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Tuo Z, Zhang Y, Li D, Wang Y, Wu R, Wang J, Yu Q, Ye L, Shao F, Wusiman D, Yang Y, Yoo KH, Ke M, Okoli UA, Cho WC, Heavey S, Wei W, Feng D. Relationship between clonal evolution and drug resistance in bladder cancer: A genomic research review. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107302. [PMID: 39004242 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer stands as a prevalent global malignancy, exhibiting notable sex-based variations in both incidence and prognosis. Despite substantial strides in therapeutic approaches, the formidable challenge of drug resistance persists. The genomic landscape of bladder cancer, characterized by intricate clonal heterogeneity, emerges as a pivotal determinant in fostering this resistance. Clonal evolution, encapsulating the dynamic transformations within subpopulations of tumor cells over time, is implicated in the emergence of drug-resistant traits. Within this review, we illuminate contemporary insights into the role of clonal evolution in bladder cancer, elucidating its influence as a driver in tumor initiation, disease progression, and the formidable obstacle of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouting Tuo
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Dengxiong Li
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yetong Wang
- The Fourth Corps of Students of the Basic Medical College, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ruicheng Wu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qingxin Yu
- Department of Pathology, Ningbo Clinical Pathology Diagnosis Center, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province 315211, China
| | - Luxia Ye
- Department of Public Research Platform, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Fanglin Shao
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Dilinaer Wusiman
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Yubo Yang
- Department of Urology, Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, Wanzhou 404000, China
| | - Koo Han Yoo
- Department of Urology, Kyung Hee University, South Korea
| | - Mang Ke
- Department of Urology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, China
| | - Uzoamaka Adaobi Okoli
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TS, UK; Basic and Translational Cancer Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR China.
| | - Susan Heavey
- Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TS, UK.
| | - Wuran Wei
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Dechao Feng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TS, UK.
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2
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Wang X, Xue X, Pang M, Yu L, Qian J, Li X, Tian M, Lyu A, Lu C, Liu Y. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer: signaling pathways and therapeutic targets. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e659. [PMID: 39092293 PMCID: PMC11292400 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, cancer is still a leading cause of human death globally. Tumor deterioration comprises multiple events including metastasis, therapeutic resistance and immune evasion, all of which are tightly related to the phenotypic plasticity especially epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). Tumor cells with EMP are manifest in three states as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), partial EMT, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition, which orchestrate the phenotypic switch and heterogeneity of tumor cells via transcriptional regulation and a series of signaling pathways, including transforming growth factor-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch. However, due to the complicated nature of EMP, the diverse process of EMP is still not fully understood. In this review, we systematically conclude the biological background, regulating mechanisms of EMP as well as the role of EMP in therapy response. We also summarize a range of small molecule inhibitors, immune-related therapeutic approaches, and combination therapies that have been developed to target EMP for the outstanding role of EMP-driven tumor deterioration. Additionally, we explore the potential technique for EMP-based tumor mechanistic investigation and therapeutic research, which may burst vigorous prospects. Overall, we elucidate the multifaceted aspects of EMP in tumor progression and suggest a promising direction of cancer treatment based on targeting EMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangpeng Wang
- School of Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoxia Xue
- School of Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Mingshi Pang
- School of Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Liuchunyang Yu
- School of Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jinxiu Qian
- School of Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Meng Tian
- School of Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Aiping Lyu
- School of Chinese MedicineHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloonHong KongChina
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical MedicineChina Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yuanyan Liu
- School of Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
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3
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Tong T, Huang M, Yan B, Lin B, Yu J, Teng Q, Li P, Pang J. Hippo signaling modulation and its biological implications in urological malignancies. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 98:101280. [PMID: 38870717 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101280] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Although cancer diagnosis and treatment have rapidly advanced in recent decades, urological malignancies, which have high morbidity and mortality rates, are among the most difficult diseases to treat. The Hippo signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway in organ size control and tissue homeostasis maintenance. Its downstream effectors, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), are key modulators of numerous physiological and pathological processes. Recent work clearly indicates that Hippo signaling is frequently altered in human urological malignancies. In this review, we discuss the disparate viewpoints on the upstream regulators of YAP/TAZ and their downstream targets and systematically summarize the biological implications. More importantly, we highlight the molecular mechanisms involved in Hippo-YAP signaling to improve our understanding of its role in every stage of prostate cancer, bladder cancer and kidney cancer progression. A better understanding of the biological outcomes of YAP/TAZ modulation will contribute to the establishment of future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyu Tong
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China; Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Mengjun Huang
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China; Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Binyuan Yan
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Bingbiao Lin
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China; Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, No. 7 Raoping Road, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Jiaying Yu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Qiliang Teng
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China; Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Peng Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China.
| | - Jun Pang
- Department of Urology, Pelvic Floor Disorders Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China.
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4
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Meng X, Zheng Y, Zhang L, Liu P, Liu Z, He Y. Single-Cell Analyses Reveal the Metabolic Heterogeneity and Plasticity of the Tumor Microenvironment during Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression. Cancer Res 2024; 84:2468-2483. [PMID: 38718319 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer. In addition to metabolic alterations in the tumor cells, multiple other metabolically active cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contribute to the emergence of a tumor-specific metabolic milieu. Here, we defined the metabolic landscape of the TME during the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by performing single-cell RNA sequencing on 26 human patient specimens, including normal tissue, precancerous lesions, early stage cancer, advanced-stage cancer, lymph node metastases, and recurrent tumors. The analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity at the transcriptional, developmental, metabolic, and functional levels in different cell types. SPP1+ macrophages were identified as a protumor and prometastatic macrophage subtype with high fructose and mannose metabolism, which was further substantiated by integrative analysis and validation experiments. An inhibitor of fructose metabolism reduced the proportion of SPP1+ macrophages, reshaped the immunosuppressive TME, and suppressed tumor growth. In conclusion, this work delineated the metabolic landscape of HNSCC at a single-cell resolution and identified fructose metabolism as a key metabolic feature of a protumor macrophage subpopulation. Significance: Fructose and mannose metabolism is a metabolic feature of a protumor and prometastasis macrophage subtype and can be targeted to reprogram macrophages and the microenvironment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Meng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zheng
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lingfang Zhang
- Suzhou Lingdian Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Peipei Liu
- Suzhou Lingdian Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Suzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhonglong Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yue He
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial & Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology Shanghai, Shanghai, P.R. China
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5
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Lopez-Cerda M, Lorenzo-Sanz L, da Silva-Diz V, Llop S, Penin RM, Bermejo JO, de Goeij-de Haas R, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Jimenez CR, Martin-Liberal J, Muñoz P. IGF1R signaling induces epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity via ITGAV in cutaneous carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:211. [PMID: 39075581 PMCID: PMC11285232 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03119-3] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) generally show epithelial differentiation features and good prognosis, whereas advanced cSCCs present mesenchymal traits associated with tumor relapse, metastasis, and poor survival. Currently, the mechanisms involved in cSCC progression are unclear, and the established markers are suboptimal for accurately predicting the clinical course of the disease. METHODS Using a mouse model of cSCC progression, expression microarray analysis, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry assays, we have identified a prognostic biomarker of tumor relapse, which has been evaluated in a cohort of cSCC patient samples. Phosphoproteomic analysis have revealed signaling pathways induced in epithelial plastic cancer cells that promote epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and tumor progression. These pathways have been validated by genetic and pharmacological inhibition assays. RESULTS We show that the emergence of epithelial cancer cells expressing integrin αV (ITGAV) promotes cSCC progression to a mesenchymal state. Consistently, ITGAV expression allows the identification of patients at risk of cSCC relapse above the currently employed clinical histopathological parameters. We also demonstrate that activation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) pathway in epithelial cancer cells is necessary to induce EMP and mesenchymal state acquisition in response to tumor microenvironment-derived factors, while promoting ITGAV expression. Likewise, ITGAV knockdown in epithelial plastic cancer cells also blocks EMP acquisition, generating epithelial tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that ITGAV is a prognostic biomarker of relapse in cSCCs that would allow improved patient stratification. ITGAV also collaborates with IGF1R to induce EMP in epithelial cancer cells and promotes cSCC progression, revealing a potential therapeutic strategy to block the generation of advanced mesenchymal cSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lopez-Cerda
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Laura Lorenzo-Sanz
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria da Silva-Diz
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, 08901, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Sandra Llop
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) L'Hospitalet, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa M Penin
- Pathology Service, Bellvitge University Hospital/IDIBELL, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Oriol Bermejo
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital/IDIBELL, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Richard de Goeij-de Haas
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sander R Piersma
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thang V Pham
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jimenez
- OncoProteomics Laboratory, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, 1081HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Juan Martin-Liberal
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) L'Hospitalet, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Purificación Muñoz
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
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6
