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Cortesi M, Warton K, Ford CE. Beyond 2D cell cultures: how 3D models are changing the in vitro study of ovarian cancer and how to make the most of them. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17603. [PMID: 39221267 PMCID: PMC11366228 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
3D cell cultures are a fundamental tool in ovarian cancer research that can enable more effective study of the main features of this lethal disease, including the high rates of recurrence and chemoresistance. A clearer, more comprehensive understanding of the biological underpinnings of these phenomena could aid the development of more effective treatments thus improving patient outcomes. Selecting the most appropriate model to investigate the different aspects of cell biology that are relevant to cancer is challenging, especially since the assays available for the study of 3D cultures are not fully established yet. To maximise the usefulness of 3D cell cultures of ovarian cancer, we undertook an in-depth review of the currently available models, taking into consideration the strengths and limitations of each approach and of the assay techniques used to evaluate the results. This integrated analysis provides insight into which model-assay pair is best suited to study different parameters of ovarian cancer biology such as cell proliferation, gene expression or treatment response. We also describe how the combined use of multiple models is likely to be the most effective strategy for the in vitro characterisation of complex behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Electrical Electronic and Information Engineering “G. Marconi”, University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Kristina Warton
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caroline E. Ford
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Joseph S, Zhang X, Droby G, Wu D, Bae-Jump V, Lyons S, Mordant A, Mills A, Herring L, Rushing B, Bowser J, Vaziri C. MAPK14 /p38α Shapes the Molecular Landscape of Endometrial Cancer and promotes Tumorigenic Characteristics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.25.600674. [PMID: 38979238 PMCID: PMC11230443 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.25.600674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The molecular underpinnings of H igh G rade E ndometrial C arcinoma (HGEC) metastatic growth and survival are poorly understood. Here we show that ascites-derived and primary tumor HGEC cell lines in 3D spheroid culture faithfully recapitulate key features of malignant peritoneal effusion and exhibit fundamentally distinct transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic landscapes when compared with conventional 2D monolayers. Using genetic screening platform we identify MAPK14 (which encodes the protein kinase p38α) as a specific requirement for HGEC in spheroid culture. MAPK14 /p38α has broad roles in programing the phosphoproteome, transcriptome and metabolome of HGEC spheroids, yet has negligible impact on monolayer cultures. MAPK14 promotes tumorigenicity in vivo and is specifically required to sustain a sub-population of spheroid cells that is enriched in cancer stemness markers. Therefore, spheroid growth of HGEC activates unique biological programs, including p38α signaling, that cannot be captured using 2D culture models and are highly relevant to malignant disease pathology.
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3
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Suurmond CAE, Leeuwenburgh SCG, van den Beucken JJJP. Modelling bone metastasis in spheroids to study cancer progression and screen cisplatin efficacy. Cell Prolif 2024:e13693. [PMID: 38899562 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Most bone metastases are caused by primary breast or prostate cancer cells settling in the bone microenvironment, affecting normal bone physiology and function and reducing 5-year survival rates to 10% and 6%, respectively. To expedite clinical availability of novel and effective bone metastases treatments, reliable and predictive in vitro models are urgently required to screen for novel therapies as current in vitro 2D planar mono-culture models do not accurately predict the clinical efficacy. We herein engineered a novel human in vitro 3D co-culture model based on spheroids to study dynamic cellular quantities of (breast or prostate) cancer cells and human bone marrow stromal cells and screen chemotherapeutic efficacy and specificity of the common anticancer drug cisplatin. Bone metastatic spheroids (BMSs) were formed rapidly within 24 h, while the morphology of breast versus prostate cancer BMS differed in terms of size and circularity upon prolonged culture periods. Prestaining cell types prior to BMS formation enabled confocal imaging and quantitative image analysis of in-spheroid cellular dynamics for up to 7 days of BMS culture. We found that cancer cells in BMS proliferated faster and were less susceptible to cisplatin treatment compared to 2D control cultures. Based on these findings and the versatility of our methodology, BMS represent a feasible 3D in vitro model for screening of new bone cancer metastases therapies.
