai
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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6
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Bocci F, Jia D, Nie Q, Jolly MK, Onuchic J. Theoretical and computational tools to model multistable gene regulatory networks. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2023; 86:10.1088/1361-6633/acec88. [PMID: 37531952 PMCID: PMC10521208 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/acec88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed a surge of theoretical and computational models to describe the dynamics of complex gene regulatory networks, and how these interactions can give rise to multistable and heterogeneous cell populations. As the use of theoretical modeling to describe genetic and biochemical circuits becomes more widespread, theoreticians with mathematical and physical backgrounds routinely apply concepts from statistical physics, non-linear dynamics, and network theory to biological systems. This review aims at providing a clear overview of the most important methodologies applied in the field while highlighting current and future challenges. It also includes hands-on tutorials to solve and simulate some of the archetypical biological system models used in the field. Furthermore, we provide concrete examples from the existing literature for theoreticians that wish to explore this fast-developing field. Whenever possible, we highlight the similarities and differences between biochemical and regulatory networks and 'classical' systems typically studied in non-equilibrium statistical and quantum mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bocci
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dongya Jia
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Qing Nie
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - José Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
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7
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Hari K, Duncan W, Ibrahim MA, Jolly MK, Cummins B, Gedeon T. Assessing biological network dynamics: comparing numerical simulations with analytical decomposition of parameter space. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:29. [PMID: 37400474 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mathematical modeling of the emergent dynamics of gene regulatory networks (GRN) faces a double challenge of (a) dependence of model dynamics on parameters, and (b) lack of reliable experimentally determined parameters. In this paper we compare two complementary approaches for describing GRN dynamics across unknown parameters: (1) parameter sampling and resulting ensemble statistics used by RACIPE (RAndom CIrcuit PErturbation), and (2) use of rigorous analysis of combinatorial approximation of the ODE models by DSGRN (Dynamic Signatures Generated by Regulatory Networks). We find a very good agreement between RACIPE simulation and DSGRN predictions for four different 2- and 3-node networks typically observed in cellular decision making. This observation is remarkable since the DSGRN approach assumes that the Hill coefficients of the models are very high while RACIPE assumes the values in the range 1-6. Thus DSGRN parameter domains, explicitly defined by inequalities between systems parameters, are highly predictive of ODE model dynamics within a biologically reasonable range of parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kishore Hari
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - William Duncan
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Mohammed Adil Ibrahim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 502285, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
| | - Breschine Cummins
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
| | - Tomas Gedeon
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
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8
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Bocci F, Jia D, Nie Q, Jolly MK, Onuchic J. Theoretical and computational tools to model multistable gene regulatory networks. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2302.07401v2. [PMID: 36824430 PMCID: PMC9949162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed a surge of theoretical and computational models to describe the dynamics of complex gene regulatory networks, and how these interactions can give rise to multistable and heterogeneous cell populations. As the use of theoretical modeling to describe genetic and biochemical circuits becomes more widespread, theoreticians with mathematical and physical backgrounds routinely apply concepts from statistical physics, non-linear dynamics, and network theory to biological systems. This review aims at providing a clear overview of the most important methodologies applied in the field while highlighting current and future challenges. It also includes hands-on tutorials to solve and simulate some of the archetypical biological system models used in the field. Furthermore, we provide concrete examples from the existing literature for theoreticians that wish to explore this fast-developing field. Whenever possible, we highlight the similarities and differences between biochemical and regulatory networks and 'classical' systems typically studied in non-equilibrium statistical and quantum mechanics.
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9
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Subhadarshini S, Markus J, Sahoo S, Jolly MK. Dynamics of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity: What Have Single-Cell Investigations Elucidated So Far? ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:11665-11673. [PMID: 37033874 PMCID: PMC10077445 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a key driver of cancer metastasis and therapeutic resistance, through which cancer cells can reversibly and dynamically alter their molecular and functional traits along the epithelial-mesenchymal spectrum. While cells in the epithelial phenotype are usually tightly adherent, less metastatic, and drug-sensitive, those in the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal and/or mesenchymal state are more invasive, migratory, drug-resistant, and immune-evasive. Single-cell studies have emerged as a powerful tool in gaining new insights into the dynamics of EMP across various cancer types. Here, we review many recent studies that employ single-cell analysis techniques to better understand the dynamics of EMP in cancer both in vitro and in vivo. These single-cell studies have underlined the plurality of trajectories cells can traverse during EMP and the consequent heterogeneity of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypes seen at both preclinical and clinical levels. They also demonstrate how diverse EMP trajectories may exhibit hysteretic behavior and how the rate of such cell-state transitions depends on the genetic/epigenetic background of recipient cells, as well as the dose and/or duration of EMP-inducing growth factors. Finally, we discuss the relationship between EMP and patient survival across many cancer types. We also present a next set of questions related to EMP that could benefit much from single-cell observations and pave the way to better tackle phenotypic switching and heterogeneity in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel Markus
- Centre
for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre
for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre
for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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10
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Sabuwala B, Hari K, Shanmuga Vengatasalam A, Jolly MK. Coupled mutual inhibition and mutual activation motifs as tools for cell-fate control. Cells Tissues Organs 2023:000529558. [PMID: 36758523 DOI: 10.1159/000529558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Multistability is central to biological systems as it plays a crucial role in adaptation, evolvability, and differentiation. The presence of positive feedback loops can enable multistability. The simplest of such feedback loops are a) a mutual inhibition loop (MI), b) a mutual activation loop (MA), and c) self-activation, all three of them known to give rise to bistability. However, the characteristic differences in the bistability exhibited by these motifs are relatively less understood. Here, we use dynamical simulations across a large ensemble of parameter sets and initial conditions to study the bistability characteristics of these motifs. Furthermore, we investigate the utility of these motifs for achieving coordinated expression through cyclic and parallel coupling amongst them. Our analysis revealed that MI-based architectures offer discrete and robust control over gene expression, multistability, and coordinated expression among multiple genes, as compared to MA-based architectures. We then devised a combination of MI and MA architectures to improve coordination and multistability. Such designs help improve our understanding of the control structures involved in robust cell-fate decisions and provide a way to achieve controlled decision-making in synthetic systems.
