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Davidson BA, Miranda AX, Reed SC, Bergman RE, Kemp JDJ, Reddy AP, Pantone MV, Fox EK, Dorand RD, Hurley PJ, Croessmann S, Park BH. An in vitro CRISPR screen of cell-free DNA identifies apoptosis as the primary mediator of cell-free DNA release. Commun Biol 2024; 7:441. [PMID: 38600351 PMCID: PMC11006667 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ABTRACT Clinical circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing is now routine, however test accuracy remains limited. By understanding the life-cycle of cfDNA, we might identify opportunities to increase test performance. Here, we profile cfDNA release across a 24-cell line panel and utilize a cell-free CRISPR screen (cfCRISPR) to identify mediators of cfDNA release. Our panel outlines two distinct groups of cell lines: one which releases cfDNA fragmented similarly to clinical samples and purported as characteristic of apoptosis, and another which releases larger fragments associated with vesicular or necrotic DNA. Our cfCRISPR screens reveal that genes mediating cfDNA release are primarily involved with apoptosis, but also identify other subsets of genes such as RNA binding proteins as potential regulators of cfDNA release. We observe that both groups of cells lines identified primarily produce cfDNA through apoptosis. These results establish the utility of cfCRISPR, genetically validate apoptosis as a major mediator of DNA release in vitro, and implicate ways to improve cfDNA assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad A Davidson
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Adam X Miranda
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah C Reed
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Riley E Bergman
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Justin D J Kemp
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anvith P Reddy
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Morgan V Pantone
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan K Fox
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - R Dixon Dorand
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Paula J Hurley
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sarah Croessmann
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ben Ho Park
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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2
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Das D, Avssn R, Chittela RK. A phenol-chloroform free method for cfDNA isolation from cell conditioned media: development, optimization and comparative analysis. Anal Biochem 2024; 687:115454. [PMID: 38158107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115454] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The non-invasive invasive nature of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic biomarkers has gained immense popularity in recent years. The clinical utility of cfDNA biomarkers may depend on understanding their origin and biological significance. Apoptosis, necrosis, and/or active release are possible mechanisms of cellular DNA release into the cell-free milieu. In-vitro cell culture models can provide useful insights into cfDNA biology. The yields and quality of cfDNA in the cell conditioned media (CCM) are largely dependent on the extraction method used. Here, we developed a phenol-chloroform-free cfDNA extraction method from CCM and compared it with three others published cfDNA extraction methods and four commercially available kits. Real-Time PCR (qPCR) targeting two different loci and a fluorescence-based Qubit assay were performed to quantify the extracted cfDNA. The absolute concentration of the extracted cfDNA varies with the target used for the qPCR assay; however, the relative trend remains similar for both qPCR assays. The cfDNA yield from CCM provided by the developed method was found to be either higher or comparable to the other methods used. In conclusion, we developed a safe, rapid and cost-effective cfDNA extraction protocol with minimal hands-on time; with no compromise in cfDNA yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Das
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Trombay, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Rao Avssn
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Rajani Kant Chittela
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Trombay, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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3
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Penny L, Main SC, De Michino SD, Bratman SV. Chromatin- and nucleosome-associated features in liquid biopsy: implications for cancer biomarker discovery. Biochem Cell Biol 2024. [PMID: 38478957 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2024-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from the bloodstream has been studied for cancer biomarker discovery, and chromatin-derived epigenetic features have come into the spotlight for their potential to expand clinical applications. Methylation, fragmentation, and nucleosome positioning patterns of cfDNA have previously been shown to reveal epigenomic and inferred transcriptomic information. More recently, histone modifications have emerged as a tool to further identify tumor-specific chromatin variants in plasma. A number of sequencing methods have been developed to analyze these epigenetic markers, offering new insights into tumor biology. Features within cfDNA allow for cancer detection, subtype and tissue of origin classification, and inference of gene expression. These methods provide a window into the complexity of cancer and the dynamic nature of its progression. In this review, we highlight the array of epigenetic features in cfDNA that can be extracted from chromatin- and nucleosome-associated organization and outline potential use cases in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Penny
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Sasha C Main
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Steven D De Michino
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Scott V Bratman
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
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4
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Yagci ZB, Kelkar GR, Johnson TJ, Sen D, Keung AJ. Designing Epigenome Editors: Considerations of Biochemical and Locus Specificities. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:23-55. [PMID: 39012589 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The advent of locus-specific protein recruitment technologies has enabled a new class of studies in chromatin biology. Epigenome editors (EEs) enable biochemical modifications of chromatin at almost any specific endogenous locus. Their locus-specificity unlocks unique information including the functional roles of distinct modifications at specific genomic loci. Given the growing interest in using these tools for biological and translational studies, there are many specific design considerations depending on the scientific question or clinical need. Here, we present and discuss important design considerations and challenges regarding the biochemical and locus specificities of epigenome editors. These include how to: account for the complex biochemical diversity of chromatin; control for potential interdependency of epigenome editors and their resultant modifications; avoid sequestration effects; quantify the locus specificity of epigenome editors; and improve locus-specificity by considering concentration, affinity, avidity, and sequestration effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Begum Yagci