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4
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Ho AN, Kiesel VA, Gates CE, Brosnan BH, Connelly SP, Glenny EM, Cozzo AJ, Hursting SD, Coleman MF. Exogenous Metabolic Modulators Improve Response to Carboplatin in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:806. [PMID: 38786030 PMCID: PMC11119195 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100806] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies, leaving cytotoxic chemotherapy as the current standard treatment. However, chemotherapy resistance remains a major clinical challenge. Increased insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling can potently blunt chemotherapy response, and lysosomal processes including the nutrient scavenging pathway autophagy can enable cancer cells to evade chemotherapy-mediated cell death. Thus, we tested whether inhibition of insulin receptor/insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor with the drug BMS-754807 and/or lysosomal disruption with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) could sensitize TNBC cells to the chemotherapy drug carboplatin. Using in vitro studies in multiple TNBC cell lines, in concert with in vivo studies employing a murine syngeneic orthotopic transplant model of TNBC, we show that BMS-754807 and HCQ each sensitized TNBC cells and tumors to carboplatin and reveal that exogenous metabolic modulators may work synergistically with carboplatin as indicated by Bliss analysis. Additionally, we demonstrate the lack of overt in vivo toxicity with our combination regimens and, therefore, propose that metabolic targeting of TNBC may be a safe and effective strategy to increase sensitivity to chemotherapy. Thus, we conclude that the use of exogenous metabolic modulators, such as BMS-754807 or HCQ, in combination with chemotherapy warrants additional study as a strategy to improve therapeutic responses in women with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa N. Ho
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Violet A. Kiesel
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Claire E. Gates
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Bennett H. Brosnan
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Scott P. Connelly
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Elaine M. Glenny
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alyssa J. Cozzo
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Stephen D. Hursting
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael Francis Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
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5
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da Veiga Moreira J, Nleme N, Schwartz L, Leclerc-Desaulniers K, Carmona E, Mes-Masson AM, Jolicoeur M. Methylene Blue Metabolic Therapy Restrains In Vivo Ovarian Tumor Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:355. [PMID: 38254843 PMCID: PMC10814748 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020355] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer remains a significant challenge, especially in platinum-resistant cases where treatment options are limited. In this study, we investigated the potential of methylene blue (MB) as a metabolic therapy and complementary treatment approach for ovarian cancer. Our findings demonstrated a significant in vivo reduction in the proliferation of TOV112D-based ovarian-cell-line xenografts. In this preclinical study, which used a carboplatin-resistant ovarian cancer tumor model implanted into mice, MB-mediated metabolic therapy exhibited superior tumor slowdown compared to carboplatin treatment alone. This indicates, for the first time, MB's potential as an alternative or adjuvant treatment, especially for resistant cases. Our in vitro study on TOV112D and ARPE-19 sheds light on the impact of such an MB-based metabolic therapy on mitochondrial energetics (respiration and membrane potential). MB showed a modulatory role in the oxygen consumption rate and the mitochondrial membrane potential. These results revealed, for the first time, that MB specifically targets TOV112D mitochondria and probably induces cell apoptosis. The differential response of normal (ARPE-19) and cancer (TOV112D) cells to the MB treatment suggests potential alterations in cancer cell mitochondria, opening avenues for therapeutic approaches that target the mitochondria. Overall, our findings suggest the efficacy of MB as a possible treatment for ovarian cancer and provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of methylene blue metabolic therapy in ovarian cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorgelindo da Veiga Moreira
- Research Laboratory in Applied Metabolic Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nancy Nleme
- Research Laboratory in Applied Metabolic Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | | | - Kim Leclerc-Desaulniers
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal (ICM), Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada (A.-M.M.-M.)
| | - Euridice Carmona
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal (ICM), Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada (A.-M.M.-M.)
| | - Anne-Marie Mes-Masson
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal (ICM), Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada (A.-M.M.-M.)
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Mario Jolicoeur
- Research Laboratory in Applied Metabolic Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
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6
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Tadić V, Zhang W, Brozovic A. The high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastasis and chemoresistance in 3D models. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189052. [PMID: 38097143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most frequent and aggressive type of epithelial ovarian cancer, with high recurrence rate and chemoresistance being the main issues in its clinical management. HGSOC is specifically challenging due to the metastatic dissemination via spheroids in the ascitic fluid. The HGSOC spheroids represent the invasive and chemoresistant cellular fraction, which is impossible to investigate in conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cell cultures lacking critical cell-to-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions. Three-dimensional (3D) HGSOC cultures, where cells aggregate and exhibit relevant interactions, offer a promising in vitro model of peritoneal metastasis and multicellular drug resistance. This review summarizes recent studies of HGSOC in 3D culture conditions and highlights the role of multicellular HGSOC spheroids and ascitic environment in HGSOC metastasis and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Tadić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Str. 54, Zagreb HR-10000, Croatia
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, Linggong Road 2, Dalian CN-116024, China
| | - Anamaria Brozovic
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Str. 54, Zagreb HR-10000, Croatia.
