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Sieler M, Dörnen J, Dittmar T. How Much Do You Fuse? A Comparison of Cell Fusion Assays in a Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5668. [PMID: 38891857 PMCID: PMC11172233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a biological process that is crucial for the development and homeostasis of different tissues, but it is also pathophysiologically associated with tumor progression and malignancy. The investigation of cell fusion processes is difficult because there is no standardized marker. Many studies therefore use different systems to observe and quantify cell fusion in vitro and in vivo. The comparability of the results must be critically questioned, because both the experimental procedure and the assays differ between studies. The comparability of the fluorescence-based fluorescence double reporter (FDR) and dual split protein (DSP) assay was investigated as part of this study, in which general conditions were kept largely constant. In order to be able to induce both a high and a low cell fusion rate, M13SV1 breast epithelial cells were modified with regard to the expression level of the fusogenic protein Syncytin-1 and its receptor ASCT2 and were co-cultivated for 72 h with different breast cancer cell lines. A high number of fused cells was found in co-cultures with Syncytin-1-overexpressing M13SV1 cells, but differences between the assays were also observed. This shows that the quantification of cell fusion events in particular is highly dependent on the assay selected, but the influence of fusogenic proteins can be visualized very well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Jessica Dörnen
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
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Xia C, Zhang Q, Pu Y, Hu Q, Wang Y. Cell fusion between tumor cells and macrophages promotes the metastasis of OSCC patient through the activation of the chemokine signaling pathway. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6940. [PMID: 38457216 PMCID: PMC10923029 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor metastasis is responsible for the high mortality rate of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Although many hypotheses have been proposed to elucidate the mechanism of tumor metastasis, the origin of the metastatic tumor cells remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of cell fusion in the formation of OSCC metastatic tumor cells. METHODS Murine OSCC tumor cells and macrophages were fused in vitro, and the cell proliferation, migration, and phagocytosis abilities of hybrid cells and parental cells were compared. Subsequently, we compared the transcriptome differences between hybrid and parental cells. RESULTS Murine OSCC tumor cells and macrophages were successfully fused in vitro. The cytological and molecular experimental results revealed that OSCC tumor cells obtained a migration-related phenotype after fusion with macrophages, and the migration ability of hybrid cells was related to the activation of the "chemokine signal pathway". CONCLUSION After fusion with macrophages, the chemokine signaling pathway in OSCC tumor cells was activated, leading to metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwan Xia
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yumei Pu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qingang Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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Noubissi FK, Odubanjo OV, Ogle BM, Tchounwou PB. Mechanisms of Cell Fusion in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:407-432. [PMID: 37996688 PMCID: PMC10893907 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is a normal physiological mechanism that requires a well-orchestrated regulation of intracellular and extracellular factors. Dysregulation of this process could lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, malformation of muscles, difficulties in pregnancy, and cancer. Extensive literature demonstrates that fusion occurs between cancer cells and other cell types to potentially promote cancer progression and metastasis. However, the mechanisms governing this process in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression are less well-studied. Fusogens involved in normal physiological processes such as syncytins and associated factors such as phosphatidylserine and annexins have been observed to be critical in cancer cell fusion as well. Some of the extracellular factors associated with cancer cell fusion include chronic inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, hypoxia, and viral infection. The interaction between these extracellular factors and cell's intrinsic factors potentially modulates actin dynamics to drive the fusion of cancer cells. In this review, we have discussed the different mechanisms that have been identified or postulated to drive cancer cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicite K Noubissi
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Oluwatoyin V Odubanjo
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Brenda M Ogle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul B Tchounwou
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
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4
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Sieler M, Dittmar T. Cell Fusion and Syncytia Formation in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:433-465. [PMID: 37996689 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The natural phenomenon of cell-cell fusion does not only take place in physiological processes, such as placentation, myogenesis, or osteoclastogenesis, but also in pathophysiological processes, such as cancer. More than a century ago postulated, today the hypothesis that the fusion of cancer cells with normal cells leads to the formation of cancer hybrid cells with altered properties is in scientific consensus. Some studies that have investigated the mechanisms and conditions for the fusion of cancer cells with other cells, as well as studies that have characterized the resulting cancer hybrid cells, are presented in this review. Hypoxia and the cytokine TNFα, for example, have been found to promote cell fusion. In addition, it has been found that both the protein Syncytin-1, which normally plays a role in placentation, and phosphatidylserine signaling on the cell membrane are involved in the fusion of cancer cells with other cells. In human cancer, cancer hybrid cells were detected not only in the primary tumor, but also in the circulation of patients as so-called circulating hybrid cells, where they often correlated with a worse outcome. Although some data are available, the questions of how and especially why cancer cells fuse with other cells are still not fully answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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Toudic C, Maurer M, St-Pierre G, Xiao Y, Bannert N, Lafond J, Rassart É, Sato S, Barbeau