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Kumar N, Prakash PG, Wentland C, Kurian SM, Jethva G, Brinkmann V, Mollenkopf HJ, Krammer T, Toussaint C, Saliba AE, Biebl M, Jürgensen C, Wiedenmann B, Meyer TF, Gurumurthy RK, Chumduri C. Decoding spatiotemporal transcriptional dynamics and epithelial fibroblast crosstalk during gastroesophageal junction development through single cell analysis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3064. [PMID: 38594232 PMCID: PMC11004180 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47173-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The gastroesophageal squamocolumnar junction (GE-SCJ) is a critical tissue interface between the esophagus and stomach, with significant relevance in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal diseases. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms underlying GE-SCJ development remain unclear. Using single-cell transcriptomics, organoids, and spatial analysis, we examine the cellular heterogeneity and spatiotemporal dynamics of GE-SCJ development from embryonic to adult mice. We identify distinct transcriptional states and signaling pathways in the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of the esophagus and stomach during development. Fibroblast-epithelial interactions are mediated by various signaling pathways, including WNT, BMP, TGF-β, FGF, EGF, and PDGF. Our results suggest that fibroblasts predominantly send FGF and TGF-β signals to the epithelia, while epithelial cells mainly send PDGF and EGF signals to fibroblasts. We observe differences in the ligands and receptors involved in cell-cell communication between the esophagus and stomach. Our findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying GE-SCJ development and fibroblast-epithelial crosstalk involved, paving the way to elucidate mechanisms during adaptive metaplasia development and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kumar
- Laboratory of Infections, Carcinogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Gaurav Jethva
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Volker Brinkmann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Mollenkopf
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Krammer
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christophe Toussaint
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antoine-Emmanuel Saliba
- Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Helmholtz-Center for Infection Research (HZI), Würzburg, Germany
- University of Würzburg, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Biebl
- Surgical Clinic Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Jürgensen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bertram Wiedenmann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas F Meyer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rajendra Kumar Gurumurthy
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cindrilla Chumduri
- Laboratory of Infections, Carcinogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Biotechnology Section, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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2
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Tong QY, Pang MJ, Hu XH, Huang XZ, Sun JX, Wang XY, Burclaff J, Mills JC, Wang ZN, Miao ZF. Gastric intestinal metaplasia: progress and remaining challenges. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:285-301. [PMID: 38242996 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02073-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Most gastric cancers arise in the setting of chronic inflammation which alters gland organization, such that acid-pumping parietal cells are lost, and remaining cells undergo metaplastic change in differentiation patterns. From a basic science perspective, recent progress has been made in understanding how atrophy and initial pyloric metaplasia occur. However, pathologists and cancer biologists have long been focused on the development of intestinal metaplasia patterns in this setting. Arguably, much less progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms that lead to the intestinalization seen in chronic atrophic gastritis and pyloric metaplasia. One plausible explanation for this disparity lies in the notable absence of reliable and reproducible small animal models within the field, which would facilitate the investigation of the mechanisms underlying the development of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). This review offers an in-depth exploration of the current state of research in GIM, shedding light on its pivotal role in tumorigenesis. We delve into the histological subtypes of GIM and explore their respective associations with tumor formation. We present the current repertoire of biomarkers utilized to delineate the origins and progression of GIM and provide a comprehensive survey of the available, albeit limited, mouse lines employed for modeling GIM and engage in a discussion regarding potential cell lineages that serve as the origins of GIM. Finally, we expound upon the myriad signaling pathways recognized for their activity in GIM and posit on their potential overlap and interactions that contribute to the ultimate manifestation of the disease phenotype. Through our exhaustive review of the progression from gastric disease to GIM, we aim to establish the groundwork for future research endeavors dedicated to elucidating the etiology of GIM and developing strategies for its prevention and treatment, considering its potential precancerous nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yue Tong
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Min-Jiao Pang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Hai Hu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuan-Zhang Huang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing-Xu Sun
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin-Yu Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Joseph Burclaff
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jason C Mills
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Departments of Pathology and Immunology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Zhen-Ning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zhi-Feng Miao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N. Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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3
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Edrisi M, Huang X, Ogilvie HA, Nakhleh L. Accurate integration of single-cell DNA and RNA for analyzing intratumor heterogeneity using MaCroDNA. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8262. [PMID: 38092737 PMCID: PMC10719311 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44014-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers develop and progress as mutations accumulate, and with the advent of single-cell DNA and RNA sequencing, researchers can observe these mutations and their transcriptomic effects and predict proteomic changes with remarkable temporal and spatial precision. However, to connect genomic mutations with their transcriptomic and proteomic consequences, cells with either only DNA data or only RNA data must be mapped to a common domain. For this purpose, we present MaCroDNA, a method that uses maximum weighted bipartite matching of per-gene read counts from single-cell DNA and RNA-seq data. Using ground truth information from colorectal cancer data, we demonstrate the advantage of MaCroDNA over existing methods in accuracy and speed. Exemplifying the utility of single-cell data integration in cancer research, we suggest, based on results derived using MaCroDNA, that genomic mutations of large effect size increasingly contribute to differential expression between cells as Barrett's esophagus progresses to esophageal cancer, reaffirming the findings of the previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiru Huang
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Huw A Ogilvie
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Luay Nakhleh
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA.