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7
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Dogra S, Elayapillai SP, Qu D, Pitts K, Filatenkov A, Houchen CW, Berry WL, Moxley K, Hannafon BN. Targeting doublecortin-like kinase 1 reveals a novel strategy to circumvent chemoresistance and metastasis in ovarian cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 578:216437. [PMID: 37838282 PMCID: PMC10872611 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) has a dismal prognosis because of its late-stage diagnosis and the emergence of chemoresistance. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase known to regulate cancer cell "stemness", epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance. Here we show that DCLK1 is a druggable target that promotes chemoresistance and tumor progression of high-grade serous OvCa (HGSOC). Importantly, high DCLK1 expression significantly correlates with poor overall and progression-free survival in OvCa patients treated with platinum chemotherapy. DCLK1 expression was elevated in a subset of HGSOC cell lines in adherent (2D) and spheroid (3D) cultures, and the expression was further increased in cisplatin-resistant (CPR) spheroids relative to their sensitive controls. Using cisplatin-sensitive and resistant isogenic cell lines, pharmacologic inhibition (DCLK1-IN-1), and genetic manipulation, we demonstrate that DCLK1 inhibition was effective at re-sensitizing cells to cisplatin, reducing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Using kinase domain mutants, we demonstrate that DCLK1 kinase activity is critical for mediating CPR. The combination of cisplatin and DCLK1-IN-1 showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect against OvCa cells in 3D conditions. Targeted gene expression profiling revealed that DCLK1 inhibition in CPR OvCa spheroids significantly reduced TGFβ signaling, and EMT. We show in vivo efficacy of combined DCLK1 inhibition and cisplatin in significantly reducing tumor metastases. Our study shows that DCLK1 is a relevant target in OvCa and combined targeting of DCLK1 in combination with existing chemotherapy could be a novel therapeutic approach to overcome resistance and prevent OvCa recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samrita Dogra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sugantha Priya Elayapillai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Dongfeng Qu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kamille Pitts
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Alexander Filatenkov
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Courtney W Houchen
- Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - William L Berry
- Department of Surgery, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Katherine Moxley
- Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Bethany N Hannafon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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8
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Chehelgerdi M, Behdarvand Dehkordi F, Chehelgerdi M, Kabiri H, Salehian-Dehkordi H, Abdolvand M, Salmanizadeh S, Rashidi M, Niazmand A, Ahmadi S, Feizbakhshan S, Kabiri S, Vatandoost N, Ranjbarnejad T. Exploring the promising potential of induced pluripotent stem cells in cancer research and therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:189. [PMID: 38017433 PMCID: PMC10683363 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of iPSCs has brought about a significant transformation in stem cell research, opening up promising avenues for advancing cancer treatment. The formation of cancer is a multifaceted process influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. iPSCs offer a distinctive platform for investigating the origin of cancer, paving the way for novel approaches to cancer treatment, drug testing, and tailored medical interventions. This review article will provide an overview of the science behind iPSCs, the current limitations and challenges in iPSC-based cancer therapy, the ethical and social implications, and the comparative analysis with other stem cell types for cancer treatment. The article will also discuss the applications of iPSCs in tumorigenesis, the future of iPSCs in tumorigenesis research, and highlight successful case studies utilizing iPSCs in tumorigenesis research. The conclusion will summarize the advancements made in iPSC-based tumorigenesis research and the importance of continued investment in iPSC research to unlock the full potential of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Behdarvand Dehkordi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Abdolvand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sharareh Salmanizadeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar-Jereeb Street, Isfahan, 81746-73441, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Anoosha Niazmand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saba Ahmadi
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Sara Feizbakhshan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saber Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nasimeh Vatandoost
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Ranjbarnejad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
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9
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Nelson L, Barnes BM, Tighe A, Littler S, Coulson-Gilmer C, Golder A, Desai S, Morgan RD, McGrail JC, Taylor SS. Exploiting a living biobank to delineate mechanisms underlying disease-specific chromosome instability. Chromosome Res 2023; 31:21. [PMID: 37592171 PMCID: PMC10435626 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-023-09731-x] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Chromosome instability (CIN) is a cancer hallmark that drives tumour heterogeneity, phenotypic adaptation, drug resistance and poor prognosis. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), one of the most chromosomally unstable tumour types, has a 5-year survival rate of only ~30% - largely due to late diagnosis and rapid development of drug resistance, e.g., via CIN-driven ABCB1 translocations. However, CIN is also a cell cycle vulnerability that can be exploited to specifically target tumour cells, illustrated by the success of PARP inhibitors to target homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). However, a lack of appropriate models with ongoing CIN has been a barrier to fully exploiting disease-specific CIN mechanisms. This barrier is now being overcome with the development of patient-derived cell cultures and organoids. In this review, we describe our progress building a Living Biobank of over 120 patient-derived ovarian cancer models (OCMs), predominantly from HGSOC. OCMs are highly purified tumour fractions with extensive proliferative potential that can be analysed at early passage. OCMs have diverse karyotypes, display intra- and inter-patient heterogeneity and mitotic abnormality rates far higher than established cell lines. OCMs encompass a broad-spectrum of HGSOC hallmarks, including a range of p53 alterations and BRCA1/2 mutations, and display drug resistance mechanisms seen in the clinic, e.g., ABCB1 translocations and BRCA2 reversion. OCMs are amenable to functional analysis, drug-sensitivity profiling, and multi-omics, including single-cell next-generation sequencing, and thus represent a platform for delineating HGSOC-specific CIN mechanisms. In turn, our vision is that this understanding will inform the design of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Nelson
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Bethany M Barnes
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Anthony Tighe
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Samantha Littler
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Camilla Coulson-Gilmer
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Anya Golder
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Sudha Desai
- Department of Histopathology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Rd, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Robert D Morgan
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Joanne C McGrail
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Stephen S Taylor
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK.