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Liu D, van der Zalm AP, Koster J, Bootsma S, Oyarce C, van Laarhoven HWM, Bijlsma MF. Predictive Biomarkers for Response to TGF- β Inhibition in Resensitizing Chemo(radiated) Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2024; 207:107315. [PMID: 39059615 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been identified as a driver of therapy resistance, particularly in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), where transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) can induce this process. Inhibitors of TGF-β may counteract the occurrence of mesenchymal, resistant tumor cell populations following chemo(radio)therapy and improve treatment outcomes in EAC. Here, we aimed to identify predictive biomarkers for the response to TGF-β targeting. In vitro approximations of neoadjuvant treatment were applied to publicly available primary EAC cell lines. TGF-β inhibitors fresolimumab and A83-01 were employed to inhibit EMT, and mesenchymal markers were quantified via flow cytometry to assess efficacy. Our results demonstrated a robust induction of mesenchymal cell states following chemoradiation, with TGF-β inhibition leading to variable reductions in mesenchymal markers. The cell lines were clustered into responders and non-responders. Genomic expression profiles were obtained through RNA-seq analysis. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis identified 10 positively- and 23 negatively-associated hub genes, which were bioinformatically identified. Furthermore, the correlation of DEGs with response to TGF-β inhibition was examined using public pharmacogenomic databases, revealing 9 positively associated and 11 negatively associated DEGs. Among these, ERBB2, EFNB1, and TNS4 were the most promising candidates. Our findings reveal a distinct gene expression pattern associated with the response to TGF-β inhibition in chemo(radiated) EAC. The identified DEGs and predictive markers may assist patient selection in clinical studies investigating TGF-β targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dajia Liu
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Amber P van der Zalm
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Bootsma
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cesar Oyarce
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hanneke W M van Laarhoven
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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7
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Jain P, Kizhuttil R, Nair MB, Bhatia S, Thompson EW, George JT, Jolly MK. Cell-state transitions and density-dependent interactions together explain the dynamics of spontaneous epithelial-mesenchymal heterogeneity. iScience 2024; 27:110310. [PMID: 39055927 PMCID: PMC11269952 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cell populations comprise phenotypes distributed among the epithelial-mesenchymal (E-M) spectrum. However, it remains unclear which population-level processes give rise to the observed experimental distribution and dynamical changes in E-M heterogeneity, including (1) differential growth, (2) cell-state switching, and (3) population density-dependent growth or state-transition rates. Here, we analyze the necessity of these three processes in explaining the dynamics of E-M population distributions as observed in PMC42-LA and HCC38 breast cancer cells. We find that, while cell-state transition is necessary to reproduce experimental observations of dynamical changes in E-M fractions, including density-dependent growth interactions (cooperation or suppression) better explains the data. Further, our models predict that treatment of HCC38 cells with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/3) inhibitors enhances the rate of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) instead of lowering that of E-M transition (EMT). Overall, our study identifies the population-level processes shaping the dynamics of spontaneous E-M heterogeneity in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | - Madhav B. Nair
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Sugandha Bhatia
- School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) at Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Erik W. Thompson
- Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD, Australia
| | - Jason T. George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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8
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Sahoo S, Ramu S, Nair MG, Pillai M, San Juan BP, Milioli HZ, Mandal S, Naidu CM, Mavatkar AD, Subramaniam H, Neogi AG, Chaffer CL, Prabhu JS, Somarelli JA, Jolly MK. Increased prevalence of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state and enhanced phenotypic heterogeneity in basal breast cancer. iScience 2024; 27:110116. [PMID: 38974967 PMCID: PMC11225361 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral phenotypic heterogeneity promotes tumor relapse and therapeutic resistance and remains an unsolved clinical challenge. Decoding the interconnections among different biological axes of plasticity is crucial to understand the molecular origins of phenotypic heterogeneity. Here, we use multi-modal transcriptomic data-bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomics-from breast cancer cell lines and primary tumor samples, to identify associations between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and luminal-basal plasticity-two key processes that enable heterogeneity. We show that luminal breast cancer strongly associates with an epithelial cell state, but basal breast cancer is associated with hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype(s) and higher phenotypic heterogeneity. Mathematical modeling of core underlying gene regulatory networks representative of the crosstalk between the luminal-basal and epithelial-mesenchymal axes elucidate mechanistic underpinnings of the observed associations from transcriptomic data. Our systems-based approach integrating multi-modal data analysis with mechanism-based modeling offers a predictive framework to characterize intra-tumor heterogeneity and identify interventions to restrict it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarthak Sahoo
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Soundharya Ramu
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Madhumathy G. Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Maalavika Pillai
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | | | | | - Susmita Mandal
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Chandrakala M. Naidu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Apoorva D. Mavatkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Harini Subramaniam
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Arpita G. Neogi
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Christine L. Chaffer
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- University of New South Wales, UNSW Medicine, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Jyothi S. Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560012, India
| | | | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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9
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Zheng R, He Y, Yang L, Chen Y, Wang R, Xie S. Nischarin inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process and angiogenesis in breast cancer cells by inactivating FAK/ERK signaling pathway via EGF like repeats and discoidin domains 3. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:821. [PMID: 39023636 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09776-z] [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: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study has demonstrated that Nischarin (NISCH) exerts its antitumor effects in breast cancer (BC) by suppressing cell migration and invasion. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanism through which NISCH functions in BC. METHODS AND RESULTS The relevance between EGF Like Repeats and Discoidin Domains 3 (EDIL3) mRNA expression and the overall survival of tumor patients was depicted by the Kaplan-Meier curve. The findings revealed that overexpressed NISCH attenuated cell motility and colony-forming capacities of Hs578T cells, yet silenced NISCH in MDA-MB-231 cells led to contrasting results. Western blot (WB) analysis indicated that overexpression of NISCH significantly down-regulated the Vimentin and Slug expression, and inactivated the FAK/ERK signaling pathway. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed in NISCH-overexpressed Hs578T cells and the control cells to analyze differentially expressed genes (DeGs), and the results showed a significant down-regulation of EDIL3 mRNA level upon overexpression of NISCH. Subsequent functional analyses demonstrated that overexpression of EDIL3 attenuated the inhibitory effect of NISCH on cell migration, invasion, colony formation, and tube formation. CONCLUSION In summary, our finding preliminarily revealed that NISCH inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and angiogenesis in BC cells by down-regulating EDIL3 to inactivate the FAK/ERK signaling pathway, thereby suppressing the progression of BC. Our results hold promise for contributing to the deep understanding of BC pathogenesis and identifying new therapeutic strategies for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruzhen Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yibo He
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Yanguan Lane 34, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingrong Yang
- Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yidan Chen
- Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Yanguan Lane 34, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shangnao Xie
- Department of Oncology Surgery, Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Yanguan Lane 34, Hangzhou, 310002, Zhejiang, China.
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10
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Xin Z, Qin L, Tang Y, Guo S, Li F, Fang Y, Li G, Yao Y, Zheng B, Zhang B, Wu D, Xiao J, Ni C, Wei Q, Zhang T. Immune mediated support of metastasis: Implication for bone invasion. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024. [PMID: 39003618 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12584] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone is a common organ affected by metastasis in various advanced cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, and melanoma. Once a patient is diagnosed with bone metastasis, the patient's quality of life and overall survival are significantly reduced owing to a wide range of morbidities and the increasing difficulty of treatment. Many studies have shown that bone metastasis is closely related to bone microenvironment, especially bone immune microenvironment. However, the effects of various immune cells in the bone microenvironment on bone metastasis remain unclear. Here, we described the changes in various immune cells during bone metastasis and discussed their related mechanisms. Osteoblasts, adipocytes, and other non-immune cells closely related to bone metastasis were also included. This review also summarized the existing treatment methods and potential therapeutic targets, and provided insights for future studies of cancer bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengfeng Xin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Luying Qin
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yang Tang
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Guo
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Fangfang Li
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Gege Li
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yihan Yao
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Binbin Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Bicheng Zhang
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Dang Wu
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jie Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital (Jiande Branch), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Chao Ni
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Qichun Wei
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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11
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Sanjaya A, Ratnawati H, Adhika OA, Rahmatilah FR. The heterogeneity of breast cancer metastasis: a bioinformatics analysis utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing data. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024:10.1007/s10549-024-07428-1. [PMID: 38992286 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women, and its metastasis is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can distinguish the molecular characteristics of metastasis and identify predictor genes for patient prognosis. This article explores gene expression in primary breast cancer tumor tissue against metastatic cells in the lymph node and liver using scRNA-seq. METHODS Breast cancer scRNA-seq data from the Gene Expression Omnibus were used. The data were processed using R and the Seurat package. The cells were clustered and identified using Metascape. InferCNV is used to analyze the variation in copy number. Differential expression analysis was conducted for the cancer cells using Seurat and was enriched using Metascape. RESULTS We identified 18 distinct cell clusters, 6 of which were epithelial. CNV analysis identified significant alterations with duplication of chromosomes 1, 8, and 19. Differential gene analysis resulted in 17 upregulated and 171 downregulated genes for the primary tumor in the primary tumor vs. liver metastasis comparison and 43 upregulated and 4 downregulated genes in the primary tumor in the primary tumor vs lymph node metastasis comparison. Several enriched terms include Ribosome biogenesis, NTP synthesis, Epithelial dedifferentiation, Autophagy, and genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions. CONCLUSION No single gene or pathway can clearly explain the mechanisms behind tumor metastasis. Several mechanisms contribute to lymph node and liver metastasis, such as the loss of differentiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and autophagy. These findings necessitate further study of metastatic tissue for effective drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardo Sanjaya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Jl. Surya Sumantri No. 65, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia.