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Gautami R Kelkar
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Tyler J Johnson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Dilara Sen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Albert J Keung
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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5
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Nel I, Münch C, Shamkeeva S, Heinemann ML, Isermann B, Aktas B. The Challenge to Stabilize, Extract and Analyze Urinary Cell-Free DNA (ucfDNA) during Clinical Routine. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3670. [PMID: 38132253 PMCID: PMC10743081 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13243670] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The "Liquid Biopsy" has become a powerful tool for cancer research during the last decade. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) that originates from tumors has emerged as one of the most promising analytes. In contrast to plasma-derived cfDNA, only a few studies have investigated urinary cfDNA. One reason might be rapid degradation and hence inadequate concentrations for downstream analysis. In this study, we examined the stability of cfDNA in urine using different methods of preservation under various storage conditions. METHODOLOGY To mimic patient samples, a pool of healthy male and female urine donors was spiked with a synthetic cfDNA reference standard (fragment size 170 bp) containing the T790M mutation in the EGFR gene. Spiked samples were preserved with three different buffers and with no buffer over four different storage periods (0 h; 4 h; 12 h; 24 h) at room temperature vs. 4 °C. The preservatives used were Urinary Analyte Stabilizer (UAS, Novosanis, Wijnegem, Belgium), Urine Conditioning Buffer (UCB, Zymo, Freiburg, Germany) and a self-prepared buffer called "AlloU". CfDNA was extracted using the QIAamp MinElute ccfDNA Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). CfDNA concentration was measured using the Qubit™ 4 fluorometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used for detection and quantification of the T790M mutation. RESULTS Almost no spiked cfDNA was recoverable from samples with no preservation buffer and the T790M variant was not detectable in these samples. These findings indicate that cfDNA was degraded below the detection limit by urinary nucleases. Stabilizing buffers showed varying efficiency in preventing this degradation. The most effective stabilizing buffer under all storage conditions was the UAS, enabling adequate recovery of the T790M variant using ddPCR. CONCLUSION From a technical point of view, stabilizing buffers and adequate storage conditions are a prerequisite for translation of urinary cfDNA diagnostics into clinical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivonne Nel
- Department of Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carolin Münch
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Saikal Shamkeeva
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Leipzig University Hospital, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mitja L. Heinemann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Leipzig University Hospital, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Berend Isermann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Leipzig University Hospital, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Bahriye Aktas
- Department of Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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6
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Bronkhorst AJ, Holdenrieder S. The changing face of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling: Factors that shape the landscape of methodologies, technologies, and commercialization. MED GENET-BERLIN 2023; 35:201-235. [PMID: 38835739 PMCID: PMC11006350 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2023-2065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Liquid biopsies, in particular the profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), have long held promise as transformative tools in cancer precision medicine. Despite a prolonged incubation phase, ctDNA profiling has recently experienced a strong wave of development and innovation, indicating its imminent integration into the cancer management toolbox. Various advancements in mutation-based ctDNA analysis methodologies and technologies have greatly improved sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA assays, such as optimized preanalytics, size-based pre-enrichment strategies, targeted sequencing, enhanced library preparation methods, sequencing error suppression, integrated bioinformatics and machine learning. Moreover, research breakthroughs have expanded the scope of ctDNA analysis beyond hotspot mutational profiling of plasma-derived apoptotic, mono-nucleosomal ctDNA fragments. This broader perspective considers alternative genetic features of cancer, genome-wide characterization, classical and newly discovered epigenetic modifications, structural variations, diverse cellular and mechanistic ctDNA origins, and alternative biospecimen types. These developments have maximized the utility of ctDNA, facilitating landmark research, clinical trials, and the commercialization of ctDNA assays, technologies, and products. Consequently, ctDNA tests are increasingly recognized as an important part of patient guidance and are being implemented in clinical practice. Although reimbursement for ctDNA tests by healthcare providers still lags behind, it is gaining greater acceptance. In this work, we provide a comprehensive exploration of the extensive landscape of ctDNA profiling methodologies, considering the multitude of factors that influence its development and evolution. By illuminating the broader aspects of ctDNA profiling, the aim is to provide multiple entry points for understanding and navigating the vast and rapidly evolving landscape of ctDNA methodologies, applications, and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel J Bronkhorst
- Technical University Munich Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center Lazarettstr. 36 80636 Munich Germany
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Technical University Munich Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center Lazarettstr. 36 80636 Munich Germany
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7
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Kim J, Hong SP, Lee S, Lee W, Lee D, Kim R, Park YJ, Moon S, Park K, Cha B, Kim JI. Multidimensional fragmentomic profiling of cell-free DNA released from patient-derived organoids. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:96. [PMID: 37898819 PMCID: PMC10613368 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00533-0] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragmentomics, the investigation of fragmentation patterns of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), has emerged as a promising strategy for the early detection of multiple cancers in the field of liquid biopsy. However, the clinical application of this approach has been hindered by a limited understanding of cfDNA biology. Furthermore, the prevalence of hematopoietic cell-derived cfDNA in plasma complicates the in vivo investigation of tissue-specific cfDNA other than that of hematopoietic origin. While conventional two-dimensional cell lines have contributed to research on cfDNA biology, their limited representation of in vivo tissue contexts underscores the need for more robust models. In this study, we propose three-dimensional organoids as a novel in vitro model for studying cfDNA biology, focusing on multifaceted fragmentomic analyses. RESULTS We established nine patient-derived organoid lines from normal lung airway, normal gastric, and gastric cancer tissues. We then extracted cfDNA from the culture medium of these organoids in both proliferative and apoptotic states. Using whole-genome sequencing data from cfDNA, we analyzed various fragmentomic features, including fragment size, footprints, end motifs, and repeat types at the end. The distribution of cfDNA fragment sizes in organoids, especially in apoptosis samples, was similar to that found in plasma, implying occupancy by mononucleosomes. The footprints determined by sequencing depth exhibited distinct patterns depending on fragment sizes, reflecting occupancy by a variety of DNA-binding proteins. Notably, we discovered that short fragments (< 118 bp) were exclusively enriched in the proliferative state and exhibited distinct fragmentomic profiles, characterized by 3 bp palindromic end motifs and specific repeats. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results highlight the utility of in vitro organoid models as a valuable tool for studying cfDNA biology and its associated fragmentation patterns. This, in turn, will pave the way for further enhancements in noninvasive cancer detection methodologies based on fragmentomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeryuk Kim
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Pyo Hong
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seyoon Lee
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woochan Lee
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dakyung Lee
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rokhyun Kim
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jun Park
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungji Moon
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghyuk Park
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bukyoung Cha
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Il Kim
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Interdisciplinary Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Mattox AK, Douville C, Wang Y, Popoli M, Ptak J, Silliman N, Dobbyn L, Schaefer J, Lu S, Pearlman AH, Cohen JD, Tie J, Gibbs P, Lahouel K, Bettegowda C, Hruban RH, Tomasetti C, Jiang P, Chan KA, Lo YMD, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B. The Origin of Highly Elevated Cell-Free DNA in Healthy Individuals and Patients with Pancreatic, Colorectal, Lung, or Ovarian Cancer. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2166-2179. [PMID: 37565753 PMCID: PMC10592331 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-21-1252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentrations from patients with cancer are often elevated compared with those of healthy controls, but the sources of this extra cfDNA have never been determined. To address this issue, we assessed cfDNA methylation patterns in 178 patients with cancers of the colon, pancreas, lung, or ovary and 64 patients without cancer. Eighty-three of these individuals had cfDNA concentrations much greater than those generally observed in healthy subjects. The major contributor of cfDNA in all samples was leukocytes, accounting for ∼76% of cfDNA, with neutrophils predominating. This was true regardless of whether the samples were derived from patients with cancer or the total plasma cfDNA concentration. High levels of cfDNA observed in patients with cancer did not come from either neoplastic cells or surrounding normal epithelial cells from the tumor's tissue of origin. These data suggest that cancers may have a systemic effect on cell turnover or DNA clearance. SIGNIFICANCE The origin of excess cfDNA in patients with cancer is unknown. Using cfDNA methylation patterns, we determined that neither the tumor nor the surrounding normal tissue contributes this excess cfDNA-rather it comes from leukocytes. This finding suggests that cancers have a systemic impact on cell turnover or DNA clearance. See related commentary by Thierry and Pisareva, p. 2122. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2109.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin K. Mattox
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Christopher Douville
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Maria Popoli
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Janine Ptak
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Natalie Silliman
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Lisa Dobbyn
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Joy Schaefer
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Steve Lu
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Alexander H. Pearlman
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Joshua D. Cohen
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Jeanne Tie
- Division of Systems Biology and Personalized Medicine, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Western Health, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Peter Gibbs
- Division of Systems Biology and Personalized Medicine, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Western Health, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Kamel Lahouel
- Division of Mathematics for Cancer Evolution and Early Detection, Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Chetan Bettegowda
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287
| | - Ralph H. Hruban
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Cristian Tomasetti
- Division of Mathematics for Cancer Evolution and Early Detection, Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010
| | - Peiyong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K.C. Allen Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuk Ming Dennis Lo
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Kenneth W. Kinzler
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
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9
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Roth S, Wernsdorf SR, Liesz A. The role of circulating cell-free DNA as an inflammatory mediator after stroke. Semin Immunopathol 2023:10.1007/s00281-023-00993-5. [PMID: 37212886 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-023-00993-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. Clinical and experimental studies highlighted the complex role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of stroke. Ischemic brain injury leads to the release of cell-free DNA, a damage-associated molecular pattern, which binds to pattern recognition receptors on immune cells such as toll-like receptors and cytosolic inflammasome sensors. The downstream signaling cascade then induces a rapid inflammatory response. In this review, we are highlighting the characteristics of cell-free DNA and how these can affect a local as well as a systemic response after stroke. For this purpose, we screened literature on clinical studies investigating cell-free DNA concentration and properties after brain ischemia. We report the current understanding for mechanisms of DNA uptake and sensing in the context of post-stroke inflammation. Moreover, we compare possible treatment options targeting cell-free DNA, DNA-sensing pathways, and the downstream mediators. Finally, we describe clinical implications of this inflammatory pathway for stroke patients, open questions, and potential future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Roth
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Saskia R Wernsdorf
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Arthur Liesz
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany.
