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Okorafor CC, Shastri S, Wen K, Ebong EE. Mechanisms of triple-negative breast cancer extravasation: Impact of the physical environment and endothelial glycocalyx. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23785. [PMID: 38949120 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400380r] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of death for those afflicted with cancer. In cancer metastasis, the cancer cells break off from the primary tumor, penetrate nearby blood vessels, and attach and extravasate out of the vessels to form secondary tumors at distant organs. This makes extravasation a critical step of the metastatic cascade. Herein, with a focus on triple-negative breast cancer, the role that the prospective secondary tumor microenvironment's mechanical properties play in circulating tumor cells' extravasation is reviewed. Specifically, the effects of the physically regulated vascular endothelial glycocalyx barrier element, vascular flow factors, and subendothelial extracellular matrix mechanical properties on cancer cell extravasation are examined. The ultimate goal of this review is to clarify the physical mechanisms that drive triple-negative breast cancer extravasation, as these mechanisms may be potential new targets for anti-metastasis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu C Okorafor
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanjana Shastri
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ke Wen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eno E Ebong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Falahi F, Akbari-Birgani S, Mortazavi Y, Johari B. Caspase-9 suppresses metastatic behavior of MDA-MB-231 cells in an adaptive organoid model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15116. [PMID: 38956424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Caspase-9, a cysteine-aspartate protease traditionally associated with intrinsic apoptosis, has recently emerged as having non-apoptotic roles, including influencing cell migration-an aspect that has received limited attention in existing studies. In our investigation, we aimed to explore the impact of caspase-9 on the migration and invasion behaviors of MDA-MB-231, a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line known for its metastatic properties. We established a stable cell line expressing an inducible caspase-9 (iC9) in MDA-MB-231 and assessed their metastatic behavior using both monolayer and the 3D organotypic model in co-culture with human Foreskin fibroblasts (HFF). Our findings revealed that caspase-9 had an inhibitory effect on migration and invasion in both models. In monolayer culture, caspase-9 effectively suppressed the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, comparable to the anti-metastatic agent panitumumab (Pan). Notably, the combination of caspase-9 and Pan exhibited a significant additional effect in reducing metastatic behavior. Interestingly, caspase-9 demonstrated superior efficacy compared to Pan in the organotypic model. Molecular analysis showed down regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migratory markers, in caspase-9 activated cells. Additionally, flow cytometry analysis indicated a cell cycle arrest. Moreover, pre-treatment with activated caspase-9 sensitized cells to the chemotherapy of doxorubicin, thereby enhancing its effectiveness. In conclusion, the anti-metastatic potential of caspase-9 presents avenues for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for TNBC/metastatic breast cancer. Although more studies need to figure out the exact involving mechanisms behind this behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Falahi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, 45137-66731, Iran
| | - Shiva Akbari-Birgani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, 45137-66731, Iran.
- Research Center for Basic Sciences and Modern Technologies (RBST), Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, 45137-66731, Iran.
| | - Yousef Mortazavi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Behrooz Johari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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3
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Pan Y, Cheng J, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Fan W, Chen X. Immunological nanomaterials to combat cancer metastasis. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:6399-6444. [PMID: 38745455 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00968d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis causes greater than 90% of cancer-associated deaths, presenting huge challenges for detection and efficient treatment of cancer due to its high heterogeneity and widespread dissemination to various organs. Therefore, it is imperative to combat cancer metastasis, which is the key to achieving complete cancer eradication. Immunotherapy as a systemic approach has shown promising potential to combat metastasis. However, current clinical immunotherapies are not effective for all patients or all types of cancer metastases owing to insufficient immune responses. In recent years, immunological nanomaterials with intrinsic immunogenicity or immunomodulatory agents with efficient loading have been shown to enhance immune responses to eliminate metastasis. In this review, we would like to summarize various types of immunological nanomaterials against metastasis. Moreover, this review will summarize a series of immunological nanomaterial-mediated immunotherapy strategies to combat metastasis, including immunogenic cell death, regulation of chemokines and cytokines, improving the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, activation of the STING pathway, enhancing cytotoxic natural killer cell activity, enhancing antigen presentation of dendritic cells, and enhancing chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. Furthermore, the synergistic anti-metastasis strategies based on the combinational use of immunotherapy and other therapeutic modalities will also be introduced. In addition, the nanomaterial-mediated imaging techniques (e.g., optical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, photoacoustic imaging, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, radionuclide imaging, etc.) for detecting metastasis and monitoring anti-metastasis efficacy are also summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of immunological nanomaterial-based anti-metastasis are also elucidated with the intention to accelerate its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Junjie Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Yang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, China.
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precise Treatment and Clinical Translational Research of Neurological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
- Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Wenpei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, Center of Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Biomaterials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Theranostics Center of Excellence (TCE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 11 Biopolis Way, Helios, Singapore 138667, Singapore
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4
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Thakur C, Qiu Y, Pawar A, Chen F. Epigenetic regulation of breast cancer metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:597-619. [PMID: 37857941 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10146-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Recurrent metastasis is associated with poor patient outcomes and poses a significant challenge in breast cancer therapies. Cancer cells adapting to a new tissue microenvironment is the key event in distant metastasis development, where the disseminating tumor cells are likely to acquire genetic and epigenetic alterations during the process of metastatic colonization. Despite several decades of research in this field, the exact mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully understood. However, emerging body of evidence indicates that in addition to genetic changes, epigenetic reprogramming of cancer cells and the metastatic niche are paramount toward successful metastasis. Here, we review and discuss the latest knowledge about the salient attributes of metastasis and epigenetic regulation in breast cancer and crucial research domains that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Thakur
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Aashna Pawar
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Stony Brook Cancer Center, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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Wu Y, Li Z, Lee AV, Oesterreich S, Luo B. Liver tropism of ER mutant breast cancer is characterized by unique molecular changes and immune infiltration. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024; 205:371-386. [PMID: 38427312 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hotspot estrogen receptor alpha (ER/ESR1) mutations are recognized as the driver for both endocrine resistance and metastasis in advanced ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer, but their contributions to metastatic organ tropism remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we aim to comprehensively profile the organotropic metastatic pattern for ESR1 mutant breast cancer. METHODS The organ-specific metastatic pattern of ESR1 mutant breast cancer was delineated using multi-omics data from multiple publicly available cohorts of ER+ metastatic breast cancer patients. Gene mutation/copy number variation (CNV) and differential gene expression analyses were performed to identify the genomic and transcriptomic alterations uniquely associated with ESR1 mutant liver metastasis. Upstream regulator, downstream pathway, and immune infiltration analysis were conducted for subsequent mechanistic investigations. RESULTS ESR1 mutation-driven liver tropism was revealed by significant differences, encompassing a higher prevalence of liver metastasis in patients with ESR1 mutant breast cancer and an enrichment of mutations in liver metastatic samples. The significant enrichment of AGO2 copy number amplifications (CNAs) and multiple gene expression changes were revealed uniquely in ESR1 mutant liver metastasis. We also unveiled alterations in downstream signaling pathways and immune infiltration, particularly an enrichment of neutrophils, suggesting potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. CONCLUSION Our data provide a comprehensive characterization of the behaviors and mechanisms of ESR1 mutant liver metastasis, paving the way for the development of personalized therapy to target liver metastasis for patients with ESR1 mutant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Zheqi Li
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adrian V Lee
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102218, China.
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6
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Hancock GR, Gertz J, Jeselsohn R, Fanning SW. Estrogen Receptor Alpha Mutations, Truncations, Heterodimers, and Therapies. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae051. [PMID: 38643482 PMCID: PMC11075793 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Annual breast cancer (BCa) deaths have declined since its apex in 1989 concomitant with widespread adoption of hormone therapies that target estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), the prominent nuclear receptor expressed in ∼80% of BCa. However, up to ∼50% of patients who are ER+ with high-risk disease experience post endocrine therapy relapse and metastasis to distant organs. The vast majority of BCa mortality occurs in this setting, highlighting the inadequacy of current therapies. Genomic abnormalities to ESR1, the gene encoding ERα, emerge under prolonged selective pressure to enable endocrine therapy resistance. These genetic lesions include focal gene amplifications, hotspot missense mutations in the ligand binding domain, truncations, fusions, and complex interactions with other nuclear receptors. Tumor cells utilize aberrant ERα activity to proliferate, spread, and evade therapy in BCa as well as other cancers. Cutting edge studies on ERα structural and transcriptional relationships are being harnessed to produce new therapies that have shown benefits in patients with ESR1 hotspot mutations. In this review we discuss the history of ERα, current research unlocking unknown aspects of ERα signaling including the structural basis for receptor antagonism, and future directions of ESR1 investigation. In addition, we discuss the development of endocrine therapies from their inception to present day and survey new avenues of drug development to improve pharmaceutical profiles, targeting, and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govinda R Hancock
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60513, USA
| | - Jason Gertz
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rinath Jeselsohn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sean W Fanning
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60513, USA
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Zhang X, Li C, Zhu D, Mao H, Jiang X. In Situ Engineering Cancer Mask to Immobilize Tumor Cells and Block Metastasis. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400742. [PMID: 38676706 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
This work reports a new concept of cancer mask in situ to alter the specific biological functions of cancer cells. Metastatic cancer cells are highly invasive in part due to the presence of the glycan matrix in the cell membrane. Using a rational designed bio-orthogonal reaction, the cancer cell surface is reconstructed in situ by incorporating endogenous polysialic acids in the glycan matrix on the cell membrane to form a mesh-like network, called cancer mask. The network of the glycan matrix can not only immobilize cancer cells but also effectively block the stimulation of metastasis promoters to tumor cells and inhibit the formation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), causing metastatic cancer cells incarceration. The results demonstrate a new strategy to control and even eliminate the cancer metastasis that is a major cause of treatment failure and poor patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoke Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Cheng Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Dan Zhu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hui Mao
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Xiqun Jiang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
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8
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Abdul Manap AS, Wisham AA, Wong FW, Ahmad Najmi HR, Ng ZF, Diba RS. Mapping the function of MicroRNAs as a critical regulator of tumor-immune cell communication in breast cancer and potential treatment strategies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1390704. [PMID: 38726321 PMCID: PMC11079208 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1390704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Among women, breast cancer ranks as the most prevalent form of cancer, and the presence of metastases significantly reduces prognosis and diminishes overall survival rates. Gaining insights into the biological mechanisms governing the conversion of cancer cells, their subsequent spread to other areas of the body, and the immune system's monitoring of tumor growth will contribute to the advancement of more efficient and targeted therapies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the interaction between tumor cells and immune cells, facilitating tumor cells' evasion of the immune system and promoting cancer progression. Additionally, miRNAs also influence metastasis formation, including the establishment of metastatic sites and the transformation of tumor cells into migratory phenotypes. Specifically, dysregulated expression of these genes has been associated with abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, thereby facilitating tumor development. This study aims to provide a concise overview of the significance and function of miRNAs in breast cancer, focusing on their involvement as tumor suppressors in the antitumor immune response and as oncogenes in metastasis formation. Furthermore, miRNAs hold tremendous potential as targets for gene therapy due to their ability to modulate specific pathways that can either promote or suppress carcinogenesis. This perspective highlights the latest strategies developed for miRNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimi Syamima Abdul Manap
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fei Wen Wong
- Faculty of Biosciences, MAHSA University, Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Zhi Fei Ng
- Faculty of Biosciences, MAHSA University, Kuala Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
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Carrolo M, Miranda JAI, Vilhais G, Quintela A, Sousa MFE, Costa DA, Pinto FR. Metastatic organotropism: a brief overview. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1358786. [PMID: 38725618 PMCID: PMC11079203 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1358786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Organotropism has been known since 1889, yet this vital component of metastasis has predominantly stayed elusive. This mini-review gives an overview of the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of organotropism and metastases development by focusing on the formation of the pre-metastatic niche, immune defenses against metastases, and genomic alterations associated with organotropism. The particular case of brain metastases is also addressed, as well as the impact of organotropism in cancer therapy. The limited comprehension of the factors behind organotropism underscores the necessity for efficient strategies and treatments to manage metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - João A. I. Miranda
- BioISI – Institute for Biosystems and Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - António Quintela
- Hematology and Oncology Department, CUF Oncologia, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Diogo Alpuim Costa
- Hematology and Oncology Department, CUF Oncologia, Lisbon, Portugal
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Cascais, Cascais, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Francisco R. Pinto