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Hana Ratnawati
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Oeij Anindita Adhika
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Jl. Surya Sumantri No. 65, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Faiz Rizqy Rahmatilah
- Undergraduate Program in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia
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12
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Zhang Q, Dunbar KB, Odze RD, Agoston AT, Wang X, Su T, Nguyen AD, Zhang X, Spechler SJ, Souza RF. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α mediates reflux-induced epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in Barrett's oesophagus patients. Gut 2024; 73:1269-1279. [PMID: 38641363 PMCID: PMC11239289 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), the process through which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal features, is needed for wound repair but also might contribute to cancer initiation. Earlier, in vitro studies showed that Barrett's cells exposed to acidic bile salt solutions (ABS) develop EMP. Now, we have (1) induced reflux oesophagitis in Barrett's oesophagus (BO) patients by stopping proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), (2) assessed their biopsies for EMP and (3) explored molecular pathways underlying reflux-induced EMP in BO cells and spheroids. METHODS 15 BO patients had endoscopy with biopsies of Barrett's metaplasia while on PPIs, and 1 and 2 weeks after stopping PPIs; RNA-seq data were assessed for enrichments in hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), angiogenesis and EMP pathways. In BO biopsies, cell lines and spheroids, EMP features (motility) and markers (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ZEB1, miR-200a&b) were evaluated by morphology, migration assays, immunostaining and qPCR; HIF-1α was knocked down with siRNA or shRNA. RESULTS At 1 and/or 2 weeks off PPIs, BO biopsies exhibited EMP features and markers, with significant enrichment for HIF-1α, angiogenesis and EMP pathways. In BO cells, ABS induced HIF-1α activation, which decreased miR-200a&b while increasing VEGF, ZEB1 and motility; HIF-1α knockdown blocked these effects. After ABS treatment, BO spheroids exhibited migratory protrusions showing nuclear HIF-1α, increased VEGF and decreased miR-200a&b. CONCLUSIONS In BO patients, reflux oesophagitis induces EMP changes associated with increased HIF-1α signalling in Barrett's metaplasia. In Barrett's cells, ABS trigger EMP via HIF-1α signalling. Thus, HIF-1α appears to play a key role in mediating reflux-induced EMP that might contribute to cancer in BO. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02579460.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kerry B Dunbar
- Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Internal Medicine, VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Robert D Odze
- Department of Pathology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Robert D Odze Pathology, LLC, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Agoston T Agoston
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xuan Wang
- Biostatistics Core, Baylor Scott & White Research Insitute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Tianhong Su
- Department of Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Anh D Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Stuart Jon Spechler
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rhonda F Souza
- Department of Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Center for Esophageal Research, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, Texas, USA
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13
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Zhu C, Chen Z, Wang S, Cao J, Cheng Y, Zheng M. Single-cell analyzing of tumor microenvironment and cell adhesion between early and late-stage lung cancer. Mol Immunol 2024; 171:1-11. [PMID: 38696904 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.04.013] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly heterogeneous disease that threaten human life with serious incidence and high mortality. High heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment (TME) was reported in multiple studies. However, the factor of controlling the tumor migration progression between eary and late-stage LUAD is still not fully understood. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of LUAD obtained from the GEO database. The identification of cell clusters revealed significant expansion of epithelial cells in late-stage patients. Interpretation of the cell-cell communication results between early-stage and late-stage patient samples indicated that early tumor cells may interact with epithelial cells through the TGF-β pathway to promote tumor progression. The cell cycle analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the number of cells in the G2 and M phases in late-stage lung cancer. Further analysis using Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) revealed early-stage cell-specific gene features involved in cell adhesion-related biological processes. Among these, the Tensin (TNS) gene family, particularly TNS1, showed high expression in epithelial cells and fibroblasts of early-stage samples, specifically associated with cell adhesion. Survival analysis using TCGA database for LUAD demonstrated that patients with high expression of TNS1 exhibited significantly higher overall survival rates compared to those with low expression. Immunofluorescence experiments have demonstrated co-expression of TNS1 with fibroblast and tumor cell markers (α-SMA and EPCAM). Immunohistochemistry experiments further validated the significantly higher expression levels of TNS1 in early-stage LUAD tissues compared to late-stage lung cancer tissues (P<0.05). Pathway experiments have shown that early-stage tumor patients with high expression of TNS1 exhibit stronger phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR, indicating a more potent activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that TNS1 is an adhesive molecule in the immune microenvironment of early-stage tumor cells, and it may serve as a novel prognostic marker for lug cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaonan Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China.
| | - Zhiquan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
| | - Junmei Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
| | - Maogen Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, China
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14
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Yang Y, Shao X, Li Z, Zhang L, Yang B, Jin B, Hu X, Qu X, Che X, Liu Y. Prognostic heterogeneity of Ki67 in non-small cell lung cancer: A comprehensive reappraisal on immunohistochemistry and transcriptional data. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18521. [PMID: 39021279 PMCID: PMC11255407 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18521] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the debatable prognostic value of Ki67 in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was attributed to the heterogeneity between lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC). Based on meta-analyses of 29 studies, a retrospective immunohistochemical cohort of 1479 patients from our center, eight transcriptional datasets and a single-cell datasets with 40 patients, we found that high Ki67 expression suggests a poor outcome in LUAD, but conversely, low Ki67 expression indicates worse prognosis in LUSC. Furthermore, low proliferation in LUSC is associated with higher metastatic capacity, which is related to the stronger epithelial-mesenchymal transition potential, immunosuppressive microenvironment and angiogenesis. Finally, nomogram model incorporating clinical risk factors and Ki67 expression outperformed the basic clinical model for the accurate prognostic prediction of LUSC. With the largest prognostic assessment of Ki67 from protein to mRNA level, our study highlights that Ki67 also has an important prognostic value in NSCLC, but separate evaluation of LUAD and LUSC is necessary to provide more valuable information for clinical decision-making in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Yang
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning ProvinceThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of ShenyangThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xinye Shao
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning ProvinceThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of ShenyangThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of ShenyangThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Bowen Yang
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Bo Jin
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of ShenyangThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Xuejun Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Disease of GeriatricsThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning ProvinceThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of ShenyangThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Xiaofang Che
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning ProvinceThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of ShenyangThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yunpeng Liu
- Department of Medical OncologyThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning ProvinceThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of ShenyangThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
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15
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Bracken CP, Goodall GJ, Gregory PA. RNA regulatory mechanisms controlling TGF-β signaling and EMT in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 102-103:4-16. [PMID: 38917876 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.06.001] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major contributor to metastatic progression and is prominently regulated by TGF-β signalling. Both EMT and TGF-β pathway components are tightly controlled by non-coding RNAs - including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) - that collectively have major impacts on gene expression and resulting cellular states. While miRNAs are the best characterised regulators of EMT and TGF-β signaling and the miR-200-ZEB1/2 feedback loop plays a central role, important functions for lncRNAs and circRNAs are also now emerging. This review will summarise our current understanding of the roles of non-coding RNAs in EMT and TGF-β signaling with a focus on their functions in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron P Bracken
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
| | - Gregory J Goodall
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
| | - Philip A Gregory
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
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16
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Ma Y, Wang Y, Wang C, Wang Y, Hu J, Zhang Z, Dong T, Chen X. miR-200a-3p promotes the malignancy of endometrial carcinoma through negative regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:243. [PMID: 38916621 PMCID: PMC11199454 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01106-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND miR-200a-3p is involved in the progression of malignant behavior in various tumors, and its mechanism of action in endometrial cancer is speculated to be related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Therefore, this study explored the metastatic mechanism of miR-200a-3p and EMT in endometrial cancer, with the aim of identifying potential therapeutic targets. METHODS qRT-PCR was used to analyze miR-200a-3p expression in HEC-1B and Ishikawa cell lines. The cell proliferation assay, transwell assay, and cell scratch test were used to assess changes in the malignant phenotypes of cells after regulating miR-200a-3p expression. Changes in EMT-related protein zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) were detected after regulating miR-200a-3p expression. An endometrial carcinoma transplantation mouse tumor model was constructed, and multiple EMT-related proteins were examined. RESULTS The expression of miR-200a-3p and ZEB1 in the endometrial cancer cell lines was higher than in normal endometrial epithelial cell lines (P < 0.05). After silencing miR-200a-3p, the expression of EMT-related protein ZEB1 increased, indicating a negative correlation. Simultaneously, the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of endometrial cancer cells were significantly enhanced. After miR-200a-3p overexpression, the corresponding malignant phenotype was reversed (P < 0.05). In in vivo experiments, the degree of tumor malignancy and the expression level of EMT-related proteins were significantly reduced in the miR-200a-3p mimic group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study found that miR-200a-3p is a promising target, regulating the EMT process and promoting endometrial cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ma
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yiru Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Can Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jingshu Hu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zexue Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Tuo Dong
- Department of Hygienic Microbiology, Public Health College, Harbin Medical University, No. 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Xiuwei Chen
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No. 150 Haping Road, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang, China.