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10
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Koval AP, Khromova AS, Blagodatskikh KA, Zhitnyuk YV, Shtykova YA, Alferov AA, Kushlinskii NE, Shcherbo DS. Application of PCR-based approaches for evaluation of cell-free DNA fragmentation in colorectal cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1101179. [PMID: 37051326 PMCID: PMC10083340 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1101179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing is the core of most liquid biopsy assays. In particular, cfDNA fragmentation features could facilitate non-invasive cancer detection due to their interconnection with tumor-specific epigenetic alterations. However, the final cfDNA fragmentation profile in a purified sample is the result of a complex interplay between informative biological and artificial technical factors. In this work, we use ddPCR to study cfDNA lengths in colorectal cancer patients and observe shorter and more variable cfDNA fragments in accessible chromatin loci compared to the densely packed pericentromeric region. We also report a convenient qPCR system suitable for screening cfDNA samples for artificial high molecular weight DNA contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia P. Koval
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra S. Khromova
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin A. Blagodatskikh
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Center of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine “Genetico”, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia V. Zhitnyuk
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Aleksandr A. Alferov
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, N. N. Blokhin Cancer Research Medical Center of Oncology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay E. Kushlinskii
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, N. N. Blokhin Cancer Research Medical Center of Oncology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry S. Shcherbo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Dmitry S. Shcherbo,
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11
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Webster SE, Tsuji NL, Clemente MJ, Holodick NE. Age-related changes in antigen-specific natural antibodies are influenced by sex. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1047297. [PMID: 36713434 PMCID: PMC9878317 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1047297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural antibody (NAb) derived from CD5+ B-1 cells maintains tissue homeostasis, controls inflammation, aids in establishing long-term protective responses against pathogens, and provides immediate protection from infection. CD5+ B-1 cell NAbs recognize evolutionarily fixed epitopes, such as phosphatidylcholine (PtC), found on bacteria and senescent red blood cells. Anti-PtC antibodies are essential in protection against bacterial sepsis. CD5+ B-1 cell-derived NAbs have a unique germline-like structure that lacks N-additions, a feature critical for providing protection against infection. Previously, we demonstrated the repertoire and germline status of PtC+CD5+ B-1 cell IgM obtained from male mice changes with age depending on the anatomical location of the B-1 cells. More recently, we demonstrated serum antibody from aged female mice maintains protection against pneumococcal infection, whereas serum antibody from male mice does not provide protection. Results Here, we show that aged female mice have significantly more splenic PtC+CD5+ B-1 cells and more PtC specific serum IgM than aged male mice. Furthermore, we find both age and biological sex related repertoire differences when comparing B cell receptor (BCR) sequencing results of PtC+CD5+ B-1 cells. While BCR germline status of PtC+CD5+ B-1 cells from aged male and female mice is similar in the peritoneal cavity, it differs significantly in the spleen, where aged females retain germline configuration and aged males do not. Nucleic acid sensing toll-like receptors are critical in the maintenance of PtC+ B-1 cells; therefore, to begin to understand the mechanism of differences observed between the male and female PtC+CD5+ B-1 cell repertoire, we analyzed levels of cell-free nucleic acids and found increases in aged females. Conclusion Our results suggest the antigenic milieu differs between aged males and females, leading to differential selection of antigen-specific B-1 cells over time. Further elucidation of how biological sex differences influence the maintenance of B-1 cells within the aging environment will be essential to understand sex and age-related disparities in the susceptibility to bacterial infection and will aid in the development of more effective vaccination and/or therapeutic strategies specific for males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Webster
- Center for Immunobiology, Department of Investigative Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Naomi L. Tsuji
- Center for Immunobiology, Department of Investigative Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Michael J. Clemente
- Center for Immunobiology, Department of Investigative Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
- Flow Cytometry and Imaging Core, Center for Immunobiology, Department of Investigative Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Nichol E. Holodick
- Center for Immunobiology, Department of Investigative Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
- Flow Cytometry and Imaging Core, Center for Immunobiology, Department of Investigative Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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12
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Cell-Free DNA Fragmentomics: A Promising Biomarker for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Prediction of Response in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214197. [PMID: 36430675 PMCID: PMC9695769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying novel circulating biomarkers predictive of response and informative about the mechanisms of resistance, is the new challenge for breast cancer (BC) management. The integration of omics information will gradually revolutionize the clinical approach. Liquid biopsy is being incorporated into the diagnostic and decision-making process for the treatment of BC, in particular with the analysis of circulating tumor DNA, although with some relevant limitations, including costs. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentomics and its integrity index may become a cheaper, noninvasive biomarker that could provide significant additional information for monitoring response to systemic treatments in BC. The purpose of our review is to focus on the available research on cfDNA integrity and its features as a biomarker of diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatments in BC, highlighting new perspectives and critical issues for future applications.