- BioISI – Institute for Biosystems and Integrative Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Li PC, Zhu YF, Pan JN, Zhu QY, Liao YY, Ding XW, Zheng LF, Cao WM. HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer arising in patients with or without BRCA2 mutation: different biological phenotype and similar prognosis. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241242613. [PMID: 38606163 PMCID: PMC11008348 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241242613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background BRCA2 plays a key role in homologous recombination. However, information regarding its mutations in Chinese patients with breast cancer remains limited. Objectives This study aimed to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of BRCA2 mutation breast cancer and explore the mutation's effect on hormone receptor (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer survival in China. Design This hospital-based cohort study prospectively included 629 women with breast cancer diagnosed from 2008 to 2023 at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital in China. Methods We compared the clinicopathological characteristics and metastatic patterns and analysed the invasive disease-free survival (iDFS), distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) and first-line progression-free survival (PFS1) of patients with HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer according to BRCA2 mutations. Results Among the 629 patients, 78 had BRCA2 mutations (12.4%) and 551 did not (87.6%). The mean age at diagnosis was lower in the BRCA2 mutation breast cancer group than in the non-mutation breast cancer group (38.91 versus 41.94 years, p = 0.016). BRCA2 mutation breast cancers were more likely to be lymph node-positive than non-mutation breast cancers (73.0% versus 56.6%, p = 0.037). The pathological grade was higher in 47.1% of BRCA2 mutation breast cancers than in 29.6% of non-mutation breast cancers (p = 0.014). The proportions of patients with BRCA2 mutations who developed contralateral breast cancer (19.2% versus 8.8%, p = 0.004), breast cancer in the family (53.8% versus 38.3%, p = 0.009) and ovarian cancer in the family (7.6% versus 2.4%, p = 0.022) were higher than those of patients without the mutation. The median follow-up time was 92.78 months. Multivariate analysis showed that BRCA2 mutation was not associated with poorer iDFS [hazard ratio = 0.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64-1.27, p = 0.56] and poorer distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) (hazard ratio = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.61-1.93, p = 0.76). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to metastatic patterns in the advanced disease setting. In the first-line metastatic breast cancer setting, PFS1 expression was broadly similar between the two groups irrespective of chemotherapy or endocrine therapy. Conclusion HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer with BRCA2 mutations differs from those without mutations in clinical behaviour and reflects more aggressive tumour behaviour. Our results indicate that BRCA2 mutations have no significant effect on the survival of Chinese women with HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu-Chun Li
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Fan Zhu
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia-Ni Pan
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Qiao-Yan Zhu
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Yang Liao
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Ding
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin-Feng Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, 1 Banshan East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Wen-Ming Cao
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, 1 Banshan East Road, Gongsu, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
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11
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Koh NH, Oh HY. Case report: Unusual breast cancer metastasis manifesting as a scalp lesion in a patient with invasive lobular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1361333. [PMID: 38646434 PMCID: PMC11026626 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1361333] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women globally, often leading to distant metastasis in the lung, liver, or bones. Cutaneous metastasis represents an uncommon pattern in breast cancer, but when observed, it tends to manifest in the thorax and upper abdomen, primarily due to lymph node involvement. Therefore, occurrences of cutaneous metastasis on the scalp and extremities are infrequent. Moreover, invasive lobular carcinoma metastasizing to remote skin is rare among the breast cancer. This report presents a case of cutaneous metastasis of invasive lobular carcinoma to the scalp in a patient treated for breast cancer six years ago, with no signs of local recurrence or metastasis to other organs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ha Yeun Oh
- Department of Radiology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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12
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Si G, Chen X, Li Y, Yuan X. Exosomes promote pre-metastatic niche formation in colorectal cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27572. [PMID: 38509970 PMCID: PMC10950591 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high morbidity rate, a poor prognosis when metastasized, and a greatly shortened 5-year survival rate. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of tumor metastasis is still important. Based on the "seed and soil" theory, the concept of " premetastatic niche (PMN)" was introduced by Kaplan et al. The complex interaction between primary tumors and the metastatic organ provides a beneficial microenvironment for tumor cells to colonize at a distance. With further exploration of the PMN, exosomes have gradually attracted interest from researchers. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles secreted from cells that include various biological information and are involved in communication between cells. As a key molecule in the PMN, exosomes are closely related to tumor metastasis. In this article, we obtained information by conducting a comprehensive search across academic databases including PubMed and Web of Science using relevant keywords. Only recent, peer-reviewed articles published in the English language were considered for inclusion. This study aims to explore in depth how exosomes promote the formation of pre-metastatic microenvironment (PMN) in colorectal cancer and its related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifei Si
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Yuquan Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, China
| | - Xuemin Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, 276000, China
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13
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Bacon ER, Ihle K, Guo W, Egelston CA, Simons DL, Wei C, Tumyan L, Schmolze D, Lee PP, Waisman JR. Tumor heterogeneity and clinically invisible micrometastases in metastatic breast cancer-a call for enhanced surveillance strategies. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:81. [PMID: 38553598 PMCID: PMC10980766 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00572-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The biology of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is understudied, primarily due to the difficulty of procuring multiple samples from patients with oligometastatic breast cancer. We developed a rapid postmortem tissue procurement program that allows the collection and analysis of numerous metastatic lesions, subclinical locations, and potential pre-metastatic niches that fall within this scope. We conducted a rapid postmortem tissue collection study on 9 patients with MBC. Patients and their families consented to donate tissues immediately after death in an IRB-approved study. Various disease subtypes, progression histories, organ involvement, and final causes of death are reported. In patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) disease, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, and Ki-67 expression were heterogeneous across metastatic lesions within individual patients. Disease phenotype at the end of life trended toward complete loss of HR expression. Nearly all (n = 7) patients exhibited extensive tumor involvement of additional organs that had not been previously diagnosed clinically and were not retrospectively visible on recent imaging. Of these seven individuals, three included organs uncommonly associated with MBC: kidney, spleen, pancreas, and ovary. Finally, we identified clinically undetectable micrometastases in several organs uncommonly involved in MBC. Our findings raise several clinically relevant questions regarding the mechanisms of metastatic progression. Insights from this study argue for better surveillance strategies for monitoring MBC. We highlight the need to capture more accurate biomarker information in the context of heterogeneous disease and urge the consideration of treatment strategies that combine multiple targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R Bacon
- The Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA.
| | - Kena Ihle
- The Center for Precision Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Weihua Guo
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Colt A Egelston
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Diana L Simons
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Christina Wei
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Lusine Tumyan
- Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Daniel Schmolze
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Peter P Lee
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - James R Waisman
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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14
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Michl M, Taverna F, Woischke C, Li P, Klauschen F, Kirchner T, Heinemann V, von Bergwelt-Baildon M, Stahler A, Herold TM, Jurinovic V, Engel J, Kumbrink J, Neumann J. Identification of a gene expression signature associated with brain metastasis in colorectal cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03408-5. [PMID: 38558282 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brain metastasis (BM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is a rare event with poor prognosis. Apart from (K)RAS status and lung and bone metastasis no biomarkers exist to identify patients at risk. This study aimed to identify a gene expression signature associated with colorectal BM. METHODS Three patient groups were formed: 1. CRC with brain metastasis (BRA), 2. exclusive liver metastasis (HEP) and, 3. non-metastatic disease (M0). RNA was extracted from primary tumors and mRNA expression was measured using a NanoString Panel (770 genes). Expression was confirmed by qPCR in a validation cohort. Statistical analyses including multivariate logistic regression followed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed. RESULTS EMILIN3, MTA1, SV2B, TMPRSS6, ACVR1C, NFAT5 and SMC3 were differentially expressed in BRA and HEP/M0 groups. In the validation cohort, differential NFAT5, ACVR1C and SMC3 expressions were confirmed. BRA patients showed highest NFAT5 levels compared to HEP/M0 groups (global p = 0.02). High ACVR1C expression was observed more frequently in the BRA group (42.9%) than in HEP (0%) and M0 (7.1%) groups (global p = 0.01). High SMC3 expressions were only detectable in the BRA group (global p = 0.003). Only patients with BM showed a combined high expression of NFAT5, ACVR1C or SMC3 as well as of all three genes. ROC analysis revealed a good prediction of brain metastasis by the three genes (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.78). CONCLUSIONS The NFAT5, ACVR1C and SMC3 gene expression signature is associated with colorectal BM. Future studies should further investigate the importance of this biomarker signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Michl
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesco Taverna
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Woischke
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Pan Li
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frederick Klauschen
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kirchner
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Heinemann
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael von Bergwelt-Baildon
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arndt Stahler
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumorimmunology, Corporate Member of Freie Universitaet Berlin and Humbolt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Marcus Herold
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vindi Jurinovic
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jutta Engel
- Munich Cancer Registry (MCR), Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jörg Kumbrink
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jens Neumann
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich and German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Yoon H, Sabaté Del Río J, Cho SW, Park TE. Recent advances in micro-physiological systems for investigating tumor metastasis and organotropism. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1351-1366. [PMID: 38303676 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01033c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis involves complex processes that traditional 2D cultures and animal models struggle to fully replicate. Metastatic tumors undergo a multitude of transformations, including genetic diversification, adaptation to diverse microenvironments, and modified drug responses, contributing significantly to cancer-related mortality. Micro-physiological systems (MPS) technology emerges as a promising approach to emulate the metastatic process by integrating critical biochemical, biomechanical, and geometrical cues at a microscale. These systems are particularly advantageous simulating metastasis organotropism, the phenomenon where tumors exhibit a preference for metastasizing to particular organs. Organotropism is influenced by various factors, such as tumor cell characteristics, unique organ microenvironments, and organ-specific vascular conditions, all of which can be effectively examined using MPS. This review surveys the recent developments in MPS research from the past five years, with a specific focus on their applications in replicating tumor metastasis and organotropism. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations in MPS-based studies of organotropism and propose strategies for more accurately replicating and analyzing the intricate aspects of organ-specific metastasis, which is pivotal in the development of targeted therapeutic approaches against metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejeong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jonathan Sabaté Del Río
- Center for Algorithmic and Robotized Synthesis (CARS), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Woo Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Gulati R, Mitra T, Rajiv R, Rajan EJE, Pierret C, Enninga EAL, Janardhanan R. Exosomal microRNAs in breast cancer: towards theranostic applications. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1330144. [PMID: 38455764 PMCID: PMC10918471 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1330144] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the top two reproductive cancers responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality among women globally. Despite the advancements in the treatment of breast cancer, its early diagnosis remains a challenge. Recent evidence indicates that despite the adroit use of numerous strategies to facilitate rapid and precision-oriented screening of breast cancer at the community level through the use of mammograms, Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and biomarker tracking, no strategy has been unequivocally accepted as a gold standard for facilitating rapid screening for disease. This necessitates the need to identify novel strategies for the detection and triage of breast cancer lesions at higher rates of specificity, and sensitivity, whilst taking into account the epidemiologic and social-demographic features of the patients. Recent shreds of evidence indicate that exosomes could be a robust source of biomaterial for the rapid screening of breast cancer due to their high stability and their presence in body fluids. Increasing evidence indicates that the Exosomal microRNAs- play a significant role in modifying the tumour microenvironment of breast cancers, thereby potentially aiding in the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer. In this review, we summarize the role of ExomiRs in the tumour microenvironment in breast cancer. These ExomiRs can also be used as candidate biomarkers for facilitating rapid screening and triaging of breast cancer patients for clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Gulati
- Division of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tridip Mitra
- Division of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rohan Rajiv
- Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Emilda Judith Ezhil Rajan
- Division of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chris Pierret
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Rajiv Janardhanan
- Division of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India
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17
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Maurya SK, Rehman AU, Zaidi MAA, Khan P, Gautam SK, Santamaria-Barria JA, Siddiqui JA, Batra SK, Nasser MW. Epigenetic alterations fuel brain metastasis via regulating inflammatory cascade. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:261-274. [PMID: 36379848 PMCID: PMC10198579 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BrM) is a major threat to the survival of melanoma, breast, and lung cancer patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and sustain in the brain microenvironment. Genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications have been found to be critical in controlling key aspects of cancer metastasis. Metastasizing cells confront inflammation and gradually adapt in the unique brain microenvironment. Currently, it is one of the major areas that has gained momentum. Researchers are interested in the factors that modulate neuroinflammation during BrM. We review here various epigenetic factors and mechanisms modulating neuroinflammation and how this helps CTCs to adapt and survive in the brain microenvironment. Since epigenetic changes could be modulated by targeting enzymes such as histone/DNA methyltransferase, deacetylases, acetyltransferases, and demethylases, we also summarize our current understanding of potential drugs targeting various aspects of epigenetic regulation in BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Asad Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Mohd Ali Abbas Zaidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Parvez Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Shailendra K Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | | | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68108, USA.