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11
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Roy U, Singh D, Vincent N, Haritas CK, Jolly MK. Spatiotemporal Patterning Enabled by Gene Regulatory Networks. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:3713-3725. [PMID: 36743018 PMCID: PMC9893257 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal pattern formation plays a key role in various biological phenomena including embryogenesis and neural network formation. Though the reaction-diffusion systems enabling pattern formation have been studied phenomenologically, the biomolecular mechanisms behind these processes have not been modeled in detail. Here, we study the emergence of spatiotemporal patterns due to simple, synthetic and commonly observed two- and three-node gene regulatory network motifs coupled with their molecular diffusion in one- and two-dimensional space. We investigate the patterns formed due to the coupling of inherent multistable and oscillatory behavior of the toggle switch, toggle switch with double self-activation, toggle triad, and repressilator with the effect of spatial diffusion of these molecules. We probe multiple parameter regimes corresponding to different regions of stability (monostable, multistable, oscillatory) and assess the impact of varying diffusion coefficients. This analysis offers valuable insights into the design principles of pattern formation facilitated by these network motifs, and it suggests the mechanistic underpinnings of biological pattern formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ushasi Roy
- Centre
for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore560012, India
| | - Divyoj Singh
- Undergraduate
Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore560012, India
| | - Navin Vincent
- Undergraduate
Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore560012, India
| | - Chinmay K. Haritas
- Undergraduate
Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre
for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore560012, India
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12
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Hari K, Harlapur P, Gopalan A, Ullanat V, Duddu AS, Jolly MK. Emergent properties of coupled bistable switches. J Biosci 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-022-00310-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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13
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Canciello A, Cerveró-Varona A, Peserico A, Mauro A, Russo V, Morrione A, Giordano A, Barboni B. "In medio stat virtus": Insights into hybrid E/M phenotype attitudes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1038841. [PMID: 36467417 PMCID: PMC9715750 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1038841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) refers to the ability of cells to dynamically interconvert between epithelial (E) and mesenchymal (M) phenotypes, thus generating an array of hybrid E/M intermediates with mixed E and M features. Recent findings have demonstrated how these hybrid E/M rather than fully M cells play key roles in most of physiological and pathological processes involving EMT. To this regard, the onset of hybrid E/M state coincides with the highest stemness gene expression and is involved in differentiation of either normal and cancer stem cells. Moreover, hybrid E/M cells are responsible for wound healing and create a favorable immunosuppressive environment for tissue regeneration. Nevertheless, hybrid state is responsible of metastatic process and of the increasing of survival, apoptosis and therapy resistance in cancer cells. The present review aims to describe the main features and the emerging concepts regulating EMP and the formation of E/M hybrid intermediates by describing differences and similarities between cancer and normal hybrid stem cells. In particular, the comprehension of hybrid E/M cells biology will surely advance our understanding of their features and how they could be exploited to improve tissue regeneration and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Canciello
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adrián Cerveró-Varona
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Peserico
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO), Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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14
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Network topology metrics explaining enrichment of hybrid epithelial mesenchymal phenotypes in metastasis. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010687. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and its reverse—Mesenchymal to Epithelial Transition (MET) are hallmarks of metastasis. Cancer cells use this reversible cellular programming to switch among Epithelial (E), Mesenchymal (M), and hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal (hybrid E/M) state(s) and seed tumors at distant sites. Hybrid E/M cells are often more aggressive and metastatic than the “pure” E and M cells. Thus, identifying mechanisms to inhibit hybrid E/M cells can be promising in curtailing metastasis. While multiple gene regulatory networks (GRNs) based mathematical models for EMT/MET have been developed recently, identifying topological signatures enriching hybrid E/M phenotypes remains to be done. Here, we investigate the dynamics of 13 different GRNs and report an interesting association between “hybridness” and the number of negative/positive feedback loops across the networks. While networks having more negative feedback loops favor hybrid phenotype(s), networks having more positive feedback loops (PFLs) or many HiLoops–specific combinations of PFLs, support terminal (E and M) phenotypes. We also establish a connection between “hybridness” and network-frustration by showing that hybrid phenotypes likely result from non-reinforcing interactions among network nodes (genes) and therefore tend to be more frustrated (less stable). Our analysis, thus, identifies network topology-based signatures that can give rise to, as well as prevent, the emergence of hybrid E/M phenotype in GRNs underlying EMP. Our results can have implications in terms of targeting specific interactions in GRNs as a potent way to restrict switching to the hybrid E/M phenotype(s) to curtail metastasis.
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15
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Jinesh GG, Brohl AS. Classical epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and alternative cell death process-driven blebbishield metastatic-witch (BMW) pathways to cancer metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:296. [PMID: 35999218 PMCID: PMC9399134 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a pivotal event that accelerates the prognosis of cancer patients towards mortality. Therapies that aim to induce cell death in metastatic cells require a more detailed understanding of the metastasis for better mitigation. Towards this goal, we discuss the details of two distinct but overlapping pathways of metastasis: a classical reversible epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (hybrid-EMT)-driven transport pathway and an alternative cell death process-driven blebbishield metastatic-witch (BMW) transport pathway involving reversible cell death process. The knowledge about the EMT and BMW pathways is important for the therapy of metastatic cancers as these pathways confer drug resistance coupled to immune evasion/suppression. We initially discuss the EMT pathway and compare it with the BMW pathway in the contexts of coordinated oncogenic, metabolic, immunologic, and cell biological events that drive metastasis. In particular, we discuss how the cell death environment involving apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and NETosis in BMW or EMT pathways recruits immune cells, fuses with it, migrates, permeabilizes vasculature, and settles at distant sites to establish metastasis. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic targets that are common to both EMT and BMW pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goodwin G Jinesh
- Department of Molecular Oncology, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA. .,Sarcoma Department, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA.
| | - Andrew S Brohl
- Department of Molecular Oncology, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA. .,Sarcoma Department, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA.
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16
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Panditrao G, Bhowmick R, Meena C, Sarkar RR. Emerging landscape of molecular interaction networks: Opportunities, challenges and prospects. J Biosci 2022. [PMID: 36210749 PMCID: PMC9018971 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-022-00253-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Network biology finds application in interpreting molecular interaction networks and providing insightful inferences using graph theoretical analysis of biological systems. The integration of computational bio-modelling approaches with different hybrid network-based techniques provides additional information about the behaviour of complex systems. With increasing advances in high-throughput technologies in biological research, attempts have been made to incorporate this information into network structures, which has led to a continuous update of network biology approaches over time. The newly minted centrality measures accommodate the details of omics data and regulatory network structure information. The unification of graph network properties with classical mathematical and computational modelling approaches and technologically advanced approaches like machine-learning- and artificial intelligence-based algorithms leverages the potential application of these techniques. These computational advances prove beneficial and serve various applications such as essential gene prediction, identification of drug–disease interaction and gene prioritization. Hence, in this review, we have provided a comprehensive overview of the emerging landscape of molecular interaction networks using graph theoretical approaches. With the aim to provide information on the wide range of applications of network biology approaches in understanding the interaction and regulation of genes, proteins, enzymes and metabolites at different molecular levels, we have reviewed the methods that utilize network topological properties, emerging hybrid network-based approaches and applications that integrate machine learning techniques to analyse molecular interaction networks. Further, we have discussed the applications of these approaches in biomedical research with a note on future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri Panditrao
- Chemical Engineering and Process Development Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008 India
| | - Rupa Bhowmick
- Chemical Engineering and Process Development Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
| | - Chandrakala Meena
- Chemical Engineering and Process Development Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008 India
| | - Ram Rup Sarkar
- Chemical Engineering and Process Development Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, 411008 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002 India
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17
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Deb S, Bhandary S, Sinha SK, Jolly MK, Dutta PS. Identifying critical transitions in complex diseases. J Biosci 2022. [PMID: 36210727 PMCID: PMC9018973 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-022-00258-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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18
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Cancer: More than a geneticist’s Pandora’s box. J Biosci 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-022-00254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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19