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4
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Yan HHN, Chan AS, Lai FPL, Leung SY. Organoid cultures for cancer modeling. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:917-937. [PMID: 37315564 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Organoids derived from adult stem cells (ASCs) and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are important preclinical models for studying cancer and developing therapies. Here, we review primary tissue-derived and PSC-derived cancer organoid models and detail how they have the potential to inform personalized medical approaches in different organ contexts and contribute to the understanding of early carcinogenic steps, cancer genomes, and biology. We also compare the differences between ASC- and PSC-based cancer organoid systems, discuss their limitations, and highlight recent improvements to organoid culture approaches that have helped to make them an even better representation of human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H N Yan
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - April S Chan
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Frank Pui-Ling Lai
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Suet Yi Leung
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Oncology and Immunology, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Jockey Club Centre for Clinical Innovation and Discovery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for PanorOmic Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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5
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Zeng Y, Li QK, Roy S, Mills JC, Jin RU. Shared features of metaplasia and the development of adenocarcinoma in the stomach and esophagus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1151790. [PMID: 36994101 PMCID: PMC10040611 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1151790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Plasticity is an inherent property of the normal gastrointestinal tract allowing for appropriate response to injury and healing. However, the aberrancy of adaptable responses is also beginning to be recognized as a driver during cancer development and progression. Gastric and esophageal malignancies remain leading causes of cancer-related death globally as there are limited early disease diagnostic tools and paucity of new effective treatments. Gastric and esophageal adenocarcinomas share intestinal metaplasia as a key precancerous precursor lesion.Methods: Here, we utilize an upper GI tract patient-derived tissue microarray that encompasses the sequential development of cancer from normal tissues to illustrate the expression of a set of metaplastic markers.Results: We report that in contrast to gastric intestinal metaplasia, which has traits of both incomplete and complete intestinal metaplasia, Barrett's esophagus (i.e., esophageal intestinal metaplasia) demonstrates hallmarks of incomplete intestinal metaplasia. Specifically, this prevalent incomplete intestinal metaplasia seen in Barrett's esophagus manifests as concurrent development and expression of both gastric and intestinal traits. Additionally, many gastric and esophageal cancers display a loss of or a decrease in these characteristic differentiated cell properties, demonstrating the plasticity of molecular pathways associated with the development of these cancers.Discussion: Further understanding of the commonalities and differences governing the development of upper GI tract intestinal metaplasias and their progression to cancer will lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongji Zeng
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qing K. Li
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sujayita Roy
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jason C. Mills
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Jason C. Mills, ; Ramon U. Jin,
| | - Ramon U. Jin
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Jason C. Mills, ; Ramon U. Jin,
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6
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Holzapfel N, Zhang A, Choi WJ, Denroche R, Jang G, Dodd A, Bucur R, Wilson J, Sapisochin G, Notta F, Grant RC, Gallinger S, Knox JJ, O'Kane GM. Whole-genome sequencing of 20 cholangiocarcinoma cases reveals unique profiles in patients with cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:379-389. [PMID: 36915452 PMCID: PMC10007933 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a molecularly heterogenous disease that is often fatal. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) can provide additional knowledge of mutational spectra compared with panel sequencing. We describe the molecular landscape of CCA using whole-genome sequencing and compare the mutational landscape between short-term and long-term survivors. Methods We explored molecular differences between short-term and long-term survivors by performing WGS on 20 patient samples from our biliary tract cancer database. Short-term survivors were enriched for cases with underlying primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and patients with cirrhosis. All samples underwent tumour epithelial enrichment using laser capture microdissection (LCM). Results Dominant single base substitution (SBS) signatures across the cohort included SBS1 and SBS5, with the latter more prevalent in long-term survivors. SBS17 was evident in 3 cases, all of whom had underlying ulcerative colitis (UC) with PSC. Additional rare signatures included SBS3 in a patient treated for prior mantle cell lymphoma and SBS26/SBS6 in a patient with a tumor mutational burden of 33 mutations/Mb and a pathogenic MLH1 germline mutation. Somatic TP53 inactivating mutations were present in 8/10 (80%) short-term survivors and in none of the long-term survivors. Additional mutations occurred in KRAS, SMAD4, CDKN2A, and chromatin remodelling genes. The long-term survivor group harboured predicted fusions in FGFR (n=2) and pathogenic mutations in BRAF and IDH1 (n=2). Conclusions TP53 alterations are associated with poor outcomes in patients with CCA. Patients with underlying inflammatory/autoimmune conditions may be enriched for unique tumour mutational signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Holzapfel
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amy Zhang
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Woo-Jin Choi
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Denroche
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gunho Jang
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Dodd
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roxana Bucur
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Wilson
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Faiyaz Notta
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert C Grant
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven Gallinger
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer J Knox
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grainne M O'Kane
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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7
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Adkins-Threats M, Mills JC. Cell plasticity in regeneration in the stomach and beyond. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 75:101948. [PMID: 35809361 PMCID: PMC10378711 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies using cell lineage-tracing techniques, organoids, and single-cell RNA sequencing analyses have revealed: 1) adult organs use cell plasticity programs to recruit progenitor cells to regenerate tissues after injury, and 2) plasticity is far more common than previously thought, even in homeostasis. Here, we focus on the complex interplay of normal stem cell differentiation and plasticity in homeostasis and after injury, using the gastric epithelium as a touchstone. We also examine common features of regenerative programs and discuss the evolutionarily conserved, stepwise process of paligenosis which reprograms mature cells into progenitors that can repair damaged tissue. Finally, we discuss how conserved plasticity programs may help us better understand pathological processes like metaplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahliyah Adkins-Threats
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, USA. https://twitter.com/@madkinsthreats
| | - Jason C Mills
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, USA; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, USA.
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8
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Impact of the Tumor Microenvironment for Esophageal Tumor Development—An Opportunity for Prevention? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092246. [PMID: 35565378 PMCID: PMC9100503 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Researchers increasingly appreciate the tumor microenvironment (TME) for its role in the development and therapy resistance of cancers like esophageal adenocarcinoma. A better understanding of the TME fueling carcinogenesis is necessary for tailored prevention and therapies. Here, we highlight recent insights into tumor initiation, interactions with the immune system and possible novel preventative measures. Abstract Despite therapeutical advancements, and in contrast to other malignancies, esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) prognosis remains dismal while the incidence has markedly increased worldwide over the past decades. EAC is a malignancy of the distal esophageal squamous epithelium at the squamocolumnar junction with gastric cells expanding into the esophagus. Most EAC patients have a history of Barret’s esophagus (BE), a metaplastic adaption to chronic reflux, initially causing an inflammatory microenvironment. Thus, the immune system is highly involved early on in disease development and progression. Normally, anti-tumor immunity could prevent carcinogenesis but in rare cases BE still progresses over a dysplastic intermediate state to EAC. The inflammatory milieu during the initial esophagitis phase changes to a tolerogenic immune environment in BE, and back to pro-inflammatory conditions in dysplasia and finally to an immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment in EAC. Consequently, there is a huge interest in understanding the underpinnings that lead to the inflammation driven stepwise progression of the disease. Since knowledge about the constellations of the various involved cells and signaling molecules is currently fragmentary, a comprehensive description of these changes is needed, allowing better preventative measures, diagnosis, and novel therapeutic targets.