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18
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Neagu AN, Whitham D, Bruno P, Arshad A, Seymour L, Morrissiey H, Hukovic AI, Darie CC. Onco-Breastomics: An Eco-Evo-Devo Holistic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1628. [PMID: 38338903 PMCID: PMC10855488 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Known as a diverse collection of neoplastic diseases, breast cancer (BC) can be hyperbolically characterized as a dynamic pseudo-organ, a living organism able to build a complex, open, hierarchically organized, self-sustainable, and self-renewable tumor system, a population, a species, a local community, a biocenosis, or an evolving dynamical ecosystem (i.e., immune or metabolic ecosystem) that emphasizes both developmental continuity and spatio-temporal change. Moreover, a cancer cell community, also known as an oncobiota, has been described as non-sexually reproducing species, as well as a migratory or invasive species that expresses intelligent behavior, or an endangered or parasite species that fights to survive, to optimize its features inside the host's ecosystem, or that is able to exploit or to disrupt its host circadian cycle for improving the own proliferation and spreading. BC tumorigenesis has also been compared with the early embryo and placenta development that may suggest new strategies for research and therapy. Furthermore, BC has also been characterized as an environmental disease or as an ecological disorder. Many mechanisms of cancer progression have been explained by principles of ecology, developmental biology, and evolutionary paradigms. Many authors have discussed ecological, developmental, and evolutionary strategies for more successful anti-cancer therapies, or for understanding the ecological, developmental, and evolutionary bases of BC exploitable vulnerabilities. Herein, we used the integrated framework of three well known ecological theories: the Bronfenbrenner's theory of human development, the Vannote's River Continuum Concept (RCC), and the Ecological Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Eco-Evo-Devo) theory, to explain and understand several eco-evo-devo-based principles that govern BC progression. Multi-omics fields, taken together as onco-breastomics, offer better opportunities to integrate, analyze, and interpret large amounts of complex heterogeneous data, such as various and big-omics data obtained by multiple investigative modalities, for understanding the eco-evo-devo-based principles that drive BC progression and treatment. These integrative eco-evo-devo theories can help clinicians better diagnose and treat BC, for example, by using non-invasive biomarkers in liquid-biopsies that have emerged from integrated omics-based data that accurately reflect the biomolecular landscape of the primary tumor in order to avoid mutilating preventive surgery, like bilateral mastectomy. From the perspective of preventive, personalized, and participatory medicine, these hypotheses may help patients to think about this disease as a process governed by natural rules, to understand the possible causes of the disease, and to gain control on their own health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Narcisa Neagu
- Laboratory of Animal Histology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, Carol I bvd. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Danielle Whitham
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Pathea Bruno
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Aneeta Arshad
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Logan Seymour
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Hailey Morrissiey
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Angiolina I. Hukovic
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
| | - Costel C. Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA; (D.W.); (P.B.); (A.A.); (L.S.); (H.M.); (A.I.H.)
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Witz A, Dardare J, Betz M, Gilson P, Merlin JL, Harlé A. Tumor-derived cell-free DNA and circulating tumor cells: partners or rivals in metastasis formation? Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:2. [PMID: 38231464 PMCID: PMC10794481 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The origin of metastases is a topic that has sparked controversy. Despite recent advancements, metastatic disease continues to pose challenges. The first admitted model of how metastases develop revolves around cells breaking away from the primary tumor, known as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These cells survive while circulating through the bloodstream and subsequently establish themselves in secondary organs, a process often referred to as the "metastatic cascade". This intricate and dynamic process involves various steps, but all the mechanisms behind metastatic dissemination are not yet comprehensively elucidated. The "seed and soil" theory has shed light on the phenomenon of metastatic organotropism and the existence of pre-metastatic niches. It is now established that these niches can be primed by factors secreted by the primary tumor before the arrival of CTCs. In particular, exosomes have been identified as important contributors to this priming. Another concept then emerged, i.e. the "genometastasis" theory, which challenged all other postulates. It emphasizes the intriguing but promising role of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in metastasis formation through oncogenic formation of recipient cells. However, it cannot be ruled out that all these theories are intertwined. This review outlines the primary theories regarding the metastases formation that involve CTCs, and depicts cfDNA, a potential second player in the metastasis formation. We discuss the potential interrelationships between CTCs and cfDNA, and propose both in vitro and in vivo experimental strategies to explore all plausible theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Witz
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France.
| | - Julie Dardare
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Margaux Betz
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Pauline Gilson
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Louis Merlin
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Alexandre Harlé
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
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20
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Chen J, Zhang X, Zhang J, Wang Z, Zhu G, Geng M, Zhu J, Chen Y, Wang W, Xu Y. Multifunctional hydrogel for synergistic reoxygenation and chemo/photothermal therapy in metastatic breast cancer recurrence and wound infection. J Control Release 2024; 365:74-88. [PMID: 37972761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic recurrence and postoperative wound infection are two major challenges for breast cancer patients. In this study, a multifunctional responsive hydrogel system was developed for synergistic reoxygenation and chemo/photothermal therapy in metastatic breast cancer and wound infection. The hydrogel system was obtained by cross-linking Prussian blue-modified N-carboxyethyl chitosan (PBCEC) and oxidized sodium alginate using the amino and aldehyde groups on the polysaccharides, resulting in the formation of responsive dynamic imine bonds. Conditioned stimulation (e.g., acid microenvironment) enabled the controlled swelling of hydrogels as well as subsequent slow release of loaded doxorubicin (DOX). Additionally, this hydrogel system decomposed endogenous reactive oxygen species into oxygen to relieve the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and promote the healing of infected-wounds. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the synergistic reoxygenation and chemo/photothermal effects of the PB/DOX hydrogel system against metastatic breast cancer and its recurrence, as well as postoperative wound infection. Thus, the combination of reoxygenation and chemo/photothermal therapy represents a novel strategy for treating and preventing tumor recurrence and associated wound infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Medicinal and Food Homologous Natural Resources Exploration, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Green Food Rural Revitalization Collaborative Technology Service Center of Anhui, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China.
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China
| | - Jinshen Zhang
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China
| | - Zhaoxia Wang
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Medicinal and Food Homologous Natural Resources Exploration, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Green Food Rural Revitalization Collaborative Technology Service Center of Anhui, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China
| | - Guilan Zhu
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Medicinal and Food Homologous Natural Resources Exploration, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Green Food Rural Revitalization Collaborative Technology Service Center of Anhui, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China
| | - Ming Geng
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Medicinal and Food Homologous Natural Resources Exploration, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Green Food Rural Revitalization Collaborative Technology Service Center of Anhui, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China
| | - Jinmiao Zhu
- School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Medicinal and Food Homologous Natural Resources Exploration, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China
| | - Yajun Chen
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Medicinal and Food Homologous Natural Resources Exploration, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Green Food Rural Revitalization Collaborative Technology Service Center of Anhui, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Biological and Food Engineering, Hefei Normal University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Anhui Engineering Laboratory for Medicinal and Food Homologous Natural Resources Exploration, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China; Green Food Rural Revitalization Collaborative Technology Service Center of Anhui, Hefei, Anhui 230601, PR China.
| | - Youcui Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China.
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21
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Hottat NA, Badr DA, Ben Ghanem M, Besse-Hammer T, Lecomte SM, Vansteelandt C, Lecomte SL, Khaled C, De Grove V, Salem Wehbe G, Cannie MM, Jani JC. Assessment of whole-body MRI including diffusion-weighted sequences in the initial staging of breast cancer patients at high risk of metastases in comparison with PET-CT: a prospective cohort study. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:165-178. [PMID: 37555959 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10060-0] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the diffusion-weighted whole-body-MRI (WBMRI) in the initial staging of breast cancer at high risk of metastases in comparison with positron emission tomography (PET)-CT. METHODS Forty-five women were prospectively enrolled. The inclusion criteria were female gender, age >18, invasive breast cancer, an initial PET-CT, and a performance status of 0-2. The exclusion criteria were contraindication to WB-MRI and breast cancer recurrence. The primary outcome was the concordance of WB-MRI and PET-CT in the diagnosis of distant metastases, whereas secondary outcomes included their concordance for the primary tumor and regional lymph nodes (LN), as well as the agreement of WB-MRI interpretation between two radiologists. RESULTS The mean age was 51.2 years with a median size of the primary tumor of 30 mm. Concordance between the two modalities was almost perfect for metastases staging, all sites included (k = 0.862), with excellent interobserver agreement. The accuracy of WB-MRI for detecting regional LN, distant LN, lung, liver, or bone metastases ranged from 91 to 96%. In 2 patients, WB-MRI detected bone metastases that were overlooked by PET-CT. WB-MRI showed a substantial agreement with PET-CT for staging the primary tumor, regional LN status, and stage (k = 0.766, k = 0.756, and k = 0.785, respectively) with a high interobserver agreement. CONCLUSION WB-MRI including DWI could be a reliable and reproducible examination in the initial staging of breast cancer patients at high risk of metastases, especially for bone metastases and therefore could be used as a surrogate to PET-CT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Whole-body-MRI including DWI is a promising technique for detecting metastases in the initial staging of breast cancer at high risk of metastases. KEY POINTS Whole-body-MRI (WB-MRI) was effective for detecting metastases in the initial staging of 45 breast cancer patients at high risk of metastases in comparison with PET-CT. Concordance between WB-MRI and PET-CT was almost perfect for metastases staging, all sites included, with excellent interobserver agreement. The accuracy of WB-MRI for detecting bone metastases was 92%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie A Hottat
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Place A. Van Gehuchten 4, 1020, Brussels, Belgium.
- Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Dominique A Badr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Meriem Ben Ghanem
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Place A. Van Gehuchten 4, 1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tatiana Besse-Hammer
- Clinical Research Unit, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sylvie M Lecomte
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catherine Vansteelandt
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie L Lecomte
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chirine Khaled
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veerle De Grove
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Place A. Van Gehuchten 4, 1020, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Georges Salem Wehbe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mieke M Cannie
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Place A. Van Gehuchten 4, 1020, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Jacques C Jani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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22
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Alshehri B. Prognostic significance and expression pattern of glucose related genes in breast cancer: A comprehensive computational biology approach. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:103896. [PMID: 38173442 PMCID: PMC10761912 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103896] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of malignancy globally and the main reason why women die from tumours. The Warburg effect, a characteristic of tumor, describes how most solid tumour cells acclimatize to their diverse surroundings by relying heavily on aerobic glycolysis for production of energy. In addition to producing key metabolic intermediates that are crucial for the production of macromolecules, which enable cancer cell division, invasiveness, and drug resistance, the transformed energy metabolism also supplies tumor cells with ATP for cellular energy. Here, we evaluated the expression profile, prognostic significance, and clinical relevance of glucose-related genes in BC using a bioinformatic approach. To clarify the significance of glucose-related genes in the development of breast tumours, we also performed a functional enrichment investigation of deregulated genes using the STRING and KEGG portal. The study depicted that of the 61 genes examined, 8 genes had a fold change =± 1.5, that is, ADH1C, ADH4, ALDH1A3, ALDOC, FBP1, PCK1, PFKFB1, PFKFB3. Among the highly deregulated genes, ADH1C showed a fold change of -6.669. These deregulated genes were associated with poor prognosis. The study signifies that glucose related genes are highly dysregulated in breast cancer. Deregulation of glucose related genes is linked with a poor prognosis in BC individuals. Thus, targeting glucose related genes will provide an effective treatment approach for BC individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bader Alshehri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Almajmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
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23
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Ge A, He Q, Zhao D, Li Y, Chen J, Deng Y, Xiang W, Fan H, Wu S, Li Y, Liu L, Wang Y. Mechanism of ferroptosis in breast cancer and research progress of natural compounds regulating ferroptosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18044. [PMID: 38140764 PMCID: PMC10805512 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide and its incidence increases with age, posing a significant threat to women's health globally. Due to the clinical heterogeneity of breast cancer, the majority of patients develop drug resistance and metastasis following treatment. Ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death dependent on iron, is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides, elevated levels of iron ions and lipid peroxidation. The underlying mechanisms and signalling pathways associated with ferroptosis are intricate and interconnected, involving various proteins and enzymes such as the cystine/glutamate antiporter, glutathione peroxidase 4, ferroptosis inhibitor 1 and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. Consequently, emerging research suggests that ferroptosis may offer a novel target for breast cancer treatment; however, the mechanisms of ferroptosis in breast cancer urgently require resolution. Additionally, certain natural compounds have been reported to induce ferroptosis, thereby interfering with breast cancer. Therefore, this review not only discusses the molecular mechanisms of multiple signalling pathways that mediate ferroptosis in breast cancer (including metastasis, invasion and proliferation) but also elaborates on the mechanisms by which natural compounds induce ferroptosis in breast cancer. Furthermore, this review summarizes potential compound types that may serve as ferroptosis inducers in future tumour cells, providing lead compounds for the development of ferroptosis-inducing agents. Last, this review proposes the potential synergy of combining natural compounds with traditional breast cancer drugs in the treatment of breast cancer, thereby suggesting future directions and offering new insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Ge
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Qi He
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang CityNingxiangChina
| | - Da Zhao
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
- Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Yuwei Li
- Hunan University of Science and TechnologyXiangtanChina
| | - Junpeng Chen
- Hunan University of Science and TechnologyXiangtanChina
| | - Ying Deng
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang CityNingxiangChina
| | - Wang Xiang
- The First People's Hospital Changde CityChangdeChina
| | - Hongqiao Fan
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Shiting Wu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Yan Li
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang CityNingxiangChina
| | - Lifang Liu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Yue Wang
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
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24
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Zhan Q, Liu B, Situ X, Luo Y, Fu T, Wang Y, Xie Z, Ren L, Zhu Y, He W, Ke Z. New insights into the correlations between circulating tumor cells and target organ metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:465. [PMID: 38129401 PMCID: PMC10739776 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01725-9] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-specific metastasis is the primary cause of cancer patient death. The distant metastasis of tumor cells to specific organs depends on both the intrinsic characteristics of the tumor cells and extrinsic factors in their microenvironment. During an intermediate stage of metastasis, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are released into the bloodstream from primary and metastatic tumors. CTCs harboring aggressive or metastatic features can extravasate to remote sites for continuous colonizing growth, leading to further lesions. In the past decade, numerous studies demonstrated that CTCs exhibited huge clinical value including predicting distant metastasis, assessing prognosis and monitoring treatment response et al. Furthermore, increasingly numerous experiments are dedicated to identifying the key molecules on or inside CTCs and exploring how they mediate CTC-related organ-specific metastasis. Based on the above molecules, more and more inhibitors are being developed to target CTCs and being utilized to completely clean CTCs, which should provide promising prospects to administer advanced tumor. Recently, the application of various nanomaterials and microfluidic technologies in CTCs enrichment technology has assisted to improve our deep insights into the phenotypic characteristics and biological functions of CTCs as a potential therapy target, which may pave the way for us to make practical clinical strategies. In the present review, we mainly focus on the role of CTCs being involved in targeted organ metastasis, especially the latest molecular mechanism research and clinical intervention strategies related to CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinru Zhan
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Bixia Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Situ
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Luo
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Tongze Fu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Yanxia Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Zhongpeng Xie
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Ren
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
| | - Weiling He
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- School of Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, 361000, Xiamen, Fujian, P.R. China.
| | - Zunfu Ke
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R. China.
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25
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Janin M, Davalos V, Esteller M. Cancer metastasis under the magnifying glass of epigenetics and epitranscriptomics. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1071-1112. [PMID: 37369946 PMCID: PMC10713773 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Most of the cancer-associated mortality and morbidity can be attributed to metastasis. The role of epigenetic and epitranscriptomic alterations in cancer origin and progression has been extensively demonstrated during the last years. Both regulations share similar mechanisms driven by DNA or RNA modifiers, namely writers, readers, and erasers; enzymes responsible of respectively introducing, recognizing, or removing the epigenetic or epitranscriptomic modifications. Epigenetic regulation is achieved by DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, chromatin accessibility, and enhancer reprogramming. In parallel, regulation at RNA level, named epitranscriptomic, is driven by a wide diversity of chemical modifications in mostly all RNA molecules. These two-layer regulatory mechanisms are finely controlled in normal tissue, and dysregulations are associated with every hallmark of human cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding epigenetic and epitranscriptomic alterations governing tumor metastasis, and compare pathways regulated at DNA or RNA levels to shed light on a possible epi-crosstalk in cancer metastasis. A deeper understanding on these mechanisms could have important clinical implications for the prevention of advanced malignancies and the management of the disseminated diseases. Additionally, as these epi-alterations can potentially be reversed by small molecules or inhibitors against epi-modifiers, novel therapeutic alternatives could be envisioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Janin
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Davalos
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), IJC Building, Germans Trias I Pujol, Ctra de Can Ruti, Cami de Les Escoles S/N, 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
- Institucio Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
- Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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26
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Passalacqua MI, Ciappina G, Di Pietro M, Spagnolo CC, Squeri A, Granata B, Muscolino P, Santarpia M. Therapeutic strategies for HER2-positive breast cancer with central nervous system involvement: a literature review and future perspectives. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:3179-3197. [PMID: 38130295 PMCID: PMC10731379 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objective Brain metastases (BMs) are present in approximately 55% of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (HER2+ BC). The introduction of anti-HER2 agents has radically changed the prognosis of these patients by prolonging overall survival. Methods In this review, we describe the biology of central nervous system (CNS) spreading in patients with HER2+ BC. We also provide a literature review of current treatment strategies of brain metastatic BC, focusing on HER2+ disease, and future perspectives. Key Content and Findings Treatment of symptomatic BMs includes traditionally neurosurgery and/or radiotherapy, depending on the number of metastases, performance status and systemic disease control. Local treatments, such as surgical excision of BM and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), when feasible, are preferred over whole-brain radiotherapy, because of related cognitive impairment. These treatments can lead to a local control of the disease, however, systemic relapses can affect the prognosis of these patients. Recently, new anti-HER2 agents have demonstrated to be effective on BMs, thereby leading to improved survival outcomes with an acceptable quality of life. Despite the clinical benefit of these approaches, BMs still represent a cause of death and effective therapeutic strategies are needed. Conclusions Different targeted agents have demonstrated significant efficacy with tolerable safety profiles in HER2+ BC patients with BM, and have already been approved for clinical use in this setting. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of BMs could suggest novel targeted approaches in order to prevent CNS localization or delay progression to CNS in HER-2 metastatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martina Di Pietro
- Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Calogera Claudia Spagnolo
- Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Squeri
- Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Barbara Granata
- Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Muscolino
- Department of Human Pathology “G. Barresi”, Medical Oncology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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27
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Yan F, Jiang L, Ye F, Ping J, Bowley TY, Ness SA, Li CI, Marchetti D, Tang J, Guo Y. Deep neural network based tissue deconvolution of circulating tumor cell RNA. J Transl Med 2023; 21:783. [PMID: 37925448 PMCID: PMC10625696 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04663-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior research has shown that the deconvolution of cell-free RNA can uncover the tissue origin. The conventional deconvolution approaches rely on constructing a reference tissue-specific gene panel, which cannot capture the inherent variation present in actual data. To address this, we have developed a novel method that utilizes a neural network framework to leverage the entire training dataset. Our approach involved training a model that incorporated 15 distinct tissue types. Through one semi-independent and two complete independent validations, including deconvolution using a semi in silico dataset, deconvolution with a custom normal tissue mixture RNA-seq data, and deconvolution of longitudinal circulating tumor cell RNA-seq (ctcRNA) data from a cancer patient with metastatic tumors, we demonstrate the efficacy and advantages of the deep-learning approach which were exerted by effectively capturing the inherent variability present in the dataset, thus leading to enhanced accuracy. Sensitivity analyses reveal that neural network models are less susceptible to the presence of missing data, making them more suitable for real-world applications. Moreover, by leveraging the concept of organotropism, we applied our approach to trace the migration of circulating tumor cell-derived RNA (ctcRNA) in a cancer patient with metastatic tumors, thereby highlighting the potential clinical significance of early detection of cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyao Yan
- Department of Public Health and Sciences, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Limin Jiang
- Department of Public Health and Sciences, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Fei Ye
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jie Ping