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Duddu AS, Majumdar SS, Sahoo S, Jhunjhunwala S, Jolly MK. Emergent dynamics of a three-node regulatory network explain phenotypic switching and heterogeneity: a case study of Th1/Th2/Th17 cell differentiation. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar46. [PMID: 35353012 PMCID: PMC9265159 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-10-0521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Naïve helper (CD4+) T-cells can differentiate into distinct functional subsets including Th1, Th2, and Th17 phenotypes. Each of these phenotypes has a 'master regulator' - T-bet (Th1), GATA3 (Th2) and RORγT (Th17) - that inhibits the other two master regulators. Such mutual repression among them at a transcriptional level can enable multistability, giving rise to six experimentally observed phenotypes - Th1, Th2, Th17, hybrid Th/Th2, hybrid Th2/Th17 and hybrid Th1/Th17. However, the dynamics of switching among these phenotypes, particularly in the case of epigenetic influence, remains unclear. Here, through mathematical modeling, we investigated the coupled transcription-epigenetic dynamics in a three-node mutually repressing network to elucidate how epigenetic changes mediated by any 'master regulator' can influence the transition rates among different cellular phenotypes. We show that the degree of plasticity exhibited by one phenotype depends on relative strength and duration of mutual epigenetic repression mediated among the master regulators in a three-node network. Further, our model predictions can offer putative mechanisms underlying relatively higher plasticity of Th17 phenotype as observed in vitro and in vivo. Together, our modeling framework characterizes phenotypic plasticity and heterogeneity as an outcome of emergent dynamics of a three-node regulatory network, such as the one mediated by T-bet/GATA3/RORγT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atchuta Srinivas Duddu
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Sauma Suvra Majumdar
- epartment of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur 713216, India
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Siddharth Jhunjhunwala
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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20
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Kulkarni P, Leite VBP, Roy S, Bhattacharyya S, Mohanty A, Achuthan S, Singh D, Appadurai R, Rangarajan G, Weninger K, Orban J, Srivastava A, Jolly MK, Onuchic JN, Uversky VN, Salgia R. Intrinsically disordered proteins: Ensembles at the limits of Anfinsen's dogma. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2022; 3:011306. [PMID: 38505224 PMCID: PMC10903413 DOI: 10.1063/5.0080512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are proteins that lack rigid 3D structure. Hence, they are often misconceived to present a challenge to Anfinsen's dogma. However, IDPs exist as ensembles that sample a quasi-continuum of rapidly interconverting conformations and, as such, may represent proteins at the extreme limit of the Anfinsen postulate. IDPs play important biological roles and are key components of the cellular protein interaction network (PIN). Many IDPs can interconvert between disordered and ordered states as they bind to appropriate partners. Conformational dynamics of IDPs contribute to conformational noise in the cell. Thus, the dysregulation of IDPs contributes to increased noise and "promiscuous" interactions. This leads to PIN rewiring to output an appropriate response underscoring the critical role of IDPs in cellular decision making. Nonetheless, IDPs are not easily tractable experimentally. Furthermore, in the absence of a reference conformation, discerning the energy landscape representation of the weakly funneled IDPs in terms of reaction coordinates is challenging. To understand conformational dynamics in real time and decipher how IDPs recognize multiple binding partners with high specificity, several sophisticated knowledge-based and physics-based in silico sampling techniques have been developed. Here, using specific examples, we highlight recent advances in energy landscape visualization and molecular dynamics simulations to discern conformational dynamics and discuss how the conformational preferences of IDPs modulate their function, especially in phenotypic switching. Finally, we discuss recent progress in identifying small molecules targeting IDPs underscoring the potential therapeutic value of IDPs. Understanding structure and function of IDPs can not only provide new insight on cellular decision making but may also help to refine and extend Anfinsen's structure/function paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Vitor B. P. Leite
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Susmita Roy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur, West Bengal 741246, India
| | - Supriyo Bhattacharyya
- Translational Bioinformatics, Center for Informatics, Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Srisairam Achuthan
- Center for Informatics, Division of Research Informatics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
| | - Divyoj Singh
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Rajeswari Appadurai
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Govindan Rangarajan
- Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Keith Weninger
- Department of Physics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | | | - Anand Srivastava
- Molecular Biophysics Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Jose N. Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005-1892, USA
| | | | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California 91010, USA
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21
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Jain P, Bhatia S, Thompson EW, Jolly MK. Population Dynamics of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Heterogeneity in Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030348. [PMID: 35327538 PMCID: PMC8945776 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity is a hallmark of aggressive cancer behaviour and a clinical challenge. Despite much characterisation of this heterogeneity at a multi-omics level in many cancers, we have a limited understanding of how this heterogeneity emerges spontaneously in an isogenic cell population. Some longitudinal observations of dynamics in epithelial-mesenchymal heterogeneity, a canonical example of phenotypic heterogeneity, have offered us opportunities to quantify the rates of phenotypic switching that may drive such heterogeneity. Here, we offer a mathematical modeling framework that explains the salient features of population dynamics noted in PMC42-LA cells: (a) predominance of EpCAMhigh subpopulation, (b) re-establishment of parental distributions from the EpCAMhigh and EpCAMlow subpopulations, and (c) enhanced heterogeneity in clonal populations established from individual cells. Our framework proposes that fluctuations or noise in content duplication and partitioning of SNAIL—an EMT-inducing transcription factor—during cell division can explain spontaneous phenotypic switching and consequent dynamic heterogeneity in PMC42-LA cells observed experimentally at both single-cell and bulk level analysis. Together, we propose that asymmetric cell division can be a potential mechanism for phenotypic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Jain
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
| | - Sugandha Bhatia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia;
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
| | - Erik W. Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia;
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
- Correspondence: (E.W.T.); (M.K.J.)
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
- Correspondence: (E.W.T.); (M.K.J.)
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22
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Foo J, Basanta D, Rockne RC, Strelez C, Shah C, Ghaffarian K, Mumenthaler SM, Mitchell K, Lathia JD, Frankhouser D, Branciamore S, Kuo YH, Marcucci G, Vander Velde R, Marusyk A, Hang S, Hari K, Jolly MK, Hatzikirou H, Poels K, Spilker M, Shtylla B, Robertson-Tessi M, Anderson ARA. Roadmap on plasticity and epigenetics in cancer. Phys Biol 2022; 19. [PMID: 35078159 PMCID: PMC9190291 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac4ee2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The role of plasticity and epigenetics in shaping cancer evolution and response to therapy has taken center stage with recent technological advances including single cell sequencing. This roadmap article is focused on state-of-the-art mathematical and experimental approaches to interrogate plasticity in cancer, and addresses the following themes and questions: is there a formal overarching framework that encompasses both non-genetic plasticity and mutation-driven somatic evolution? How do we measure and model the role of the microenvironment in influencing/controlling non-genetic plasticity? How can we experimentally study non-genetic plasticity? Which mathematical techniques are required or best suited? What are the clinical and practical applications and implications of these concepts?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Foo
- University of Minnesota System, School of Mathematics, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455-2020, UNITED STATES
| | - David Basanta
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Center Inc, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MRC-3 West/IMO, Tampa, Florida 33612USA, Tampa, Florida, 33612-9416, UNITED STATES
| | - Russell C Rockne
- Computational and Quantitative Medicine; Division of Mathematical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Carly Strelez
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute , Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90064, UNITED STATES
| | - Curran Shah
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute , Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90064, UNITED STATES
| | - Kimya Ghaffarian
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute , Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90064, UNITED STATES
| | - Shannon M Mumenthaler
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute , Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90064, UNITED STATES
| | - Kelly Mitchell
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, 44195-5243, UNITED STATES
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, 44195-5243, UNITED STATES
| | - David Frankhouser
- Computational and Quantitative Medicine; Division of Mathematical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Sergio Branciamore
- Computational and Quantitative Medicine; Division of Mathematical Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Ya-Huei Kuo
- Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, City of Hope National Medical Center, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Guido Marcucci
- Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, City of Hope National Medical Center, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 E Duarte Rd, Rose Vogel Building (74), Duarte, California, 91010, UNITED STATES
| | - Robert Vander Velde
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Center Inc, H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, MRC-3 West/IMO, Tampa, Florida 33612USA, Tampa, Florida, 33612-9416, UNITED STATES
| | - Andriy Marusyk
- Cancer Physiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida, 33612, UNITED STATES
| | - Sui Hang
- Institute for Systems Biology, Systems Biology, WA , WA 98109, UNITED STATES
| | - Kishore Hari
- Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bangalore, Bangalore, 560012, INDIA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering,, Indian Institute of Science, 560012 Bangalore, Bangalore, 560012, INDIA
| | - Haralampos Hatzikirou
- Khalifa University, P.O. Box: 127788, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, NA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
| | - Kamrine Poels
- Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Early Clinical Development, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, UNITED STATES
| | - Mary Spilker
- Medicine Design, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Medicine Design, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, UNITED STATES
| | - Blerta Shtylla
- Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Early Clinical Development, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, UNITED STATES
| | - Mark Robertson-Tessi
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida, 33612, UNITED STATES
| | - Alexander R A Anderson
- Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Co-Director of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, 12902 Magnolia Drive, SRB 4 Rm 24000H, Tampa, Florida 33612, Tampa, 33612, UNITED STATES
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23
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Mertins SD. Capturing Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in Cellular Landscapes From Dynamic Reaction Network Models and Machine Learning. Front Oncol 2022; 11:805592. [PMID: 35127516 PMCID: PMC8813744 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.805592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Computational dynamic ODE models of cell function describing biochemical reactions have been created for decades, but on a small scale. Still, they have been highly effective in describing and predicting behaviors. For example, oscillatory phospho-ERK levels were predicted and confirmed in MAPK signaling encompassing both positive and negative feedback loops. These models typically were limited and not adapted to large datasets so commonly found today. But importantly, ODE models describe reaction networks in well-mixed systems representing the cell and can be simulated with ordinary differential equations that are solved deterministically. Stochastic solutions, which can account for noisy reaction networks, in some cases, also improve predictions. Today, dynamic ODE models rarely encompass an entire cell even though it might be expected that an upload of the large genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic datasets may allow whole cell models. It is proposed here to combine output from simulated dynamic ODE models, completed with omics data, to discover both biomarkers in cancer a priori and molecular targets in the Machine Learning setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D. Mertins
- Department of Science, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, MD, United States
- Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Directorate, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Frederick, MD, United States
- BioSystems Strategies, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Frederick, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Susan D. Mertins,
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24
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Jia W, Jolly MK, Levine H. NRF2-dependent Epigenetic Regulation can Promote the Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal Phenotype. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:828250. [PMID: 35118079 PMCID: PMC8803900 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.828250] [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: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process critical for wound healing, cancer metastasis and embryonic development. Recent efforts have identified the role of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal states, having both epithelial and mesehncymal traits, in enabling cancer metastasis and resistance to various therapies. Also, previous work has suggested that NRF2 can act as phenotypic stability factor to help stablize such hybrid states. Here, we incorporate a phenomenological epigenetic feedback effect into our previous computational model for EMT signaling. We show that this type of feedback can stabilize the hybrid state as compared to the fully mesenchymal phenotype if NRF2 can influence SNAIL at an epigenetic level, as this link makes transitions out of hybrid state more difficult. However, epigenetic regulation on other NRF2-related links do not significantly change the EMT dynamics. Finally, we considered possible cell division effects in our epigenetic regulation model, and our results indicate that the degree of epigenetic inheritance does not appear to be a critical factor for the hybrid E/M state stabilizing behavior of NRF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jia
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Mohit Kumar Jolly, ; Herbert Levine,
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Mohit Kumar Jolly, ; Herbert Levine,
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25
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Garg M. Emerging roles of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in invasion-metastasis cascade and therapy resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:131-145. [PMID: 34978017 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Strong association of cancer incidence and its progression with mortality highlights the need to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive tumor cells to rapidly progress to metastatic disease and therapy resistance. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) emerged as a key regulator of metastatic outgrowth. It allows neoplastic epithelial cells to delaminate from their neighbors either individually or collectively, traverse the extracellular matrix (ECM) barrier, enter into the circulation, and establish distal metastases. Plasticity between epithelial and mesenchymal states and the existence of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes are increasingly being reported in different tumor contexts. Small subset of cancer cells with stemness called cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit plasticity, possess high tumorigenic potential, and contribute to high degree of tumoral heterogeneity. EMP characterized by the presence of dynamic intermediate states is reported to be influenced by (epi)genomic reprograming, growth factor signaling, inflammation, and low oxygen generated by tumor stromal microenvironment. EMP alters the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of tumor cells/CSCs, disrupts tissue homeostasis, induces the reprogramming of angiogenic and immune recognition functions, and renders tumor cells to survive hostile microenvironments and resist therapy. The present review summarizes the roles of EMP in tumor invasion and metastasis and provides an update on therapeutic strategies to target the metastatic and refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal Garg
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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26
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Pillai M, Jolly MK. Systems-level network modeling deciphers the master regulators of phenotypic plasticity and heterogeneity in melanoma. iScience 2021; 24:103111. [PMID: 34622164 PMCID: PMC8479788 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103111] [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: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic (i.e. non-genetic) heterogeneity in melanoma drives dedifferentiation, recalcitrance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and consequent tumor relapse and metastasis. Various markers or regulators associated with distinct phenotypes in melanoma have been identified, but, how does a network of interactions among these regulators give rise to multiple "attractor" states and phenotypic switching remains elusive. Here, we inferred a network of transcription factors (TFs) that act as master regulators for gene signatures of diverse cell-states in melanoma. Dynamical simulations of this network predicted how this network can settle into different "attractors" (TF expression patterns), suggesting that TF network dynamics drives the emergence of phenotypic heterogeneity. These simulations can recapitulate major phenotypes observed in melanoma and explain de-differentiation trajectory observed upon BRAF inhibition. Our systems-level modeling framework offers a platform to understand trajectories of phenotypic transitions in the landscape of a regulatory TF network and identify novel therapeutic strategies targeting melanoma plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maalavika Pillai
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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27
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Lang J, Nie Q, Li C. Landscape and kinetic path quantify critical transitions in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Biophys J 2021; 120:4484-4500. [PMID: 34480928 PMCID: PMC8553640 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a basic developmental process that might promote cancer metastasis, has been studied from various perspectives. Recently, the early warning theory has been used to anticipate critical transitions in EMT from mathematical modeling. However, the underlying mechanisms of EMT involving complex molecular networks remain to be clarified. Especially, how to quantify the global stability and stochastic transition dynamics of EMT and what the underlying mechanism for early warning theory in EMT is remain to be fully clarified. To address these issues, we constructed a comprehensive gene regulatory network model for EMT and quantified the corresponding potential landscape. The landscape for EMT displays multiple stable attractors, which correspond to E, M, and some other intermediate states. Based on the path-integral approach, we identified the most probable transition paths of EMT, which are supported by experimental data. Correspondingly, the results of transition actions demonstrated that intermediate states can accelerate EMT, consistent with recent studies. By integrating the landscape and path with early warning concept, we identified the potential barrier height from the landscape as a global and more accurate measure for early warning signals to predict critical transitions in EMT. The landscape results also provide an intuitive and quantitative explanation for the early warning theory. Overall, the landscape and path results advance our mechanistic understanding of dynamical transitions and roles of intermediate states in EMT, and the potential barrier height provides a new, to our knowledge, measure for critical transitions and quantitative explanations for the early warning theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintong Lang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Center for Mathematical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Nie
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Chunhe Li
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Center for Mathematical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; School of Mathematical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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28
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Chakraborty P, Chen EL, McMullen I, Armstrong AJ, Kumar Jolly M, Somarelli JA. Analysis of immune subtypes across the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity spectrum. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3842-3851. [PMID: 34306571 PMCID: PMC8283019 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity plays a critical role in many solid tumor types as a mediator of metastatic dissemination and treatment resistance. In addition, there is also a growing appreciation that the epithelial/mesenchymal status of a tumor plays a role in immune evasion and immune suppression. A deeper understanding of the immunological features of different tumor types has been facilitated by the availability of large gene expression datasets and the development of methods to deconvolute bulk RNA-Seq data. These resources have generated powerful new ways of characterizing tumors, including classification of immune subtypes based on differential expression of immunological genes. In the present work, we combine scoring algorithms to quantify epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity with immune subtype analysis to understand the relationship between epithelial plasticity and immune subtype across cancers. We find heterogeneity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) status both within and between cancer types, with greater heterogeneity in the expression of EMT-related factors than of MET-related factors. We also find that specific immune subtypes have associated EMT scores and differential expression of immune checkpoint markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Chakraborty
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | | | | | - Andrew J. Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Jason A. Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Durham, NC, United Kingdom
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29