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13
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Endogenous cell-free DNA in fetal bovine serum introduces artifacts to in vitro cell-free DNA models. Biotechniques 2022; 73:219-226. [DOI: 10.2144/btn-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is of growing clinical and research significance. In vitro cfDNA models are a useful tool in cfDNA research; however, artifacts in these models may have implications for the interpretation of new and published data. This report aimed to establish how endogenous cfDNA in fetal bovine serum (FBS) may influence in vitro cfDNA measurements. Three commercial cell culture media, supplemented with 10% FBS, were analyzed for the presence of cfDNA, with and without culture with ovarian cancer cell lines. cfDNA from FBS was identified with all three commercial media and contributed a major portion of 167-bp cfDNA. Future studies should account for bovine cfDNA in FBS-supplemented media when conducting in vitro cfDNA research.
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14
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Buzova D, Braghini MR, Bianco SD, Lo Re O, Raffaele M, Frohlich J, Kisheva A, Crudele A, Mosca A, Sartorelli MR, Balsano C, Cerveny J, Mazza T, Alisi A, Vinciguerra M. Profiling of cell-free DNA methylation and histone signatures in pediatric NAFLD: A pilot study. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3311-3323. [PMID: 36264206 PMCID: PMC9701487 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in children and adolescents, increasing the risk of its progression toward nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and cancer. There is an urgent need for noninvasive early diagnostic and prognostic tools such as epigenetic marks (epimarks), which would replace liver biopsy in the future. We used plasma samples from 67 children with biopsy-proven NAFLD, and as controls we used samples from 20 children negative for steatosis by ultrasound. All patients were genotyped for patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2), membrane bound O-acyltransferase domain containing 7 (MBOAT7), and klotho-β (KLB) gene variants, and data on anthropometric and biochemical parameters were collected. Furthermore, plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation was quantified using a commercially available kit, and ImageStream(X) was used for the detection of free circulating histone complexes and variants. We found a significant enrichment of the levels of histone macroH2A1.2 in the plasma of children with NAFLD compared to controls, and a strong correlation between cfDNA methylation levels and NASH. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that combination of cfDNA methylation, PNPLA3 rs738409 variant, coupled with either high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or alanine aminotransferase levels can strongly predict the progression of pediatric NAFLD to NASH with area under the curve >0.87. Conclusion: Our pilot study combined epimarks and genetic and metabolic markers for a robust risk assessment of NAFLD development and progression in children, offering a promising noninvasive tool for the consistent diagnosis and prognosis of pediatric NAFLD. Further studies are necessary to identify their pathogenic origin and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Buzova
- Department of Adaptive BiotechnologiesGlobal Change Research Institute CASBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Maria Rita Braghini
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex PhenotypesBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Salvatore Daniele Bianco
- Laboratory of BioinformaticsFondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della SofferenzaSan Giovanni Rotondo (FG)Italy
| | - Oriana Lo Re
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Translational Stem Cell BiologyResearch Institute of the Medical University of VarnaVarnaBulgaria
| | - Marco Raffaele
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Jan Frohlich
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Antoniya Kisheva
- Department of Internal Diseases IMedical University of VarnaVarnaBulgaria
| | - Annalisa Crudele
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex PhenotypesBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Antonella Mosca
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition UnitBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Maria Rita Sartorelli
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Nutrition UnitBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Clara Balsano
- Department of LifeHealth & Environmental Sciences‐ MESVA‐School of Emergency and Urgency Medicine, University of L'AquilaL'AquilaItaly
| | - Jan Cerveny
- Department of Adaptive BiotechnologiesGlobal Change Research Institute CASBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Tommaso Mazza
- Laboratory of BioinformaticsFondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della SofferenzaSan Giovanni Rotondo (FG)Italy
| | - Anna Alisi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Complex PhenotypesBambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- International Clinical Research CenterSt. Anne's University HospitalBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Translational Stem Cell BiologyResearch Institute of the Medical University of VarnaVarnaBulgaria,Liverpool Center for Cardiovascular ScienceLiverpool Johns Moore UniversityLiverpoolUK
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15