B. Galectin-1 Modulates the Fusogenic Activity of Placental Endogenous Retroviral Envelopes. Viruses 2023; 15:2441. [PMID: 38140682 PMCID: PMC10747188 DOI: 10.3390/v15122441] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-1 and -2 are glycoproteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (hERV) that, through their fusogenic properties, are needed for the formation of the placental syncytiotrophoblast. Previous studies suggested that these proteins, in addition to the EnvP(b) envelope protein, are also involved in other cell fusion events. Since galectin-1 is a β-galactoside-binding protein associated with cytotrophoblast fusion during placental development, we previously tested its effect on Syncytin-mediated cell fusion and showed that this protein differently modulates the fusogenic potential of Syncytin-1 and -2. Herein, we were interested in comparing the impact of galectin-1 on hERV envelope proteins in different cellular contexts. Using a syncytium assay, we first demonstrated that galectin-1 increased the fusion of Syncytin-2- and EnvP(b)-expressing cells. We then tested the infectivity of Syncytin-1 and -2 vs. VSV-G-pseudotyped viruses toward Cos-7 and various human cell lines. In the presence of galectin-1, infection of Syncytin-2-pseudotyped viruses augmented for all cell lines. In contrast, the impact of galectin-1 on the infectivity of Syncytin-1-pseudotyped viruses varied, being cell- and dose-dependent. In this study, we report the functional associations between three hERV envelope proteins and galectin-1, which should provide information on the fusogenic activity of these proteins in the placenta and other biological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Toudic
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Maike Maurer
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Guillaume St-Pierre
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Yong Xiao
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Julie Lafond
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Éric Rassart
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Sachiko Sato
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec, Montréal, QC H2X 1E3, Canada
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Dittmar T, Sieler M, Hass R. Why do certain cancer cells alter functionality and fuse? Biol Chem 2023; 404:951-960. [PMID: 37246410 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell fusion represents a rare event. However, the surviving cancer hybrid cells after a post-hybrid selection process (PHSP) can overgrow other cancer cells by exhibiting a proliferation advantage and/or expression of cancer stem-like properties. Addition of new tumor properties during hetero-fusion of cancer cells e.g. with mesenchymal stroma-/stem-like cells (MSC) contribute to enhanced tumor plasticity via acquisition of new/altered functionalities. This provides new avenues for tumor development and metastatic behavior. Consequently, the present review article will also address the question as to whether cancer cell fusion represents a general and possibly evolutionary-conserved program or rather a random process?
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, D-58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, D-58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Ralf Hass
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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Dittmar T, Hass R. Intrinsic signalling factors associated with cancer cell-cell fusion. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:68. [PMID: 37016404 PMCID: PMC10071245 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular fusion e.g. between cancer cells and normal cells represents a stepwise process that is tightly regulated. During a pre-hybrid preparation program somatic cells and/or cancer cells are promoted to a pro-fusogenic state as a prerequisite to prepare a fusion process. A pro-fusogenic state requires significant changes including restructure of the cytoskeleton, e.g., by the formation of F-actin. Moreover, distinct plasma membrane lipids such as phosphatidylserine play an important role during cell fusion. In addition, the expression of distinct fusogenic factors such as syncytins and corresponding receptors are of fundamental importance to enable cellular mergers. Subsequent hybrid formation and fusion are followed by a post-hybrid selection process. Fusion among normal cells is important and often required during organismal development. Cancer cells fusion appears more rarely and is associated with the generation of new cancer hybrid cell populations. These cancer hybrid cells contribute to an elevated tumour plasticity by altered metastatic behaviour, changes in therapeutic and apoptotic responses, and even in the formation of cancer stem/ initiating cells. While many parts within this multi-step cascade are still poorly understood, this review article predominantly focusses on the intracellular necessities for fusion among cancer cells or with other cell populations of the tumour microenvironment. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany.
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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8
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Dittmar T, Hass R. Extracellular Events Involved in Cancer Cell-Cell Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416071. [PMID: 36555709 PMCID: PMC9784959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion among different cell populations represents a rare process that is mediated by both intrinsic and extracellular events. Cellular hybrid formation is relayed by orchestrating tightly regulated signaling pathways that can involve both normal and neoplastic cells. Certain important cell merger processes are often required during distinct organismal and tissue development, including placenta and skeletal muscle. In a neoplastic environment, however, cancer cell fusion can generate new cancer hybrid cells. Following survival during a subsequent post-hybrid selection process (PHSP), the new cancer hybrid cells express different tumorigenic properties. These can include elevated proliferative capacity, increased metastatic potential, resistance to certain therapeutic compounds, and formation of cancer stem-like cells, all of which characterize significantly enhanced tumor plasticity. However, many parts within this multi-step cascade are still poorly understood. Aside from intrinsic factors, cell fusion is particularly affected by extracellular conditions, including an inflammatory microenvironment, viruses, pH and ionic stress, hypoxia, and exosome signaling. Accordingly, the present review article will primarily highlight the influence of extracellular events that contribute to cell fusion in normal and tumorigenic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448 Witten, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.D.); (R.H.); Tel.: +49-2302-926165 (T.D.); +49-5115-326070 (R.H.)