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10
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Tomas E, Shepherd TG. Insights into high-grade serous carcinoma pathobiology using three-dimensional culture model systems. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:70. [PMID: 37038202 PMCID: PMC10088149 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01145-x] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) research has become more complex as researchers try to fully understand the metastatic process. Especially as we delve into the concept of tumour dormancy, where cells transition between proliferative and dormant states to survive during disease progression. Thus, the in vitro models used to conduct this research need to reflect this vast biological complexity. The innovation behind the many three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models has been refined to easily generate reproducible spheroids so that we may understand the various molecular signaling changes of cells during metastasis and determine therapeutic efficacy of treatments. This ingenuity was then used to develop the 3D ex vivo patient-derived organoid model, as well as multiple co-culture model systems for EOC research. Although, researchers need to continue to push the boundaries of these current models for in vitro and even in vivo work in the future. In this review, we describe the 3D models already in use, where these models can be developed further and how we can use these models to gain the most knowledge on EOC pathogenesis and discover new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Tomas
- London Regional Cancer Program, The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, 790 Commissioners Rd. E. Room A4-836, London, ON, N6A 4L6, Canada
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Trevor G Shepherd
- London Regional Cancer Program, The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, 790 Commissioners Rd. E. Room A4-836, London, ON, N6A 4L6, Canada.
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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11
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Tosca EM, Ronchi D, Facciolo D, Magni P. Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of Animal Experiments in Anticancer Drug Development: The Contribution of 3D In Vitro Cancer Models in the Drug Efficacy Assessment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041058. [PMID: 37189676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cancer models have been proposed as a bridge between bidimensional (2D) cell cultures and in vivo animal models, the gold standards in the preclinical assessment of anticancer drug efficacy. 3D in vitro cancer models can be generated through a multitude of techniques, from both immortalized cancer cell lines and primary patient-derived tumor tissue. Among them, spheroids and organoids represent the most versatile and promising models, as they faithfully recapitulate the complexity and heterogeneity of human cancers. Although their recent applications include drug screening programs and personalized medicine, 3D in vitro cancer models have not yet been established as preclinical tools for studying anticancer drug efficacy and supporting preclinical-to-clinical translation, which remains mainly based on animal experimentation. In this review, we describe the state-of-the-art of 3D in vitro cancer models for the efficacy evaluation of anticancer agents, focusing on their potential contribution to replace, reduce and refine animal experimentations, highlighting their strength and weakness, and discussing possible perspectives to overcome current challenges.
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12
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A 3D multi-cellular tissue model of the human omentum to study the formation of ovarian cancer metastasis. Biomaterials 2023; 294:121996. [PMID: 36689832 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.121996] [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] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Reliable and predictive experimental models are urgently needed to study metastatic mechanisms of ovarian cancer cells in the omentum. Although models for ovarian cancer cell adhesion and invasion were previously investigated, the lack of certain omental cell types, which influence the metastatic behavior of cancer cells, limits the application of these tissue models. Here, we describe a 3D multi-cellular human omentum tissue model, which considers the spatial arrangement of five omental cell types. Reproducible tissue models were fabricated combining permeable cell culture inserts and bioprinting technology to mimic metastatic processes of immortalized and patient-derived ovarian cancer cells. The implementation of an endothelial barrier further allowed studying the interaction between cancer and endothelial cells during hematogenous dissemination and the impact of chemotherapeutic drugs. This proof-of-concept study may serve as a platform for patient-specific investigations in personalized oncology in the future.