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New Perspectives on the Importance of Cell-Free DNA Biology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092147. [PMID: 36140548 PMCID: PMC9497998 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Body fluids are constantly replenished with a population of genetically diverse cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments, representing a vast reservoir of information reflecting real-time changes in the host and metagenome. As many body fluids can be collected non-invasively in a one-off and serial fashion, this reservoir can be tapped to develop assays for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of wide-ranging pathologies, such as solid tumors, fetal genetic abnormalities, rejected organ transplants, infections, and potentially many others. The translation of cfDNA research into useful clinical tests is gaining momentum, with recent progress being driven by rapidly evolving preanalytical and analytical procedures, integrated bioinformatics, and machine learning algorithms. Yet, despite these spectacular advances, cfDNA remains a very challenging analyte due to its immense heterogeneity and fluctuation in vivo. It is increasingly recognized that high-fidelity reconstruction of the information stored in cfDNA, and in turn the development of tests that are fit for clinical roll-out, requires a much deeper understanding of both the physico-chemical features of cfDNA and the biological, physiological, lifestyle, and environmental factors that modulate it. This is a daunting task, but with significant upsides. In this review we showed how expanded knowledge on cfDNA biology and faithful reverse-engineering of cfDNA samples promises to (i) augment the sensitivity and specificity of existing cfDNA assays; (ii) expand the repertoire of disease-specific cfDNA markers, thereby leading to the development of increasingly powerful assays; (iii) reshape personal molecular medicine; and (iv) have an unprecedented impact on genetics research.
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16
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Cell-Free DNA Fragmentation Patterns in a Cancer Cell Line. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081896. [PMID: 36010246 PMCID: PMC9406536 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Unique bits of genetic, biological and pathological information occur in differently sized cell-free DNA (cfDNA) populations. This is a significant discovery, but much of the phenomenon remains to be explored. We investigated cfDNA fragmentation patterns in cultured human bone cancer (143B) cells using increasingly sensitive electrophoresis assays, including four automated microfluidic capillary electrophoresis assays from Agilent, i.e., DNA 1000, High Sensitivity DNA, dsDNA 915 and dsDNA 930, and an optimized manual agarose gel electrophoresis protocol. This comparison showed that (i) as the sensitivity and resolution of the sizing methods increase incrementally, additional nucleosomal multiples are revealed (hepta-nucleosomes were detectable with manual agarose gel electrophoresis), while the estimated size range of high molecular weight (HMW) cfDNA fragments narrow correspondingly; (ii) the cfDNA laddering pattern extends well beyond the 1–3 nucleosomal multiples detected by commonly used methods; and (iii) the modal size of HMW cfDNA populations is exaggerated due to the limited resolving power of electrophoresis, and instead consists of several poly-nucleosomal subpopulations that continue the series of DNA laddering. Furthermore, the most sensitive automated assay used in this study (Agilent dsDNA 930) revealed an exponential decay in the relative contribution of increasingly longer cfDNA populations. This power-law distribution suggests the involvement of a stochastic inter-nucleosomal DNA cleavage process, wherein shorter populations accumulate rapidly as they are fed by the degradation of all larger populations. This may explain why similar size profiles have historically been reported for cfDNA populations originating from different processes, such as apoptosis, necrosis, accidental cell lysis and purported active release. These results not only demonstrate the diversity of size profiles generated by different methods, but also highlight the importance of caution when drawing conclusions on the mechanisms that generate different cfDNA size populations, especially when only a single method is used for sizing.
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17
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Oberhofer A, Bronkhorst AJ, Uhlig C, Ungerer V, Holdenrieder S. Tracing the Origin of Cell-Free DNA Molecules through Tissue-Specific Epigenetic Signatures. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081834. [PMID: 36010184 PMCID: PMC9406971 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
All cell and tissue types constantly release DNA fragments into human body fluids by various mechanisms including programmed cell death, accidental cell degradation and active extrusion. Particularly, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma or serum has been utilized for minimally invasive molecular diagnostics. Disease onset or pathological conditions that lead to increased cell death alter the contribution of different tissues to the total pool of cfDNA. Because cfDNA molecules retain cell-type specific epigenetic features, it is possible to infer tissue-of-origin from epigenetic characteristics. Recent research efforts demonstrated that analysis of, e.g., methylation patterns, nucleosome occupancy, and fragmentomics determined the cell- or tissue-of-origin of individual cfDNA molecules. This novel tissue-of origin-analysis enables to estimate the contributions of different tissues to the total cfDNA pool in body fluids and find tissues with increased cell death (pathologic condition), expanding the portfolio of liquid biopsies towards a wide range of pathologies and early diagnosis. In this review, we summarize the currently available tissue-of-origin approaches and point out the next steps towards clinical implementation.