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.D.); (R.H.); Tel.: +49-2302-926165 (T.D.); +49-5115-326070 (R.H.)
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Generation of Cancer Stem/Initiating Cells by Cell-Cell Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094514. [PMID: 35562905 PMCID: PMC9101717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CS/ICs have raised great expectations in cancer research and therapy, as eradication of this key cancer cell type is expected to lead to a complete cure. Unfortunately, the biology of CS/ICs is rather complex, since no common CS/IC marker has yet been identified. Certain surface markers or ALDH1 expression can be used for detection, but some studies indicated that cancer cells exhibit a certain plasticity, so CS/ICs can also arise from non-CS/ICs. Another problem is intratumoral heterogeneity, from which it can be inferred that different CS/IC subclones must be present in the tumor. Cell–cell fusion between cancer cells and normal cells, such as macrophages and stem cells, has been associated with the generation of tumor hybrids that can exhibit novel properties, such as an enhanced metastatic capacity and even CS/IC properties. Moreover, cell–cell fusion is a complex process in which parental chromosomes are mixed and randomly distributed among daughter cells, resulting in multiple, unique tumor hybrids. These, if they have CS/IC properties, may contribute to the heterogeneity of the CS/IC pool. In this review, we will discuss whether cell–cell fusion could also lead to the origin of different CS/ICs that may expand the overall CS/IC pool in a primary tumor.
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Overexpression of PTPRZ1 Regulates p120/ -Catenin Phosphorylation to Promote Carcinogenesis of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:2352360. [PMID: 35251170 PMCID: PMC8890887 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2352360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant disease of the oral cavity. New molecular predictors are needed to identify the high risk of malignant transformation in potentially malignant oral lesions. Our purpose is to explore PTPRZ1 and p120/β-catenin pathogenesis in the carcinogenesis of OSF to identify novel drug targets. Methods The expression of PTPRZ1, p120, and β-catenin in clinical tissues was detected. Then, PTPRZ1, p120, β-catenin, RhoA, Rac1, CDC42, cyclin D1, and c-myc expressions were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. CCK-8 was applied to measure hOMF cells viability. Wound healing and transwell assay were applied to measure cell migration and invasion. Western blot and IF detected the distribution of p-p120 and p-β-catenin. Tumor formation experiment explored PTPRZ1 effects on OSF. Results PTPRZ1, p120, and β-catenin were abnormally expressed in cancer tissues. PTPRZ1 regulated the phosphorylation of p120/β-catenin. Western blot and IF showed that in the oe-NC group, p-p120 and p-β-catenin were expressed in the cell membrane. p-p120 and p-β-catenin were expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the oe-PTPRZ1 group. In vitro experimental results revealed overexpression of PTPRZ1 and β-catenin, and silencing of p120 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The tumor volume and weight in the sh-PTPRZ1 group were significantly reduced. IHC revealed the positive rate of PTPRZ1 was also low. Conclusions Overexpression of PTPRZ1 regulated the phosphorylation of p120/β-catenin to promote OSF malignancy.
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Sheng L, Luo Q, Chen L. Amino Acid Solute Carrier Transporters in Inflammation and Autoimmunity. Drug Metab Dispos 2022; 50:DMD-AR-2021-000705. [PMID: 35152203 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.121.000705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The past decade exposed the importance of many homeostasis and metabolism related proteins in autoimmunity disease and inflammation. Solute carriers (SLCs) are a group of membrane channels that can transport amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, nutrients, and neurotransmitters. This review summarizes the role of SLCs amino acid transporters in inflammation and autoimmunity disease. In detail, the importance of Glutamate transporters SLC1A1, SLC1A2, and SLC1A3, mainly expressed in the brain where they help prevent glutamate excitotoxicity, is discussed in the context of central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Similarly, the cationic amino acid transporter SLC7A1 (CAT1), which is an important arginine transporter for T cells, and SLC7A2 (CAT2), essential for innate immunity. SLC3 family proteins, which bind with light chains from the SLC7 family (SLC7A5, SLC7A7 and SLC7A11) to form heteromeric amino acid transporters, are also explored to describe their roles in T cells, NK cells, macrophages and tumor immunotherapies. Altogether, the link between SLC amino acid transporters with inflammation and autoimmunity may contribute to a better understanding of underlying mechanism of disease and provide novel potential therapeutic avenues. Significance Statement SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In this review, we summarize the link between SLC amino acid transporters and inflammation and immune responses, specially SLC1 family members and SLC7 members. Studying the link may contribute to a better understanding of related diseases and provide potential therapeutic targets and useful to the researchers who have interest in the involvement of amino acids in immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qi Luo
- Tsinghua University, China
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12