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13
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Use of 3D Spheroid Models for the Assessment of RT Response in Head and Neck Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043763. [PMID: 36835181 PMCID: PMC9963786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043763] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is a key player in the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). The RT response, however, is variable and influenced by multiple tumoral and tumor microenvironmental factors, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and hypoxia. To investigate the biological mechanisms behind these variable responses, preclinical models are crucial. Up till now, 2D clonogenic and in vivo assays have remained the gold standard, although the popularity of 3D models is rising. In this study, we investigate the use of 3D spheroid models as a preclinical tool for radiobiological research by comparing the RT response of two HPV-positive and two HPV-negative HNC spheroid models to the RT response of their corresponding 2D and in vivo models. We demonstrate that HPV-positive spheroids keep their higher intrinsic radiosensitivity when compared to HPV-negative spheroids. A good correlation is found in the RT response between HPV-positive SCC154 and HPV-negative CAL27 spheroids and their respective xenografts. In addition, 3D spheroids are able to capture the heterogeneity of RT responses within HPV-positive and HPV-negative models. Moreover, we demonstrate the potential use of 3D spheroids in the study of the mechanisms underlying these RT responses in a spatial manner by whole-mount Ki-67 and pimonidazole staining. Overall, our results show that 3D spheroids are a promising model to assess the RT response in HNC.
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14
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Pixelated Microfluidics for Drug Screening on Tumour Spheroids and Ex Vivo Microdissected Tumour Explants. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041060. [PMID: 36831403 PMCID: PMC9954565 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041060] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anticancer drugs have the lowest success rate of approval in drug development programs. Thus, preclinical assays that closely predict the clinical responses to drugs are of utmost importance in both clinical oncology and pharmaceutical research. 3D tumour models preserve the tumoral architecture and are cost- and time-efficient. However, the short-term longevity, limited throughput, and limitations of live imaging of these models have so far driven researchers towards less realistic tumour models such as monolayer cell cultures. Here, we present an open-space microfluidic drug screening platform that enables the formation, culture, and multiplexed delivery of several reagents to various 3D tumour models, namely cancer cell line spheroids and ex vivo primary tumour fragments. Our platform utilizes a microfluidic pixelated chemical display that creates isolated adjacent flow sub-units of reagents, which we refer to as fluidic 'pixels', over tumour models in a contact-free fashion. Up to nine different treatment conditions can be tested over 144 samples in a single experiment. We provide a proof-of-concept application by staining fixed and live tumour models with multiple cellular dyes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the response of the tumour models to biological stimuli can be assessed using the platform. Upscaling the microfluidic platform to larger areas can lead to higher throughputs, and thus will have a significant impact on developing treatments for cancer.
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15
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Fang Y, Imoukhuede PI. Axl and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors Exhibit Variations in Membrane Localization and Heterogeneity Across Monolayer and Spheroid High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Models. GEN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 2:43-56. [PMID: 36873811 PMCID: PMC9976349 DOI: 10.1089/genbio.2022.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) and Axl are receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) that are targeted in ovarian cancer therapy. Two-dimensional monolayer culture and three-dimensional spheroids are common models for RTK-targeted drug screening: monolayers are simple and economical while spheroids include several genetic and histological tumor features. RTK membrane localization dictates RTK signaling and drug response, however, it is not characterized in these models. We quantify plasma membrane RTK concentrations and show differential RTK abundance and heterogeneity in monolayers versus spheroids. We show VEGFR1 concentrations on the plasma membrane to be 10 times higher in OVCAR8 spheroids than in monolayers; OVCAR8 spheroids are more heterogeneous than monolayers, exhibiting a bimodal distribution of a low-Axl (6200/cell) and a high-Axl subpopulation (25,000/cell). In addition, plasma membrane Axl concentrations differ by 100 times between chemosensitive (OVCAR3) and chemoresistant (OVCAR8) cells and by 10 times between chemoresistant cell lines (OVCAR5 vs. OVCAR8). These systematic findings can guide ovarian cancer model selection for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingye Fang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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16