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18
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Kim PJ, Olymbios M, Siu A, Wever Pinzon O, Adler E, Liang N, Swenerton R, Sternberg J, Kaur N, Ahmed E, Chen YA, Fehringer G, Demko ZP, Billings PR, Stehlik J. A novel donor-derived cell-free DNA assay for the detection of acute rejection in heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022; 41:919-927. [PMID: 35577713 PMCID: PMC9670834 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), the reference surveillance test for acute rejection (AR) in heart transplant (HTx) recipients, is invasive, costly, and shows significant interobserver variability. Recent studies indicate that donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA), obtained non-invasively from blood, is associated with AR and could reduce the frequency of EMB surveillance. The aim of this study was to examine the performance characteristics of a novel test for detecting AR in adult HTx recipients. METHODS Plasma samples with contemporaneous EMBs were obtained from HTx recipients. A clinically available SNP-based massively multiplexed-PCR dd-cfDNA assay was used to measure dd-cfDNA fraction. dd-cfDNA fractions were compared with EMB-defined rejection status and test performance was assessed by constructing ROC curves and calculating accuracy measures. RESULTS A total of 811 samples from 223 patients with dd-cfDNA testing and contemporaneous EMB were eligible for the study. dd-cfDNA fraction was significantly higher in AR (median 0.58%, IQR, 0.13%-1.68%) compared to non-AR (median 0.04%, IQR, 0.01%-0.11%, pc < 0.001). ROC analysis produced an area under the curve (AUC-ROC) of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.77-0.96). Defining samples with dd-cfDNA fraction ≥0.15% as AR yielded 78.5% sensitivity (95% CI, 60.7%-96.3%) and 76.9% specificity (95% CI, 71.1%-82.7%). Positive and negative predictive values were 25.1% (95% CI, 18.8%-31.5%) and 97.3% (95% CI, 95.1%-99.5%) respectively, calculated using the cohort AR prevalence of 9.0% (95% CI, 5.3%-12.8%) with adjustment for repeat samples. CONCLUSIONS This novel dd-cfDNA test detects AR in HTx recipients with good accuracy and holds promise as a noninvasive test for AR in HTx recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Kim
- UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California
| | | | - Alfonso Siu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Omar Wever Pinzon
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Eric Adler
- UC San Diego Health, San Diego, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Josef Stehlik
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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19
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Ronchetti L, Terrenato I, Ferretti M, Corrado G, Goeman F, Donzelli S, Mandoj C, Merola R, Zampa A, Carosi M, Blandino G, Conti L, Lobascio AM, Iacobelli M, Vizza E, Piaggio G, Gurtner A. Circulating cell free DNA and citrullinated histone H3 as useful biomarkers of NETosis in endometrial cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:151. [PMID: 35449078 PMCID: PMC9027343 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02359-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer mortality is mainly caused by organ failure and thrombotic events. It has been demonstrated that NETosis, a chromatin release mechanism implemented by neutrophils, may contribute to these lethal systemic effects. Our aim was to investigate NETosis biomarkers in endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS The experiments were conducted on 21 healthy subjects (HS) with no gynecological conditions, and on 63 EC patients. To assess the presence of NETosis features, IHC and IF was performed using antibodies against citrullinated histone H3 (citH3), neutrophil elastase (NE) and histone 2B. Serum levels of cell free DNA (cfDNA), cell free mitochondrial DNA (cfmtDNA) and citH3 were measured by qPCR using one microliter of deactivated serum, and by ELISA assay respectively. Fragmentation pattern of serum cfDNA was analyzed using the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer and High Sensitivity DNA Chips. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify a cut off for cfDNA and cfmtDNA values able to discriminate between ECs and HSs. Correlation analysis and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) between cfDNA, mtcfDNA, citH3 and blood parameters were used to identify the potential association among serum parameters in EC grades. RESULTS We demonstrated the presence of NETosis features in tissues from all EC grades. Serum cfDNA and cfmtDNA levels discriminate ECs from HSs and a direct correlation between citH3 and cfDNA content and an inverse correlation between cfmtDNA and citH3 in EC sera was observed, not detectable in HSs. MCA indicates cfDNA, cfmtDNA and citH3 as features associated to G1 and G2 grades. A correlation between increased levels of cfDNA, citH3 and inflammation features was found. Finally, serum nucleosomal cfDNA fragmentation pattern varies in EC sera and correlates with increased levels of cfDNA, citH3, lymphocytes and fibrinogen. CONCLUSION Our data highlight the occurrence of NETosis in EC and indicate serum cfDNA and citH3 as noninvasive biomarkers of tumor-induced systemic effects in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Ronchetti
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Terrenato
- Clinical Trial Center - Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Ferretti
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Corrado
- Department of Women and Children Health, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Frauke Goeman
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Donzelli
- Oncogenomics and Epigenetics Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Mandoj
- Clinical Pathology Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Merola
- Clinical Pathology Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Ashanti Zampa
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Carosi
- Anatomy Pathology Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomics and Epigenetics Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Clinical Pathology Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Lobascio
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Iacobelli
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizza
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Aymone Gurtner
- SAFU Unit, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy.