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Dittmar T, Weiler J, Luo T, Hass R. Cell-Cell Fusion Mediated by Viruses and HERV-Derived Fusogens in Cancer Initiation and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5363. [PMID: 34771528 PMCID: PMC8582398 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a well-known, but still scarcely understood biological phenomenon, which might play a role in cancer initiation, progression and formation of metastases. Although the merging of two (cancer) cells appears simple, the entire process is highly complex, energy-dependent and tightly regulated. Among cell fusion-inducing and -regulating factors, so-called fusogens have been identified as a specific type of proteins that are indispensable for overcoming fusion-associated energetic barriers and final merging of plasma membranes. About 8% of the human genome is of retroviral origin and some well-known fusogens, such as syncytin-1, are expressed by human (cancer) cells. Likewise, enveloped viruses can enable and facilitate cell fusion due to evolutionarily optimized fusogens, and are also capable to induce bi- and multinucleation underlining their fusion capacity. Moreover, multinucleated giant cancer cells have been found in tumors derived from oncogenic viruses. Accordingly, a potential correlation between viruses and fusogens of human endogenous retroviral origin in cancer cell fusion will be summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany;
| | - Julian Weiler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany;
| | - Tianjiao Luo
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
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13
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Hass R, von der Ohe J, Dittmar T. Cancer Cell Fusion and Post-Hybrid Selection Process (PHSP). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184636. [PMID: 34572863 PMCID: PMC8470238 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion of cancer cells either with other cancer cells (homotypic fusion) in local vicinity of the tumor tissue or with other cell types (e.g., macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stromal-/stem-like cells (MSC)) (heterotypic fusion) represents a rare event. Accordingly, the clinical relevance of cancer-cell fusion events appears questionable. However, enhanced tumor growth and/or development of certain metastases can originate from cancer-cell fusion. Formation of hybrid cells after cancer-cell fusion requires a post-hybrid selection process (PHSP) to cope with genomic instability of the parental nuclei and reorganize survival and metabolic functionality. The present review dissects mechanisms that contribute to a PHSP and resulting functional alterations of the cancer hybrids. Based upon new properties of cancer hybrid cells, the arising clinical consequences of the subsequent tumor heterogeneity after cancer-cell fusion represent a major therapeutic challenge. However, cellular partners during cancer-cell fusion such as MSC within the tumor microenvironment or MSC-derived exosomes may provide a suitable vehicle to specifically address and deliver anti-tumor cargo to cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (T.D.); Tel.: +49-511-5326070 (R.H.); +49-2302-926165 (T.D.)
| | - Juliane von der Ohe
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center of Biomedical Education and Research (ZABF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (T.D.); Tel.: +49-511-5326070 (R.H.); +49-2302-926165 (T.D.)
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Hybrid Formation and Fusion of Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174496. [PMID: 34503305 PMCID: PMC8431460 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cell fusion as a fundamental biological process is required for various physiological processes, including fertilization, placentation, myogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and wound healing/tissue regeneration. However, cell fusion is also observed during pathophysiological processes like tumor development. Mesenchymal stroma/stem-like cells (MSC) which play an important role within the tumor microenvironment like other cell types such as macrophages can closely interact and hybridize with cancer cells. The formation of cancer hybrid cells can involve various different mechanisms whereby the genomic parts of the hybrid cells require rearrangement to form a new functional hybrid cell. The fusion of cancer cells with neighboring cell types may represent an important mechanism during tumor development since cancer hybrid cells are detectable in various tumor tissues. During this rare event with resulting genomic instability the cancer hybrid cells undergo a post-hybrid selection process (PHSP) to reorganize chromosomes of the two parental nuclei whereby the majority of the hybrid population undergoes cell death. The remaining cancer hybrid cells survive by displaying altered properties within the tumor tissue. Abstract The generation of cancer hybrid cells by intra-tumoral cell fusion opens new avenues for tumor plasticity to develop cancer stem cells with altered properties, to escape from immune surveillance, to change metastatic behavior, and to broaden drug responsiveness/resistance. Genomic instability and chromosomal rearrangements in bi- or multinucleated aneuploid cancer hybrid cells contribute to these new functions. However, the significance of cell fusion in tumorigenesis is controversial with respect to the low frequency of cancer cell fusion events and a clonal advantage of surviving cancer hybrid cells following a post-hybrid selection process. This review highlights alternative processes of cancer hybrid cell development such as entosis, emperipolesis, cannibalism, therapy-induced polyploidization/endoreduplication, horizontal or lateral gene transfer, and focusses on the predominant mechanisms of cell fusion. Based upon new properties of cancer hybrid cells the arising clinical consequences of the subsequent tumor heterogeneity after cancer cell fusion represent a major therapeutic challenge.
