1
|
Parreno V, Loubiere V, Schuettengruber B, Fritsch L, Rawal CC, Erokhin M, Győrffy B, Normanno D, Di Stefano M, Moreaux J, Butova NL, Chiolo I, Chetverina D, Martinez AM, Cavalli G. Transient loss of Polycomb components induces an epigenetic cancer fate. Nature 2024; 629:688-696. [PMID: 38658752 PMCID: PMC11096130 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07328-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Although cancer initiation and progression are generally associated with the accumulation of somatic mutations1,2, substantial epigenomic alterations underlie many aspects of tumorigenesis and cancer susceptibility3-6, suggesting that genetic mechanisms might not be the only drivers of malignant transformation7. However, whether purely non-genetic mechanisms are sufficient to initiate tumorigenesis irrespective of mutations has been unknown. Here, we show that a transient perturbation of transcriptional silencing mediated by Polycomb group proteins is sufficient to induce an irreversible switch to a cancer cell fate in Drosophila. This is linked to the irreversible derepression of genes that can drive tumorigenesis, including members of the JAK-STAT signalling pathway and zfh1, the fly homologue of the ZEB1 oncogene, whose aberrant activation is required for Polycomb perturbation-induced tumorigenesis. These data show that a reversible depletion of Polycomb proteins can induce cancer in the absence of driver mutations, suggesting that tumours can emerge through epigenetic dysregulation leading to inheritance of altered cell fates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Parreno
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - V Loubiere
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - B Schuettengruber
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - L Fritsch
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - C C Rawal
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M Erokhin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - B Győrffy
- Semmelweis University Department of Bioinformatics, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - D Normanno
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - M Di Stefano
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - J Moreaux
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Department of Biological Hematology, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- UFR Medicine, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - N L Butova
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - I Chiolo
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - D Chetverina
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A-M Martinez
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - G Cavalli
- Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khan C, Rusan NM. Using Drosophila to uncover the role of organismal physiology and the tumor microenvironment in cancer. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:289-311. [PMID: 38350736 PMCID: PMC11008779 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis causes over 90% of cancer patient fatalities. Poor prognosis is determined by tumor type, the tumor microenvironment (TME), organ-specific biology, and animal physiology. While model organisms do not fully mimic the complexity of humans, many processes can be studied efficiently owing to the ease of genetic, developmental, and cell biology studies. For decades, Drosophila has been instrumental in identifying basic mechanisms controlling tumor growth and metastasis. The ability to generate clonal populations of distinct genotypes in otherwise wild-type animals makes Drosophila a powerful system to study tumor-host interactions at the local and global scales. This review discusses advancements in tumor biology, highlighting the strength of Drosophila for modeling TMEs and systemic responses in driving tumor progression and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaitali Khan
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Nasser M Rusan
- Cell and Developmental Biology Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kwok SH, Liu Y, Bilder D, Kim J. Paraneoplastic renal dysfunction in fly cancer models driven by inflammatory activation of stem cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.21.586173. [PMID: 38585959 PMCID: PMC10996499 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.21.586173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Tumors can induce systemic disturbances in distant organs, leading to physiological changes that enhance host morbidity. In Drosophila cancer models, tumors have been known for decades to cause hypervolemic 'bloating' of the abdominal cavity. Here we use allograft and transgenic tumors to show that hosts display fluid retention associated with autonomously defective secretory capacity of fly renal tubules, which function analogous to those of the human kidney. Excretion from these organs is blocked by abnormal cells that originate from inappropriate activation of normally quiescent renal stem cells (RSCs). Blockage is initiated by IL-6-like oncokines that perturb renal water-transporting cells, and trigger a damage response in RSCs that proceeds pathologically. Thus, a chronic inflammatory state produced by the tumor causes paraneoplastic fluid dysregulation by altering cellular homeostasis of host renal units.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sze Hang Kwok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuejiang Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA, 94720, USA
| | - David Bilder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA, 94720, USA
| | - Jung Kim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA, 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nakamura Y, Saldajeno DP, Kawaguchi K, Kawaoka S. Progressive, multi-organ, and multi-layered nature of cancer cachexia. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:715-722. [PMID: 38254286 PMCID: PMC10921013 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16078] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a complex, multifaceted condition that negatively impacts the health, treatment efficacy, and economic status of cancer patients. The management of cancer cachexia is an essential clinical need. Cancer cachexia is currently defined mainly according to the severity of weight loss and sarcopenia (i.e., macrosymptoms). However, such macrosymptoms may be insufficient to give clinicians clues on how to manage this condition as these symptoms appear at the late stage of cancer. We need to understand earlier events during the progression of cancer cachexia so as not to miss a clinical opportunity to control this complex syndrome. Recent research indicates that cancer-induced changes in the host are much wider than previously recognized, including disruption of liver function and the immune system. Furthermore, such changes are observed before the occurrence of visible distant metastases (i.e., in early, localized cancers). In light of these findings, we propose to expand the definition of cancer cachexia to include all cancer-induced changes to host physiology, including changes caused by early, localized cancers. This new definition of cancer cachexia can provide a new perspective on this topic, which can stimulate the research and development of novel cancer cachexia therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Nakamura
- Inter‐Organ Communication Research TeamInstitute for Life and Medical SciencesKyotoJapan
- Department of Breast SurgeryKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Don Pietro Saldajeno
- Inter‐Organ Communication Research TeamInstitute for Life and Medical SciencesKyotoJapan
- Mathematical Informatics Laboratory, Division of Information ScienceNara Institute of Science and TechnologyIkomaNaraJapan
| | - Kosuke Kawaguchi
- Department of Breast SurgeryKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyotoJapan
| | - Shinpei Kawaoka
- Inter‐Organ Communication Research TeamInstitute for Life and Medical SciencesKyotoJapan
- Department of Integrative Bioanalytics, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer (IDAC)Tohoku UniversitySendaiJapan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu J, Liu Y, Yang F, Cao Y, Chen W, Li JSS, Zhang S, Comjean A, Hu Y, Perrimon N. Mechanistic characterization of a Drosophila model of paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1241. [PMID: 38336808 PMCID: PMC10858251 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Paraneoplastic syndromes occur in cancer patients and originate from dysfunction of organs at a distance from the tumor or its metastasis. A wide range of organs can be affected in paraneoplastic syndromes; however, the pathological mechanisms by which tumors influence host organs are poorly understood. Recent studies in the fly uncovered that tumor secreted factors target host organs, leading to pathological effects. In this study, using a Drosophila gut tumor model, we characterize a mechanism of tumor-induced kidney dysfunction. Specifically, we find that Pvf1, a PDGF/VEGF signaling ligand, secreted by gut tumors activates the PvR/JNK/Jra signaling pathway in the principal cells of the kidney, leading to mis-expression of renal genes and paraneoplastic renal syndrome-like phenotypes. Our study describes an important mechanism by which gut tumors perturb the function of the kidney, which might be of clinical relevance for the treatment of paraneoplastic syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Fangying Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yurou Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihang Chen