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Katebi A, Ramirez D, Lu M. Computational systems-biology approaches for modeling gene networks driving epithelial-mesenchymal transitions. COMPUTATIONAL AND SYSTEMS ONCOLOGY 2021; 1:e1021. [PMID: 34164628 PMCID: PMC8219219 DOI: 10.1002/cso2.1021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process through which epithelial cells undergo phenotypic transitions to mesenchymal cells by losing cell-cell adhesion and gaining migratory properties that cells use in embryogenesis, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. An important research topic is to identify the underlying gene regulatory networks (GRNs) governing the decision making of EMT and develop predictive models based on the GRNs. The advent of recent genomic technology, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, has opened new opportunities to improve our understanding about the dynamical controls of EMT. In this article, we review three major types of computational and mathematical approaches and methods for inferring and modeling GRNs driving EMT. We emphasize (1) the bottom-up approaches, where GRNs are constructed through literature search; (2) the top-down approaches, where GRNs are derived from genome-wide sequencing data; (3) the combined top-down and bottom-up approaches, where EMT GRNs are constructed and simulated by integrating bioinformatics and mathematical modeling. We discuss the methodologies and applications of each approach and the available resources for these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ataur Katebi
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Ramirez
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Mingyang Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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30
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Hati S, Duddu AS, Jolly MK. Operating principles of circular toggle polygons. Phys Biol 2021; 18. [PMID: 33730700 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/abef79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Decoding the dynamics of cellular decision-making and cell differentiation is a central question in cell and developmental biology. A common network motif involved in many cell-fate decisions is a mutually inhibitory feedback loop between two self-activating 'master regulators' A and B, also called as toggle switch. Typically, it can allow for three stable states-(high A, low B), (low A, high B) and (medium A, medium B). A toggle triad-three mutually repressing regulators A, B and C, i.e. three toggle switches arranged circularly (between A and B, between B and C, and between A and C)-can allow for six stable states: three 'single positive' and three 'double positive' ones. However, the operating principles of larger toggle polygons, i.e. toggle switches arranged circularly to form a polygon, remain unclear. Here, we simulate using both discrete and continuous methods the dynamics of different sized toggle polygons. We observed a pattern in their steady state frequency depending on whether the polygon was an even or odd numbered one. The even-numbered toggle polygons result in two dominant states with consecutive components of the network expressing alternating high and low levels. The odd-numbered toggle polygons, on the other hand, enable more number of states, usually twice the number of components with the states that follow 'circular permutation' patterns in their composition. Incorporating self-activations preserved these trends while increasing the frequency of multistability in the corresponding network. Our results offer insights into design principles of circular arrangement of regulatory units involved in cell-fate decision making, and can offer design strategies for synthesizing genetic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvadra Hati
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.,Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Atchuta Srinivas Duddu
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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31
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Classification of triple-negative breast cancers through a Boolean network model of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cell Syst 2021; 12:457-462.e4. [PMID: 33961788 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Predicting the metastasis risk in patients with a primary breast cancer tumor is of fundamental importance to decide the best therapeutic strategy in the framework of personalized medicine. Here, we present ARIADNE, a general algorithmic strategy to assess the risk of metastasis from transcriptomic data of patients with triple-negative breast cancer, a subtype of breast cancer with poorer prognosis with respect to the other subtypes. ARIADNE identifies hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypes by mapping gene expression data into the states of a Boolean network model of the epithelial-mesenchymal pathway. Using this mapping, it is possible to stratify patients according to their prognosis, as we show by validating the strategy with three independent cohorts of triple-negative breast cancer patients. Our strategy provides a prognostic tool that could be applied to other biologically relevant pathways, in order to estimate the metastatic risk for other breast cancer subtypes or other tumor types. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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32
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Kvokačková B, Remšík J, Jolly MK, Souček K. Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Mediated by Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2188. [PMID: 34063254 PMCID: PMC8125677 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast carcinoma known for its unusually aggressive behavior and poor clinical outcome. Besides the lack of molecular targets for therapy and profound intratumoral heterogeneity, the relatively quick overt metastatic spread remains a major obstacle in effective clinical management. The metastatic colonization of distant sites by primary tumor cells is affected by the microenvironment, epigenetic state of particular subclones, and numerous other factors. One of the most prominent processes contributing to the intratumoral heterogeneity is an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an evolutionarily conserved developmental program frequently hijacked by tumor cells, strengthening their motile and invasive features. In response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, malignant cells can revert the EMT state through the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), a process that is believed to be critical for the establishment of macrometastasis at secondary sites. Notably, cancer cells rarely undergo complete EMT and rather exist in a continuum of E/M intermediate states, preserving high levels of plasticity, as demonstrated in primary tumors and, ultimately, in circulating tumor cells, representing a simplified element of the metastatic cascade. In this review, we focus on cellular drivers underlying EMT/MET phenotypic plasticity and its detrimental consequences in the context of TNBC cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Kvokačková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic;
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Remšík
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic;
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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33
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Liu QL, Luo M, Huang C, Chen HN, Zhou ZG. Epigenetic Regulation of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in the Cancer Metastatic Cascade: Implications for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:657546. [PMID: 33996581 PMCID: PMC8117142 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.657546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the end stage of cancer progression and the direct cause of most cancer-related deaths. The spreading of cancer cells from the primary site to distant organs is a multistep process known as the metastatic cascade, including local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, extravasation, and colonization. Each of these steps is driven by the acquisition of genetic and/or epigenetic alterations within cancer cells, leading to subsequent transformation of metastatic cells. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a cellular process mediating the conversion of cell from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype, and its reverse transformation, termed mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET), together endow metastatic cells with traits needed to generate overt metastases in different scenarios. The dynamic shift between these two phenotypes and their transitional state, termed partial EMT, emphasizes the plasticity of EMT. Recent advances attributed this plasticity to epigenetic regulation, which has implications for the therapeutic targeting of cancer metastasis. In this review, we will discuss the association between epigenetic events and the multifaceted nature of EMT, which may provide insights into the steps of the cancer metastatic cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Luo Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Maochao Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Ning Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Zong-Guang Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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34
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Jolly MK, Murphy RJ, Bhatia S, Whitfield HJ, Redfern A, Davis MJ, Thompson EW. Measuring and Modelling the Epithelial- Mesenchymal Hybrid State in Cancer: Clinical Implications. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:110-133. [PMID: 33902034 DOI: 10.1159/000515289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal (E/M) hybrid state has emerged as an important mediator of elements of cancer progression, facilitated by epithelial mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). We review here evidence for the presence, prognostic significance, and therapeutic potential of the E/M hybrid state in carcinoma. We further assess modelling predictions and validation studies to demonstrate stabilised E/M hybrid states along the spectrum of EMP, as well as computational approaches for characterising and quantifying EMP phenotypes, with particular attention to the emerging realm of single-cell approaches through RNA sequencing and protein-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ryan J Murphy
- Queensland University of Technology, School of Mathematical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sugandha Bhatia
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Holly J Whitfield
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital Campus, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Melissa J Davis
- Bioinformatics Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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35
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Identifying "more equal than others" edges in diverse biochemical networks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2103698118. [PMID: 33766850 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103698118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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36
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Bhattacharya S, Mohanty A, Achuthan S, Kotnala S, Jolly MK, Kulkarni P, Salgia R. Group Behavior and Emergence of Cancer Drug Resistance. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:323-334. [PMID: 33622644 PMCID: PMC8500356 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Drug resistance is a major impediment in cancer. Although it is generally thought that acquired drug resistance is due to genetic mutations, emerging evidence indicates that nongenetic mechanisms also play an important role. Resistance emerges through a complex interplay of clonal groups within a heterogeneous tumor and the surrounding microenvironment. Traits such as phenotypic plasticity, intercellular communication, and adaptive stress response, act in concert to ensure survival of intermediate reversible phenotypes, until permanent, resistant clones can emerge. Understanding the role of group behavior, and the underlying nongenetic mechanisms, can lead to more efficacious treatment designs and minimize or delay emergence of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriyo Bhattacharya