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Li CC, Shen Z, Bavarian R, Yang F, Bhattacharya A. Oral Cancer: Genetics and the Role of Precision Medicine. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2021; 29:127-144. [PMID: 31757309 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading cancers in the world. OSCC patients are managed with surgery and/or chemoradiation. Prognoses and survival rates are dismal, however, and have not improved for more than 20 years. Recently, the concept of precision medicine was introduced, and the introduction of targeted therapeutics demonstrated promising outcomes. This article reviews the current understanding of initiation, progression, and metastasis of OSCC from both genetic and epigenetic perspectives. In addition, the applications and integration of omics technologies in biomarker discovery and drug development for treating OSCC are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Cheng Li
- Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Zhen Shen
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Roxanne Bavarian
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aditi Bhattacharya
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, NYU College of Dentistry, East 24th Street, New York, NY 10010, USA
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16
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Sieler M, Weiler J, Dittmar T. Cell-Cell Fusion and the Roads to Novel Properties of Tumor Hybrid Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061465. [PMID: 34207991 PMCID: PMC8230653 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of cancer cell–cell fusion is commonly associated with the origin of more malignant tumor cells exhibiting novel properties, such as increased drug resistance or an enhanced metastatic capacity. However, the whole process of cell–cell fusion is still not well understood and seems to be rather inefficient since only a certain number of (cancer) cells are capable of fusing and only a rather small population of fused tumor hybrids will survive at all. The low survivability of tumor hybrids is attributed to post-fusion processes, which are characterized by the random segregation of mixed parental chromosomes, the induction of aneuploidy and further random chromosomal aberrations and genetic/epigenetic alterations in daughter cells. As post-fusion processes also run in a unique manner in surviving tumor hybrids, the occurrence of novel properties could thus also be a random event, whereby it might be speculated that the tumor microenvironment and its spatial habitats could direct evolving tumor hybrids towards a specific phenotype.
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17
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Bello-Morales R, Andreu S, Ripa I, López-Guerrero JA. HSV-1 and Endogenous Retroviruses as Risk Factors in Demyelination. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115738. [PMID: 34072259 PMCID: PMC8199333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic alphaherpesvirus that can infect the peripheral and central nervous systems, and it has been implicated in demyelinating and neurodegenerative processes. Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences that can move from one genomic location to another. TEs have been linked to several diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS), including multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease of unknown etiology influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Exogenous viral transactivators may activate certain retrotransposons or class I TEs. In this context, several herpesviruses have been linked to MS, and one of them, HSV-1, might act as a risk factor by mediating processes such as molecular mimicry, remyelination, and activity of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Several herpesviruses have been involved in the regulation of human ERVs (HERVs), and HSV-1 in particular can modulate HERVs in cells involved in MS pathogenesis. This review exposes current knowledge about the relationship between HSV-1 and human ERVs, focusing on their contribution as a risk factor for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Bello-Morales
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Sabina Andreu
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Ripa
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Antonio López-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (S.A.); (I.R.); (J.A.L.-G.)
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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18
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Ruan Y, Ogana H, Gang E, Kim HN, Kim YM. Wnt Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1270:107-121. [PMID: 33123996 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-47189-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated Wnt signaling plays a central role in initiation, progression, and metastasis in many types of human cancers. Cancer development and resistance to conventional cancer therapies are highly associated with the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is composed of numerous stable non-cancer cells, including immune cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), fibroblasts, endothelial cells (ECs), and stromal cells. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that the relationship between Wnt signaling and the TME promotes the proliferation and maintenance of tumor cells, including leukemia. Here, we review the Wnt pathway, the role of Wnt signaling in different components of the TME, and therapeutic strategies for targeting Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heather Ogana
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eunji Gang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hye Na Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yong-Mi Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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19
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Ruan Y, Kim HN, Ogana H, Kim YM. Wnt Signaling in Leukemia and Its Bone Marrow Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176247. [PMID: 32872365 PMCID: PMC7503842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia is an aggressive hematologic neoplastic disease. Therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs) may contribute to the relapse of the disease. LSCs are thought to be protected in the leukemia microenvironment, mainly consisting of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), endothelial cells, and osteoblasts. Canonical and noncanonical Wnt pathways play a critical role in the maintenance of normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and LSCs. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of Wnt signaling in leukemia and its microenvironment and provide information on the currently available strategies for targeting Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.R.); (H.N.K.); (H.O.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hye Na Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.R.); (H.N.K.); (H.O.)
| | - Heather Ogana
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.R.); (H.N.K.); (H.O.)
| | - Yong-Mi Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.R.); (H.N.K.); (H.O.)