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua Shing Shun Li
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shuai Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Aram Comjean
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pfefferkorn RM, Mortzfeld BM, Fink C, von Frieling J, Bossen J, Esser D, Kaleta C, Rosenstiel P, Heine H, Roeder T. Recurrent Phases of Strict Protein Limitation Inhibit Tumor Growth and Restore Lifespan in A Drosophila Intestinal Cancer Model. Aging Dis 2024; 15:226-244. [PMID: 37962464 PMCID: PMC10796089 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0517] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Diets that restrict caloric or protein intake offer a variety of benefits, including decreasing the incidence of cancer. However, whether such diets pose a substantial therapeutic benefit as auxiliary cancer treatments remains unclear. We determined the effects of severe protein depletion on tumorigenesis in a Drosophila melanogaster intestinal tumor model, using a human RAF gain-of-function allele. Severe and continuous protein restriction significantly reduced tumor growth but resulted in premature death. Therefore, we developed a diet in which short periods of severe protein restriction alternated cyclically with periods of complete feeding. This nutritional regime reduced tumor mass, restored gut functionality, and rescued the lifespan of oncogene-expressing flies to the levels observed in healthy flies on a continuous, fully nutritious diet. Furthermore, this diet reduced the chemotherapy-induced stem cell activity associated with tumor recurrence. Transcriptome analysis revealed long-lasting changes in the expression of key genes involved in multiple major developmental signaling pathways. Overall, the data suggest that recurrent severe protein depletion effectively mimics the health benefits of continuous protein restriction, without undesired nutritional shortcomings. This provides seminal insights into the mechanisms of the memory effect required to maintain the positive effects of protein restriction throughout the phases of a full diet. Finally, the repetitive form of strict protein restriction is an ideal strategy for adjuvant cancer therapy that is useful in many tumor contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxana M. Pfefferkorn
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Benedikt M. Mortzfeld
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Christine Fink
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Jakob von Frieling
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Judith Bossen
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Daniela Esser
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Christoph Kaleta
- Department Medical Systems Biology, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Germany.
| | - Philip Rosenstiel
- Department Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, Germany.
| | - Holger Heine
- Division of Innate Immunity, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany.
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen H, Han X, Zhang Y, Wang K, Liu D, Hu Z, Wang J. Bruceine D suppresses CAF-promoted TNBC metastasis under TNF-α stimulation by inhibiting Notch1-Jagged1/NF-κB(p65) signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:154928. [PMID: 38043386 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis because of its high degree of malignancy and the lack of effective treatment options. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) comprise the most abundant stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to functional impairments and facilitating tumor metastasis. Excessive TNF-α further promotes cross-talk between different cells in TME. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapies and potential drugs that target the key factors that promote TNBC metastasis. PURPOSE The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Bruceine D, an active compound derived from the Chinese herb Brucea javanica, in inhibiting metastasis and elucidate the underlying mechanism of action in TNBC. METHODS In vitro, the clonogenic and the Transwell assays were used to assess the effects of Bruceine D on the proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of co-cultured CAFs and MDA-MB-231 (4T1) cells under TNF-α stimulation. TNF-α, IL-6, CXCL12, TGF-β1, and MMP9 levels in the supernatant of co-cultured cells were determined using ELISA. Western blotting was utilized to detect the expression levels of proteins related to the Notch1-Jagged1/NF-κB(p65) pathway. In vivo, the anti-tumor growth and anti-metastatic effectiveness of Bruceine D was evaluated by determining tumor weight, number of metastatic lesions, and pathological changes in the tumor and lung/liver tissues. The inhibitory effect of Bruceine D on α-SMA+ CAFs activation and CAF-medicated extracellular matrix remodeling was accessed using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Masson and Sirius Red staining. The expression levels of Notch1, Jagged1 and p-NF-κB(p65) proteins in the primary tumors were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. RESULTS In vitro, Bruceine D significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of co-cultured CAFs and MDA-MB-231 (4T1) cells under TNF-α stimulation, reduced the expression of tumor-promoting and matrix-remodeling cytokines secreted by CAFs, and hindered the mutual activation of Notch1-Jagged1 and NF-κB(p65). In vivo, Bruceine D significantly suppressed tumor growth and the formation of lung and liver metastases by decreasing TNF-α stimulated α-SMA+ CAFs activation, collagen fibers, MMPs production, and inhibited Notch1-Jagged1/NF-κB(p65) signaling in TNBC-bearing mice. CONCLUSION Bruceine D effectively weakened the "tumor-CAF-inflammation" network by inhibiting the mutual activation of Notch1-Jagged1 and NF-κB(p65) and thereby suppressed TNBC metastasis. This study first explored that Bruceine D disrupted the cross-talk between CAFs and tumor cells under TNF-α stimulation to inhibit the metastasis of TNBC, and highlighted the potential of Bruceine D as therapeutic agent for suppressing tumor metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, 750004, Yinchuan, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, 48 Fenghao West Road, Lianhu District, 710082, Xian, China
| | - Xue Han
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, 750004, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, 750004, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ke Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, 750004, Yinchuan, China
| | - Da Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, 750004, Yinchuan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Hu
- Oncology Hospital, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, 804 Shengli Street, 750004, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, 750004, Yinchuan, China; Key Laboratory of Ningxia Minority Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, 1160 Shengli Street, 750004, Yinchuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mari M, Voutyraki C, Zacharioudaki E, Delidakis C, Filippidis G. Lipid content evaluation of Drosophila tumour associated haemocytes through Third Harmonic Generation measurements. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2023; 16:e202300171. [PMID: 37643223 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Non-linear microscopy is a powerful imaging tool to examine structural properties and subcellular processes of various biological samples. The competence of Third Harmonic Generation (THG) includes the label free imaging with diffraction-limited resolution and three-dimensional visualization with negligible phototoxicity effects. In this study, THG records and quantifies the lipid content of Drosophila haemocytes, upon encountering normal or tumorigenic neural cells, in correlation with their shape or their state. We show that the lipid accumulations of adult haemocytes are similar before and after encountering normal cells. In contrast, adult haemocytes prior to their interaction with cancer cells have a low lipid index, which increases while they are actively engaged in phagocytosis only to decrease again when haemocytes become exhausted. This dynamic change in the lipid accrual of haemocytes upon encountering tumour cells could potentially be a useful tool to assess the phagocytic capacity or activation state of tumour-associated haemocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meropi Mari