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17
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Song K, Ma C, Maswikiti EP, Gu B, Wang B, Wang N, Jiang P, Chen H. Downregulation of ALDH5A1 suppresses cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating ferroptosis signaling pathways. Mol Carcinog 2024. [PMID: 38923019 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23778] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the specific role and underlying mechanisms of ALDH5A1 in the chemoresistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The levels of cleaved caspase-3, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), intracellular Fe2+, and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated via immunofluorescence. Cell viability and migration were quantified using cell counting kit-8 assays and wound healing assays, respectively. Flow cytometry was utilized to analyze cell apoptosis and ROS production. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Proteome profiling was performed using data-independent acquisition. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model of ESCC was established to investigate the relationship between ALDH5A1 expression and the cisplatin (DDP)-resistance mechanism in vivo. ALDH5A1 is overexpressed in both ESCC patients and ESCC/DDP cells. Silencing of ALDH5A1 significantly enhances the inhibitory effects of DDP treatment on the viability and migration of KYSE30/DDP and KYSE150/DDP cells and promotes apoptosis. Furthermore, it intensifies DDP's suppressive effects on tumor volume and weight in nude mice. Gene ontology biological process analysis has shown that ferroptosis plays a crucial role in both KYSE30/DDP cells and KYSE30/DDP cells transfected with si-ALDH5A1. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that DDP treatment promotes the accumulation of ROS, lipid ROS, MDA, LPO, and intracellular Fe2+ content, increases the levels of proteins that promote ferroptosis (ACSL4 and FTH1), and decreases the expression of anti-ferroptosis proteins (SLC7A11, FTL, and GPX4). Silencing of ALDH5A1 further amplifies the regulatory effects of DDP both in vitro and in vivo. ALDH5A1 potentially acts as an oncogene in ESCC chemoresistance. Silencing of ALDH5A1 can reduce DDP resistance in ESCC through promoting ferroptosis signaling pathways. These findings suggest a promising strategy for the treatment of ESCC in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Song
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Public Health, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Chenhui Ma
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Baohong Gu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bofang Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Na Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pei Jiang
- Translational Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Tumor Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
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18
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Lorenzo-Sanz L, Lopez-Cerda M, da Silva-Diz V, Artés MH, Llop S, Penin RM, Bermejo JO, Gonzalez-Suarez E, Esteller M, Viñals F, Espinosa E, Oliva M, Piulats JM, Martin-Liberal J, Muñoz P. Cancer cell plasticity defines response to immunotherapy in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5352. [PMID: 38914547 PMCID: PMC11196727 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49718-8] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) approaches have changed the therapeutic landscape for many tumor types. However, half of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) patients remain unresponsive or develop resistance. Here, we show that, during cSCC progression in male mice, cancer cells acquire epithelial/mesenchymal plasticity and change their immune checkpoint (IC) ligand profile according to their features, dictating the IC pathways involved in immune evasion. Epithelial cancer cells, through the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, and mesenchymal cancer cells, through the CTLA-4/CD80 and TIGIT/CD155 pathways, differentially block antitumor immune responses and determine the response to ICB therapies. Accordingly, the anti-PD-L1/TIGIT combination is the most effective strategy for blocking the growth of cSCCs that contain both epithelial and mesenchymal cancer cells. The expression of E-cadherin/Vimentin/CD80/CD155 proteins in cSCC, HNSCC and melanoma patient samples predicts response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy. Collectively, our findings indicate that the selection of ICB therapies should take into account the epithelial/mesenchymal features of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lorenzo-Sanz
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marta Lopez-Cerda
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria da Silva-Diz
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, 08901, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Marta H Artés
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Llop
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa M Penin
- Pathology Service, Bellvitge University Hospital/IDIBELL, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Oriol Bermejo
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital/IDIBELL, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Gonzalez-Suarez
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Oncology, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010, Barcelona, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08908, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Viñals
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08908, Barcelona, Spain
- Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO)/IDIBELL, 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique Espinosa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), ISCIII, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Oliva
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Piulats
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Martin-Liberal
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Purificación Muñoz
- Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Pang QY, Chiu YC, Huang RYJ. Regulating epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity from 3D genome organization. Commun Biol 2024; 7:750. [PMID: 38902393 PMCID: PMC11190238 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06441-w] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process enabling polarized epithelial cells to acquire mesenchymal features implicated in development and carcinoma progression. As our understanding evolves, it is clear the reversible execution of EMT arises from complex epigenomic regulation involving histone modifications and 3-dimensional (3D) genome structural changes, leading to a cascade of transcriptional events. This review summarizes current knowledge on chromatin organization in EMT, with a focus on hierarchical structures of the 3D genome and chromatin accessibility changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing You Pang
- Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Yi-Chia Chiu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Ruby Yun-Ju Huang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Center for Advanced Computing and Imaging in Biomedicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore.
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20
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Zhang S, Xiao X, Yi Y, Wang X, Zhu L, Shen Y, Lin D, Wu C. Tumor initiation and early tumorigenesis: molecular mechanisms and interventional targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:149. [PMID: 38890350 PMCID: PMC11189549 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01848-7] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a multistep process, with oncogenic mutations in a normal cell conferring clonal advantage as the initial event. However, despite pervasive somatic mutations and clonal expansion in normal tissues, their transformation into cancer remains a rare event, indicating the presence of additional driver events for progression to an irreversible, highly heterogeneous, and invasive lesion. Recently, researchers are emphasizing the mechanisms of environmental tumor risk factors and epigenetic alterations that are profoundly influencing early clonal expansion and malignant evolution, independently of inducing mutations. Additionally, clonal evolution in tumorigenesis reflects a multifaceted interplay between cell-intrinsic identities and various cell-extrinsic factors that exert selective pressures to either restrain uncontrolled proliferation or allow specific clones to progress into tumors. However, the mechanisms by which driver events induce both intrinsic cellular competency and remodel environmental stress to facilitate malignant transformation are not fully understood. In this review, we summarize the genetic, epigenetic, and external driver events, and their effects on the co-evolution of the transformed cells and their ecosystem during tumor initiation and early malignant evolution. A deeper understanding of the earliest molecular events holds promise for translational applications, predicting individuals at high-risk of tumor and developing strategies to intercept malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaosen Zhang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Xiao
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Yonglin Yi
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Lingxuan Zhu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Yanrong Shen
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Chen Wu
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Genomic Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Changping Laboratory, 100021, Beijing, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- CAMS Oxford Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100006, Beijing, China.
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21
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Stehbens SJ, Scarpa E, White MD. Perspectives in collective cell migration - moving forward. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261549. [PMID: 38904172 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261549] [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] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Collective cell migration, where cells move as a cohesive unit, is a vital process underlying morphogenesis and cancer metastasis. Thanks to recent advances in imaging and modelling, we are beginning to understand the intricate relationship between a cell and its microenvironment and how this shapes cell polarity, metabolism and modes of migration. The use of biophysical and mathematical models offers a fresh perspective on how cells migrate collectively, either flowing in a fluid-like state or transitioning to more static states. Continuing to unite researchers in biology, physics and mathematics will enable us to decode more complex biological behaviours that underly collective cell migration; only then can we understand how this coordinated movement of cells influences the formation and organisation of tissues and directs the spread of metastatic cancer. In this Perspective, we highlight exciting discoveries, emerging themes and common challenges that have arisen in recent years, and possible ways forward to bridge the gaps in our current understanding of collective cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Stehbens
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Elena Scarpa
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Melanie D White
- The University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
- The University of Queensland, School of Biomedical Sciences, St Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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22
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Zhao R, Moore EL, Gogol MM, Unruh JR, Yu Z, Scott AR, Wang Y, Rajendran NK, Trainor PA. Identification and characterization of intermediate states in mammalian neural crest cell epithelial to mesenchymal transition and delamination. eLife 2024; 13:RP92844. [PMID: 38873887 PMCID: PMC11178358 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92844] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process that converts epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells with migratory potential in developmental and pathological processes. Although originally considered a binary event, EMT in cancer progression involves intermediate states between a fully epithelial and a fully mesenchymal phenotype, which are characterized by distinct combinations of epithelial and mesenchymal markers. This phenomenon has been termed epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), however, the intermediate states remain poorly described and it's unclear whether they exist during developmental EMT. Neural crest cells (NCC) are an embryonic progenitor cell population that gives rise to numerous cell types and tissues in vertebrates, and their formation and delamination is a classic example of developmental EMT. However, whether intermediate states also exist during NCC EMT and delamination remains unknown. Through single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse embryos, we identified intermediate NCC states based on their transcriptional signature and then spatially defined their locations in situ in the dorsolateral neuroepithelium. Our results illustrate the importance of cell cycle regulation and functional role for the intermediate stage marker Dlc1 in facilitating mammalian cranial NCC delamination and may provide new insights into mechanisms regulating pathological EMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Zhao
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityUnited States
| | - Emma L Moore
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
| | | | - Jay R Unruh
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
| | - Zulin Yu
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
| | - Allison R Scott
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
| | - Yan Wang
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
| | | | - Paul A Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical ResearchKansas CityUnited States
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityUnited States
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23
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Kim NY, Kim MO, Shin S, Kwon WS, Kim B, Lee JY, In Lee S. Effect of atractylenolide III on zearalenone-induced Snail1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in porcine intestinal epithelium. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:80. [PMID: 38845033 PMCID: PMC11157892 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-024-01038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intestinal epithelium performs essential physiological functions, such as nutrient absorption, and acts as a barrier to prevent the entry of harmful substances. Mycotoxins are prevalent contaminants found in animal feed that exert harmful effects on the health of livestock. Zearalenone (ZEA) is produced by the Fusarium genus and induces gastrointestinal dysfunction and disrupts the health and immune system of animals. Here, we evaluated the molecular mechanisms that regulate the effects of ZEA on the porcine intestinal epithelium. RESULTS Treatment of IPEC-J2 cells with ZEA decreased the expression of E-cadherin and increased the expression of Snai1 and Vimentin, which induced Snail1-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, ZEA induces Snail-mediated EMT through the activation of TGF-β signaling. The treatment of IPEC-J2 cells with atractylenolide III, which were exposed to ZEA, alleviated EMT. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of ZEA toxicity in porcine intestinal epithelial cells and ways to mitigate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yeon Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeong-sangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Ok Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeong-sangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangsu Shin
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeong-sangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Sung Kwon
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeong-sangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea
| | - Bomi Kim
- National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, Gyeongsan, 38540, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Yeop Lee