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Mekhileri NV, Major G, Lim K, Mutreja I, Chitcholtan K, Phillips E, Hooper G, Woodfield T. Biofabrication of Modular Spheroids as Tumor-Scale Microenvironments for Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2022:e2201581. [PMID: 36495232 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201581] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To streamline the drug discovery pipeline, there is a pressing need for preclinical models which replicate the complexity and scale of native tumors. While there have been advancements in the formation of microscale tumor units, these models are cell-line dependent, time-consuming and have not improved clinical trial success rates. In this study, two methods for generating 3D tumor microenvironments are compared, rapidly fabricated hydrogel microspheres and traditional cell-dense spheroids. These modules are then bioassembled into 3D printed thermoplastic scaffolds, using an automated biofabrication process, to form tumor-scale models. Modules are formed with SKOV3 and HFF cells as monocultures and cocultures, and the fabrication efficiency, cell architecture, and drug response profiles are characterized, both as single modules and as multimodular constructs. Cell-encapsulated Gel-MA microspheres are fabricated with high-reproducibility and dimensions necessary for automated tumor-scale bioassembly regardless of cell type, however, only cocultured spheroids form compact modules suitable for bioassembly. Chemosensitivity assays demonstrate the reduced potency of doxorubicin in coculture bioassembled constructs and a ≈five-fold increase in drug resistance of cocultured cells in 3D modules compared with 2D monolayers. This bioassembly system is efficient and tailorable so that a variety of relevant-sized tumor constructs could be developed to study tumorigenesis and modernize drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Vijayan Mekhileri
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Gretel Major
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Khoon Lim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Isha Mutreja
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Kenny Chitcholtan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Elisabeth Phillips
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Gary Hooper
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Tim Woodfield
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Centre for Bioengineering & Nanomedicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
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17
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Marastoni S, Madariaga A, Pesic A, Nair SN, Li ZJ, Shalev Z, Ketela T, Colombo I, Mandilaras V, Cabanero M, Bruce JP, Li X, Garg S, Wang L, Chen EX, Gill S, Dhani NC, Zhang W, Pintilie M, Bowering V, Koritzinsky M, Rottapel R, Wouters BG, Oza AM, Joshua AM, Lheureux S. Repurposing Itraconazole and Hydroxychloroquine to Target Lysosomal Homeostasis in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:293-306. [PMID: 36875717 PMCID: PMC9981200 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Drug repurposing is an attractive option for oncology drug development. Itraconazole is an antifungal ergosterol synthesis inhibitor that has pleiotropic actions including cholesterol antagonism, inhibition of Hedgehog and mTOR pathways. We tested a panel of 28 epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cell lines with itraconazole to define its spectrum of activity. To identify synthetic lethality in combination with itraconazole, a whole-genome drop-out genome-scale clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats sensitivity screen in two cell lines (TOV1946 and OVCAR5) was performed. On this basis, we conducted a phase I dose-escalation study assessing the combination of itraconazole and hydroxychloroquine in patients with platinum refractory EOC (NCT03081702). We identified a wide spectrum of sensitivity to itraconazole across the EOC cell lines. Pathway analysis showed significant involvement of lysosomal compartments, the trans-golgi network and late endosomes/lysosomes; similar pathways are phenocopied by the autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine. We then demonstrated that the combination of itraconazole and chloroquine displayed Bliss defined synergy in EOC cancer cell lines. Furthermore, there was an association of cytotoxic synergy with the ability to induce functional lysosome dysfunction, by chloroquine. Within the clinical trial, 11 patients received at least one cycle of itraconazole and hydroxychloroquine. Treatment was safe and feasible with the recommended phase II dose of 300 and 600 mg twice daily, respectively. No objective responses were detected. Pharmacodynamic measurements on serial biopsies demonstrated limited pharmacodynamic impact. In vitro, itraconazole and chloroquine have synergistic activity and exert a potent antitumor effect by affecting lysosomal function. The drug combination had no clinical antitumor activity in dose escalation. Significance The combination of the antifungal drug itraconazole with antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine leads to a cytotoxic lysosomal dysfunction, supporting the rational for further research on lysosomal targeting in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Marastoni
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ainhoa Madariaga
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleksandra Pesic
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sree Narayanan Nair
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhu Juan Li
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zvi Shalev
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Troy Ketela
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ilaria Colombo
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Mandilaras
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Cabanero
- Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeff P Bruce
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xuan Li
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Swati Garg
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Wang
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric X Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarbjot Gill
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neesha C Dhani
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenjiang Zhang
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melania Pintilie
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie Bowering
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marianne Koritzinsky
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Rottapel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bradly G Wouters