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Chrysanthi Voutyraki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eva Zacharioudaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Christos Delidakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Filippidis
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu W, Li G, Chen Y, Ye X, Song W. A novel antidiuretic hormone governs tumour-induced renal dysfunction. Nature 2023; 624:425-432. [PMID: 38057665 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06833-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance of renal function and fluid transport are essential for vertebrates and invertebrates to adapt to physiological and pathological challenges. Human patients with malignant tumours frequently develop detrimental renal dysfunction and oliguria, and previous studies suggest the involvement of chemotherapeutic toxicity and tumour-associated inflammation1,2. However, how tumours might directly modulate renal functions remains largely unclear. Here, using conserved tumour models in Drosophila melanogaster3, we characterized isoform F of ion transport peptide (ITPF) as a fly antidiuretic hormone that is secreted by a subset of yki3SA gut tumour cells, impairs renal function and causes severe abdomen bloating and fluid accumulation. Mechanistically, tumour-derived ITPF targets the G-protein-coupled receptor TkR99D in stellate cells of Malpighian tubules-an excretory organ that is equivalent to renal tubules4-to activate nitric oxide synthase-cGMP signalling and inhibit fluid excretion. We further uncovered antidiuretic functions of mammalian neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R), the homologue of fly TkR99D, as pharmaceutical blockade of NK3R efficiently alleviates renal tubular dysfunction in mice bearing different malignant tumours. Together, our results demonstrate a novel antidiuretic pathway mediating tumour-renal crosstalk across species and offer therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of cancer-associated renal dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Gerui Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xujun Ye
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pranoto IKA, Lee J, Kwon YV. The roles of the native cell differentiation program aberrantly recapitulated in Drosophila intestinal tumors. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113245. [PMID: 37837622 PMCID: PMC10872463 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113245] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Many tumors recapitulate the developmental and differentiation program of their tissue of origin, a basis for tumor cell heterogeneity. Although stem-cell-like tumor cells are well studied, the roles of tumor cells undergoing differentiation remain to be elucidated. We employ Drosophila genetics to demonstrate that the differentiation program of intestinal stem cells is crucial for enabling intestinal tumors to invade and induce non-tumor-autonomous phenotypes. The differentiation program that generates absorptive cells is aberrantly recapitulated in the intestinal tumors generated by activation of the Yap1 ortholog Yorkie. Inhibiting it allows stem-cell-like tumor cells to grow but suppresses invasiveness and reshapes various phenotypes associated with cachexia-like wasting by altering the expression of tumor-derived factors. Our study provides insight into how a native differentiation program determines a tumor's capacity to induce advanced cancer phenotypes and suggests that manipulating the differentiation programs co-opted in tumors might alleviate complications of cancer, including cachexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiae Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Young V Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu K, Ramkumar N, Wong KKL, Tettweiler G, Verheyen EM. The AMPK-like protein kinases Sik2 and Sik3 interact with Hipk and induce synergistic tumorigenesis in a Drosophila cancer model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1214539. [PMID: 37854071 PMCID: PMC10579798 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1214539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeodomain-interacting protein kinases (Hipks) regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tissue development. Overexpression of Hipk in Drosophila causes tumorigenic phenotypes in larval imaginal discs. We find that depletion of Salt-inducible kinases Sik2 or Sik3 can suppress Hipk-induced overgrowth. Furthermore, co-expression of constitutively active forms of Sik2 or Sik3 with Hipk caused significant tissue hyperplasia and tissue distortion, indicating that both Sik2 and Sik3 can synergize with Hipk to promote tumorous phenotypes, accompanied by elevated dMyc, Armadillo/β-catenin, and the Yorkie target gene expanded. Larvae expressing these hyperplastic growths also display an extended larval phase, characteristic of other Drosophila tumour models. Examination of total protein levels from fly tissues showed that Hipk proteins were reduced when Siks were depleted through RNAi, suggesting that Siks may regulate Hipk protein stability and/or activity. Conversely, expression of constitutively active Siks with Hipk leads to increased Hipk protein levels. Furthermore, Hipk can interact with Sik2 and Sik3 by co-immunoprecipitation. Co-expression of both proteins leads to a mobility shift of Hipk protein, suggesting it is post-translationally modified. In summary, our research demonstrates a novel function of Siks in synergizing with Hipk to promote tumour growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Yu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Niveditha Ramkumar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Kenneth Kin Lam Wong
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Gritta Tettweiler
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Esther M. Verheyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Khalili D, Mohammed M, Kunc M, Sindlerova M, Ankarklev J, Theopold U. Single-cell sequencing of tumor-associated macrophages in a Drosophila model. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243797. [PMID: 37795097 PMCID: PMC10546068 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumor-associated macrophages may act to either limit or promote tumor growth, yet the molecular basis for either path is poorly characterized. Methods We use a larval Drosophila model that expresses a dominant-active version of the Ras-oncogene (RasV12) to study dysplastic growth during early tumor progression. We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing of macrophage-like hemocytes to characterize these cells in tumor- compared to wild-type larvae. Hemocytes included manually extracted tumor-associated- and circulating cells. Results and discussion We identified five distinct hemocyte clusters. In addition to RasV12 larvae, we included a tumor model where the activation of effector caspases was inhibited, mimicking an apoptosis-resistant setting. Circulating hemocytes from both tumor models differ qualitatively from control wild-type cells-they display an enrichment for genes involved in cell division, which was confirmed using proliferation assays. Split analysis of the tumor models further reveals that proliferation is strongest in the caspase-deficient setting. Similarly, depending on the tumor model, hemocytes that attach to tumors activate different sets of immune effectors-antimicrobial peptides dominate the response against the tumor alone, while caspase inhibition induces a shift toward members of proteolytic cascades. Finally, we provide evidence for transcript transfer between hemocytes and possibly other tissues. Taken together, our data support the usefulness of Drosophila to study the response against tumors at the organismic level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dilan Khalili
- The Wenner-Gren Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mubasher Mohammed
- The Wenner-Gren Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Kunc
- The Wenner-Gren Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Martina Sindlerova
- The Wenner-Gren Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Ankarklev
- The Wenner-Gren Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrich Theopold