- Correspondence:
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20
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Dörnen J, Sieler M, Weiler J, Keil S, Dittmar T. Cell Fusion-Mediated Tissue Regeneration as an Inducer of Polyploidy and Aneuploidy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1811. [PMID: 32155721 PMCID: PMC7084716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological phenomenon of cell fusion plays a crucial role in several physiological processes, including wound healing and tissue regeneration. Here, it is assumed that bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) could adopt the specific properties of a different organ by cell fusion, thereby restoring organ function. Cell fusion first results in the production of bi- or multinucleated hybrid cells, which either remain as heterokaryons or undergo ploidy reduction/heterokaryon-to-synkaryon transition (HST), thereby giving rise to mononucleated daughter cells. This process is characterized by a merging of the chromosomes from the previously discrete nuclei and their subsequent random segregation into daughter cells. Due to extra centrosomes concomitant with multipolar spindles, the ploidy reduction/HST could also be associated with chromosome missegregation and, hence, induction of aneuploidy, genomic instability, and even putative chromothripsis. However, while the majority of such hybrids die or become senescent, aneuploidy and genomic instability appear to be tolerated in hepatocytes, possibly for stress-related adaption processes. Likewise, cell fusion-induced aneuploidy and genomic instability could also lead to a malignant conversion of hybrid cells. This can occur during tissue regeneration mediated by BMSC fusion in chronically inflamed tissue, which is a cell fusion-friendly environment, but is also enriched for mutagenic reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (J.D.); (M.S.); (J.W.); (S.K.)
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21
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Amino Acid Transporters and Exchangers from the SLC1A Family: Structure, Mechanism and Roles in Physiology and Cancer. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:1268-1286. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02934-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Syncytin 1 dependent horizontal transfer of marker genes from retrovirally transduced cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17637. [PMID: 31776415 PMCID: PMC6881383 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54178-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviral transduction is routinely used to generate cell lines expressing exogenous non-viral genes. Here, we show that human cells transduced to stably express GFP transfer GFP gene to non-transduced cells. This horizontal gene transfer was mediated by a fraction of extracellular membrane vesicles that were released by the transduced cells. These vesicles carried endogenous retroviral envelope protein syncytin 1 and essentially acted as replication-competent retroviruses. The ability to transfer the GFP gene correlated with the levels of syncytin 1 expression in the transduced cells and depended on the fusogenic activity of this protein, substantiating the hypothesis that endogenous syncytin 1 mediates fusion stage in the delivery of extracellular vesicle cargo into target cells. Our findings suggest that testing for replication-competent retroviruses, a routine safety test for transduced cell products in clinical studies, should be also carried out for cell lines generated by retroviral vectors in in vitro studies.
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Tumor Microenvironment and Cell Fusion. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:5013592. [PMID: 31380426 PMCID: PMC6657644 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5013592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cell fusion is a highly regulated biological process that occurs under both physiological and pathological conditions. The cellular and extracellular environment is critical for the induction of the cell-cell fusion. Aberrant cell fusion is initiated during tumor progression. Tumor microenvironment is a complex dynamic system formed by the interaction between tumor cells and their surrounding cells. Cell-cell fusion mediates direct interaction between tumor cells and their surrounding cells and is associated with tumor initiation and progression. Various microenvironmental factors affect cell fusion in tumor microenvironment and generate hybrids that acquire genomes of both parental cells and exhibit novel characteristics, such as tumor stem cell-like properties, radioresistance, drug resistance, immune evasion, and enhanced migration and invasion abilities, which are closely related to the initiation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor. The phenotypic characteristics of hybrids are based on the phenotypes of parental cells, and the fusion of tumor cells with diverse types of microenvironmental fusogenic cells is concomitant with phenotypic heterogeneity. This review highlights the types of fusogenic cells in tumor microenvironment that can fuse with tumor cells and their specific significance and summarizes the various microenvironmental factors affecting tumor cell fusion. This review may be used as a reference to develop strategies for future research on tumor cell fusion and the exploration of cell fusion-based antitumor therapies.
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Weiler J, Dittmar T. Minocycline impairs TNF-α-induced cell fusion of M13SV1-Cre cells with MDA-MB-435-pFDR1 cells by suppressing NF-κB transcriptional activity and its induction of target-gene expression of fusion-relevant factors. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:71. [PMID: 31266502 PMCID: PMC6604204 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0384-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, several studies have confirmed that driving forces of the inflammatory tumour microenvironment trigger spontaneous cancer cell fusion. However, less is known about the underlying factors and mechanisms that facilitate inflammation-induced cell fusion of a cancer cell with a normal cell. Recently, we demonstrated that minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, successfully inhibited the TNF-α-induced fusion of MDA-MB-435 cancer cells with M13SV1 breast epithelial cells. Here, we investigated how minocycline interferes with the TNF-α induced signal transduction pathway. Methods A Cre-LoxP recombination system was used to quantify the fusion of MDA-MB-435-pFDR1 cancer cells and M13SV1-Cre breast epithelial cells. The impact of minocycline on the TNF-α signalling pathway was determined by western blotting. The transcriptional activity of NF-κB was characterised by immunocytochemistry, western blot and ChIP analyses. An NF-κB-luciferase reporter assay was indicative of NF-κB activity. Results Minocycline treatment successfully inhibited the TNFR1-TRAF2 interaction in both cell types, while minocycline abrogated the phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB-p65 to suppress nuclear NF-κB and its promotor activity only in M13SV1-Cre cells, which attenuated the expression of MMP9 and ICAM1. In MDA-MB-435-pFDR1 cells, minocycline increased the activity of NF-κB, leading to greater nuclear accumulation of NF-κB-p65, thus increasing promoter activity to stimulate the expression of ICAM1. Even though TNF-α also activated all MAPKs (ERK1/2, p38 and JNK), minocycline differentially affected these kinases to either inhibit or stimulate their activation. Moreover, SRC activation was analysed as an upstream activator of MAPKs, but no activation by TNF-α was revealed. The addition of several specific inhibitors that block the activation of SRC, MAPKs, AP-1 and NF-κB confirmed that only NF-κB inhibition was successful in inhibiting the TNF-α-induced cell fusion process. Conclusion Minocycline is a potent inhibitor in the TNF-α-induced cell fusion process by targeting the NF-κB pathway. Thus, minocycline prevented NF-κB activation and nuclear translocation to abolish the target-gene expression of MMP9 and ICAM1 in M13SV1-Cre cells, resulting in reduced cell fusion frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Weiler
- Institute of Immunology, Centre of Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Centre of Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany.