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20
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Boniface CT, Spellman PT. Blood, Toil, and Taxoteres: Biological Determinates of Treatment-Induce ctDNA Dynamics for Interpreting Tumor Response. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610103. [PMID: 35665409 PMCID: PMC9160182 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Collection and analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is one of the few methods of liquid biopsy that measures generalizable and tumor specific molecules, and is one of the most promising approaches in assessing the effectiveness of cancer care. Clinical assays that utilize ctDNA are commercially available for the identification of actionable mutations prior to treatment and to assess minimal residual disease after treatment. There is currently no clinical ctDNA assay specifically intended to monitor disease response during treatment, partially due to the complex challenge of understanding the biological sources of ctDNA and the underlying principles that govern its release. Although studies have shown pre- and post-treatment ctDNA levels can be prognostic, there is evidence that early, on-treatment changes in ctDNA levels are more accurate in predicting response. Yet, these results also vary widely among cohorts, cancer type, and treatment, likely due to the driving biology of tumor cell proliferation, cell death, and ctDNA clearance kinetics. To realize the full potential of ctDNA monitoring in cancer care, we may need to reorient our thinking toward the fundamental biological underpinnings of ctDNA release and dissemination from merely seeking convenient clinical correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T. Boniface
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Christopher T. Boniface, ; Paul T. Spellman,
| | - Paul T. Spellman
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- *Correspondence: Christopher T. Boniface, ; Paul T. Spellman,
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Sipos F, Bohusné Barta B, Simon Á, Nagy L, Dankó T, Raffay RE, Petővári G, Zsiros V, Wichmann B, Sebestyén A, Műzes G. Survival of HT29 Cancer Cells Is Affected by IGF1R Inhibition via Modulation of Self-DNA-Triggered TLR9 Signaling and the Autophagy Response. Pathol Oncol Res 2022; 28:1610322. [PMID: 35651701 PMCID: PMC9148969 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2022.1610322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: In HT29 colon cancer cells, a close interplay between self-DNA-induced TLR9 signaling and autophagy response was found, with remarkable effects on cell survival and differentiation. IGF1R activation drives the development and malignant progression of colorectal cancer. IGF1R inhibition displays a controversial effect on autophagy. The interrelated roles of IGF1R inhibition and TLR9/autophagy signaling in HT29 cancer cells have not yet been clarified. In our study, we aimed to investigate the complex interplay of IGF1R inhibition and TLR9/autophagy signaling in HT29 cells. Methods: HT29 cells were incubated with tumor-originated self-DNA with or without inhibitors of IGF1R (picropodophyllin), autophagy (chloroquine), and TLR9 (ODN2088), respectively. Cell proliferation and metabolic activity measurements, direct cell counting, NanoString and Taqman gene expression analyses, immunocytochemistry, WES Simple Western blot, and transmission electron microscopy investigations were performed. Results: The concomitant use of tumor-derived self-DNA and IGF1R inhibitors displays anti-proliferative potential, which can be reversed by parallel TLR9 signaling inhibition. The distinct effects of picropodophyllin, ODN2088, and chloroquine per se or in combination on HT29 cell proliferation and autophagy suggest that either the IGF1R-associated or non-associated autophagy machinery is "Janus-faced" regarding its actions on cell proliferation. Autophagy, induced by different combinations of self-DNA and inhibitors is not sufficient to rescue HT29 cells from death but results in the survival of some CD133-positive stem-like HT29 cells. Conclusion: The creation of new types of combined IGF1R, autophagy, and/or TLR9 signaling inhibitors would play a significant role in the development of more personalized anti-tumor therapies for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Sipos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Ferenc Sipos,
| | - Bettina Bohusné Barta
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Simon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lőrinc Nagy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Titanilla Dankó
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Regina Eszter Raffay
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Petővári
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Zsiros
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Anna Sebestyén
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Györgyi Műzes
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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