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amit M Oza
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony M Joshua
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincents Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephanie Lheureux
- Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Harris AR, Esparza S, Azimi MS, Cornelison R, Azar FN, Llaneza DC, Belanger M, Mathew A, Tkachenko S, Perez MJ, Rosean CB, Bostic RR, Cornelison RC, Tate KM, Peirce-Cottler SM, Paquette C, Mills A, Landen CN, Saucerman J, Dillon PM, Pompano RR, Rutkowski MA, Munson JM. Platinum Chemotherapy Induces Lymphangiogenesis in Cancerous and Healthy Tissues That Can be Prevented With Adjuvant Anti-VEGFR3 Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:801764. [PMID: 35372032 PMCID: PMC8970967 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.801764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy has been used to inhibit cancer growth for decades, but emerging evidence shows it can affect the tumor stroma, unintentionally promoting cancer malignancy. After treatment of primary tumors, remaining drugs drain via lymphatics. Though all drugs interact with the lymphatics, we know little of their impact on them. Here, we show a previously unknown effect of platinums, a widely used class of chemotherapeutics, to directly induce systemic lymphangiogenesis and activation. These changes are dose-dependent, long-lasting, and occur in healthy and cancerous tissue in multiple mouse models of breast cancer. We found similar effects in human ovarian and breast cancer patients whose treatment regimens included platinums. Carboplatin treatment of healthy mice prior to mammary tumor inoculation increased cancer metastasis as compared to no pre-treatment. These platinum-induced phenomena could be blocked by VEGFR3 inhibition. These findings have implications for cancer patients receiving platinums and may support the inclusion of anti-VEGFR3 therapy into treatment regimens or differential design of treatment regimens to alter these potential effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Harris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology Division, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Savieay Esparza
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Mohammad S Azimi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Robert Cornelison
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology Division, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Francesca N Azar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Danielle C Llaneza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology Division, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Maura Belanger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Alexander Mathew
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Svyatoslav Tkachenko
- Department of Genetics & Genome Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Matthew J Perez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Claire Buchta Rosean
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Raegan R Bostic
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - R Chase Cornelison
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Kinsley M Tate
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Shayn M Peirce-Cottler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Cherie Paquette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Anne Mills
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Charles N Landen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology Division, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jeff Saucerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Patrick M Dillon
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rebecca R Pompano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Melanie A Rutkowski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jennifer M Munson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Mechanics, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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19
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Braccini S, Tacchini C, Chiellini F, Puppi D. Polymeric Hydrogels for In Vitro 3D Ovarian Cancer Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:3265. [PMID: 35328686 PMCID: PMC8954571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) grows and interacts constantly with a complex microenvironment, in which immune cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, signal molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM) coexist. This heterogeneous environment provides structural and biochemical support to the surrounding cells and undergoes constant and dynamic remodeling that actively promotes tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Despite the fact that traditional 2D cell culture systems have led to relevant medical advances in cancer research, 3D cell culture models could open new possibilities for the development of an in vitro tumor microenvironment more closely reproducing that observed in vivo. The implementation of materials science and technology into cancer research has enabled significant progress in the study of cancer progression and drug screening, through the development of polymeric scaffold-based 3D models closely recapitulating the physiopathological features of native tumor tissue. This article provides an overview of state-of-the-art in vitro tumor models with a particular focus on 3D OC cell culture in pre-clinical studies. The most representative OC models described in the literature are presented with a focus on hydrogel-based scaffolds, which guarantee soft tissue-like physical properties as well as a suitable 3D microenvironment for cell growth. Hydrogel-forming polymers of either natural or synthetic origin investigated in this context are described by highlighting their source of extraction, physical-chemical properties, and application for 3D ovarian cancer cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dario Puppi
- BioLab Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM-Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (C.T.)