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25
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Cancer cell fusion: a potential target to tackle drug-resistant and metastatic cancer cells. Drug Discov Today 2019; 24:1836-1844. [PMID: 31163272 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cell fusion is an integral, established phenomenon underlying various physiological processes in the cell cycle. Although research in cancer metastasis has hypothesised numerous molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways responsible for invasion and metastasis, the origin and progression of metastatic cells within primary tumours remains unclear. Recently, the role of cancer cell fusion in cancer metastasis and development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumours has gained prominence. However, evidence remains lacking to justify the role of cell fusion in cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Here, we highlight plausible mechanisms governing cell fusion with different cell types in the tumour microenvironment (TME), the clinical relevance of cancer cell fusion, its potential as a target for overcoming MDR and inhibiting metastasis, and putative modes of treatment.
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26
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Weiler J, Dittmar T. Cell Fusion in Human Cancer: The Dark Matter Hypothesis. Cells 2019; 8:E132. [PMID: 30736482 PMCID: PMC6407028 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current strategies to determine tumor × normal (TN)-hybrid cells among human cancer cells include the detection of hematopoietic markers and other mesodermal markers on tumor cells or the presence of donor DNA in cancer samples from patients who had previously received an allogenic bone marrow transplant. By doing so, several studies have demonstrated that TN-hybrid cells could be found in human cancers. However, a prerequisite of this cell fusion search strategy is that such markers are stably expressed by TN-hybrid cells over time. However, cell fusion is a potent inducer of genomic instability, and TN-hybrid cells may lose these cell fusion markers, thereby becoming indistinguishable from nonfused tumor cells. In addition, hybrid cells can evolve from homotypic fusion events between tumor cells or from heterotypic fusion events between tumor cells and normal cells possessing similar markers, which would also be indistinguishable from nonfused tumor cells. Such indistinguishable or invisible hybrid cells will be referred to as dark matter hybrids, which cannot as yet be detected and quantified, but which contribute to tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Weiler
- Chair of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448 Witten, Germany.
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Chair of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448 Witten, Germany.
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27
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Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading cancers in the world. OSCC patients are managed with surgery and/or chemoradiation. Prognoses and survival rates are dismal, however, and have not improved for more than 20 years. Recently, the concept of precision medicine was introduced, and the introduction of targeted therapeutics demonstrated promising outcomes. This article reviews the current understanding of initiation, progression, and metastasis of OSCC from both genetic and epigenetic perspectives. In addition, the applications and integration of omics technologies in biomarker discovery and drug development for treating OSCC are reviewed.