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Tetiana Y Bowley
- Department of Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Scott A Ness
- Department of Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Chung-I Li
- Department of Statistics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan
| | - Dario Marchetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Jijun Tang
- Department of Computer Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Public Health and Sciences, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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28
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Gerratana L, Davis AA, Velimirovic M, Clifton K, Hensing WL, Shah AN, Dai CS, Reduzzi C, D'Amico P, Wehbe F, Medford A, Wander SA, Gradishar WJ, Behdad A, Puglisi F, Ma CX, Bardia A, Cristofanilli M. Interplay between ESR1/PIK3CA codon variants, oncogenic pathway alterations and clinical phenotype in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC): comprehensive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:112. [PMID: 37784176 PMCID: PMC10546685 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND although being central for the biology and druggability of hormone-receptor positive, HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC), ESR1 and PIK3CA mutations are simplistically dichotomized as mutated or wild type in current clinical practice. METHODS The study analyzed a multi-institutional cohort comprising 703 patients with luminal-like MBC characterized for circulating tumor DNA through next generation sequencing (NGS). Pathway classification was defined based on previous work (i.e., RTK, RAS, RAF, MEK, NRF2, ER, WNT, MYC, P53, cell cycle, notch, PI3K). Single nucleotide variations (SNVs) were annotated for their oncogenicity through OncoKB. Only pathogenic variants were included in the models. Associations among clinical characteristics, pathway classification, and ESR1/PIK3CA codon variants were explored. RESULTS The results showed a differential pattern of associations for ESR1 and PIK3CA codon variants in terms of co-occurring pathway alterations patterns of metastatic dissemination, and prognosis. ESR1 537 was associated with SNVs in the ER and RAF pathways, CNVs in the MYC pathway and bone metastases, while ESR1 538 with SNVs in the cell cycle pathway and liver metastases. PIK3CA 1047 and 542 were associated with CNVs in the PI3K pathway and with bone metastases. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated how ESR1 and PIK3CA codon variants, together with alterations in specific oncogenic pathways, can differentially impact the biology and clinical phenotype of luminal-like MBC. As novel endocrine therapy agents such as selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDS) and PI3K inhibitors are being developed, these results highlight the pivotal role of ctDNA NGS to describe tumor evolution and optimize clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Gerratana
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Andrew A Davis
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Marko Velimirovic
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Clifton
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Whitney L Hensing
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ami N Shah
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Charles S Dai
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Weill Cornell Medicine, 420 E 70th St, LH 204, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Paolo D'Amico
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Firas Wehbe
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Arielle Medford
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seth A Wander
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Amir Behdad
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fabio Puglisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Cynthia X Ma
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Aditya Bardia
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Wang L, Liang B, Jiang Y, Huang G, Tang A, Liu Z, Wang Y, Zhou R, Yang N, Wu J, Shi M, Bin J, Liao Y, Liao W. Subsite-specific metastatic organotropism and risk in gastric cancer: A population-based cohort study of the US SEER database and a Chinese single-institutional registry. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19595-19606. [PMID: 37740601 PMCID: PMC10587925 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies exploring whether metastatic organotropism and risk in gastric cancer (GC) differ by primary anatomical site are scarce. METHODS This study included 15,260 and 1623 patients diagnosed with GC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry database and the Nanfang Hospital in China, respectively. Patients were stratified according to primary site of GC, and the incidence of metastasis to different organs was used to determine the metastatic organotropism for each GC subsite. Finally, the metastatic organotropism and risk were compared among the different subsite groups. RESULTS Liver metastasis was the most common metastasis site in cardia GC, whereas other-site metastases were more common in the body, antrum, overlapping lesions, and unspecified GCs. Liver and other-site metastases were also frequently observed in the fundus, pylorus, lesser curvature, and greater curvature GCs. Patients with GC with definite primary tumor sites in the SEER and validation Nanfang hospital cohorts were compared by grouping as proximal and distal GCs for further analysis. In the SEER cohort, the top three metastatic sites of proximal GC were liver (21.4%), distant lymph node (LN) (14.6%), and other-site (mainly peritoneum, 11.9%), whereas those of distal GC were other-site (mainly peritoneum, 19.5%), liver (11.8%), and distant LN (9.5%). The incidence of metastasis to the liver, distant LN, lung, and brain was significantly higher in patients with proximal GC than in those with distal GC in both the SEER and Nanfang cohorts (p < 0.05). However, metastasis to other-site/peritoneum was significantly lower in patients with proximal GC compared to those with distal GC in the Nanfang Hospital and SEER cohorts, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Liver and distant LN are the preferred metastatic sites for proximal GC, whereas peritoneal metastasis is more common in distal GC. Proximal GC has a higher risk of lymphatic and hematogenous metastases, and a lower risk of transcoelomic metastasis than distal GC. Our findings highlight the need to stratify GC by its primary subsite to aid in planning and decision-making related to metastatic management in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor PathologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Boxuan Liang
- Department of NeurologyAffiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityDongguanChina
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Genjie Huang
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor PathologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Aiwei Tang
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhihong Liu
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor PathologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Yupeng Wang
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor PathologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Nanyan Yang
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor PathologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Min Shi
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor PathologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Jianping Bin
- Department of CardiologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yulin Liao
- Department of CardiologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of OncologyNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor PathologyGuangzhouChina
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Caetano S, Garcia AR, Figueira I, Brito MA. MEF2C and miR-194-5p: New Players in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14297. [PMID: 37762600 PMCID: PMC10531597 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814297] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Among breast cancer (BC) subtypes, the most aggressive is triple negative BC (TNBC), which is prone to metastasis. We previously found that microRNA (miR)-194-5p is downregulated at the early stages of TNBC brain metastasis development. Additionally, the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2)C, a bioinformatically predicted miR-194-5p target, was increasingly expressed throughout TNBC brain metastasis formation and disease severity. However, the contributions of these two players to malignant cells' features remain undetermined. This study aimed at disclosing the role of miR-194-5p and MEF2C in TNBC tumorigenesis. The transfection of 4T1 cells with a silencer for MEF2C or with a pre-miRNA for miR-194-5p was employed to study TNBC cells' phenotypic alterations regarding epithelial and mesenchymal markers, as well as migratory capability alterations. MEF2C-silenced cells presented a decline in both vimentin and cytokeratin expression, whereas the overexpression of miR-194-5p promoted an increase in cytokeratin and a reduction in vimentin, reflecting the acquisition of an epithelial phenotype. Both treatments reduced TNBC cells' migration. These results suggest that MEF2C may determine TNBC cells' invasive properties by partially determining the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, while the overexpression of miR-194-5p promotes a decline in TNBC cells' aggressive behavior and reinforces this miRNA's role as a tumor suppressor in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Caetano
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Garcia
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Figueira
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Farm-ID—Faculty of Pharmacy Research and Development Association, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- iMed—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (S.C.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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Zhou H, Lu D, Yu D, Luo C, Xie K, Ma H, Li S, Liang J, Wei F, Chen L, Luo D, Wang W, Wei J. Pan-cancer analysis of the oncogenic role of the core osteosarcoma gene VCAN in human tumors. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:5556-5573. [PMID: 37854213 PMCID: PMC10579017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Versican (VCAN), a member of the multifunctional glycoprotein family, is involved in various aspects of cancer progression. However, the role of VCAN in diverse cancers remains poorly defined. This research aimed to investigate the correlation between VCAN expression and the oncogenic role, as well as visualize its prognostic landscape in pan-cancer. METHODS Raw data in regard to VCAN expression in cancer patients were acquired from GEO GeneChip public database in NCBI. Besides, we selected microarray data GSE16088 for analysis. We retrieved the genes associated with osteosarcoma (OS) from the OMIM database and identified their intersection with the core module. VCAN was suggested to be a potential marker gene for OS. Subsequently, we conducted Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to explore gene functional enrichment. Moreover, we performed pan-cancer analysis on VCAN to gain a comprehensive understanding of its implications across various cancer types. RESULTS The VCAN expression in the tumor tissue was higher than that in normal tissue. Elevated expression of VCAN was associated with high the tumor stage and poor long-term survival. There was a significant positive correlation between VCAN and cancer fibroblasts in all pan cancers. Moreover, FBN1 was the intersection gene of VCAN-related genes and linker genes. ANTXR1, COL5A2, CSGALNACT2, and SPARC were the target genes of VCAN genes. GSEA analysis showed that VCAN was mainly enriched in the extracellular matrix (ECM) signaling pathway. CONCLUSION VCAN can be used as a marker molecule for the early diagnosis of OS and holds significance as a molecule in cases of OS with distant metastasis. The ECM signaling pathway may be a core pathway in OS development and distant metastasis. These findings shed new light on therapeutics of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidong Zhou
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
- Department of Sports Medicine, Baidong Hospital Affiliated to Youjiang Medical College for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Dinggui Lu
- Department of Trauma Orthopedics, Baidong Hospital, Youjiang Medical College for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Dianbo Yu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Baidong Hospital Affiliated to Youjiang Medical College for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Changtai Luo
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Kangqi Xie
- Department of Sports Medicine, Baidong Hospital Affiliated to Youjiang Medical College for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Huade Ma
- Department of Sports Medicine, Baidong Hospital Affiliated to Youjiang Medical College for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Shanlang Li
- Department of Sports Medicine, Baidong Hospital Affiliated to Youjiang Medical College for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiyun Liang
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Fengxu Wei
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Luchang Chen
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Dong Luo
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Jihua Wei
- Department of Sports Medicine, Baidong Hospital Affiliated to Youjiang Medical College for NationalitiesBaise 533000, Guangxi, China
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Gelli M, Desterke C, Bani MA, Boige V, Ferté C, Dartigues P, Job B, Perkins G, Laurent-Puig P, Goéré D, Mathieu JRR, Cartry J, Ducreux M, Jaulin F. Primary Colorectal Tumor Displays Differential Genomic Expression Profiles Associated with Hepatic and Peritoneal Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4418. [PMID: 37686695 PMCID: PMC10648258 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improvements in characterization of CRC heterogeneity, appropriate risk stratification tools are still lacking in clinical practice. This study aimed to elucidate the primary tumor transcriptomic signatures associated with distinct metastatic routes. METHODS Primary tumor specimens obtained from CRC patients with either isolated LM (CRC-Liver) or PM (CRC-Peritoneum) were analyzed by transcriptomic mRNA sequencing, gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) and immunohistochemistry. We further assessed the clinico-pathological associations and prognostic value of our signature in the COAD-TCGA independent cohort. RESULTS We identified a significantly different distribution of Consensus Molecular Subtypes between CRC-Liver and CRC-peritoneum groups. A transcriptomic signature based on 61 genes discriminated between liver and peritoneal metastatic routes. GSEA showed a higher expression of immune response and epithelial invasion pathways in CRC-Peritoneum samples and activation of proliferation and metabolic pathways in CRC-Liver samples. The biological relevance of RNA-Seq results was validated by the immunohistochemical expression of three significantly differentially expressed genes (ACE2, CLDN18 and DUSP4) in our signature. In silico analysis of the COAD-TCGA showed that the CRC-Peritoneum signature was associated with negative prognostic factors and poor overall and disease-free survivals. CONCLUSIONS CRC primary tumors spreading to the liver and peritoneum display significantly different transcriptomic profiles. The implementation of this signature in clinical practice could contribute to identify new therapeutic targets for stage IV CRC and to define individualized follow-up programs in stage II-III CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Gelli
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, INSERM, Dynamique des Cellules Tumorales (U-1279), F-94805 Villejuif, France; (M.G.); (D.G.); (J.R.R.M.); (J.C.); (M.D.)