- National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, Gyeongsan, 38540, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang In Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeong-sangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute for Innovative Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 37224, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Wang Y, Chen Y, Zhao M. N6-methyladenosine modification and post-translational modification of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:209. [PMID: 38834851 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01048-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Traditionally, colorectal cancer has been recognized as a disease caused by genetic mutations. However, recent studies have revealed the significant role of epigenetic alterations in the progression of colorectal cancer. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a critical step in cancer cell metastasis, has been found to be closely associated with the tumor microenvironment and immune factors, thereby playing a crucial role in many kinds of biological behaviors of cancers. In this review, we explored the impact of N6-methyladenosine and post-translational modifications (like methylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, glycosylation, etc.) on the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer and the epigenetic regulation for the transcription factors and pathways correlated to epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we emphasized that the complex regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by epigenetics can provide new strategies for overcoming drug resistance and improving treatment outcomes. This review aims to provide important scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer based on epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Yufan Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhao
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
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25
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Zhong BH, Dong M. The implication of ciliary signaling pathways for epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1535-1543. [PMID: 37490178 PMCID: PMC11224103 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04817-w] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays an essential role in development, tissue repair and fibrosis, and cancer progression, is a reversible cellular program that converts epithelial cells to mesenchymal cell states characterized by motility-invasive properties. The mostly signaling pathways that initiated and controlled the EMT program are regulated by a solitary, non-motile organelle named primary cilium. Acting as a signaling nexus, primary cilium dynamically concentrates signaling molecules to respond to extracellular cues. Recent research has provided direct evidence of connection between EMT and primary ciliogenesis in multiple contexts, but the mechanistic understanding of this relationship is complicated and still undergoing. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about the ciliary signaling pathways involved in EMT and list the direct evidence that shows the link between them, trying to figure out the intricate relationship between EMT and primary ciliogenesis, which may aid the future development of primary cilium as a novel therapeutic approach targeted to EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang-Hua Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ming Dong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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26
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Lenz G. Heterogeneity generating capacity in tumorigenesis and cancer therapeutics. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167226. [PMID: 38734320 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167226] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Cells of multicellular organisms generate heterogeneity in a controlled and transient fashion during embryogenesis, which can be reactivated in pathologies such as cancer. Although genomic heterogeneity is an important part of tumorigenesis, continuous generation of phenotypic heterogeneity is central for the adaptation of cancer cells to the challenges of tumorigenesis and response to therapy. Here I discuss the capacity of generating heterogeneity, hereafter called cell hetness, in cancer cells both as the activation of hetness oncogenes and inactivation of hetness tumor suppressor genes, which increase the generation of heterogeneity, ultimately producing an increase in adaptability and cell fitness. Transcriptomic high hetness states in therapy-tolerant cell states denote its importance in cancer resistance to therapy. The definition of the concept of hetness will allow the understanding of its origins, its control during embryogenesis, its loss of control in tumorigenesis and cancer therapeutics and its active targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Lenz
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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27
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Huh HD, Park HW. Emerging paradigms in cancer cell plasticity. BMB Rep 2024; 57:273-280. [PMID: 38627950 PMCID: PMC11214895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells metastasize to distant organs by altering their characteristics within the tumor microenvironment (TME) to effectively overcome challenges during the multistep tumorigenesis. Plasticity endows cancer cell with the capacity to shift between different morphological states to invade, disseminate, and seed metastasis. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a theory derived from tissue biopsy, which explains the acquisition of EMT transcription factors (TFs) that convey mesenchymal features during cancer migration and invasion. On the other hand, adherent-to-suspension transition (AST) is an emerging theory derived from liquid biopsy, which describes the acquisition of hematopoietic features by AST-TFs that reprograms anchorage dependency during the dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). The induction and plasticity of EMT and AST dynamically reprogram cell-cell interaction and cell-matrix interaction during cancer dissemination and colonization. Here, we review the mechanisms governing cellular plasticity of AST and EMT during the metastatic cascade and discuss therapeutic challenges posed by these two morphological adaptations to provide insights for establishing new therapeutic interventions. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(6): 273-280].
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbin D. Huh
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Korea 21 Project, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Brain Korea 21 Project, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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28
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Nagai T, Sato M, Nishita M. miR-200c-141 induces a hybrid E/M state and promotes collective cell migration in MDA-MB-231 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 709:149829. [PMID: 38552553 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149829] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The microRNA-200 (miR-200) family is a potent suppressor of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). While its role as a tumor suppressor has been well documented, recent studies suggested that it can promote cancer progression in several stages. In this study, we investigated whether the miR-200 family members play a role in the acquisition of a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) state, which is reported to be associated with cancer malignancy, in mesenchymal MDA-MB-231 cells. Our results demonstrated that the induction of miR-200c-141, a cluster of the miR-200 family member, can induce the expression of epithelial gene and cell-cell junction while mesenchymal markers are retained. Moreover, induction of miR-200c-141 promoted collective migration accompanied by the formation of F-actin cables anchored by adherens junction. These results suggest that the miR-200 family can induce a hybrid E/M state and endows with the ability of collective cell migration in mesenchymal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Nagai
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
| | - Misa Sato
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Michiru Nishita
- Department of Biochemistry, Fukushima Medical University, School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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29
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Emile MH, Emile SH, El-Karef AA, Ebrahim MA, Mohammed IE, Ibrahim DA. Association between the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers and oncologic outcomes of colorectal cancer. Updates Surg 2024:10.1007/s13304-024-01865-9. [PMID: 38762631 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-024-01865-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) that confers metastatic capabilities to cancer cells. The present study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression and impact of EMT markers, including E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4, on the oncologic outcomes of CRC. METHODS This was a retrospective review of 118 CRC patients. Tissue slides were retrieved from the slide archive and five tissue microarray construction blocks were constructed. IHC for E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4 was done. The main outcome was the association between abnormal marker expression and overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS Adenocarcinomas accounted for 71.2% of tumors, whereas 25.4% and 3.4% were mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas. The rates of lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion were 72.9% and 20.3%, respectively. There was a positive, significant correlation, and association between the four markers. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.06). Abnormal Vimentin expression was associated with a significantly higher rate of distant metastasis (p = 0.005) and significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of β-catenin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.15). Abnormal expression of SMAD4 was associated with significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of all four markers was associated with a higher disease recurrence, lower OS, and lower DFS. CONCLUSION Abnormal expression of each marker was associated with lower OS, whereas abnormal expression of Vimentin and SMAD4 only was associated with lower DFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Hany Emile
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Sameh Hany Emile
- Colorectal Surgery Unit, General Surgery Department, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, 60 El-Gomhouria Street, Mansoura, 35516, Dakahlia, Egypt.
| | - Amr Awad El-Karef
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Awad Ebrahim
- Medical Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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30
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van der Zalm AP, Dings MPG, Manoukian P, Boersma H, Janssen R, Bailey P, Koster J, Zwijnenburg D, Volckmann R, Bootsma S, Waasdorp C, van Mourik M, Blangé D, van den Ende T, Oyarce CI, Derks S, Creemers A, Ebbing EA, Hooijer GK, Meijer SL, van Berge Henegouwen MI, Medema JP, van Laarhoven HWM, Bijlsma MF. The pluripotency factor NANOG contributes to mesenchymal plasticity and is predictive for outcome in esophageal adenocarcinoma. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:89. [PMID: 38760583 PMCID: PMC11101480 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00512-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the advent of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), overall survival rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remain low. A readily induced mesenchymal transition of EAC cells contributes to resistance to CRT. METHODS In this study, we aimed to chart the heterogeneity in cell state transition after CRT and to identify its underpinnings. A panel of 12 esophageal cultures were treated with CRT and ranked by their relative epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. RNA-sequencing was performed on 100 pre-treatment biopsies. After RNA-sequencing, Ridge regression analysis was applied to correlate gene expression to ranked plasticity, and models were developed to predict mesenchymal transitions in patients. Plasticity score predictions of the three highest significant predictive models were projected on the pre-treatment biopsies and related to clinical outcome data. Motif enrichment analysis of the genes associated with all three models was performed. RESULTS This study reveals NANOG as the key associated transcription factor predicting mesenchymal plasticity in EAC. Expression of NANOG in pre-treatment biopsies is highly associated with poor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation, the occurrence of recurrences, and median overall survival difference in EAC patients (>48 months). Perturbation of NANOG reduces plasticity and resensitizes cell lines, organoid cultures, and patient-derived in vivo grafts. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, NANOG is a key transcription factor in mesenchymal plasticity in EAC and a promising predictive marker for outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber P van der Zalm
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark P G Dings
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul Manoukian
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hannah Boersma
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reimer Janssen
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Bailey
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jan Koster
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Zwijnenburg
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Volckmann
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Bootsma
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Waasdorp
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Monique van Mourik
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dionne Blangé
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tom van den Ende
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - César I Oyarce
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah Derks
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aafke Creemers
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva A Ebbing
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit K Hooijer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sybren L Meijer
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark I van Berge Henegouwen
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke W M van Laarhoven
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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31
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Nie F, Zhang Q, Ma W, Yan J. miRNA-200c-3p deficiency promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in triple-negative breast cancer by activating CRKL expression. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:146. [PMID: 38717531 PMCID: PMC11078912 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in malignant progression of Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Many studies have confirmed that miRNA-200c-3p is related to EMT. And we found that it is involved in the regulation of EMT, but the exact mechanism is unclear. CRKL is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and plays a role in EMT. In this study, the potential targets of miRNA-200c-3p were searched in miRPathDB, Targetscan and PicTar. And there are 68 potential targets at the intersection of the three databases. Then, bioinformatics and text mining performed by Coremine Medica, and found that among 68 potential targets, CRKL has the strongest correlation with EMT in TNBC. Therefore, we speculated that miRNA-200c-3p involvement in EMT might be related to CRKL. To verify miRNA-200c-3p inhibits the malignant phenotype of TNBC by regulating CRKL, RT‒PCR, western blotting, Clonal formation assays,CCK-8 proliferation assays, transwell invasion assays, Luciferase reporter assay and nude mouse transplantation tumor assay were performed. In this study, we found that miRNA-200c-3p is under-expressed and EMT-related genes are up-regulated in TNBC, and miRNA-200c-3p can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, invasion and the expression of EMT-related genes and proteins in TNBC. Further research confirmed that miRNA-200c-3p could inhibit EMT by inhibiting the expression of CRKL that directly combining CRKL gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Nie
- Department of Oncology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, No. 1 Chengbei Road, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - Qinfang Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, No. 1 Chengbei Road, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201800, China
| | - WeiNa Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201800, China.