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9
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Single cell transcriptomic analysis reveals cellular diversity of murine esophageal epithelium. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2167. [PMID: 35443762 PMCID: PMC9021266 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although morphologic progression coupled with expression of specific molecular markers has been characterized along the esophageal squamous differentiation gradient, the molecular heterogeneity within cell types along this trajectory has yet to be classified at the single cell level. To address this knowledge gap, we perform single cell RNA-sequencing of 44,679 murine esophageal epithelial, to identify 11 distinct cell populations as well as pathways alterations along the basal-superficial axis and in each individual population. We evaluate the impact of aging upon esophageal epithelial cell populations and demonstrate age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction. We compare single cell transcriptomic profiles in 3D murine organoids and human esophageal biopsies with that of murine esophageal epithelium. Finally, we employ pseudotemporal trajectory analysis to develop a working model of cell fate determination in murine esophageal epithelium. These studies provide comprehensive molecular perspective on the cellular heterogeneity of murine esophageal epithelium in the context of homeostasis and aging. The level of cellular diversity in the esophageal epithelium has yet to be classified at the single cell level. Here the authors analyze the transcriptome of 44,679 murine esophageal keratinocytes to identify an unexpected level of cellular heterogeneity.
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10
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Busslinger GA. Barrett's esophagus stages: their correlation with SBS17-associated DNA mutations and the identification of histological marker genes. Mol Cell Oncol 2022; 9:2026559. [PMID: 35252552 PMCID: PMC8890392 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2022.2026559] [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: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We have recently reported a correlation between the accumulation of specific T > C and T > G mutations and the chromosomal instability in cells of Barrett's esophagus (BE), which represents a premalignant condition of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Additionally, we identified seven marker genes that facilitate the distinction of individual BE stages by histopathological examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg A. Busslinger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine (CeMM) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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11
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Singh H, Seruggia D, Madha S, Saxena M, Nagaraja AK, Wu Z, Zhou J, Huebner AJ, Maglieri A, Wezenbeek J, Hochedlinger K, Orkin SH, Bass AJ, Hornick JL, Shivdasani RA. Transcription factor-mediated intestinal metaplasia and the role of a shadow enhancer. Genes Dev 2021; 36:38-52. [PMID: 34969824 PMCID: PMC8763054 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348983.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Here, Singh et al. show extensive but selective recruitment of intestinal enhancers by CDX2 in gastric cells and that HNF4A-mediated ectopic CDX2 expression in the stomach occurs through a conserved shadow cis-element. These findings identify mechanisms for TF-driven intestinal metaplasia and a likely pathogenic TF hierarchy. Barrett's esophagus (BE) and gastric intestinal metaplasia are related premalignant conditions in which areas of human stomach epithelium express mixed gastric and intestinal features. Intestinal transcription factors (TFs) are expressed in both conditions, with unclear causal roles and cis-regulatory mechanisms. Ectopic CDX2 reprogrammed isogenic mouse stomach organoid lines to a hybrid stomach–intestinal state transcriptionally similar to clinical metaplasia; squamous esophageal organoids resisted this CDX2-mediated effect. Reprogramming was associated with induced activity at thousands of previously inaccessible intestine-restricted enhancers, where CDX2 occupied DNA directly. HNF4A, a TF recently implicated in BE pathogenesis, induced weaker intestinalization by binding a novel shadow Cdx2 enhancer and hence activating Cdx2 expression. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated germline deletion of that cis-element demonstrated its requirement in Cdx2 induction and in the resulting activation of intestinal genes in stomach cells. dCas9-conjugated KRAB repression mapped this activity to the shadow enhancer's HNF4A binding site. Altogether, we show extensive but selective recruitment of intestinal enhancers by CDX2 in gastric cells and that HNF4A-mediated ectopic CDX2 expression in the stomach occurs through a conserved shadow cis-element. These findings identify mechanisms for TF-driven intestinal metaplasia and a likely pathogenic TF hierarchy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshabad Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Davide Seruggia
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Shariq Madha
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Madhurima Saxena
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ankur K Nagaraja
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Zhong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Aaron J Huebner
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Adrianna Maglieri
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Juliette Wezenbeek
- Hubretch Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, Netherlands
| | - Konrad Hochedlinger
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Division of Hematology Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Adam J Bass
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Jason L Hornick
- Departments of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ramesh A Shivdasani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
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