- Translational Bioinformatics, Center for Informatics, Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Srisairam Achuthan
- Center for Informatics, Division of Research Informatics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Sourabh Kotnala
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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37
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A Theoretical Approach to Coupling the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Stiffness via LOXL2. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071609. [PMID: 33807227 PMCID: PMC8037024 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in cancer progression through which cells weaken their cell-cell adhesion and gain mobility and invasive traits. Besides chemical signaling, recent studies have established the connection of EMT to mechanical microenvironment, such as the stiffness of extracellular matrix (ECM). LOXL2 is representative of a family of enzymes that promotes fiber cross-linking in ECM. With increased cross-linking comes increased stiffness, which induces EMT that can, in turn, elevate LOXL2 levels. As such, a positive feedback loop among EMT, LOXL2, and ECM stiffness can be formed. We built a mathematical model on a core biochemical reaction network featuring this feedback loop, and showed how strongly it drives EMT. We also illustrated mechanistically how cross-linking connects with stiffness, using a mechanical model of collagen (a major component of ECM). Using this theoretical framework, we demonstrated the heterogeneity of LOXL2/stiffness and its implications on migrating cancer cells that could seed metastasis, the growth of secondary malignant tumors. This framework can inspire experimental studies of more fine-grained mechanotransduction and biomechanical heterogeneity in cancers. Abstract The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in cancer progression, being responsible in many cases for the onset of the metastatic cascade and being integral in the ability of cells to resist drug treatment. Most studies of EMT focus on its induction via chemical signals such as TGF-β or Notch ligands, but it has become increasingly clear that biomechanical features of the microenvironment such as extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness can be equally important. Here, we introduce a coupled feedback loop connecting stiffness to the EMT transcription factor ZEB1, which acts via increasing the secretion of LOXL2 that leads to increased cross-linking of collagen fibers in the ECM. This increased cross-linking can effectively increase ECM stiffness and increase ZEB1 levels, thus setting a positive feedback loop between ZEB1 and ECM stiffness. To investigate the impact of this non-cell-autonomous effect, we introduce a computational approach capable of connecting LOXL2 concentration to increased stiffness and thereby to higher ZEB1 levels. Our results indicate that this positive feedback loop, once activated, can effectively lock the cells in a mesenchymal state. The spatial-temporal heterogeneity of the LOXL2 concentration and thus the mechanical stiffness also has direct implications for migrating cells that attempt to escape the primary tumor.
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38
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Chauhan L, Ram U, Hari K, Jolly MK. Topological signatures in regulatory network enable phenotypic heterogeneity in small cell lung cancer. eLife 2021; 10:e64522. [PMID: 33729159 PMCID: PMC8012062 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic (non-genetic) heterogeneity has significant implications for the development and evolution of organs, organisms, and populations. Recent observations in multiple cancers have unraveled the role of phenotypic heterogeneity in driving metastasis and therapy recalcitrance. However, the origins of such phenotypic heterogeneity are poorly understood in most cancers. Here, we investigate a regulatory network underlying phenotypic heterogeneity in small cell lung cancer, a devastating disease with no molecular targeted therapy. Discrete and continuous dynamical simulations of this network reveal its multistable behavior that can explain co-existence of four experimentally observed phenotypes. Analysis of the network topology uncovers that multistability emerges from two teams of players that mutually inhibit each other, but members of a team activate one another, forming a 'toggle switch' between the two teams. Deciphering these topological signatures in cancer-related regulatory networks can unravel their 'latent' design principles and offer a rational approach to characterize phenotypic heterogeneity in a tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshya Chauhan
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
| | - Uday Ram
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
| | - Kishore Hari
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of ScienceBangaloreIndia
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39
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Singh D, Bocci F, Kulkarni P, Jolly MK. Coupled Feedback Loops Involving PAGE4, EMT and Notch Signaling Can Give Rise to Non-genetic Heterogeneity in Prostate Cancer Cells. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 23:288. [PMID: 33652914 PMCID: PMC7996788 DOI: 10.3390/e23030288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Non-genetic heterogeneity is emerging as a crucial factor underlying therapy resistance in multiple cancers. However, the design principles of regulatory networks underlying non-genetic heterogeneity in cancer remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the coupled dynamics of feedback loops involving (a) oscillations in androgen receptor (AR) signaling mediated through an intrinsically disordered protein PAGE4, (b) multistability in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and c) Notch-Delta-Jagged signaling mediated cell-cell communication, each of which can generate non-genetic heterogeneity through multistability and/or oscillations. Our results show how different coupling strengths between AR and EMT signaling can lead to monostability, bistability, or oscillations in the levels of AR, as well as propagation of oscillations to EMT dynamics. These results reveal the emergent dynamics of coupled oscillatory and multi-stable systems and unravel mechanisms by which non-genetic heterogeneity in AR levels can be generated, which can act as a barrier to most existing therapies for prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyoj Singh
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Federico Bocci
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA;
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
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40
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Chakraborty P, George JT, Woodward WA, Levine H, Jolly MK. Gene expression profiles of inflammatory breast cancer reveal high heterogeneity across the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101026. [PMID: 33535154 PMCID: PMC7851345 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101026] [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: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
No unique genome signature or molecular therapy exists for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a highly aggressive breast cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. We show that various gene lists proposed as molecular footprints of IBC have no overlap and thus very limited predictive accuracy in identifying IBC samples. We observed that single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) of IBC samples along the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum can help IBC identification. IBC samples robustly displayed a higher coefficient of variation in terms of EMT scores, as compared to non-IBC samples. Higher heterogeneity along the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum can be regarded to be a hallmark of IBC and a possibly useful biomarker.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer that metastasizes largely via tumor emboli, and has a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. No unique genomic signature has yet been identified for IBC nor has any specific molecular therapeutic been developed to manage the disease. Thus, identifying gene expression signatures specific to IBC remains crucial. Here, we compare various gene lists that have been proposed as molecular footprints of IBC using different clinical samples as training and validation sets and using independent training algorithms, and determine their accuracy in identifying IBC samples in three independent datasets. We show that these gene lists have little to no mutual overlap, and have limited predictive accuracy in identifying IBC samples. Despite this inconsistency, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) of IBC samples correlate with their position on the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum. This positioning, together with ssGSEA scores, improves the accuracy of IBC identification across the three independent datasets. Finally, we observed that IBC samples robustly displayed a higher coefficient of variation in terms of EMT scores, as compared to non-IBC samples. Pending verification that this patient-to-patient variability extends to intratumor heterogeneity within a single patient, these results suggest that higher heterogeneity along the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum can be regarded to be a hallmark of IBC and a possibly useful biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Chakraborty
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Jason T George
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Wendy A Woodward
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; MD Anderson Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Departments of Physics and Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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41
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Chedere A, Hari K, Kumar S, Rangarajan A, Jolly MK. Multi-Stability and Consequent Phenotypic Plasticity in AMPK-Akt Double Negative Feedback Loop in Cancer Cells. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030472. [PMID: 33530625 PMCID: PMC7865639 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030472] [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: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation and survival of cancer cells to various stress and growth factor conditions is crucial for successful metastasis. A double-negative feedback loop between two serine/threonine kinases AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and Akt can regulate the adaptation of breast cancer cells to matrix-deprivation stress. This feedback loop can significantly generate two phenotypes or cell states: matrix detachment-triggered pAMPKhigh/ pAktlow state, and matrix (re)attachment-triggered pAkthigh/ pAMPKlow state. However, whether these two cell states can exhibit phenotypic plasticity and heterogeneity in a given cell population, i.e., whether they can co-exist and undergo spontaneous switching to generate the other subpopulation, remains unclear. Here, we develop a mechanism-based mathematical model that captures the set of experimentally reported interactions among AMPK and Akt. Our simulations suggest that the AMPK-Akt feedback loop can give rise to two co-existing phenotypes (pAkthigh/ pAMPKlow and pAMPKhigh/pAktlow) in specific parameter regimes. Next, to test the model predictions, we segregated these two subpopulations in MDA-MB-231 cells and observed that each of them was capable of switching to another in adherent conditions. Finally, the predicted trends are supported by clinical data analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer and pan-cancer cohorts that revealed negatively correlated pAMPK and pAkt protein levels. Overall, our integrated computational-experimental approach unravels that AMPK-Akt feedback loop can generate multi-stability and drive phenotypic switching and heterogeneity in a cancer cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adithya Chedere
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (A.C.); (S.K.)