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Oncology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, No. 1 Chengbei Road, Jiading District, Shanghai, 201800, China.
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32
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Loh JJ, Ma S. Hallmarks of cancer stemness. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:617-639. [PMID: 38701757 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.004] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stemness is recognized as a key component of tumor development. Previously coined "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) and believed to be a rare population with rigid hierarchical organization, there is good evidence to suggest that these cells exhibit a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic CSC-niche interplay. This revelation underscores the need to reevaluate the hallmarks of cancer stemness. Herein, we summarize the techniques used to identify and characterize the state of these cells and discuss their defining and emerging hallmarks, along with their enabling and associated features. We also highlight potential future directions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Translational and Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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33
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Jakab M, Lee KH, Uvarovskii A, Ovchinnikova S, Kulkarni SR, Jakab S, Rostalski T, Spegg C, Anders S, Augustin HG. Lung endothelium exploits susceptible tumor cell states to instruct metastatic latency. NATURE CANCER 2024; 5:716-730. [PMID: 38308117 PMCID: PMC11136671 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00716-7] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In metastasis, cancer cells travel around the circulation to colonize distant sites. Due to the rarity of these events, the immediate fates of metastasizing tumor cells (mTCs) are poorly understood while the role of the endothelium as a dissemination interface remains elusive. Using a newly developed combinatorial mTC enrichment approach, we provide a transcriptional blueprint of the early colonization process. Following their arrest at the metastatic site, mTCs were found to either proliferate intravascularly or extravasate, thereby establishing metastatic latency. Endothelial-derived angiocrine Wnt factors drive this bifurcation, instructing mTCs to follow the extravasation-latency route. Surprisingly, mTC responsiveness towards niche-derived Wnt was established at the epigenetic level, which predetermined tumor cell behavior. Whereas hypomethylation enabled high Wnt activity leading to metastatic latency, methylated mTCs exhibited low activity and proliferated intravascularly. Collectively the data identify the predetermined methylation status of disseminated tumor cells as a key regulator of mTC behavior in the metastatic niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Jakab
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ki Hong Lee
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexey Uvarovskii
- Center for Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Evotec SE, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Svetlana Ovchinnikova
- Center for Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Bioquant Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shubhada R Kulkarni
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sevinç Jakab
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Rostalski
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carleen Spegg
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Anders
- Center for Molecular Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Bioquant Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hellmut G Augustin
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany.
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34
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Karras P, Black JRM, McGranahan N, Marine JC. Decoding the interplay between genetic and non-genetic drivers of metastasis. Nature 2024; 629:543-554. [PMID: 38750233 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis is a multistep process by which cancer cells break away from their original location and spread to distant organs, and is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. Preventing early metastatic dissemination would revolutionize the ability to fight cancer. Unfortunately, the relatively poor understanding of the molecular underpinnings of metastasis has hampered the development of effective anti-metastatic drugs. Although it is now accepted that disseminating tumour cells need to acquire multiple competencies to face the many obstacles they encounter before reaching their metastatic site(s), whether these competencies are acquired through an accumulation of metastasis-specific genetic alterations and/or non-genetic events is often debated. Here we review a growing body of literature highlighting the importance of both genetic and non-genetic reprogramming events during the metastatic cascade, and discuss how genetic and non-genetic processes act in concert to confer metastatic competencies. We also describe how recent technological advances, and in particular the advent of single-cell multi-omics and barcoding approaches, will help to better elucidate the cross-talk between genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of metastasis and ultimately inform innovative paths for the early detection and interception of this lethal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James R M Black
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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35
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Laisné M, Rodgers B, Benlamara S, Wicinski J, Nicolas A, Djerroudi L, Gupta N, Ferry L, Kirsh O, Daher D, Philippe C, Okada Y, Charafe-Jauffret E, Cristofari G, Meseure D, Vincent-Salomon A, Ginestier C, Defossez PA. A novel bioinformatic approach reveals cooperation between Cancer/Testis genes in basal-like breast tumors. Oncogene 2024; 43:1369-1385. [PMID: 38467851 PMCID: PMC11065691 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03002-7] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in women worldwide. Within breast tumors, the basal-like subtype has the worst prognosis, prompting the need for new tools to understand, detect, and treat these tumors. Certain germline-restricted genes show aberrant expression in tumors and are known as Cancer/Testis genes; their misexpression has diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Here we designed a new bioinformatic approach to examine Cancer/Testis gene misexpression in breast tumors. We identify several new markers in Luminal and HER-2 positive tumors, some of which predict response to chemotherapy. We then use machine learning to identify the two Cancer/Testis genes most associated with basal-like breast tumors: HORMAD1 and CT83. We show that these genes are expressed by tumor cells and not by the microenvironment, and that they are not expressed by normal breast progenitors; in other words, their activation occurs de novo. We find these genes are epigenetically repressed by DNA methylation, and that their activation upon DNA demethylation is irreversible, providing a memory of past epigenetic disturbances. Simultaneous expression of both genes in breast cells in vitro has a synergistic effect that increases stemness and activates a transcriptional profile also observed in double-positive tumors. Therefore, we reveal a functional cooperation between Cancer/Testis genes in basal breast tumors; these findings have consequences for the understanding, diagnosis, and therapy of the breast tumors with the worst outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe Laisné
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Brianna Rodgers
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Benlamara
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Julien Wicinski
- CRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Marseille, France
| | - André Nicolas
- Platform of Experimental Pathology, Department of Diagnostic and Theranostic Medicine, Institut Curie-Hospital, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Lounes Djerroudi
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, 26 Rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Nikhil Gupta
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Laure Ferry
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Kirsh
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Diana Daher
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Epigenetics and Cell Fate, F-75013, Paris, France
| | | | - Yuki Okada
- Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- CRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Marseille, France
| | | | - Didier Meseure
- Platform of Experimental Pathology, Department of Diagnostic and Theranostic Medicine, Institut Curie-Hospital, 75005, Paris, France
| | | | - Christophe Ginestier
- CRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Laboratory, Equipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer, Marseille, France
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36
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Decollogny M, Rottenberg S. Persisting cancer cells are different from bacterial persisters. Trends Cancer 2024; 10:393-406. [PMID: 38429144 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.02.002] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The persistence of drug-sensitive tumors poses a significant challenge in cancer treatment. The concept of bacterial persisters, which are a subpopulation of bacteria that survive lethal antibiotic doses, is frequently used to compare to residual disease in cancer. Here, we explore drug tolerance of cancer cells and bacteria. We highlight the fact that bacteria, in contrast to cancer cells, have been selected for survival at the population level and may therefore possess contingency mechanisms that cancer cells lack. The precise mechanisms of drug-tolerant cancer cells and bacterial persisters are still being investigated. Undoubtedly, by understanding common features as well as differences, we, in the cancer field, can learn from microbiology to find strategies to eradicate persisting cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Decollogny
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Bern Center for Precision Medicine and Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Rottenberg
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Bern Center for Precision Medicine and Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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37
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Kulus M, Farzaneh M, Bryja A, Zehtabi M, Azizidoost S, Abouali Gale Dari M, Golcar-Narenji A, Ziemak H, Chwarzyński M, Piotrowska-Kempisty H, Dzięgiel P, Zabel M, Mozdziak P, Bukowska D, Kempisty B, Antosik P. Phenotypic Transitions the Processes Involved in Regulation of Growth and Proangiogenic Properties of Stem Cells, Cancer Stem Cells and Circulating Tumor Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:967-979. [PMID: 38372877 PMCID: PMC11087301 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10691-w] [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] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial process with significance in the metastasis of malignant tumors. It is through the acquisition of plasticity that cancer cells become more mobile and gain the ability to metastasize to other tissues. The mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is the return to an epithelial state, which allows for the formation of secondary tumors. Both processes, EMT and MET, are regulated by different pathways and different mediators, which affects the sophistication of the overall tumorigenesis process. Not insignificant are also cancer stem cells and their participation in the angiogenesis, which occur very intensively within tumors. Difficulties in effectively treating cancer are primarily dependent on the potential of cancer cells to rapidly expand and occupy secondarily vital organs. Due to the ability of these cells to spread, the concept of the circulating tumor cell (CTC) has emerged. Interestingly, CTCs exhibit molecular diversity and stem-like and mesenchymal features, even when derived from primary tumor tissue from a single patient. While EMT is necessary for metastasis, MET is required for CTCs to establish a secondary site. A thorough understanding of the processes that govern the balance between EMT and MET in malignancy is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kulus
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Artur Bryja
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Mojtaba Zehtabi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahrokh Abouali Gale Dari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Golcar-Narenji
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hanna Ziemak
- Veterinary Clinic of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Chwarzyński
- Veterinary Clinic of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Hanna Piotrowska-Kempisty
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University School of Physical Education, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Zabel
- Division of Histology and Embryology, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
- Division of Anatomy and Histology, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Paul Mozdziak
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dorota Bukowska
- Department of Diagnostics and Clinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland.