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20
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Gupta P, Miller A, Olayanju A, Madhuri TK, Velliou E. A Systematic Comparative Assessment of the Response of Ovarian Cancer Cells to the Chemotherapeutic Cisplatin in 3D Models of Various Structural and Biochemical Configurations-Does One Model Type Fit All? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1274. [PMID: 35267582 PMCID: PMC8909317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) is a silent, deadly and aggressive gynaecological disease with a relatively low survival rate. This has been attributed, to some extent, to EOC's high recurrence rate and resistance to currently available platinum-based chemotherapeutic treatment methods. Multiple groups have studied and reported the effect of chemotherapeutic agents on various EOC 3D in vitro models. However, there are very few studies wherein a direct comparative study has been carried out between the different in vitro 3D models of EOC and the effect of chemotherapy within them. Herein, we report, for the first time, a direct comprehensive systematic comparative study of three different 3D in vitro platforms, namely (i) spheroids, (ii) synthetic PeptiGels/hydrogels of various chemical configurations and (iii) polymeric scaffolds with coatings of various extracellular matrices (ECMs) on the cell growth and response to the chemotherapeutic (Cisplatin) for ovary-derived (A2780) and metastatic (SK-OV-3) EOC cell lines. We report that all three 3D models are able to support the growth of EOC, but for different time periods (varying from 7 days to 4 weeks). We have also reported that chemoresistance to Cisplatin, in vitro, observed especially for metastatic EOC cells, is platform-dependent, in terms of both the structural and biochemical composition of the model/platform. Our study highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate 3D platform for in vitro tumour model development. We have demonstrated that the selection of the best platform for producing in vitro tumour models depends on the cancer/cell type, the experimental time period and the application for which the model is intended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gupta
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TY, UK;
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Aline Miller
- Manchester BIOGEL, 19F4, Mereside, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Chesire SK10 4TG, UK; (A.M.); (A.O.)
| | - Adedamola Olayanju
- Manchester BIOGEL, 19F4, Mereside, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Chesire SK10 4TG, UK; (A.M.); (A.O.)
| | - Thumuluru Kavitha Madhuri
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Egerton Road, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK;
- Honorary Senior Lecturer in Cancer Research, School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
| | - Eirini Velliou
- Centre for 3D Models of Health and Disease, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7TY, UK;
- Bioprocess and Biochemical Engineering Group (BioProChem), Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Surrey, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
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21
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Abstract
Peritoneal surface malignancies comprise a heterogeneous group of primary tumours, including peritoneal mesothelioma, and peritoneal metastases of other tumours, including ovarian, gastric, colorectal, appendicular or pancreatic cancers. The pathophysiology of peritoneal malignancy is complex and not fully understood. The two main hypotheses are the transformation of mesothelial cells (peritoneal primary tumour) and shedding of cells from a primary tumour with implantation of cells in the peritoneal cavity (peritoneal metastasis). Diagnosis is challenging and often requires modern imaging and interventional techniques, including surgical exploration. In the past decade, new treatments and multimodal strategies helped to improve patient survival and quality of life and the premise that peritoneal malignancies are fatal diseases has been dismissed as management strategies, including complete cytoreductive surgery embedded in perioperative systemic chemotherapy, can provide cure in selected patients. Furthermore, intraperitoneal chemotherapy has become an important part of combination treatments. Improving locoregional treatment delivery to enhance penetration to tumour nodules and reduce systemic uptake is one of the most active research areas. The current main challenges involve not only offering the best treatment option and developing intraperitoneal therapies that are equivalent to current systemic therapies but also defining the optimal treatment sequence according to primary tumour, disease extent and patient preferences. New imaging modalities, less invasive surgery, nanomedicines and targeted therapies are the basis for a new era of intraperitoneal therapy and are beginning to show encouraging outcomes.
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22
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Boudhraa Z, Zaoui K, Fleury H, Cahuzac M, Gilbert S, Tchakarska G, Kendall-Dupont J, Carmona E, Provencher D, Mes-Masson AM. NR1D1 regulation by Ran GTPase via miR4472 identifies an essential vulnerability linked to aneuploidy in ovarian cancer. Oncogene 2021; 41:309-320. [PMID: 34743206 PMCID: PMC8755527 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While aneuploidy is a main enabling characteristic of cancers, it also creates specific vulnerabilities. Here we demonstrate that Ran inhibition targets epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) survival through its characteristic aneuploidy. We show that induction of aneuploidy in rare diploid EOC cell lines or normal cells renders them highly dependent on Ran. We also establish an inverse correlation between Ran and the tumor suppressor NR1D1 and reveal the critical role of Ran/NR1D1 axis in aneuploidy-associated endogenous DNA damage repair. Mechanistically, we show that Ran, through the maturation of miR4472, destabilizes the mRNA of NR1D1 impacting several DNA repair pathways. We showed that NR1D1 interacts with both PARP1 and BRCA1 leading to the inhibition of DNA repair. Concordantly, loss of Ran was associated with NR1D1 induction, accumulation of DNA damages, and lethality of aneuploid EOC cells. Our findings suggest a synthetic lethal strategy targeting aneuploid cells based on their dependency to Ran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zied Boudhraa
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kossay Zaoui
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hubert Fleury
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maxime Cahuzac
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sophie Gilbert
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Guergana Tchakarska
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kendall-Dupont
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Euridice Carmona
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Diane Provencher
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Mes-Masson
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Institut du cancer de Montréal (ICM), Montreal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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