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Anesthésie, Chirurgie et Interventionnel, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Christophe Desterke
- Université Paris Saclay, INSERM, Modèles de Cellules Souches Malignes et Thérapeutiques (UMR1310), F-94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Mohamed Amine Bani
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Biologie et Pathologie Médicale, F-94805 Villejuif, France; (M.A.B.); (P.D.)
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Inserm, US23, UMS3655, F-94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Valérie Boige
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine Oncologique, F-94805 Villejuif, France; (V.B.); (C.F.)
| | - Charles Ferté
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine Oncologique, F-94805 Villejuif, France; (V.B.); (C.F.)
| | - Peggy Dartigues
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Biologie et Pathologie Médicale, F-94805 Villejuif, France; (M.A.B.); (P.D.)
| | - Bastien Job
- Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Inserm, US23, UMS3655, F-94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Geraldine Perkins
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, AP-HP, AP-HP Centre, Department of Hepatogastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, 20 Rue Leblanc, F-75015 Paris, France;
| | - Pierre Laurent-Puig
- Sorbonne Université, USPC, Université Paris Descartes, Université Paris Diderot, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France;
| | - Diane Goéré
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, INSERM, Dynamique des Cellules Tumorales (U-1279), F-94805 Villejuif, France; (M.G.); (D.G.); (J.R.R.M.); (J.C.); (M.D.)
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Anesthésie, Chirurgie et Interventionnel, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Jacques R. R. Mathieu
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, INSERM, Dynamique des Cellules Tumorales (U-1279), F-94805 Villejuif, France; (M.G.); (D.G.); (J.R.R.M.); (J.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Jerome Cartry
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, INSERM, Dynamique des Cellules Tumorales (U-1279), F-94805 Villejuif, France; (M.G.); (D.G.); (J.R.R.M.); (J.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Michel Ducreux
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, INSERM, Dynamique des Cellules Tumorales (U-1279), F-94805 Villejuif, France; (M.G.); (D.G.); (J.R.R.M.); (J.C.); (M.D.)
- Gustave Roussy, Département de Médecine Oncologique, F-94805 Villejuif, France; (V.B.); (C.F.)
| | - Fanny Jaulin
- Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, INSERM, Dynamique des Cellules Tumorales (U-1279), F-94805 Villejuif, France; (M.G.); (D.G.); (J.R.R.M.); (J.C.); (M.D.)
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Lahooti B, Akwii RG, Zahra FT, Sajib MS, Lamprou M, Alobaida A, Lionakis MS, Mattheolabakis G, Mikelis CM. Targeting endothelial permeability in the EPR effect. J Control Release 2023; 361:212-235. [PMID: 37517543 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.07.039] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of the primary tumor blood vessels and the tumor microenvironment drive the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, which confers an advantage towards enhanced delivery of anti-cancer nanomedicine and has shown beneficial effects in preclinical models. Increased vascular permeability is a landmark feature of the tumor vessels and an important driver of the EPR. The main focus of this review is the endothelial regulation of vascular permeability. We discuss current challenges of targeting vascular permeability towards clinical translation and summarize the structural components and mechanisms of endothelial permeability, the principal mediators and signaling players, the targeted approaches that have been used and their outcomes to date. We also critically discuss the effects of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells, their interplay with the tumor vessels and the impact of immune responses on nanomedicine delivery, the impact of anti-angiogenic and tumor-stroma targeting approaches, and desirable nanoparticle design approaches for greater translational benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Lahooti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Racheal G Akwii
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Fatema Tuz Zahra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Md Sanaullah Sajib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA
| | - Margarita Lamprou
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Ahmed Alobaida
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Ha'il, Ha'il 81442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - George Mattheolabakis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Constantinos M Mikelis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX 79106, USA; Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece.
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Pan JK, Lin WD, Kuo YL, Chen YC, Loh ZJ, Lin FC, Cheng HC, Hsiao M, Lu PJ. ICAM2 initiates trans-blood-CSF barrier migration and stemness properties in leptomeningeal metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:2919-2931. [PMID: 37620448 PMCID: PMC10516748 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02769-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) occurs when tumor cells spread to the leptomeningeal space surrounding the brain and the spinal cord, thereby causing poor clinical outcomes. The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been associated with symptoms of LM and mechanism remained unclear. Through proteomic analysis, we identified high expression of ICAM2 in leptomeningeal metastatic TNBC cells, which promoted the colonization of the spinal cord and resulted in poor survival in vivo. Two-way demonstration indicated that high levels of ICAM2 promoted blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB) adhesion, trans-BCB migration, and stemness abilities and determined the specificity of LM in vivo. Furthermore, pull-down and antibody neutralizing assay revealed that ICAM2 determined the specificity of LM through interactions with ICAM1 in the choroid plexus epithelial cells. Therefore, neutralizing ICAM2 can attenuate the progression of LM and prolong survival in vivo. The results suggested that targeting ICAM2 is a potential therapeutic strategy for LM in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhih-Kai Pan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Der Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Lung Kuo
- Department of General Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Chen
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zhu-Jun Loh
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Forn-Chia Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chuan Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jung Lu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
- Department of Clinical Medicine Research, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Zarychta E, Bielawski K, Wrzeszcz K, Rhone P, Ruszkowska-Ciastek B. Unraveling the Angiogenic Puzzle: Pre-Treatment sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 Levels as Promising Prognostic Indicators in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13508. [PMID: 37686312 PMCID: PMC10487545 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713508] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the advancements in breast cancer (BrC) diagnosis and treatment, a considerable proportion of patients with early-stage disease still experience local recurrence or metastasis. This study aimed to assess the levels of specific angiogenic parameters in the EDTA plasma of BrC patients before and after treatment and to explore their clinical and prognostic significance. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), soluble form of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 1 (sVEGFR1), and soluble form of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (sVEGFR2) were measured in 84 early BrC patients, both prior to surgery and within a median time of nine months post-treatment. Prognostic significance was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses. Linear regression models were employed to examine the independent impact of selected angiogenic factors on DFS in breast cancer patients. The results of uni- and multivariate analyses indicated that a pre-treatment concentration of sVEGFR1 above 30.99 pg/mL was associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS) (p < 0.0001 for both analyses), while a pre-treatment concentration of sVEGFR2 above 9475.67 pg/mL was associated with an increased risk of BrC relapse (p < 0.0001 for both analyses). Additionally, a post-treatment concentration of sVEGFR2 above 7361.71 pg/mL was associated with better overall survival (OS) based on the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (p = 0.0141). Furthermore, linear regression models revealed a significant inverse association between pre-treatment levels of sVEGFR1 and the risk of relapse (standardized β -0.2578, p = 0.0499) and a significant positive association of VEGF-A levels with the risk of recurrence (standardized β 0.2958, p = 0.0308). In conclusion, the findings suggest that both pre- and post-treatment levels of sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 may hold promise as potential prognostic markers for BrC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Zarychta
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Curie Sklodowska Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.B.); (K.W.); (B.R.-C.)
- Invicta Fertility Clinic, 6 Zlota Street, 00-019 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kornel Bielawski
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Curie Sklodowska Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.B.); (K.W.); (B.R.-C.)
| | - Katarzyna Wrzeszcz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Curie Sklodowska Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.B.); (K.W.); (B.R.-C.)
| | - Piotr Rhone
- Clinical Ward of Breast Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery, Oncology Centre Prof. F. Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, 2 Romanowska Street, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Barbara Ruszkowska-Ciastek
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Curie Sklodowska Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (K.B.); (K.W.); (B.R.-C.)
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Araldi RP, Delvalle DA, da Costa VR, Alievi AL, Teixeira MR, Dias Pinto JR, Kerkis I. Exosomes as a Nano-Carrier for Chemotherapeutics: A New Era of Oncology. Cells 2023; 12:2144. [PMID: 37681875 PMCID: PMC10486723 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the considerable advancements in oncology, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Drug resistance mechanisms acquired by cancer cells and inefficient drug delivery limit the therapeutic efficacy of available chemotherapeutics drugs. However, studies have demonstrated that nano-drug carriers (NDCs) can overcome these limitations. In this sense, exosomes emerge as potential candidates for NDCs. This is because exosomes have better organotropism, homing capacity, cellular uptake, and cargo release ability than synthetic NDCs. In addition, exosomes can serve as NDCs for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs. Thus, this review aimed to summarize the latest advances in cell-free therapy, describing how the exosomes can contribute to each step of the carcinogenesis process and discussing how these nanosized vesicles could be explored as nano-drug carriers for chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Pinheiro Araldi
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Structural and Functional Biology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
- BioDecision Analytics Ltd.a., São Paulo 13271-650, SP, Brazil;
| | - Denis Adrián Delvalle
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Structural and Functional Biology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Vitor Rodrigues da Costa
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Structural and Functional Biology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson Lucas Alievi
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Endocrinology and Metabology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Michelli Ramires Teixeira
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
- Endocrinology and Metabology Post-Graduation Program, Paulista School of Medicine, São Paulo Federal University (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Irina Kerkis
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (D.A.D.); (V.R.d.C.); (A.L.A.); (M.R.T.)
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Pospelov AD, Kutova OM, Efremov YM, Nekrasova AA, Trushina DB, Gefter SD, Cherkasova EI, Timofeeva LB, Timashev PS, Zvyagin AV, Balalaeva IV. Breast Cancer Cell Type and Biomechanical Properties of Decellularized Mouse Organs Drives Tumor Cell Colonization. Cells 2023; 12:2030. [PMID: 37626840 PMCID: PMC10453279 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering has emerged as an indispensable tool for the reconstruction of organ-specific environments. Organ-derived extracellular matrices (ECM) and, especially, decellularized tissues (DCL) are recognized as the most successful biomaterials in regenerative medicine, as DCL preserves the most essential organ-specific ECM properties such as composition alongside biomechanics characterized by stiffness and porosity. Expansion of the DCL technology to cancer biology research, drug development, and nanomedicine is pending refinement of the existing DCL protocols whose reproducibility remains sub-optimal varying from organ to organ. We introduce a facile decellularization protocol universally applicable to murine organs, including liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys, and ovaries, with demonstrated robustness, reproducibility, high purification from cell debris, and architecture preservation, as confirmed by the histological and SEM analysis. The biomechanical properties of as-produced DCL organs expressed in terms of the local and total stiffness were measured using our facile methodology and were found well preserved in comparison with the intact organs. To demonstrate the utility of the developed DCL model to cancer research, we engineered three-dimensional tissue constructs by recellularization representative decellularized organs and collagenous hydrogel with human breast cancer cells of pronounced mesenchymal (MDA-MB-231) or epithelial (SKBR-3) phenotypes. The biomechanical properties of the DCL organs were found pivotal to determining the cancer cell fate and progression. Our histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study revealed that the larger the ECM mean pore size and the smaller the total stiffness (as in lung and ovary), the more proliferative and invasive the mesenchymal cells became. At the same time, the low local stiffness ECMs (ranged 2.8-3.6 kPa) did support the epithelial-like SKBR-3 cells' viability (as in lung and spleen), while stiff ECMs did not. The total and local stiffness of the collagenous hydrogel was measured too low to sustain the proliferative potential of both cell lines. The observed cell proliferation patterns were easily interpretable in terms of the ECM biomechanical properties, such as binding sites, embedment facilities, and migration space. As such, our three-dimensional tissue engineering model is scalable and adaptable for pharmacological testing and cancer biology research of metastatic and primary tumors, including early metastatic colonization in native organ-specific ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton D. Pospelov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia;
| | - Olga M. Kutova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
| | - Yuri M. Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia; (Y.M.E.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Albina A. Nekrasova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia; (Y.M.E.); (A.A.N.)