- The Wenner-Gren Institute, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhou J, Boutros M. Intestinal stem cells and their niches in homeostasis and disease. Cells Dev 2023; 175:203862. [PMID: 37271243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203862] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Tissues such as the intestine harbor stem cells that have remarkable functional plasticity in response to a dynamic environment. To adapt to the environment, stem cells constantly receive information from their surrounding microenvironment (also called the 'niche') that instructs them how to adapt to changes. The Drosophila midgut shows morphological and functional similarities to the mammalian small intestine and has been a useful model system to study signaling events in stem cells and tissue homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the Drosophila midgut regarding how stem cells communicate with microenvironmental niches including enteroblasts, enterocytes, enteroendocrine cells and visceral muscles to coordinate tissue regeneration and homeostasis. In addition, distant cells such as hemocytes or tracheal cells have been shown to interact with stem cells and influence the development of intestinal diseases. We discuss the contribution of stem cell niches in driving or counteracting disease progression, and review conceptual advances derived from the Drosophila intestine as a model for stem cell biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University, Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, BioQuant and Medical Faculty Mannheim, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, China.
| | - Michael Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University, Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, BioQuant and Medical Faculty Mannheim, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Voutyraki C, Choromidis A, Meligkounaki A, Vlachopoulos NA, Theodorou V, Grammenoudi S, Athanasiadis E, Monticelli S, Giangrande A, Delidakis C, Zacharioudaki E. Growth deregulation and interaction with host hemocytes contribute to tumor progression in a Drosophila brain tumor model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2221601120. [PMID: 37549261 PMCID: PMC10438840 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2221601120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors constantly interact with their microenvironment. Here, we present data on a Notch-induced neural stem cell (NSC) tumor in Drosophila, which can be immortalized by serial transplantation in adult hosts. This tumor arises in the larva by virtue of the ability of Notch to suppress early differentiation-promoting factors in NSC progeny. Guided by transcriptome data, we have addressed both tumor-intrinsic and microenvironment-specific factors and how they contribute to tumor growth and host demise. The growth promoting factors Myc, Imp, and Insulin receptor in the tumor cells are important for tumor expansion and killing of the host. From the host's side, hemocytes, professional phagocytic blood cells, are found associated with tumor cells. Phagocytic receptors, like NimC1, are needed in hemocytes to enable them to capture and engulf tumor cells, restricting their growth. In addition to their protective role, hemocytes may also increase the host's morbidity by their propensity to produce damaging extracellular reactive oxygen species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrysanthi Voutyraki
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Alexandros Choromidis
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Anastasia Meligkounaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Andreas Vlachopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Theodorou
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Sofia Grammenoudi
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center Alexander Fleming, 16672Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Athanasiadis
- Greek Genome Centre, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527Athens, Greece
- Medical Image and Signal Processing Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of West Attica, 12243Athens, Greece
| | - Sara Monticelli
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 67400Strasbourg, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104Strasbourg, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1258Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67404Strasbourg, France
| | - Angela Giangrande
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 67400Strasbourg, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104Strasbourg, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1258Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67404Strasbourg, France
| | - Christos Delidakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Evanthia Zacharioudaki
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas, 70013Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kinoshita Y, Shiratsuchi N, Araki M, Inoue YH. Anti-Tumor Effect of Turandot Proteins Induced via the JAK/STAT Pathway in the mxc Hematopoietic Tumor Mutant in Drosophila. Cells 2023; 12:2047. [PMID: 37626857 PMCID: PMC10453024 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Several antimicrobial peptides suppress the growth of lymph gland (LG) tumors in Drosophila multi sex comb (mxc) mutant larvae. The activity of another family of polypeptides, called Turandots, is also induced via the JAK/STAT pathway after bacterial infection; however, their influence on Drosophila tumors remains unclear. The JAK/STAT pathway was activated in LG tumors, fat body, and circulating hemocytes of mutant larvae. The mRNA levels of Turandot (Tot) genes increased markedly in the mutant fat body and declined upon silencing Stat92E in the fat body, indicating the involvement of the JAK/STAT pathway. Furthermore, significantly enhanced tumor growth upon a fat-body-specific silencing of the mRNAs demonstrated the antitumor effects of these proteins. The proteins were found to be incorporated into small vesicles in mutant circulating hemocytes (as previously reported for several antimicrobial peptides) but not normal cells. In addition, more hemocytes containing these proteins were found to be associated with tumors. The mutant LGs contained activated effector caspases, and a fat-body-specific silencing of Tots inhibited apoptosis and increased the number of mitotic cells in the LG, thereby suggesting that the proteins inhibited tumor cell proliferation. Thus, Tot proteins possibly exhibit antitumor effects via the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yoshihiro H. Inoue
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Mastugasaki, Kyoto 606-0962, Japan; (Y.K.); (N.S.); (M.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Aida A, Yuswan K, Kawai Y, Hasegawa K, Nakajima YI, Kuranaga E. Drosophila innate immunity suppresses the survival of xenografted mammalian tumor cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12334. [PMID: 37518191 PMCID: PMC10387472 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38489-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) is an emerging tool established in immunodeficient vertebrate models to assess individualized treatments for cancer patients. Current xenograft models are deficient in adaptive immune systems. However, the precise role of the innate immunity in the xenograft models is unknown. With conserved signaling pathways and established genetic tools, Drosophila has contributed to the understanding of the mechanism of tumor growth as well as tumor-host interactions for decades, making it a promising candidate model for studying whether or not the hosts' innate immunity can accommodate transplanted human tumor cells. Here we show initial observations that assess the behavior and impact of several human tumor cell lines when transplanted into Drosophila. We found that some injected cell lines persisted for a longer duration and reduced hosts' lifespan. In particular, the human lung cancer cell line A549 were observed adjacent to the fly host tissues. We examined two factors that affect the survivability of cancer cells: (1) the optimal temperature of each cell line and (2) the innate immunity of Drosophila hosts. Especially, transplanted human tumor cells survived longer in immunodeficient flies, suggesting that the host innate immune system impedes the growth of xenografted cells. Our attempts for xenografting fly models thus provide necessary steps to overcome for establishing PDX cancer models using invertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Aida
- Laboratory for Histogenetic Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kevin Yuswan
- Laboratory for Histogenetic Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Yoichi Kawai
- Laboratory for Histogenetic Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Keita Hasegawa
- Laboratory for Histogenetic Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Yu-Ichiro Nakajima
- Laboratory for Histogenetic Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Erina Kuranaga
- Laboratory for Histogenetic Dynamics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.