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Human Morphology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland.
- Physiology Graduate Faculty, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Paweł Antosik
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Torun, Poland
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38
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Lambert AW, Zhang Y, Weinberg RA. Cell-intrinsic and microenvironmental determinants of metastatic colonization. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:687-697. [PMID: 38714854 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01409-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is a biologically complex process that remains a major challenge in the oncology clinic, accounting for nearly all of the mortality associated with malignant neoplasms. To establish metastatic growths, carcinoma cells must disseminate from the primary tumour, survive in unfamiliar tissue microenvironments, re-activate programs of proliferation, and escape innate and adaptive immunosurveillance. The entire process is extremely inefficient and can occur over protracted timescales, yielding only a vanishingly small number of carcinoma cells that are able to complete all of the required steps. Here we review both the cancer-cell-intrinsic mechanisms and microenvironmental interactions that enable metastatic colonization. In particular, we highlight recent work on the behaviour of already-disseminated tumour cells, since meaningful progress in treating metastatic disease will clearly require a better understanding of the cells that spawn metastases, which generally have disseminated by the time of initial diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur W Lambert
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Translational Medicine, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Yun Zhang
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Robert A Weinberg
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- MIT Ludwig Center, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Frezzetti D, Caridi V, Marra L, Camerlingo R, D’Alessio A, Russo F, Dotolo S, Rachiglio AM, Esposito Abate R, Gallo M, Maiello MR, Morabito A, Normanno N, De Luca A. The Impact of Inadequate Exposure to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors on the Development of Resistance in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4844. [PMID: 38732063 PMCID: PMC11084975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094844] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) inevitably develop resistance through several biological mechanisms. However, little is known on the molecular mechanisms underlying acquired resistance to suboptimal EGFR-TKI doses, due to pharmacodynamics leading to inadequate drug exposure. To evaluate the effects of suboptimal EGFR-TKI exposure on resistance in NSCLC, we obtained HCC827 and PC9 cell lines resistant to suboptimal fixed and intermittent doses of gefitinib and compared them to cells exposed to higher doses of the drug. We analyzed the differences in terms of EGFR signaling activation and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, whole transcriptomes byRNA sequencing, and cell motility. We observed that the exposure to low doses of gefitinib more frequently induced a partial EMT associated with an induced migratory ability, and an enhanced transcription of cancer stem cell markers, particularly in the HCC827 gefitinib-resistant cells. Finally, the HCC827 gefitinib-resistant cells showed increased secretion of the EMT inducer transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, whose inhibition was able to partially restore gefitinib sensitivity. These data provide evidence that different levels of exposure to EGFR-TKIs in tumor masses might promote different mechanisms of acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Frezzetti
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Vincenza Caridi
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Laura Marra
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Rosa Camerlingo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Amelia D’Alessio
- Laboratory of Toxicology Analysis, Department for the Treatment of Addictions, ASL Salerno, 84124 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Francesco Russo
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, National Research Council of Italy, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Serena Dotolo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Anna Maria Rachiglio
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Riziero Esposito Abate
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Marianna Gallo
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Monica Rosaria Maiello
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Alessandro Morabito
- Thoracic Department, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Nicola Normanno
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Antonella De Luca
- Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.F.); (V.C.); (L.M.); (R.C.); (S.D.); (A.M.R.); (R.E.A.); (M.G.); (M.R.M.); (A.D.L.)
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Ren M, Yao S, Chen T, Luo H, Tao X, Jiang H, Yang X, Zhang H, Yu S, Wang Y, Lu A, Zhang G. Connective Tissue Growth Factor: Regulation, Diseases, and Drug Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4692. [PMID: 38731911 PMCID: PMC11083620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In drug discovery, selecting targeted molecules is crucial as the target could directly affect drug efficacy and the treatment outcomes. As a member of the CCN family, CTGF (also known as CCN2) is an essential regulator in the progression of various diseases, including fibrosis, cancer, neurological disorders, and eye diseases. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of CTGF in different diseases may contribute to the discovery of novel drug candidates. Summarizing the CTGF-targeting and -inhibitory drugs is also beneficial for the analysis of the efficacy, applications, and limitations of these drugs in different disease models. Therefore, we reviewed the CTGF structure, the regulatory mechanisms in various diseases, and drug development in order to provide more references for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meishen Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shanshan Yao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tienan Chen
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hang Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaohui Tao
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hewen Jiang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Huarui Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sifan Yu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Diseases and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases (TMBJ), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
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41
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Chen R, Zhu S, Zhao R, Liu W, Jin L, Ren X, He H. Targeting ferroptosis as a potential strategy to overcome the resistance of cisplatin in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1402514. [PMID: 38711989 PMCID: PMC11071065 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1402514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a crucial public health problem, accounting for approximately 2% of all cancers globally and 90% of oral malignancies over the world. Unfortunately, despite the achievements in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy techniques over the past decades, OSCC patients still low 5-year survival rate. Cisplatin, a platinum-containing drug, serves as one of the first-line chemotherapeutic agents of OSCC. However, the resistance to cisplatin significantly limits the clinical practice and is a crucial factor in tumor recurrence and metastasis after conventional treatments. Ferroptosis is an iron-based form of cell death, which is initiated by the intracellular accumulation of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, cisplatin-resistant OSCC cells exhibit lower level of ROS and lipid peroxidation compared to sensitive cells. The reduced ferroptosis in cisplatin resistance cells indicates the potential relationship between cisplatin resistance and ferroptosis, which is proved by recent studies showing that in colorectal cancer cells. However, the modulation pathway of ferroptosis reversing cisplatin resistance in OSCC cells still remains unclear. This article aims to concisely summarize the molecular mechanisms and evaluate the relationship between ferroptosis and cisplatin resistance OSCC cells, thereby providing novel strategies for overcoming cisplatin resistance and developing new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongkun Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shuyu Zhu
- Department of Oral Implantology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ruoyu Zhao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wang Liu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Luxin Jin
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaobin Ren
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hongbing He
- Department of Periodontology, Kunming Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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42
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Bagheri M, Mohamed GA, Mohamed Saleem MA, Ognjenovic NB, Lu H, Kolling FW, Wilkins OM, Das S, LaCroix IS, Nagaraj SH, Muller KE, Gerber SA, Miller TW, Pattabiraman DR. Pharmacological induction of chromatin remodeling drives chemosensitization in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101504. [PMID: 38593809 PMCID: PMC11031425 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101504] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeted therapies have improved outcomes for certain cancer subtypes, but cytotoxic chemotherapy remains a mainstay for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program co-opted by cancer cells that promotes metastasis and chemoresistance. There are no therapeutic strategies specifically targeting mesenchymal-like cancer cells. We report that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved chemotherapeutic eribulin induces ZEB1-SWI/SNF-directed chromatin remodeling to reverse EMT that curtails the metastatic propensity of TNBC preclinical models. Eribulin induces mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in primary TNBC in patients, but conventional chemotherapy does not. In the treatment-naive setting, but not after acquired resistance to other agents, eribulin sensitizes TNBC cells to subsequent treatment with other chemotherapeutics. These findings provide an epigenetic mechanism of action of eribulin, supporting its use early in the disease process for MET induction to prevent metastatic progression and chemoresistance. These findings warrant prospective clinical evaluation of the chemosensitizing effects of eribulin in the treatment-naive setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Bagheri
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Gadisti Aisha Mohamed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Nevena B Ognjenovic
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Hanxu Lu
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Fred W Kolling
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Owen M Wilkins
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Ian S LaCroix
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Shivashankar H Nagaraj
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kristen E Muller
- Department of Pathology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Todd W Miller
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Diwakar R Pattabiraman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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43
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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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Naganuma T. Selective inhibition of partial EMT-induced tumour cell growth by cerium valence states of extracellular ceria nanoparticles for anticancer treatment. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 236:113794. [PMID: 38382224 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113794] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Targeting specific tumour cells and their microenvironments is essential for enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy and reducing its side effects. A partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition state (pEMT, with a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype) in tumour cells is an attractive targeting for anticancer treatment because it potentially provides maximal stemness and metastasis relevant to malignant cancer stem cell-like features. However, treatment strategies to target pEMT in tumour cells remain a challenge. This study demonstrates that extracellular cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) selectively inhibit the growth of pEMT-induced tumour cells, without affecting full epithelial tumour cells. Herein, highly concentrated Ce3+ and Ce4+ ions are formed on CNP-layered poly-L-lactic acid surfaces. Cell cultures of pEMT-induced and uninduced lung cancer cell lines on the CNP-layered substrates allow the effect of extracellular CNPs on tumour cell growth to be investigated. The extracellular CNPs with dominant Ce3+ and Ce4+ ions were able to trap pEMT-induced tumour cells in a growth-arrested quiescent/dormant or cytostatic state without generating redox-related reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e. non-redox mechanisms. The dominant Ce3+ state provided highly efficient growth inhibition of the pEMT-induced tumour cells. In contrast, the dominant Ce4+ state showed highly selective and appropriate growth regulation of normal and tumour cells, including a mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, Ce4+-CNPs readily adsorbed serum-derived fibronectin and laminin. Cerium valence-specific proteins adsorbed on CNPs may influence receptor-mediated cell-CNP interactions, leading to tumour cell growth inhibition. These findings provide new perspectives for pEMT-targeting anticancer treatments based on the unique biointerface of extracellular CNPs with different Ce valence states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamaki Naganuma
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
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Hong T, Xing J. Data- and theory-driven approaches for understanding paths of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Genesis 2024; 62:e23591. [PMID: 38553870 PMCID: PMC11017362 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23591] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Reversible transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal cell states are a crucial form of epithelial plasticity for development and disease progression. Recent experimental data and mechanistic models showed multiple intermediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) states as well as trajectories of EMT underpinned by complex gene regulatory networks. In this review, we summarize recent progress in quantifying EMT and characterizing EMT paths with computational methods and quantitative experiments including omics-level measurements. We provide perspectives on how these studies can help relating fundamental cell biology to physiological and pathological outcomes of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Hong
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville TN, USA
| | - Jianhua Xing
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Chen Z, Li C, Zhou Y, Li P, Cao G, Qiao Y, Yao Y, Su J. Histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation-specific reprogramming regulates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression and metastasis. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:612-626. [PMID: 38291129 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00738-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Dysregulation of histone acetylation is widely implicated in tumorigenesis, yet its specific roles in the progression and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. Here, we profiled the genome-wide landscapes of H3K9ac for paired adjacent normal (Nor), primary ESCC (EC) and metastatic lymph node (LNC) esophageal tissues from three ESCC patients. Compared to H3K27ac, we identified a distinct epigenetic reprogramming specific to H3K9ac in EC and LNC samples relative to Nor samples. This H3K9ac-related reprogramming contributed to the transcriptomic aberration of targeting genes, which were functionally associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis. Notably, genes with gained H3K9ac signals in both primary and metastatic lymph node samples (common-gained gene) were significantly enriched in oncogenes. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis further revealed that the corresponding top 15 common-gained genes preferred to be enriched in mesenchymal cells with high metastatic potential. Additionally, in vitro experiment demonstrated that the removal of H3K9ac from the common-gained gene MSI1 significantly downregulated its transcription, resulting in deficiencies in ESCC cell proliferation and migration. Together, our findings revealed the distinct characteristics of H3K9ac in esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis and metastasis, and highlighted the potential therapeutic avenue for intervening ESCC through epigenetic modulation via H3K9ac.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhui Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, 325101, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenghao Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325011, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoquan Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunbo Qiao
- Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200125, China
| | - Yinghao Yao
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, 325101, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianzhong Su
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, 325101, Zhejiang, China.