| | - Kishore Hari
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
| | - Saurav Kumar
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (A.C.); (S.K.)
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Annapoorni Rangarajan
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development, and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (A.C.); (S.K.)
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (M.K.J.)
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (M.K.J.)
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Tripathi SC, Jolly MK, Mani SA, Levine H. Editorial: Characterizing the Multi-Faceted Dynamics of Tumor Cell Plasticity. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:630276. [PMID: 33553244 PMCID: PMC7855584 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.630276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston MA, United States
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43
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Venkatachalapathy H, Azarin SM, Sarkar CA. Trajectory-based energy landscapes of gene regulatory networks. Biophys J 2021; 120:687-698. [PMID: 33453275 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.11.2279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Multistability and natural biological variability can result in significant heterogeneity within a cell population, leading to challenges in understanding and modulating cell behavior. Energy landscapes can offer qualitatively intuitive visualizations of cell phenotype and facilitate a more quantitative understanding of cellular dynamics, but current methods for landscape generation are mathematically involved and often require specific system properties (e.g., ergodicity or independent gene/protein probability distributions) that do not always hold. Here, we present a simple kinetic Monte Carlo-based method for landscape generation from a system of ordinary differential equations using only simulation trajectories initialized throughout the phase space of interest. The resulting landscape produces three quantitative features relevant to understanding cell behavior: stability (reflected by the depth or potential of landscape valleys), velocity (representing average directional movement on the landscape), and variance in velocity (indicative of landscape positions with heterogeneous movements). We applied this method to a genetic toggle switch, a core decision-making network in binary cellular responses, to elucidate effects of biologically relevant intrinsic and extrinsic cues. Intrinsic noise, such as stochasticity in transcription-translation and differences in cell cycle position, manifests through changes in valley width and position, reflecting increased population heterogeneity and more probabilistic cell fate transitions. The landscapes also capture the effect of an external inducer, revealing a quantitative correlation between the rate of cell fate transition and the energy barrier above a threshold inducer concentration determined by the permissivity of the valley. Further, in tracking dynamically changing landscapes under time-varying external cues, we unexpectedly found that an oscillatory inducer input can modulate cell fate heterogeneity and lead to periodic cell fate transitions entrained to the input frequency, depending on the intrinsic degradation rate of the switch. The landscape generation approach outlined herein is generalizable to other network topologies and may provide new quantitative insights into their dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Venkatachalapathy
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Samira M Azarin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Casim A Sarkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Coban B, Bergonzini C, Zweemer AJM, Danen EHJ. Metastasis: crosstalk between tissue mechanics and tumour cell plasticity. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:49-57. [PMID: 33204023 PMCID: PMC7782541 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01150-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that different genetic programmes drive metastasis of solid tumours, the ultimate outcome is the same: tumour cells are empowered to pass a series of physical hurdles to escape the primary tumour and disseminate to other organs. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed to drive the detachment of individual cells from primary tumour masses and facilitate the subsequent establishment of metastases in distant organs. However, this concept has been challenged by observations from pathologists and from studies in animal models, in which partial and transient acquisition of mesenchymal traits is seen but tumour cells travel collectively rather than as individuals. In this review, we discuss how crosstalk between a hybrid E/M state and variations in the mechanical aspects of the tumour microenvironment can provide tumour cells with the plasticity required for strategies to navigate surrounding tissues en route to dissemination. Targeting such plasticity provides therapeutic opportunities to combat metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bircan Coban
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Bergonzini
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annelien J M Zweemer
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H J Danen
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Peyre L, Meyer M, Hofman P, Roux J. TRAIL receptor-induced features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition increase tumour phenotypic heterogeneity: potential cell survival mechanisms. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:91-101. [PMID: 33257838 PMCID: PMC7782794 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01177-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuing efforts to exploit the death receptor agonists, such as the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), for cancer therapy, have largely been impaired by the anti-apoptotic and pro-survival signalling pathways leading to drug resistance. Cell migration, invasion, differentiation, immune evasion and anoikis resistance are plastic processes sharing features of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that have been shown to give cancer cells the ability to escape cell death upon cytotoxic treatments. EMT has recently been suggested to drive a heterogeneous cellular environment that appears favourable for tumour progression. Recent studies have highlighted a link between EMT and cell sensitivity to TRAIL, whereas others have highlighted their effects on the induction of EMT. This review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms by which death signals can elicit an increase in response heterogeneity in the metastasis context, and to evaluate the impact of these processes on cell responses to cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Peyre
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, Inserm U 1081, Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer et le Vieillissement de Nice (IRCAN), Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Mickael Meyer
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, Inserm U 1081, Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer et le Vieillissement de Nice (IRCAN), Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Paul Hofman
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, Inserm U 1081, Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer et le Vieillissement de Nice (IRCAN), Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06107, Nice, France
| | - Jérémie Roux
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR 7284, Inserm U 1081, Institut de Recherche sur le Cancer et le Vieillissement de Nice (IRCAN), Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06107, Nice, France.