- Laboratory for Histogenetic Dynamics, Graduate School and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8304, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hsi TC, Ong KL, Sepers JJ, Kim J, Bilder D. Systemic coagulopathy promotes host lethality in a new Drosophila tumor model. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3002-3010.e6. [PMID: 37354901 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.05.071] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Malignant tumors trigger a complex network of inflammatory and wound repair responses, prompting Dvorak's characterization of tumors as "wounds that never heal."1 Some of these responses lead to profound defects in blood clotting, such as disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), which correlate with poor prognoses.2,3,4 Here, we demonstrate that a new tumor model in Drosophila provokes phenotypes that resemble coagulopathies observed in patients. Fly ovarian tumors overproduce multiple secreted components of the clotting cascade and trigger hypercoagulation of fly blood (hemolymph). Hypercoagulation occurs shortly after tumor induction and is transient; it is followed by a hypocoagulative state that is defective in wound healing. Cellular clotting regulators accumulate on the tumor over time and are depleted from the body, suggesting that hypocoagulation is caused by exhaustion of host clotting components. We show that rescuing coagulopathy by depleting a tumor-produced clotting factor improves survival of tumor-bearing flies, despite the fact that flies have an open (non-vascular) circulatory system. As clinical studies suggest that lethality in patients with high serum levels of clotting components can be independent of thrombotic events,5,6 our work establishes a platform for identifying alternative mechanisms by which tumor-driven coagulopathy triggers early mortality. Moreover, it opens up exploration of other conserved mechanisms of host responses to chronic wounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Ching Hsi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Katy L Ong
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jorian J Sepers
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jung Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - David Bilder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu Y, Dantas E, Ferrer M, Liu Y, Comjean A, Davidson EE, Hu Y, Goncalves MD, Janowitz T, Perrimon N. Tumor Cytokine-Induced Hepatic Gluconeogenesis Contributes to Cancer Cachexia: Insights from Full Body Single Nuclei Sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.15.540823. [PMID: 37292804 PMCID: PMC10245574 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.15.540823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A primary cause of death in cancer patients is cachexia, a wasting syndrome attributed to tumor-induced metabolic dysregulation. Despite the major impact of cachexia on the treatment, quality of life, and survival of cancer patients, relatively little is known about the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Hyperglycemia detected in glucose tolerance test is one of the earliest metabolic abnormalities observed in cancer patients; however, the pathogenesis by which tumors influence blood sugar levels remains poorly understood. Here, utilizing a Drosophila model, we demonstrate that the tumor secreted interleukin-like cytokine Upd3 induces fat body expression of Pepck1 and Pdk, two key regulatory enzymes of gluconeogenesis, contributing to hyperglycemia. Our data further indicate a conserved regulation of these genes by IL-6/JAK-STAT signaling in mouse models. Importantly, in both fly and mouse cancer cachexia models, elevated gluconeogenesis gene levels are associated with poor prognosis. Altogether, our study uncovers a conserved role of Upd3/IL-6/JAK-STAT signaling in inducing tumor-associated hyperglycemia, which provides insights into the pathogenesis of IL-6 signaling in cancer cachexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ezequiel Dantas
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Miriam Ferrer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724 USA
| | - Yifang Liu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aram Comjean
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Emma E. Davidson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724 USA
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Marcus D. Goncalves
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tobias Janowitz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, NY 11724 USA
- Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, NY 11042 USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Okada M, Takano T, Ikegawa Y, Ciesielski H, Nishida H, Yoo SK. Oncogenic stress-induced Netrin is a humoral signaling molecule that reprograms systemic metabolism in Drosophila. EMBO J 2023:e111383. [PMID: 37140455 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer exerts pleiotropic, systemic effects on organisms, leading to health deterioration and eventually to organismal death. How cancer induces systemic effects on remote organs and the organism itself still remains elusive. Here we describe a role for NetrinB (NetB), a protein with a particularly well-characterized role as a tissue-level axon guidance cue, in mediating oncogenic stress-induced organismal, metabolic reprogramming as a systemic humoral factor. In Drosophila, Ras-induced dysplastic cells upregulate and secrete NetB. Inhibition of either NetB from the transformed tissue or its receptor in the fat body suppresses oncogenic stress-induced organismal death. NetB from the dysplastic tissue remotely suppresses carnitine biosynthesis in the fat body, which is critical for acetyl-CoA generation and systemic metabolism. Supplementation of carnitine or acetyl-CoA ameliorates organismal health under oncogenic stress. This is the first identification, to our knowledge, of a role for the Netrin molecule, which has been studied extensively for its role within tissues, in humorally mediating systemic effects of local oncogenic stress on remote organs and organismal metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morihiro Okada
- Physiological Genetics Laboratory, RIKEN CPR, Kobe, Japan
- Laboratory for Homeodynamics, RIKEN BDR, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomomi Takano
- Physiological Genetics Laboratory, RIKEN CPR, Kobe, Japan
- Laboratory for Homeodynamics, RIKEN BDR, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuko Ikegawa
- Laboratory for Homeodynamics, RIKEN BDR, Kobe, Japan
- Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hanna Ciesielski
- Physiological Genetics Laboratory, RIKEN CPR, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishida
- Physiological Genetics Laboratory, RIKEN CPR, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Cell Physiology, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Sa Kan Yoo