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
| | - Daria B. Trushina
- Federal Research Center Crystallography and Photonics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia;
- Institute of Molecular Theranostics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Sofia D. Gefter
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
| | - Elena I. Cherkasova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
| | - Lidia B. Timofeeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1, Minin and Pozharsky Sq., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Peter S. Timashev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia;
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1–3, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Laboratory of Clinical Smart Nanotechnology, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia
| | - Andrei V. Zvyagin
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
- Institute of Molecular Theranostics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Clinical Smart Nanotechnology, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia
| | - Irina V. Balalaeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
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Al-Hawary SIS, Pallathadka H, Hjazi A, Zhumanov ZE, Alazbjee AAA, Imad S, Alsalamy A, Hussien BM, Jaafer NS, Mahmoudi R. ETS transcription factor ELK3 in human cancers: An emerging therapeutic target. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154728. [PMID: 37542863 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a genetic and complex disorder, resulting from several events associated with onset, development, and metastasis. Tumor suppressors and oncogenes are among the main regulators of tumor progression, contributing to various cancer-related behaviors like cell proliferation, invasion, migration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell cycle, and apoptosis. Transcription factors (TFs) could act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in cancer progression. E-twenty-six/E26 (ETS) family of TFs have a winged helix-turn-helix (HLH) motif, which interacted with specific DNA regions with high levels of purines and GGA core. ETS proteins act as transcriptional repressors or activators to modulate the expression of target genes. ETS transcription factor ELK3 (ELK3), as a type of ETS protein, was shown to enhance in various cancers, suggesting that it may have an oncogenic role. These studies indicated that ELK3 promoted invasion, migration, cell cycle, proliferation, and EMT, and suppressed cell apoptosis. In addition, these studies demonstrated that ELK3 could be a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in human cancer. Moreover, accumulating data proved that ELK3 could be a novel chemoresistance mediator in human cancer. Here, we aimed to explore the overall change of ELK3 and its underlying molecular mechanism in human cancers. Moreover, we aimed to investigate the potential role of ELK3 as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker as well as its capability as a chemoresistance mediator in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziyadulla Eshmamatovich Zhumanov
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, With a Section-biopsy Course, Samarkand State Medical Institute, Amir Temur Street 18, Samarkand, Uzbekistan; Department of Scientific Affairs, Tashkent State Dental Institute, Makhtumkuli Street 103, Tashkent 100047, Uzbekistan
| | | | - Shad Imad
- Medical Technical College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali Alsalamy
- College of Technical Engineering, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna 66002, Iraq
| | - Beneen M Hussien
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Noor Sadiq Jaafer
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technologies, Al Rafidain University College, Bagdad, Iraq
| | - Reza Mahmoudi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Terceiro LEL, Ikeogu NM, Lima MF, Edechi CA, Nickel BE, Fischer G, Leygue E, McManus KJ, Myal Y. Navigating the Blood-Brain Barrier: Challenges and Therapeutic Strategies in Breast Cancer Brain Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12034. [PMID: 37569410 PMCID: PMC10418424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women, with metastatic BC being responsible for the highest number of deaths. A frequent site for BC metastasis is the brain. Brain metastasis derived from BC involves the cooperation of multiple genetic, epigenetic, angiogenic, and tumor-stroma interactions. Most of these interactions provide a unique opportunity for development of new therapeutic targets. Potentially targetable signaling pathways are Notch, Wnt, and the epidermal growth factor receptors signaling pathways, all of which are linked to driving BC brain metastasis (BCBM). However, a major challenge in treating brain metastasis remains the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier restricts the access of unwanted molecules, cells, and targeted therapies to the brain parenchyma. Moreover, current therapies to treat brain metastases, such as stereotactic radiosurgery and whole-brain radiotherapy, have limited efficacy. Promising new drugs like phosphatase and kinase modulators, as well as BBB disruptors and immunotherapeutic strategies, have shown the potential to ease the disease in preclinical studies, but remain limited by multiple resistance mechanisms. This review summarizes some of the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in BC brain metastasis and highlights current challenges as well as opportunities in strategic designs of potentially successful future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. L. Terceiro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Nnamdi M. Ikeogu
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada;
| | - Matheus F. Lima
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada;
| | - Chidalu A. Edechi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Barbara E. Nickel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Gabor Fischer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Etienne Leygue
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada; (E.L.); (K.J.M.)
| | - Kirk J. McManus
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada; (E.L.); (K.J.M.)
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Yvonne Myal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada;
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
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Patel U, Susman D, Allan AL. Influence of Extracellular Vesicles on Lung Stromal Cells during Breast Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11801. [PMID: 37511559 PMCID: PMC10380344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411801] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a prominent cause of cancer diagnosis and death in women globally, with over 90% of deaths being attributed to complications that arise from metastasis. One of the common locations for breast cancer metastasis is the lung, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Curative treatments for metastatic breast cancer patients are not available and the molecular mechanisms that underlie lung metastasis are not fully understood. In order to better treat these patients, identifying events that occur both prior to and during metastatic spread to the lung is essential. Several studies have demonstrated that breast cancer-derived extracellular vesicles secreted from the primary breast tumor play a key role in establishing the lung pre-metastatic niche to support colonization of metastatic tumor cells. In this review, we summarize recent work supporting the influence of extracellular vesicles on stromal components of the lung to construct the pre-metastatic niche and support metastasis. Furthermore, we discuss the potential clinical applications of utilizing extracellular vesicles for diagnosis and treatment. Together, this review highlights the dynamic nature of extracellular vesicles, their roles in breast cancer metastasis to the lung, and their value as potential biomarkers and therapeutics for cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvi Patel
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - David Susman
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Alison L Allan
- Departments of Anatomy & Cell Biology and Oncology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
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Benjamin M, Malakar P, Sinha RA, Nasser MW, Batra SK, Siddiqui JA, Chakravarti B. Molecular signaling network and therapeutic developments in breast cancer brain metastasis. ADVANCES IN CANCER BIOLOGY - METASTASIS 2023; 7:100079. [PMID: 36536947 PMCID: PMC7613958 DOI: 10.1016/j.adcanc.2022.100079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women worldwide. It has surpassed lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related death. Breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) is becoming a major clinical concern that is commonly associated with ER-ve and HER2+ve subtypes of BC patients. Metastatic lesions in the brain originate when the cancer cells detach from a primary breast tumor and establish metastatic lesions and infiltrate near and distant organs via systemic blood circulation by traversing the BBB. The colonization of BC cells in the brain involves a complex interplay in the tumor microenvironment (TME), metastatic cells, and brain cells like endothelial cells, microglia, and astrocytes. BCBM is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and presents a challenge to developing successful cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanism of BCBM and novel therapeutic strategies for patients with brain metastatic BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercilena Benjamin
- Lab Oncology, Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Pushkar Malakar
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, School of Biological Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Narendrapur, West Bengal, 700103, India
| | - Rohit Anthony Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Jawed Akhtar Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68108, USA
| | - Bandana Chakravarti
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
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Boiarsky D, Lydon CA, Chambers ES, Sholl LM, Nishino M, Skoulidis F, Heymach JV, Luo J, Awad MA, Janne PA, Van Allen EM, Barbie DA, Vokes NI. Molecular markers of metastatic disease in KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. Ann Oncol 2023; 34:589-604. [PMID: 37121400 PMCID: PMC10425882 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2023.04.514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies characterized the association of molecular alterations with treatment-specific outcomes in KRAS-mutant (KRASMUT) lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Less is known about the prognostic role of molecular alterations and their associations with metastatic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed clinicogenomic data from 1817 patients with KRASMUT LUAD sequenced at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Patients with metastatic (M1) and nonmetastatic (M0) disease were compared. Transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were investigated to characterize the biology of differential associations with clinical outcomes. Organ-specific metastasis was associated with overall survival (OS). RESULTS KEAP1 (DFCI: OR = 2.3, q = 0.04; MSKCC: OR = 2.2, q = 0.00027) and SMARCA4 mutations (DFCI: OR = 2.5, q = 0.06; MSKCC: OR = 2.6, q = 0.0021) were enriched in M1 versus M0 tumors. On integrative modeling, NRF2 activation was the genomic feature most associated with OS. KEAP1 mutations were enriched in M1 versus M0 tumors independent of STK11 status (KEAP1MUT/STK11WT: DFCI OR = 3.0, P = 0.0064; MSKCC OR = 2.0, P = 0.041; KEAP1MUT/STK11MUT: DFCI OR = 2.3, P = 0.0063; MSKCC OR = 2.5, P = 3.6 × 10-05); STK11 mutations without KEAP1 loss were not associated with stage (KEAP1WT/STK11MUT: DFCI OR = 0.97, P = 1.0; MSKCC OR = 1.2, P = 0.33) or outcome. KEAP1/KRAS-mutated tumors with and without STK11 mutations exhibited high functional STK11 loss. The negative effects of KEAP1 were compounded in the presence of bone (HR = 2.3, P = 4.4 × 10-14) and negated in the presence of lymph node metastasis (HR = 1.0, P = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS Mutations in KEAP1 and SMARCA4, but not STK11, were associated with metastatic disease and poor OS. Functional STK11 loss, however, may contribute to poor outcomes in KEAP1MUT tumors. Integrating molecular data with clinical and metastatic-site annotations can more accurately risk stratify patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Boiarsky
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston
| | - C A Lydon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
| | - E S Chambers
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
| | - L M Sholl
- Center for Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, Brigham & Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - M Nishino
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
| | - F Skoulidis
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - J V Heymach
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | - J Luo
- Department of Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
| | - M A Awad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
| | - P A Janne
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
| | - E M Van Allen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston; Broad Institute of Harvard & MIT, Cambridge; Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
| | - D A Barbie
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston
| | - N I Vokes
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Department of Genomic Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
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Farahani MK, Gharibshahian M, Rezvani A, Vaez A. Breast cancer brain metastasis: from etiology to state-of-the-art modeling. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:41. [PMID: 37386445 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00352-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, breast carcinoma is the most common form of malignancy and the main cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. The metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other organs in the body, notably the lungs, bones, brain, and liver, is what causes breast cancer to ultimately be fatal. Brain metastases occur in as many as 30% of patients with advanced breast cancer, and the 1-year survival rate of these patients is around 20%. Many researchers have focused on brain metastasis, but due to its complexities, many aspects of this process are still relatively unclear. To develop and test novel therapies for this fatal condition, pre-clinical models are required that can mimic the biological processes involved in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). The application of many breakthroughs in the area of tissue engineering has resulted in the development of scaffold or matrix-based culture methods that more accurately imitate the original extracellular matrix (ECM) of metastatic tumors. Furthermore, specific cell lines are now being used to create three-dimensional (3D) cultures that can be used to model metastasis. These 3D cultures satisfy the requirement for in vitro methodologies that allow for a more accurate investigation of the molecular pathways as well as a more in-depth examination of the effects of the medication being tested. In this review, we talk about the latest advances in modeling BCBM using cell lines, animals, and tissue engineering methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Alireza Rezvani