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325011, Zhejiang, China.
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Ren Z, Dharmaratne M, Liang H, Benard O, Morales-Gallego M, Suyama K, Kumar V, Fard AT, Kulkarni AS, Prystowsky M, Mar JC, Norton L, Hazan RB. Redox signalling regulates breast cancer metastasis via phenotypic and metabolic reprogramming due to p63 activation by HIF1α. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:908-924. [PMID: 38238426 PMCID: PMC10951347 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02522-5] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Redox signaling caused by knockdown (KD) of Glutathione Peroxidase 2 (GPx2) in the PyMT mammary tumour model promotes metastasis via phenotypic and metabolic reprogramming. However, the tumour cell subpopulations and transcriptional regulators governing these processes remained unknown. METHODS We used single-cell transcriptomics to decipher the tumour cell subpopulations stimulated by GPx2 KD in the PyMT mammary tumour and paired pulmonary metastases. We analyzed the EMT spectrum across the various tumour cell clusters using pseudotime trajectory analysis and elucidated the transcriptional and metabolic regulation of the hybrid EMT state. RESULTS Integration of single-cell transcriptomics between the PyMT/GPx2 KD primary tumour and paired lung metastases unraveled a basal/mesenchymal-like cluster and several luminal-like clusters spanning an EMT spectrum. Interestingly, the luminal clusters at the primary tumour gained mesenchymal gene expression, resulting in epithelial/mesenchymal subpopulations fueled by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis. By contrast, at distant metastasis, the basal/mesenchymal-like cluster gained luminal and mesenchymal gene expression, resulting in a hybrid subpopulation using OXPHOS, supporting adaptive plasticity. Furthermore, p63 was dramatically upregulated in all hybrid clusters, implying a role in regulating partial EMT and MET at primary and distant sites, respectively. Importantly, these effects were reversed by HIF1α loss or GPx2 gain of function, resulting in metastasis suppression. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results underscored a dramatic effect of redox signaling on p63 activation by HIF1α, underlying phenotypic and metabolic plasticity leading to mammary tumour metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuen Ren
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Malindrie Dharmaratne
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Huizhi Liang
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | | | | | - Kimita Suyama
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Viney Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Atefeh Taherian Fard
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ameya S Kulkarni
- Department of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Michael Prystowsky
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Jessica C Mar
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Larry Norton
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Rachel B Hazan
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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Quinsgaard EMB, Korsnes MS, Korsnes R, Moestue SA. Single-cell tracking as a tool for studying EMT-phenotypes. Exp Cell Res 2024; 437:113993. [PMID: 38485079 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113993] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
This article demonstrates that label-free single-cell video tracking is a useful approach for in vitro studies of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT is a highly heterogeneous process, involved in wound healing, embryogenesis and cancer. The process promotes metastasis, and increased understanding can aid development of novel therapeutic strategies. The role of EMT-associated biomarkers depends on biological context, making it challenging to compare and interpret data from different studies. We demonstrate single-cell video tracking for comprehensive phenotype analysis. In this study we performed single-cell video tracking on 72-h long recordings. We quantified several behaviours at a single-cell level during induced EMT in MDA-MB-468 cells. This revealed notable variations in migration speed, with different dose-response patterns and varying distributions of speed. By registering cell morphologies during the recording, we determined preferred paths of morphological transitions. We also found a clear association between migration speed and cell morphology. We found elevated rates of cell death, diminished proliferation, and an increase in mitotic failures followed by re-fusion of sister-cells. The method allows tracking of phenotypes in cell lineages, which can be particularly useful in epigenetic studies. Sister-cells were found to have significant similarities in their speeds and morphologies, illustrating the heritability of these traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Marie Botne Quinsgaard
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Mónica Suárez Korsnes
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Korsnes Biocomputing (KoBio), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Siver Andreas Moestue
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
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Min J, Mashimo C, Nambu T, Maruyama H, Takigawa H, Okinaga T. Resveratrol is an inhibitory polyphenol of epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by Fusobacterium nucleatum. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 160:105897. [PMID: 38290225 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2024.105897] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Resveratrol is a natural phytoalexin that has anti-inflammatory properties, reverses doxorubicin resistance, and inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in many types of cancer cells. Fusobacterium nucleatum is reportedly enriched in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, sparking interest in the relationship between F. nucleatum and OSCC. Recently, F. nucleatum was shown to be associated with EMT in OSCC. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the natural plant compound resveratrol on F. nucleatum-induced EMT in OSCC. DESIGN F. nucleatum was co-cultured with OSCC cells, with a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 300:1. Resveratrol was used at a concentration of 10 μM. Cell Counting Kit-8 and wound healing assays were performed to examine the viability and migratory ability of OSCC cells. Subsequently, real-time RT-PCR was performed to investigate the gene expression of EMT-related markers. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses were used to further analyze the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and the EMT transcription factor SNAI1. RESULTS Co-cultivation with F. nucleatum did not significantly enhance cell viability. The co-cultured cells displayed similarities to the positive control of EMT, exhibiting enhanced migration and expression changes in EMT-related markers. SNAI1 was significantly upregulated, whereas E-cadherin, was significantly downregulated. Notably, resveratrol inhibited F. nucleatum-induced cell migration, decreasing the expression of SNAI1. CONCLUSIONS Resveratrol inhibited F. nucleatum-induced EMT by downregulating SNAI1, which may provide a target for OSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Min
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Chiho Mashimo
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nambu
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Hugo Maruyama
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takigawa
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan
| | - Toshinori Okinaga
- Department of Bacteriology, Osaka Dental University, 8-1, Kuzuha-Hanazono, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1121, Japan.
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50
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Fustaino V, Papoff G, Ruberti F, Ruberti G. Co-Expression Network Analysis Unveiled lncRNA-mRNA Links Correlated to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance and/or Intermediate Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Phenotypes in a Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cellular Model System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3863. [PMID: 38612674 PMCID: PMC11011530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated mRNA-lncRNA co-expression patterns in a cellular model system of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sensitive and resistant to the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) erlotinib/gefitinib. The aim of this study was to unveil insights into the complex mechanisms of NSCLC targeted therapy resistance and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Genome-wide RNA expression was quantified for weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to correlate the expression levels of mRNAs and lncRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis and identification of lncRNAs were conducted on modules associated with the EGFR-TKI response and/or intermediate EMT phenotypes. We constructed lncRNA-mRNA co-expression networks and identified key modules and their enriched biological functions. Processes enriched in the selected modules included RHO (A, B, C) GTPase and regulatory signaling pathways, apoptosis, inflammatory and interleukin signaling pathways, cell adhesion, cell migration, cell and extracellular matrix organization, metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Interestingly, several lncRNAs, already shown to be dysregulated in cancer, are connected to a small number of mRNAs, and several lncRNAs are interlinked with each other in the co-expression network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fustaino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Campus Adriano Buzzati Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Roma), Italy; (G.P.); (F.R.)
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