- Physiological Genetics Laboratory, RIKEN CPR, Kobe, Japan
- Laboratory for Homeodynamics, RIKEN BDR, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ferrer M, Anthony TG, Ayres JS, Biffi G, Brown JC, Caan BJ, Cespedes Feliciano EM, Coll AP, Dunne RF, Goncalves MD, Grethlein J, Heymsfield SB, Hui S, Jamal-Hanjani M, Lam JM, Lewis DY, McCandlish D, Mustian KM, O'Rahilly S, Perrimon N, White EP, Janowitz T. Cachexia: A systemic consequence of progressive, unresolved disease. Cell 2023; 186:1824-1845. [PMID: 37116469 PMCID: PMC11059056 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Cachexia, a systemic wasting condition, is considered a late consequence of diseases, including cancer, organ failure, or infections, and contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. The induction process and mechanistic progression of cachexia are incompletely understood. Refocusing academic efforts away from advanced cachexia to the etiology of cachexia may enable discoveries of new therapeutic approaches. Here, we review drivers, mechanisms, organismal predispositions, evidence for multi-organ interaction, model systems, clinical research, trials, and care provision from early onset to late cachexia. Evidence is emerging that distinct inflammatory, metabolic, and neuro-modulatory drivers can initiate processes that ultimately converge on advanced cachexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Ferrer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison Research Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Tracy G Anthony
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Janelle S Ayres
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Giulia Biffi
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Justin C Brown
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Bette J Caan
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | | | - Anthony P Coll
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Richard F Dunne
- University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Marcus D Goncalves
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jonas Grethlein
- Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69117, Germany
| | - Steven B Heymsfield
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Sheng Hui
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mariam Jamal-Hanjani
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London WC1E 6DD, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence and Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Jie Min Lam
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence and Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University College London Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - David Y Lewis
- The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - David McCandlish
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Karen M Mustian
- University of Rochester Medical Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Stephen O'Rahilly
- Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science and MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eileen P White
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Ludwig Princeton Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Tobias Janowitz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Northwell Health Cancer Institute, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY 11042, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sharpe JL, Morgan J, Nisbet N, Campbell K, Casali A. Modelling Cancer Metastasis in Drosophila melanogaster. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050677. [PMID: 36899813 PMCID: PMC10000390 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050677] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis, the process by which tumour cells spread throughout the body and form secondary tumours at distant sites, is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The metastatic cascade is a highly complex process encompassing initial dissemination from the primary tumour, travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system, and the colonisation of distant organs. However, the factors enabling cells to survive this stressful process and adapt to new microenvironments are not fully characterised. Drosophila have proven a powerful system in which to study this process, despite important caveats such as their open circulatory system and lack of adaptive immune system. Historically, larvae have been used to model cancer due to the presence of pools of proliferating cells in which tumours can be induced, and transplanting these larval tumours into adult hosts has enabled tumour growth to be monitored over longer periods. More recently, thanks largely to the discovery that there are stem cells in the adult midgut, adult models have been developed. We focus this review on the development of different Drosophila models of metastasis and how they have contributed to our understanding of important factors determining metastatic potential, including signalling pathways, the immune system and the microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne L. Sharpe
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jason Morgan
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Nicholas Nisbet
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Kyra Campbell
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Andreu Casali
- Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Universitat de Lleida and IRBLleida, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 80, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (A.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Khalili D, Kunc M, Herbrich S, Müller AM, Theopold U. Chitinase-like proteins promoting tumorigenesis through disruption of cell polarity via enlarged endosomal vesicles. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1170122. [PMID: 37188187 PMCID: PMC10175591 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1170122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chitinase-like proteins (CLPs) are associated with tissue-remodeling and inflammation but also with several disorders, including fibrosis, atherosclerosis, allergies, and cancer. However, CLP's role in tumors is far from clear. Methods Here, we utilize Drosophila melanogaster and molecular genetics to investigate the function of CLPs (imaginal disc growth factors; Idgf's) in RasV12 dysplastic salivary glands. Results and discussion We find one of the Idgf's members, Idgf3, is transcriptionally induced in a JNK-dependent manner via a positive feedback loop mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, Idgf3 accumulates in enlarged endosomal vesicles (EnVs) that promote tumor progression by disrupting cytoskeletal organization. The process is mediated via the downstream component, aSpectrin, which localizes to the EnVs. Our data provide new insight into CLP function in tumors and identifies specific targets for tumor control.