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Pasani S, Sahoo S, Jolly MK. Hybrid E/M Phenotype(s) and Stemness: A Mechanistic Connection Embedded in Network Topology. J Clin Med 2020; 10:E60. [PMID: 33375334 PMCID: PMC7794989 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis remains an unsolved clinical challenge. Two crucial features of metastasizing cancer cells are (a) their ability to dynamically move along the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum and (b) their tumor initiation potential or stemness. With increasing functional characterization of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes along the spectrum, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested an increasing association of hybrid E/M phenotypes with stemness. However, the mechanistic underpinnings enabling this association remain unclear. Here, we develop a mechanism-based mathematical modeling framework that interrogates the emergent nonlinear dynamics of the coupled network modules regulating E/M plasticity (miR-200/ZEB) and stemness (LIN28/let-7). Simulating the dynamics of this coupled network across a large ensemble of parameter sets, we observe that hybrid E/M phenotype(s) are more likely to acquire stemness relative to "pure" epithelial or mesenchymal states. We also integrate multiple "phenotypic stability factors" (PSFs) that have been shown to stabilize hybrid E/M phenotypes both in silico and in vitro-such as OVOL1/2, GRHL2, and NRF2-with this network, and demonstrate that the enrichment of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) with stemness is largely conserved in the presence of these PSFs. Thus, our results offer mechanistic insights into recent experimental observations of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) that are essential for tumor initiation and highlight how this feature is embedded in the underlying topology of interconnected EMT (Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition) and stemness networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satwik Pasani
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.P.); (S.S.)
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.P.); (S.S.)
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47
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Wang Z, Shang J, Li Z, Li H, Zhang C, He K, Li S, Ju W. PIK3CA Is Regulated by CUX1, Promotes Cell Growth and Metastasis in Bladder Cancer via Activating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Front Oncol 2020; 10:536072. [PMID: 33344221 PMCID: PMC7744743 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.536072] [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: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PIK3CA is a key component of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway that its involvement in tumorigenesis has been revealed by previous research. However, its functions and potential mechanisms in bladder cancer are still largely undiscovered. Tissue microarray (TMA) with 66 bladder cancer patients was surveyed via immunohistochemistry to evaluate the level of PIK3CA and CUX1 and we found upregulation of PIK3CA in bladder cancer tissue and patients with higher level of PIK3CA presented with poorer prognosis. Overly expressed PIK3CA promoted growth, migration, invasion, and metastasis of bladder cancer cells and knockdown of PIK3CA had the opposite effect. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies showed that PIK3CA expression was facilitated by CUX1, leading to activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), accompanied by upregulated expression of Snail, β-catenin, Vimentin and downregulated expression of E-cadherin in the bladder cancer cell lines. Besides, over-expressed CUX1 could restore the expression of downregulated Snail, β-catenin, Vimentin and E-cadherin which was induced by PIK3CA knockdown. These results revealed that PIK3CA overexpression in bladder cancer was regulated by the transcription factor CUX1, and PIK3CA exerted its biological effects by activating EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Wang
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Shang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhiqin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chufan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai He
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shikang Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wen Ju
- Department of Urology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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48
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Saxena K, Jolly MK, Balamurugan K. Hypoxia, partial EMT and collective migration: Emerging culprits in metastasis. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100845. [PMID: 32781367 PMCID: PMC7419667 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular biological process involved in migration of primary cancer cells to secondary sites facilitating metastasis. Besides, EMT also confers properties such as stemness, drug resistance and immune evasion which can aid a successful colonization at the distant site. EMT is not a binary process; recent evidence suggests that cells in partial EMT or hybrid E/M phenotype(s) can have enhanced stemness and drug resistance as compared to those undergoing a complete EMT. Moreover, partial EMT enables collective migration of cells as clusters of circulating tumor cells or emboli, further endorsing that cells in hybrid E/M phenotypes may be the 'fittest' for metastasis. Here, we review mechanisms and implications of hybrid E/M phenotypes, including their reported association with hypoxia. Hypoxia-driven activation of HIF-1α can drive EMT. In addition, cyclic hypoxia, as compared to acute or chronic hypoxia, shows the highest levels of active HIF-1α and can augment cancer aggressiveness to a greater extent, including enriching for a partial EMT phenotype. We also discuss how metastasis is influenced by hypoxia, partial EMT and collective cell migration, and call for a better understanding of interconnections among these mechanisms. We discuss the known regulators of hypoxia, hybrid EMT and collective cell migration and highlight the gaps which needs to be filled for connecting these three axes which will increase our understanding of dynamics of metastasis and help control it more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Saxena
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Kuppusamy Balamurugan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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49
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Duddu AS, Sahoo S, Hati S, Jhunjhunwala S, Jolly MK. Multi-stability in cellular differentiation enabled by a network of three mutually repressing master regulators. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200631. [PMID: 32993428 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the design principles of complex regulatory networks driving cellular decision-making remains essential to decode embryonic development as well as enhance cellular reprogramming. A well-studied network motif involved in cellular decision-making is a toggle switch-a set of two opposing transcription factors A and B, each of which is a master regulator of a specific cell fate and can inhibit the activity of the other. A toggle switch can lead to two possible states-(high A, low B) and (low A, high B)-and drives the 'either-or' choice between these two cell fates for a common progenitor cell. However, the principles of coupled toggle switches remain unclear. Here, we investigate the dynamics of three master regulators A, B and C inhibiting each other, thus forming three-coupled toggle switches to form a toggle triad. Our simulations show that this toggle triad can lead to co-existence of cells into three differentiated 'single positive' phenotypes-(high A, low B, low C), (low A, high B, low C) and (low A, low B, high C). Moreover, the hybrid or 'double positive' phenotypes-(high A, high B, low C), (low A, high B, high C) and (high A, low B, high C)-can coexist together with 'single positive' phenotypes. Including self-activation loops on A, B and C can increase the frequency of 'double positive' states. Finally, we apply our results to understand cellular decision-making in terms of differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Th1, Th2 and Th17 states, where hybrid Th1/Th2 and hybrid Th1/Th17 cells have been reported in addition to the Th1, Th2 and Th17 ones. Our results offer novel insights into the design principles of a multi-stable network topology and provide a framework for synthetic biology to design tristable systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atchuta Srinivas Duddu
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.,UG Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Souvadra Hati
- UG Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Siddharth Jhunjhunwala
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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50
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Shomar A, Barak O, Brenner N. Local and global features of genetic networks supporting a phenotypic switch. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238433. [PMID: 32881964 PMCID: PMC7470255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic switches are associated with alterations in the cell's gene expression profile and are vital to many aspects of biology. Previous studies have identified local motifs of the genetic regulatory network that could underlie such switches. Recent advancements allowed the study of networks at the global, many-gene, level; however, the relationship between the local and global scales in giving rise to phenotypic switches remains elusive. In this work, we studied the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) using a gene regulatory network model. This model supports two clusters of stable steady-states identified with the epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes, and a range of intermediate less stable hybrid states, whose importance in cancer has been recently highlighted. Using an array of network perturbations and quantifying the resulting landscape, we investigated how features of the network at different levels give rise to these landscape properties. We found that local connectivity patterns affect the landscape in a mostly incremental manner; in particular, a specific previously identified double-negative feedback motif is not required when embedded in the full network, because the landscape is maintained at a global level. Nevertheless, despite the distributed nature of the switch, it is possible to find combinations of a few local changes that disrupt it. At the level of network architecture, we identified a crucial role for peripheral genes that act as incoming signals to the network in creating clusters of states. Such incoming signals are a signature of modularity and are expected to appear also in other biological networks. Hybrid states between epithelial and mesenchymal arise in the model due to barriers in the interaction between genes, causing hysteresis at all connections. Our results suggest emergent switches can neither be pinpointed to local motifs, nor do they arise as typical properties of random network ensembles. Rather, they arise through an interplay between the nature of local interactions, and the core-periphery structure induced by the modularity of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aseel Shomar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Network Biology Research Laboratories, Lorry Lokey Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Omri Barak
- Network Biology Research Laboratories, Lorry Lokey Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Naama Brenner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Network Biology Research Laboratories, Lorry Lokey Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- * E-mail:
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