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Caredda E, Pedini G, D'Amico F, Scioli MG, Pacini L, Orsaria P, Vanni G, Buonomo OC, Orlandi A, Bagni C, Palombi L. FMRP expression in primary breast tumor cells correlates with recurrence and specific site of metastasis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287062. [PMID: 37379311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Molecular and clinical evidence indicated that Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) plays a role in different types of cancer, including breast cancer. FMRP is an RNA binding protein that regulates the metabolism of a large group of mRNAs coding for proteins involved in both neural processes and in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a pivotal mechanism that in cancer is associated to tumor progression, aggressiveness and chemoresistance. Here, we carried out a retrospective case-control study of 127 patients, to study the expression of FMRP and its correlation with metastasis formation in breast cancer. Consistent with previous findings, we found that FMRP levels are high in tumor tissue. Two categories have been analyzed, tumor with no metastases (referred as control tumors, 84 patients) and tumor with distant metastatic repetition, (referred as cases, 43 patients), with a follow-up of 7 years (mean). We found that FMRP levels were lower in both the nuclei and the cytoplasm in the cases compared to control tumors. Next, within the category cases (tumor with metastases) we evaluated FMRP expression in the specific sites of metastasis revealing a nuclear staining of FMRP. In addition, FMRP expression in both the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartment was significantly lower in patients who developed brain and bone metastases and higher in hepatic and pulmonary sites. While further studies are required to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of FMRP expression and direct or inverse correlation with the secondary metastatic site, our findings suggest that FMRP levels might be considered a prognostic factor for site-specific metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Caredda
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Directorate-General for Health Prevention, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - G Pedini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - F D'Amico
- Anatomic Pathology, Department Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - M G Scioli
- Anatomic Pathology, Department Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - L Pacini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- UniCamillus, Saint Camillus International, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - P Orsaria
- Department of Breast Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - G Vanni
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - O C Buonomo
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - A Orlandi
- Anatomic Pathology, Department Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - C Bagni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences (DNF), Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - L Palombi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Pu CC, Yin L, Yan JM. Risk factors and survival prediction of young breast cancer patients with liver metastases: a population-based study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1158759. [PMID: 37424855 PMCID: PMC10328090 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1158759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The risk and prognosis of young breast cancer (YBC) with liver metastases (YBCLM) remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine the risk and prognostic factors in these patients and construct predictive nomogram models. Methods This population-based retrospective study was conducted using data of YBCLM patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2010 and 2019. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent risk and prognostic factors, which were used to construct the diagnostic and prognostic nomograms. The concordance index (C-index), calibration plot, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the performances of the established nomogram models. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to balance the baseline characteristics between the YBCLM patients and non-young patients with BCLM when comparing overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Results A total of 18,275 YBC were identified, of whom 400 had LM. T stage, N stage, molecular subtypes, and bone, lung, and brain metastases were independent risk factors for LM developing in YBC. The established diagnostic nomogram showed that bone metastases contributed the most risk of LM developing, with a C-index of 0.895 (95% confidence interval 0.877-0.913) for this nomogram model. YBCLM had better survival than non-young patients with BCLM in unmatched and matched cohorts after propensity score matching analysis. The multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that molecular subtypes, surgery and bone, lung, and brain metastases were independently associated with OS and CSS, chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for OS, and marital status and T stage were independent prognostic factors for CSS. The C-indices for the OS- and CSS-specific nomograms were 0.728 (0.69-0.766) and 0.74 (0.696-0.778), respectively. The ROC analysis indicated that these models had excellent discriminatory power. The calibration curve also showed that the observed results were consistent with the predicted results. DCA showed that the developed nomogram models would be effective in clinical practice. Conclusion The present study determined the risk and prognostic factors of YBCLM and further developed nomograms that can be used to effectively identify high-risk patients and predict survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Pu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Taicang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Yin
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Wuzhong People’s Hospital of Suzhou City, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian-Ming Yan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Taicang, Taicang Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Taicang, Jiangsu, China
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46
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Arena GO, Forte S, Abdouh M, Vanier C, Corbeil D, Lorico A. Horizontal Transfer of Malignant Traits and the Involvement of Extracellular Vesicles in Metastasis. Cells 2023; 12:1566. [PMID: 37371036 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastases are responsible for the vast majority of cancer deaths, yet most therapeutic efforts have focused on targeting and interrupting tumor growth rather than impairing the metastatic process. Traditionally, cancer metastasis is attributed to the dissemination of neoplastic cells from the primary tumor to distant organs through blood and lymphatic circulation. A thorough understanding of the metastatic process is essential to develop new therapeutic strategies that improve cancer survival. Since Paget's original description of the "Seed and Soil" hypothesis over a hundred years ago, alternative theories and new players have been proposed. In particular, the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by cancer cells and their uptake by neighboring cells or at distinct anatomical sites has been explored. Here, we will outline and discuss these alternative theories and emphasize the horizontal transfer of EV-associated biomolecules as a possibly major event leading to cell transformation and the induction of metastases. We will also highlight the recently discovered intracellular pathway used by EVs to deliver their cargoes into the nucleus of recipient cells, which is a potential target for novel anti-metastatic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goffredo O Arena
- Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Fondazione Istituto G. Giglio, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Stefano Forte
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Mohamed Abdouh
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Cheryl Vanier
- Touro University Nevada College of Medicine, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
| | - Denis Corbeil
- Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) and Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Aurelio Lorico
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
- Touro University Nevada College of Medicine, Henderson, NV 89014, USA
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Zahari S, Syafruddin SE, Mohtar MA. Impact of the Cancer Cell Secretome in Driving Breast Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092653. [PMID: 37174117 PMCID: PMC10177134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092653] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease resulting from the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in breast epithelial cells. Despite remarkable progress in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer continues to be the most prevalent cancer affecting women worldwide. Recent research has uncovered a compelling link between breast cancer onset and the extracellular environment enveloping tumor cells. The complex network of proteins secreted by cancer cells and other cellular components within the tumor microenvironment has emerged as a critical player in driving the disease's metastatic properties. Specifically, the proteins released by the tumor cells termed the secretome, can significantly influence the progression and metastasis of breast cancer. The breast cancer cell secretome promotes tumorigenesis through its ability to modulate growth-associated signaling pathways, reshaping the tumor microenvironment, supporting pre-metastatic niche formation, and facilitating immunosurveillance evasion. Additionally, the secretome has been shown to play a crucial role in drug resistance development, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Understanding the intricate role of the cancer cell secretome in breast cancer progression will provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of this disease and aid in the development of more innovative therapeutic interventions. Hence, this review provides a nuanced analysis of the impact of the cancer cell secretome on breast cancer progression, elucidates the complex reciprocal interaction with the components of the tumor microenvironment and highlights emerging therapeutic opportunities for targeting the constituents of the secretome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syazalina Zahari
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Saiful Effendi Syafruddin
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - M Aiman Mohtar
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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48
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Javed S, Soukhtehzari S, Salmond N, Fernandes N, Williams KC. Development of an in vivo system to model breast cancer metastatic organotropism and evaluate treatment response using the chick embryo. iScience 2023; 26:106305. [PMID: 36950119 PMCID: PMC10025954 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106305] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic lesions produced through the process of systemic tumor cell dissemination and growth at distant sites are challenging to treat and the primary cause of patient mortality. Developing in vivo models of metastasis with utility in evaluating molecular targets and therapeutics in a timely manner would expedite the path to therapeutic discovery. Here, we evaluated breast cancer metastasis and metastatic organotropism using the chick embryo. We developed a method to evaluate metastasis using the MDA231 cell line. Then, using cell lines with demonstrated tropism for the bone, brain, and lung, we evaluated organotropism. Rapid and robust organ-specific metastasis was modeled in the chick embryo and, importantly, recapitulated metastatic organotropism congruent to what has been demonstrated in mice. Treatment response in the metastatic setting was also evaluated and quantified. This work establishes the chick embryo as a model for studies aimed at understanding organotropism and therapeutic response in the metastatic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumreen Javed
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sepideh Soukhtehzari
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nikki Salmond
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nazarine Fernandes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Karla C. Williams
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Corresponding author
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Schuster E, Dashzeveg N, Jia Y, Golam K, Zhang T, Hoffman A, Zhang Y, Zheng C, Ramos E, Taftaf R, Shennawy LE, Scholten D, Kitata RB, Adorno-Cruz V, Reduzzi C, Spahija S, Xu R, Siziopikou KP, Platanias LC, Shah A, Gradishar WJ, Cristofanilli M, Tsai CF, Shi T, Liu H. Computational ranking-assisted identification of Plexin-B2 in homotypic and heterotypic clustering of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.10.536233. [PMID: 37090580 PMCID: PMC10120645 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.10.536233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the cause of over 90% of all deaths associated with breast cancer, yet the strategies to predict cancer spreading based on primary tumor profiles and therefore prevent metastasis are egregiously limited. As rare precursor cells to metastasis, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in multicellular clusters in the blood are 20-50 times more likely to produce viable metastasis than single CTCs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying various CTC clusters, such as homotypic tumor cell clusters and heterotypic tumor-immune cell clusters, are yet to be fully elucidated. Combining machine learning-assisted computational ranking with experimental demonstration to assess cell adhesion candidates, we identified a transmembrane protein Plexin- B2 (PB2) as a new therapeutic target that drives the formation of both homotypic and heterotypic CTC clusters. High PB2 expression in human primary tumors predicts an unfavorable distant metastasis-free survival and is enriched in CTC clusters compared to single CTCs in advanced breast cancers. Loss of PB2 reduces formation of homotypic tumor cell clusters as well as heterotypic tumor-myeloid cell clusters in triple-negative breast cancer. Interactions between PB2 and its ligand Sema4C on tumor cells promote homotypic cluster formation, and PB2 binding with Sema4A on myeloid cells (monocytes) drives heterotypic CTC cluster formation, suggesting that metastasizing tumor cells hijack the PB2/Sema family axis to promote lung metastasis in breast cancer. Additionally, using a global proteomic analysis, we identified novel downstream effectors of the PB2 pathway associated with cancer stemness, cell cycling, and tumor cell clustering in breast cancer. Thus, PB2 is a novel therapeutic target for preventing new metastasis.
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50
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Zhang B, Li X, Tang K, Xin Y, Hu G, Zheng Y, Li K, Zhang C, Tan Y. Adhesion to the Brain Endothelium Selects Breast Cancer Cells with Brain Metastasis Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087087. [PMID: 37108248 PMCID: PMC10138870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells metastasize from a primary lesion to distant organs mainly through hematogenous dissemination, in which tumor cell re-adhesion to the endothelium is essential before extravasating into the target site. We thus hypothesize that tumor cells with the ability to adhere to the endothelium of a specific organ exhibit enhanced metastatic tropism to this target organ. This study tested this hypothesis and developed an in vitro model to mimic the adhesion between tumor cells and brain endothelium under fluid shear stress, which selected a subpopulation of tumor cells with enhanced adhesion strength. The selected cells up-regulated the genes related to brain metastasis and exhibited an enhanced ability to transmigrate through the blood-brain barrier. In the soft microenvironments that mimicked brain tissue, these cells had elevated adhesion and survival ability. Further, tumor cells selected by brain endothelium adhesion expressed higher levels of MUC1, VCAM1, and VLA-4, which were relevant to breast cancer brain metastasis. In summary, this study provides the first piece of evidence to support that the adhesion of circulating tumor cells to the brain endothelium selects the cells with enhanced brain metastasis potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Zhang
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xueyi Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Kai Tang
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Guanshuo Hu
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yufan Zheng
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Cunyu Zhang
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China
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