Collapse
|
23
|
Kinoshita S, Takarada K, Kinoshita Y, Inoue YH. Drosophila hemocytes recognize lymph gland tumors of mxc mutants and activate the innate immune pathway in a reactive oxygen species-dependent manner. Biol Open 2022; 11:277211. [PMID: 36226812 PMCID: PMC9641529 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of cancer cell recognition and elimination by the innate immune system remains unclear. The immune signaling pathways are activated in the fat body to suppress the tumor growth in mxcmbn1 hematopoietic tumor mutants in Drosophila by inducing antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Here, we investigated the regulatory mechanism underlying the activation in the mutant. Firstly, we found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulated in the hemocytes due to induction of dual oxidase and one of its activators. This was required for the AMP induction and the tumor growth suppression. Next, more hemocytes transplanted from normal larvae were associated with the mutant tumor than normal lymph glands (LGs). Matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 2 (MMP2) were highly expressed in the tumors. The basement membrane components in the tumors were reduced and ultimately lost inside. Depletion of the MMP2 rather than MMP1 resulted in a significantly reduced AMP expression in the mutant larvae. The hemocytes may recognize the disassembly of basement membrane in the tumors and activate the ROS production. Our findings highlight the mechanism via which macrophage-like hemocytes recognize tumor cells and subsequently convey the information to induce AMPs in the fat body. They contribute to uncover the role of innate immune system against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzuko Kinoshita
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Kazuki Takarada
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Yuriko Kinoshita
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro H. Inoue
- Biomedical Research Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan,Author for correspondence ()
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bip-Yorkie interaction determines oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles of Ire1/Xbp1s activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202133119. [PMID: 36215479 PMCID: PMC9586321 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202133119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unfolded protein response (UPR) is the mechanism by which cells control endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein homeostasis. ER proteostasis is essential to adapt to cell proliferation and regeneration in development and tumorigenesis, but mechanisms linking UPR, growth control, and cancer progression remain unclear. Here, we report that the Ire1/Xbp1s pathway has surprisingly oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles in a context-dependent manner. Activation of Ire1/Xbp1s up-regulates their downstream target Bip, which sequesters Yorkie (Yki), a Hippo pathway transducer, in the cytoplasm to restrict Yki transcriptional output. This regulation provides an endogenous defensive mechanism in organ size control, intestinal homeostasis, and regeneration. Unexpectedly, Xbp1 ablation promotes tumor overgrowth but suppresses invasiveness in a Drosophila cancer model. Mechanistically, hyperactivated Ire1/Xbp1s signaling in turn induces JNK-dependent developmental and oncogenic cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via repression of Yki. In humans, a negative correlation between XBP1 and YAP (Yki ortholog) target gene expression specifically exists in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs), and those with high XBP1 or HSPA5 (Bip ortholog) expression have better clinical outcomes. In human TNBC cell lines and xenograft models, ectopic XBP1s or HSPA5 expression alleviates tumor growth but aggravates cell migration and invasion. These findings uncover a conserved crosstalk between the Ire1/Xbp1s and Hippo signaling pathways under physiological settings, as well as a crucial role of Bip-Yki interaction in tumorigenesis that is shared from Drosophila to humans.
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhou L, Xue X, Yang K, Feng Z, Liu M, Pastor-Pareja JC. Convergence of secretory, endosomal, and autophagic routes in trans-Golgi-associated lysosomes. J Cell Biol 2022; 222:213547. [PMID: 36239631 PMCID: PMC9577102 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202203045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
At the trans-Golgi, complex traffic connections exist to the endolysosomal system additional to the main Golgi-to-plasma membrane secretory route. Here, we investigated three hits in a Drosophila screen displaying secretory cargo accumulation in autophagic vesicles: ESCRT-III component Vps20, SNARE-binding Rop, and lysosomal pump subunit VhaPPA1-1. We found that Vps20, Rop, and lysosomal markers localize near the trans-Golgi. Furthermore, we document that the vicinity of the trans-Golgi is the main cellular location for lysosomes and that early, late, and recycling endosomes associate as well with a trans-Golgi-associated degradative compartment where basal microautophagy of secretory cargo and other materials occurs. Disruption of this compartment causes cargo accumulation in our hits, including Munc18 homolog Rop, required with Syx1 and Syx4 for Rab11-mediated endosomal recycling. Finally, besides basal microautophagy, we show that the trans-Golgi-associated degradative compartment contributes to the growth of autophagic vesicles in developmental and starvation-induced macroautophagy. Our results argue that the fly trans-Golgi is the gravitational center of the whole endomembrane system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingjian Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xutong Xue
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Feng
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - José C. Pastor-Pareja
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China,Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China,Institute of Neurosciences, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas–Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Six years ago, DMM launched a subject collection called ‘Drosophila as a Disease Model’. This collection features Review-type articles and original research that highlight the power of Drosophila research in many aspects of human disease modeling. In the ensuing years, Drosophila research has further expanded to capitalize on genome editing, development of resources, and further interest in studying rare disease mechanisms. In the current issue of DMM, we again highlight the versatility, breadth, and scope of Drosophila research in human disease modeling and translational medicine. While many researchers have embraced the power of the fly, many more could still be encouraged to appreciate the strengths of Drosophila and how such research can integrate across species in a multi-pronged approach. Only when we truly acknowledge that all models contribute to our understanding of human biology, can we take advantage of the scope of current research endeavors. Summary: This Editorial encourages us to embrace the power of the fly in studying human disease and highlights how Drosophila studies can be integrated with research in other species to further our understanding of human biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther M Verheyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, CanadaV5A 1S6
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Medina A, Bellec K, Polcowñuk S, Cordero JB. Investigating local and systemic intestinal signalling in health and disease with Drosophila. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274860. [PMID: 35344037 PMCID: PMC8990086 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole-body health relies on complex inter-organ signalling networks that enable organisms to adapt to environmental perturbations and to changes in tissue homeostasis. The intestine plays a major role as a signalling centre by producing local and systemic signals that are relayed to the body and that maintain intestinal and organismal homeostasis. Consequently, disruption of intestinal homeostasis and signalling are associated with systemic diseases and multi-organ dysfunction. In recent years, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as a prime model organism to study tissue-intrinsic and systemic signalling networks of the adult intestine due to its genetic tractability and functional conservation with mammals. In this Review, we highlight Drosophila research that has contributed to our understanding of how the adult intestine interacts with its microenvironment and with distant organs. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding intestinal and whole-body pathophysiology, and how future Drosophila studies might advance our knowledge of the complex interplay between the intestine and the rest of the body in health and disease. Summary: We outline work in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that has contributed knowledge on local and whole-body signalling coordinated by the adult intestine, and discuss its implications in intestinal pathophysiology and associated systemic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andre Medina