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28
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Shariatzadeh M, Brandt MM, Cheng C, Ten Berge JC, Rothova A, Leenen PJM, Dik WA. Three-dimensional tubule formation assay as therapeutic screening model for ocular microvascular disorders. Eye (Lond) 2018; 32:1380-1386. [PMID: 29743587 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-018-0089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is aimed to adapt a three-dimensional (3-D) in vitro angiogenesis model to the ophthalmology field using retinal endothelial cells (REC). This system is applied to assess the angiogenic capacity of aqueous humor (AH) from patients with ocular disorders, and to test the effect of VEGF inhibitor (aflibercept) on induced angiogenesis. METHODS Human REC and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and pericytes were co-cultured in a gel matrix with 25-200 ng/ml pro-angiogenic growth factors (GF). AH from patients with cataract, glaucoma or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) was tested in the REC-pericyte co-culture. Aflibercept was then introduced to the co-culture containing PDR AH. The surface area and total tubule length were measured using Image J. RESULTS Optimal GF concentrations at 200 ng/ml induced angiogenesis by REC as well as HUVEC, while vessel formation by both cell types was strongly reduced using 25-50 ng/ml GF. Addition of AH from the PDR patient triggered tubule formation by REC at low GF concentration. Aflibercept, however, significantly inhibited angiogenesis induced by PDR AH, but showed no significant influence on other conditions. CONCLUSION REC can be applied efficiently in the 3-D in vitro angiogenesis model as a diagnostic tool to assess the AH angiogenic status and to validate new anti-angiogenic therapeutic compounds prior to clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Shariatzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Maarten M Brandt
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline Cheng
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, DIGD, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Josianne C Ten Berge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aniki Rothova
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J M Leenen
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Dik
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Gauster M, Maninger S, Siwetz M, Deutsch A, El-Heliebi A, Kolb-Lenz D, Hiden U, Desoye G, Herse F, Prokesch A. Downregulation of p53 drives autophagy during human trophoblast differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1839-1855. [PMID: 29080089 PMCID: PMC5910494 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2695-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The placental barrier is crucial for the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus and is maintained by differentiation and fusion of mononucleated cytotrophoblasts into the syncytiotrophoblast, a process only partially understood. Here transcriptome and pathway analyses during differentiation and fusion of cultured trophoblasts yielded p53 signaling as negative upstream regulator and indicated an upregulation of autophagy-related genes. We further showed p53 mRNA and protein levels decreased during trophoblast differentiation. Reciprocally, autophagic flux increased and cytoplasmic LC3B-GFP puncta became more abundant, indicating enhanced autophagic activity. In line, in human first trimester placenta p53 protein mainly localized to the cytotrophoblast, while autophagy marker LC3B as well as late autophagic compartments were predominantly detectable in the syncytiotrophoblast. Importantly, ectopic overexpression of p53 reduced levels of LC3B-II, supporting a negative regulatory role on autophagy in differentiating trophoblasts. This was also shown in primary trophoblasts and human first trimester placental explants, where pharmacological stabilization of p53 decreased LC3B-II levels. In summary our data suggest that differentiation-dependent downregulation of p53 is a prerequisite for activating autophagy in the syncytiotrophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gauster
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, F/03/38, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Sabine Maninger
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, F/03/38, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Monika Siwetz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, F/03/38, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Alexander Deutsch
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Amin El-Heliebi
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, F/03/38, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Dagmar Kolb-Lenz
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, F/03/38, 8010, Graz, Austria
- Center for Medical Research, Core Facility Ultrastructure Analysis, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ursula Hiden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation Between the Charité Medical Faculty and the Max-Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Prokesch
- Institute of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Medical University Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6, F/03/38, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Gong Q, Zou R, Xing J, Xiang L, Zhang R, Wu A. A Ultrasensitive Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe Reveals Pyroglutamate Aminopeptidase 1 Can Be a New Inflammatory Cytokine. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2018; 5:1700664. [PMID: 29721415 PMCID: PMC5908353 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201700664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Previous study showed that pyroglutamate aminopeptidase 1 (PGP-1) has a relationship with the immune response in cells. However, whether PGP-1 is involved in inflammatory response in vivo and can serve as a new inflammatory cytokine are still unclear. To address these issues, a new near-infrared fluorescent probe, which exhibits high selectivity and super sensitivity, is developed. With this probe, the up-regulation of PGP-1 (evidenced by western blot) in BALB/c mice legs and livers under the stimulation of two main immunopotentiators is revealed for the first time. The occurrence of inflammatory process (including tissue necrosis) in mice is determined by up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Interestingly, it is revealed for the first time that knocking down PGP-1 leads to the weakness of inflammatory process in RAW264.7 cells. These new findings suggest that PGP-1 is indeed involved in inflammatory response in vivo and can be a new inflammatory cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyu Gong
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and DevicesCAS & Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Materials of Zhejiang Province& Division of Functional, Materials and NanodevicesNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNo. 1219 ZhongGuan West RoadNingbo315201China
| | - Ruifen Zou
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and DevicesCAS & Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Materials of Zhejiang Province& Division of Functional, Materials and NanodevicesNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNo. 1219 ZhongGuan West RoadNingbo315201China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Jie Xing
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and DevicesCAS & Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Materials of Zhejiang Province& Division of Functional, Materials and NanodevicesNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNo. 1219 ZhongGuan West RoadNingbo315201China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Lingchao Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and DevicesCAS & Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Materials of Zhejiang Province& Division of Functional, Materials and NanodevicesNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNo. 1219 ZhongGuan West RoadNingbo315201China
| | - Renshuai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine BiologyInstitute of OceanologyChinese Academy of SciencesQingdao266071China
| | - Aiguo Wu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Materials and DevicesCAS & Key Laboratory of Additive Manufacturing Materials of Zhejiang Province& Division of Functional, Materials and NanodevicesNingbo Institute of Materials Technology and EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesNo. 1219 ZhongGuan West RoadNingbo315201China
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