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.,CRUK Beatson Institute, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Karen Bellec
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sofia Polcowñuk
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Julia B Cordero
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.,CRUK Beatson Institute, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Cachexia, a wasting syndrome that is often associated with cancer, is one of the primary causes of death in cancer patients. Cancer cachexia occurs largely due to systemic metabolic alterations stimulated by tumors. Despite the prevalence of cachexia, our understanding of how tumors interact with host tissues and how they affect metabolism is limited. Among the challenges of studying tumor-host tissue crosstalk are the complexity of cancer itself and our insufficient knowledge of the factors that tumors release into the blood. Drosophila is emerging as a powerful model in which to identify tumor-derived factors that influence systemic metabolism and tissue wasting. Strikingly, studies that are characterizing factors derived from different fly tumor cachexia models are identifying both common and distinct cachectic molecules, suggesting that cachexia is more than one disease and that fly models can help identify these differences. Here, we review what has been learned from studies of tumor-induced organ wasting in Drosophila and discuss the open questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Choutka C, Cabrera C, Hirabayashi S. Embracing complexity in Drosophila cancer models. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274862. [PMID: 35344038 PMCID: PMC8990082 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, largely due to metastases and cachexia. It is a complex disease that is commonly associated with a variety of comorbidities. With global increases in ageing populations and obesity, multimorbidity is a rapidly growing clinical issue in the context of cancer. Cancer is also genetically heterogeneous, with a tumour's unique profile determining its incidence of metastasis, degree of cachexia and response to therapeutics. These complexities of human cancer are difficult to replicate in animal models and are, in part, responsible for the failures in translational cancer research. In this Perspective, we highlight the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a powerful model organism to investigate multimorbidity and tumour diversity. We also highlight how harnessing these complexities in Drosophila can, potentially, enhance cancer research and advance therapeutic discoveries. Summary: Comorbidities and tumour genetic diversity more accurately reflect the cancer patient landscape but are largely neglected in animal models. Drosophila holds the potential to address these complexities to better understand their impacts on cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Choutka
- Medical Research Council London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Cecilia Cabrera
- Medical Research Council London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Susumu Hirabayashi
- Medical Research Council London Institute of Medical Sciences, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Conditional CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing in Drosophila to Generate Intestinal Tumors. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113156. [PMID: 34831379 PMCID: PMC8620722 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR-Cas has revolutionized genetics and extensive efforts have been made to enhance its editing efficiency by developing increasingly more elaborate tools. Here, we evaluate the CRISPR-Cas9 system in Drosophila melanogaster to assess its ability to induce stem cell-derived tumors in the intestine. We generated conditional tissue-specific CRISPR knockouts using different Cas9 expression vectors with guide RNAs targeting the BMP, Notch, and JNK pathways in intestinal progenitors such as stem cells (ISCs) and enteroblasts (EBs). Perturbing Notch and BMP signaling increased the proliferation of ISCs/EBs and resulted in the formation of intestinal tumors, albeit with different efficiencies. By assessing both the anterior and posterior regions of the midgut, we observed regional differences in ISC/EB proliferation and tumor formation upon mutagenesis. Surprisingly, high continuous expression of Cas9 in ISCs/EBs blocked age-dependent increase in ISCs/EBs proliferation and when combined with gRNAs targeting tumor suppressors, it prevented tumorigenesis. However, no such effects were seen when temporal parameters of Cas9 were adjusted to regulate its expression levels or with a genetically modified version, which expresses Cas9 at lower levels, suggesting that fine-tuning Cas9 expression is essential to avoid deleterious effects. Our findings suggest that modifications to Cas9 expression results in differences in editing efficiency and careful considerations are required when choosing reagents for CRISPR-Cas9 mutagenesis studies. In summary, Drosophila can serve as a powerful model for context-dependent CRISPR-Cas based perturbations and to test genome-editing systems in vivo.
Collapse
|
31
|
Drosophila melanogaster as a Model Organism to Study Lithium and Boron Bioactivity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111710. [PMID: 34769143 PMCID: PMC8584156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has become a valuable model organism in nutritional science, which can be applied to elucidate the physiology and the biological function of nutrients, including trace elements. Importantly, the application of chemically defined diets enables the supply of trace elements for nutritional studies under highly standardized dietary conditions. Thus, the bioavailability and bioactivity of trace elements can be systematically monitored in D. melanogaster. Numerous studies have already revealed that central aspects of trace element homeostasis are evolutionary conserved among the fruit fly and mammalian species. While there is sufficient evidence of vital functions of boron (B) in plants, there is also evidence regarding its bioactivity in animals and humans. Lithium (Li) is well known for its role in the therapy of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, recent findings suggest beneficial effects of Li regarding neuroprotection as well as healthy ageing and longevity in D. melanogaster. However, no specific essential function in the animal kingdom has been found for either of the two elements so far. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of Li and B bioactivity in D. melanogaster in the context of health and disease prevention.
Collapse
|
32
|
Kim J, Chuang HC, Wolf NK, Nicolai CJ, Raulet DH, Saijo K, Bilder D. Tumor-induced disruption of the blood-brain barrier promotes host death. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2712-2721.e4. [PMID: 34496290 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer patients often die from symptoms that manifest at a distance from any tumor. Mechanisms underlying these systemic physiological perturbations, called paraneoplastic syndromes, may benefit from investigation in non-mammalian systems. Using a non-metastatic Drosophila adult model, we find that malignant-tumor-produced cytokines drive widespread host activation of JAK-STAT signaling and cause premature lethality. STAT activity is particularly high in cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), where it induces aberrant BBB permeability. Remarkably, inhibiting STAT in the BBB not only rescues barrier function but also extends the lifespan of tumor-bearing hosts. We identify BBB damage in other pathological conditions that cause elevated inflammatory signaling, including obesity and infection, where BBB permeability also regulates host survival. IL-6-dependent BBB dysfunction is further seen in a mouse tumor model, and it again promotes host morbidity. Therefore, BBB alterations constitute a conserved lethal tumor-host interaction that also underlies other physiological morbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hsiu-Chun Chuang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Natalie K Wolf
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Christopher J Nicolai
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - David H Raulet
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kaoru Saijo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - David Bilder
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| |
Collapse
|